Abstract: An automated method for performing an assay of the present disclosure can be performed in a microfluidic device that is a lateral flow device having numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. Each chamber can have a reagent recess proximal to an inlet end of the chamber. A reagent pellet formed in a reagent recess can be effectively mixed with a sample as the sample flows into the chamber. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with, for example, a chamber for performing an amplification reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides methyl-substituted pyridine and pyridazine compounds, derivatives thereof, and methods of their use. The compounds are useful as pharmacological agents to treat a variety of conditions, including various pain states, itch, and cough.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component is provided that includes: a CMC body in which an environmental protection layer is completely embedded within a CMC material of the CMC body, the environmental protection layer comprising a ceramic that has a higher impact and/or environmental resistance than the CMC material. Methods for manufacturing the CMC component are also provided.

Abstract: A method for presenting pre-approved and pre-underwritten offers to a customer may include: receiving targeting criteria based on at least one of current accounts with the financial institution, assets, creditworthiness, and credit risk for an offer for a financial product; identifying a target population of customers for the offer by applying the targeting criteria to a population of customers; reviewing each customer in the target population for underwriting for the financial product based on inferred income for each customer and accounts that each customer has with the financial institution, wherein the underwriting is performed before the financial product is offered; determining a channel to present the offer to one of the customers that passed underwriting; communicating the offer to the customer over the selected channel; and providing an accepted offer to a fulfilment engine, wherein the fulfilment engine initiates an account opening for the financial product.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in a human subject, comprises the steps of: (a) inputting the level of at least one cholesteryl ester measured in a blood sample collected from said subject; and then (b) inputting the age and gender of said subject; and then (c) generating in said computer from said cholesteryl ester level input, said age input and said gender input a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in said subject. Systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of medical diathermy and addresses issues of incidental undesired radiation in the prior art. The invention uses a multitude of pairs of intentional radiators with each pair driven with an identical but out-of-phase signal. The pairs or radiators are spaced near the target tissue in close proximity to the target but sufficiently distant from each other so as not to cancel the nearby tissue heating effects. Local heating of tissue is achieved by the high electric and magnetic field intensities coupling and inducing electric currents in conductive tissue.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in a human subject, comprises the steps of: (a) inputting the level of at least one cholesteryl ester measured in a blood sample collected from said subject; and then (b) inputting the age and gender of said subject; and then (c) generating in said computer from said cholesteryl ester level input, said age input and said gender input a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in said subject. Systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of measuring an amount of at least one cholesteryl ester in a blood sample is carried out by combining a blood sample with a salt and an alcohol to provide a dilute sample; introducing the dilute sample into a mass spectrometer; and then measuring the amount of the at least one cholesteryl ester in the dilute sample by mass spectrometry, to thereby measure the amount of at least one cholesteryl ester in the blood sample, is described.

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: A composite material for reinforcing closed structural members as a tube or any closed profile section. More specifically, a composite material for filling metal tubes or any closed profile section forming the frame of vehicle seats to increase or maintain the strength of the seat frame while reducing the mass of the seat tubes or sealed profile section.

Abstract: A viewer is disclosed for viewing a multi-dimensional data set. The viewer may be coupled to or included in a test environment and receive data generated in the test environment. The test environment may generate metric data from the multiple test cases of a UUT. The viewer may display the cumulative metric data generated from multiple test cases. The viewer may display the cumulative metric data in a fashion that the user can gain insight into the UUT's characteristics.

Abstract: A foam reinforced and bent tube for use in a vehicle seat frame and a method of forming such a tube are provided. The tube has a cavity which extends along its length and at least one open end. The foam may be inserted into the cavity through any desirable process including, for example, injection. The bend is formed by heating a portion of the tubular element and bending it at the heated region. The insertion of the foam material into the cavity of the tubular element may precede, follow or be simultaneous with the heating and bending processes. The foam material may have a variable type and/or a variable density through the length of the cavity.

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis in a human subject, comprises the steps of: (a) inputting the level of at least one cholesteryl ester measured in a blood sample collected from said subject; and then (b) inputting the age and gender of said subject; and then (c) generating in said computer from said cholesteryl ester level input, said age input and said gender input a prediction of risk and/or an indication of extent of coronary stenosis blood sample by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Generating cumulative metric data for a test in a test environment includes: generating in the test environment a test for a simulation model of a system under test; generating in the test environment at least one test condition for the test, the at least one test condition determining a plurality of iterations of the simulation model; generating in the test environment at least one temporary test variable for the test; generating in the test environment at least one mapping between a metric setting for the simulation model and one of the temporary test variables; running in the test environment the test for the plurality of iterations, wherein metric data for the simulation model is generated for each mapping and for each iteration of the test; and accumulating in the test environment the generated metric data for each mapping and for each iteration of the test to obtain cumulative metric data for the simulation model.

Abstract: In a user-interactive system, such as an interactive voice response (IVR) system, the duration and/or force of key-presses by the user and/or the speed of response to prompts by the user are used to make inferences about the user, such as whether the user is impaired or is growing frustrated. The user interface is modified based on the inferences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an auto-configuration agent that guides the user to configure automatically a communication device based on observed user behavior and an auto-completion agent that, as numbers of a telephone address are received from the user, provides a list of matching complete telephone addresses for the user to choose from.

Abstract: A conference participant attempting to log into a conference that has been rescheduled is informed that the conference has been rescheduled to such-and-such date and/or time. If the login attempt is before or during the conference, the participant is offered information pertaining to the conference. If the login attempt is after the conference has ended, the participant is offered the information plus a recording of the conference. An identifier is associated with the conference and used by the host and the participants to uniquely identify the conference.

Abstract: A viewer is disclosed for viewing a multi-dimensional data set. The viewer may be coupled to or included in a test environment and receive data generated in the test environment. The test environment may generate metric data from the multiple test cases of a UUT. The viewer may display the cumulative metric data generated from multiple test cases. The viewer may display the cumulative metric data in a fashion that the user can gain insight into the UUT's characteristics.