Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for improving use of a social network. During operation, the system identifies skills that are trending within a social network based on usage features associated with usage of the skills in the social network. Next, the system matches one or more of the skills to member features for a member of the social network. The system then outputs a recommendation of the skill(s) to the member.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for improving use of a social network. During operation, the system obtains job histories for members of the social network. Next, the system aggregates a set of job transitions in the job histories to obtain a set of job transition trends associated with the members. The system then matches a job transition trend in the set of job transition trends to member features for a member of the social network. Finally, the system outputs the job transition trend as a recommendation for advancing a career of the member.

Abstract: Formulations and methods for growing bone in a site-specific location using an osteogenic molecule such as a prostaglandin, and a delivery vehicle which is preferably a polymer matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of exchanging first points held by a customer for second points, wherein the first points that are issued by a first point issuer differ from the second points that are issued by a second point issuer. This method comprises the steps of permitting the customer to set a first number of first points to be exchanged and permitting the first and second point issuers to set the point withdrawal and deposit rates of their first and second points respectively. Next, an equivalent number of the second points is determined based upon the point withdrawal and deposit rates of the first and second point issuers respectively, and the first number of the first points. Then, the first number of points is exchanged for a second equivalent number of second points.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in the illustrative context of a loyalty program (LP) for managing the distribution of currency units (points or miles) from at least one currency issuer (LP manager) to at least a selected one of a plurality of currency recipients (LP members) associated with the currency issuer. The currency issuer maintains an account for keeping the balance of currency units held by each of its currency recipients. The currency user also must approve each primary user to which it issues currency units. The system and method facilitate at least one primary user to acquire currency units from the one currency issuer and to distribute same to selected of the plurality of currency recipients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of exchanging first points held by a customer for second points, wherein the first points that are issued by a first point issuer differ from the second points that are issued by a second point issuer. This method comprises the steps of permitting the customer to set a first number of first points to be exchanged and permitting the first and second point issuers to set the point withdrawal and deposit rates of their first and second points respectively. Next, an equivalent number of the second points is determined based upon the point withdrawal and deposit rates of the first and second point issuers respectively, and the first number of the first points. Then, the first number of points is exchanged for a second equivalent number of second points.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package with a removable shield is disclosed. An integrated circuit having a plurality of interface leads is mounted on a TAB carrier. A removable shield fabricated from a spring material is clipped to the TAB carrier. A limited opening through the removable shield allows a predetermined access to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A bond inspection technique which determines the integrity of a plurality of package leads (13) bonded to a plurality of contact areas (12) on a semiconductor chip (11). A bonding process heats each package lead (13) bonded to each contact area (12). A camera (16) forms an infra-red intensity image at a predetermined time of the semiconductor chip (11) and ports image data to a computer (18). Infra-red intensity radiated from each bond on the semiconductor chip (11) is compared by the computer (18) with infra-red intensity data of known good and bad bonds. The comparison of each bond determines bond integrity of the semiconductor chip (11).