Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems that provide for reliable, convenient, and noninvasive assessment of hydration status. The methods and apparatuses can use the temporal sequence of the aortic value opening and closing along with the user's body position to derive parameters that determine the hydration status of the user. The user can use this information to make near-term lifestyle changes that can improve physical performance, health, and general wellbeing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating nervous system disorders such as cognitive, social, or behavioral disabilities, and neurodevelopmental disorders. More specifically, the present invention demonstrates that administration of antipurinergic agents such as berberine, emodin, suramin, tangeretin, A-438079, A-839977, A-804598, JNJ-47965567, and KN-62 are effective to ameliorate or provide an improvement in one or more of the symptoms or manifestations associated with these disabilities and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for intranasally (IN) treating nervous system disorders such as cognitive, social, or behavioral disabilities, and neurodevelopmental disorders, More specifically, the present invention demonstrates that intranasal administration of suramin is effective to ameliorate or provide an improvement in one or more of the symptoms or manifestations associated with these disabilities and disorders.

Abstract: A virtual payment facilitator is disclosed that includes a VPN server for establishing a VPN with a point-of-sale device over a public network, a second VPN server for establishing a VPN between with a remote payment authorizer, and a virtual controller interposed between the first and second VPN servers configured to issue control commands to the point-of-sale device. The virtual payment facilitator may also include a database configured to store data relating to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A system facilitating payment for fuel dispensing includes a fuel dispenser associated with a current-loop-to-ethernet converter for receiving serial data from a fuel dispenser controller and converting said serial data to an ethernet signal and a network appliance coupled the current-loop-to-ethernet converter by an ethernet port. A virtual payment facilitator is connected to the network appliance over a VPN and to a payment authorization entity, also over a VPN. A process performed by the system includes receiving a fueling request at the virtual payment facilitator from the payment authorization entity and converting that request into a command issued to the fuel dispenser to dispense fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cognitive, social, or behavioral disabilities, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other central nervous system disorders such as fragile X syndrome (FXS), fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). The present invention provides compositions and methods for the intranasal delivery (IN) of a therapeutically effective amount of an antipurinergic agent such as suramin for treating the disorder in a patient thereof.

Abstract: A system facilitating payment for fuel dispensing includes a fuel dispenser associated with a current-loop-to-ethernet converter for receiving serial data from a fuel dispenser controller and converting said serial data to an ethernet signal and a network appliance coupled the current-loop-to-ethernet converter by an ethernet port. A virtual payment facilitator is connected to the network appliance over a VPN and to a payment authorization entity, also over a VPN. A process performed by the system includes receiving a fueling request at the virtual payment facilitator from the payment authorization entity and converting that request into a command issued to the fuel dispenser to dispense fuel.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with packing elements. Collars between the packing elements define ports communicating with gaps between the packing elements and the mandrels. Opposing piston housings on the mandrel can move in opposing directions to compress the packing elements against the collars. Each piston housing defines a space with the mandrel and has a second port communicating with the gap. Pistons disposed in the spaces are temporarily affixed thereto. Hydraulic pressure communicated through the mandrel's bore acts against the pistons. While affixed to the piston housings, the pistons move the piston housings toward the packing elements to compress then. When the packing elements set, continued pressure breaks shear pins affixing the pistons to the piston housings so the pistons move and eventually seal fluid communication between the second ports in the pistons and the gaps.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with packing elements. Collars between the packing elements define ports communicating with gaps between the packing elements and the mandrels. Opposing piston housings on the mandrel can move in opposing directions to compress the packing elements against the collars. Each piston housing defines a space with the mandrel and has a second port communicating with the gap. Pistons disposed in the spaces are temporarily affixed thereto. Hydraulic pressure communicated through the mandrel's bore acts against the pistons. While affixed to the piston housings, the pistons move the piston housings toward the packing elements to compress then. When the packing elements set, continued pressure breaks shear pins affixing the pistons to the piston housings so the pistons move and eventually seal fluid communication between the second ports in the pistons and the gaps.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for induction of an antigen-specific, mucosal cytotoxic T lymphocyte response useful in preventing and treating infections with pathogens that gain entry via a mucosal surface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for induction of an antigen-specific, mucosal cytotoxic T lymphocyte response useful in preventing and treating infections with pathogens that gain entry via a mucosal surface.