Abstract: A method for the transmission and adaption of data can include the steps of generating generic requirement documents, identifying a plurality of suitable communication patterns on the basis of the generic requirement documents, determining currently available transport options and their service quality across at least one communication network, and selecting a communication pattern from a plurality of suitable communication patterns based on the network transmission qualities of the at least one communication network. The method can utilize a first functional layer and a second functional layer that are integrated between a software application layer and a network access layer that each receive input documents that are independent of each other. The input documents of the second functional layer can contain transport-related information while the input documents of the first functional layer can contain application-related information.

Abstract: An imaging system that includes a rotating unit that includes an imaging camera, an alignment camera and at least a first monitor. The rotating unit is rotatable between a home position and a finish position about a rotation axis such that the imaging camera can capture a first scan. The alignment camera is directed generally downwardly and is configured to capture a first alignment image of a subject positioned generally co-axially with the rotation axis. The first alignment image is displayed on the first monitor.

Abstract: Electronic modules in motor vehicles are reflashed without encountering errors due to insufficient electrical power becoming available during a reflashing. A server system stores a database of update files together with data corresponding to a respective current draw and a respective reflash time associated with the respective update files when applied in each respective vehicle. A vehicle sends pedigree information to the server system which then identifies relevant update files and corresponding current draw and reflash time data for the particular vehicle. The relevant update files and corresponding data are sent to the particular vehicle. A state of charge of a battery in the vehicle is determined. A depleted state of charge is estimated that would remain after applying a relevant update file. The update file is not applied if the estimated depleted state of charge is less than a predetermined state of charge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently extracting geothermal energy from a subterranean thermal reservoir through a wellbore where the heat exchange fluid is introduced at a slower velocity than the velocity at which the fluid is extracted. The method and apparatus further comprises a region void of cement between the outer wall of a casing and the inner wall of the wellbore, such that thermally conductive material can be injected therein.

Abstract: An imaging system that includes a rotating unit that includes an imaging camera, an alignment camera and at least a first monitor. The rotating unit is rotatable between a home position and a finish position about a rotation axis such that the imaging camera can capture a first scan. The alignment camera is directed generally downwardly and is configured to capture a first alignment image of a subject positioned generally co-axially with the rotation axis. The first alignment image is displayed on the first monitor.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant, acetogenic, carboxydotrophic bacterium that lacks secondary alcohol dehydrogenase or comprises an inactivated secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. The inactivated secondary alcohol dehydrogenase may be encoded by a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase gene comprising an inactivating mutation that reduces the ability of the bacterium to convert acetone to isopropanol and to convert methyl ethyl ketone to 2-butanol. Since a bacterium that lacks secondary alcohol dehydrogenase or comprises an inactivated secondary alcohol dehydrogenase accumulates carbonyl-containing compounds, the invention also provides a method of producing carbonyl-containing compounds, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.

Abstract: A threading device assembly for use in plastic surgery that includes a threading rod and a removable suture assembly secured to the threading rod. The threading rod includes an elongated tube with first and second opposite ends and a reduced diameter portion defined therein, and a translucent light guide extending through the elongated tube. The light guide allows light to be transmitted through the material comprising the light guide from one end of the tube to the other. The removable suture assembly includes a cuff positioned in and at least partially around the reduced diameter portion of the elongated tube, and a suture secured to the cuff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting geothermal energy from a subterranean thermal reservoir through a wellbore where the heat exchange fluid is introduced at a slower velocity than the velocity at which the fluid is extracted. The method and apparatus further comprises a gas zone near the top of the wellbore to maintain the thermal energy of the heat exchange fluid. In one embodiment, a portion of the casing of the wellbore can directly contact the subterranean environment. Alternatively, a thermally conductive wall comprising a thermally conductive material can surround a portion of the casing of the wellbore. Further, the inner and/or outer surface of the pipes and conduits of the disclosed method and apparatus can include modified surface features that influence the flow and/or thermal conductivity of the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: An imaging system that includes a rotating unit that includes an imaging camera, an alignment camera and at least a first monitor. The rotating unit is rotatable between a home position and a finish position about a rotation axis such that the imaging camera can capture a first scan. The alignment camera is directed generally downwardly and is configured to capture a first alignment image of a subject positioned generally co-axially with the rotation axis. The first alignment image is displayed on the first monitor.

Abstract: A methods for altering the metabolite profile of a fermentation, by increasing flux through acetolactate. The methods comprises increasing production of one or more products derived from acetolactate. Further provided is a method for increasing the production of 2,3-butandiol by microbial fermentation of gaseous substrates, the method comprising providing a compound which inhibits one or more enzymes which convert acetolactate to branched chain amino acids to the fermentation. The present invention further provides methods for increasing the production of 2,3-butandiol relative to other fermentation products such as ethanol and acetic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of increasing the production of fermentation products by increasing flux through a fermentation pathway by optimising enzymatic reactions. In particular, the invention relates to identifying enzymes and/or co-factors involved in metabolic bottlenecks in fermentation pathways, and fermenting a CO-comprising substrate with a recombinant carboxydotrophic Clostridia microorganism adapted to exhibit increased activity of the one or more of said enzymes, or increased availability of the one or more of said co-factors, when compared to a parental microorganism.

Abstract: The present provides selection markers, methods, nucleic acids, and vectors of use in the preparation of recombinant Clostridium spp.

Abstract: A merchandising system includes a mounting member adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure. A tile is connected to the mounting member. The tile extends away from the mounting member so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion located in a first plane and a protrusion located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The protrusion is linked to the mounting member. The tile is configured to be movable in relation to the mounting member thereby allowing selective access to a desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The connection between the protrusion and the mounting member enables movement of the tile in relation to the mounting member via at least one of pivoting and sliding.

Abstract: A threading device assembly for use in plastic surgery that includes a first elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, a second elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, and a suture having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the suture is secured to the first elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends, and the second end of the suture is secured to the second elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of marking the skin before surgery. The method includes the steps of providing first and second tape members each having a plurality of perforations defined therethrough, placing the first tape member on a portion of the skin overlying the right submandibular border, placing the second tape member on a portion of the skin overlying the left submandibular border, marking the skin through at least one of the perforations in the first tape member, marking the skin through at least one of the perforations in the second tape member, and removing the first and second tape members from the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the markings made using the first tape member are symmetrical with the markings made with the second tape member.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant carboxydotrophic Clostridia microorganism with increased overall utilization of NADPH relative to a parent microorganism. Further, the invention provides a method of producing a recombinant carboxydotrophic Clostridia microorganism which exhibits increased NADPH utilization relative to a parental microorganism. In particular, the invention relates to increasing the overall utilization of NADPH in a recombinant carboxydotrophic Clostridia microorganism in order to increase the production of at least one fermentation product by the microorganism.

Abstract: A merchandising system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and a tile mounted to the support. The tile extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion and selectively slidable in relation to the first portion to change a size of the tile. A protrusion extends from the first portion. The protrusion is connected to the support to enable a movement of the tile in relation to the support thereby allowing selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The tile front face can include a cut out section or a slot.

Abstract: A base and divider assembly includes an elongated base portion and an elongated divider portion which is adapted to be selectively coupled to the base portion. The divider portion includes a plurality of spaced first connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the divider portion, and the base portion includes a plurality of spaced second connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the base portion. The first and second connection elements are adapted to cooperate so that the divider portion can be selectively mounted to the base portion.

Abstract: A merchandising system includes a mounting member adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure. A tile is connected to the mounting member. The tile extends away from the mounting member so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion located in a first plane and a protrusion located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The protrusion is linked to the mounting member. The tile is configured to be movable in relation to the mounting member thereby allowing selective access to a desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The connection between the protrusion and the mounting member enables movement of the tile in relation to the mounting member via at least one of pivoting and sliding.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.