Abstract: Automatic generation of custom palettes based on an image selected by a user is disclosed. In various embodiments, automatic palette generation may involve generating one or more than one palette based on the color or shading content of the image provided by the user. The generated palette may include a variety of colors (or shadings) that can be automatically mapped to and applied to various distinct features within a composite graphic construct to be customized.

Abstract: Non-food plant biomass is subjected hot-water extraction in a pressurized vessel at an elevated temperature up to about 250° C. without addition of reagents, to yield an aqueous extract containing hemicellulosic components and a lignocellulosic residue. The process leaves the lignocellulose substantially intact, but with the hemicellulosic content largely removed. The separated aqueous extract or liquor is concentrated and purified, and long-chain sugars are reduced into monomer saccharides. The lignocellulosic residue may be further processed, to yield a useful fibrous material that is highly resistant to sorption of water. This material may be used for composite materials that resist water degradation, or may be used to produce a higher thermal-yield, water-resistant fuel, or may be used as bioconversion feedstock for producing high-value, lignocellulosic derivatives.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to automatic generation of dynamically changing layouts for a graphical user-interface. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure employ analysis of an image associated with the view (e.g., either the current view or a future view) of the graphical user-interface to determine colors that are complementary to the image. The colors are applied to the view, such that the color scheme of the view matches the image.

Abstract: A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of an application and an initial premium payment from a proposed insured for life insurance; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is uninsurable; responsive to a determination that the proposed insured is not uninsurable, generate an output signal having data indicative of a decision to respond to the application by issuing a policy and commencing a comprehensive underwriting process; receive data indicative of a result of the comprehensive underwriting process; based on the result of the comprehensive underwriting process, determine a rating of the proposed insured; and, based on the rating, provide an output signal indicative of a same or changed premium for the policy.

Abstract: The invention discloses method of treatment and reuse of oilfield produced water. The method comprises: providing an aqueous medium comprised at least in part of oilfield produced water; contacting the aqueous medium with a zirconium compound; whereby the fluid viscosity and/or fluid drag reduction ability of the combination of the aqueous medium and zirconium compound is improved compared to the aqueous medium alone; introducing the combination in to the well; and allowing the combination to contact the formation. In another embodiment, the aqueous medium is further contacted by a friction-reduction additive. Still in another embodiment, the aqueous medium is further contacted by a gelling additive. Still in another embodiment, the fluid is energized with a gas.

Abstract: Non-food plant biomass is subjected to hot-water extraction in a pressurized vessel at an elevated temperature up to about 250° C. and at a pH below about 7.0, to yield an aqueous extract containing hemicellulosic components, other wood-derived compounds, and a lignocellulosic residue. The separated aqueous extract or liquor is purified and concentrated through a multi-step process producing fermentable sugars. At each stage, inhibitory chemicals such as acetic acid, lignin, and furfural are separated and eventually recovered as commercial chemicals. The lignocellulosic residue may be further processed, as a material with enhanced resistance to sorption of water, for manufacture of improved pulp and paper, construction materials, pellet fuel, and/or other useful products.

Abstract: A computer system for processing data related to investment management includes a data storage device storing data including an account value; a plurality of investments and, for each of the investments, one of a plurality of categories associated with the investments and a value of the investments; and a server. The server is configured to access the stored data; determine a proportion of the value of the investments in the at least one of the plurality of categories to the account value; compare the determined proportion to at least one of an upper threshold proportion and a lower threshold proportion; and responsive to determining that the determined proportion is in breach of either the upper threshold proportion or the lower threshold proportion, provide output data to a fund manager computer system with instructions to reallocate value so as to provide the proportion at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by forming treatment fluid comprising water, a polyacrylamide in an amount of less than about 0.5% by weight of the fluid for reducing friction of the fluid and a stabilized peroxide breaker. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore at a pressure above the fracture pressure of the formation.

Abstract: Information is presented to a user by accessing a library of electronic publications that includes a first publication, generating a representation of the first publication in an electronic bookshelf, determining a state for the first publication and modifying the representation of the first publication to reflect the state of the first publication.

Abstract: Improved techniques, user interfaces and systems for presenting, accessing and using digital assets are disclosed. The digital assets can be stored in a media library and the techniques, user interfaces and systems can facilitate efficient and visual access to the digital assets. One aspect of certain embodiments pertains to presentation on a display device of a plurality of stacks of images. Another aspect of certain embodiments pertains to presentation on a display device of a plurality of lists of images. The images in the stacks of images or lists of images can represent a set of digital assets, such as a set of digital media assets. The set of digital assets associated with a stack or list can be identified by operation of the electronic device in accordance with certain criteria.

Abstract: A 3-D servo positioning system which may be used for positioning solar panels or other devices has a part-spherical socket member and a ball rotatably engaged in the socket member. Plural electromagnets are positioned in a predetermined pattern in the socket member, while one or more magnets are mounted in an end portion of the ball located in the socket. A shaft extends from a part of the ball outside the socket and a device to be positioned is mounted on the end of the shaft. A controller is programmed to actuate selected electromagnets based on sensor inputs so as to move the ball in the socket and adjust the angle and direction of the device attached to the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for displaying information topics that are available via an online help system. The methods and systems store information for given topics in a respective folder associated with a given topic, detect the selection of one of the folders associated with a topic of interest, search files at a hierarchical level in the selected folder to identify files of a predetermined type, locate HTML metatags that pertain to the display of help information, merge data associated with the HTML metatags into a HTML template file to generate an HTML file containing data associated with each of the located HTML metatags, and provide a table of contents for the topic of interest associated with the selected folder using the generated HTML file.

Abstract: A process of extracting procyanidins by alkaline hydrolysis. In particular, a procyanidin-containing material, pomace or residue is treated with an alkali, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, for a predetermined amount of time and at a predetermined temperature to release procyanidins bound to polysaccharides and/or proteins of the cell wall or depolymerize polymeric procyanidins. After the procyanidins are released by alkaline hydrolysis, the extracts are acidified to obtain a pH level where the procyanidins do not degrade. The process of extracting procyanidins may be utilized to estimate the total amount of bound procyanidins in a plant material, enhance the bioavailability of beneficial procyanidins monomers and/or to treat the residue remaining after conventional solvent extraction for increased procyanidin extraction.

Abstract: Information is presented to a user by accessing a library of electronic publications that includes a first publication, generating a representation of the first publication in an electronic bookshelf, determining a state for the first publication and modifying the representation of the first publication to reflect the state of the first publication.

Abstract: A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of an application and an initial premium payment from a proposed insured for life insurance; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is uninsurable; responsive to a determination that the proposed insured is not uninsurable, generate an output signal having data indicative of a decision to respond to the application by issuing a policy and commencing a comprehensive underwriting process; receive data indicative of a result of the comprehensive underwriting process; based on the result of the comprehensive underwriting process, determine a rating of the proposed insured; and, based on the rating, provide an output signal indicative of a same or changed premium for the policy.

Abstract: To help a reader of an electronic document, e.g., an eBook, find his or her reading location following a repagination event, an electronic reader application executing on an electronic device displays a first portion of content of the electronic document, detects that the reader has performed a predetermined action that triggers repagination of the electronic document, and repaginating the electronic document to cause the reader application to display a second portion of content of the electronic document, the second portion including at least some of the first portion of content and at least some newly visible content of the electronic document, such that the newly visible content appears visually different, at least temporarily, from the first portion of content that remains visible.

Abstract: The invention discloses method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, the method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a viscosity enhancer; and a viscoelastic surfactant, wherein the enhancer is acid in the aqueous base fluid and co-operates with the viscoelastic surfactant to enhance viscosity compared to viscoelastic surfactant alone in the aqueous base fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore.

Abstract: An inflated endotracheal tube cuff maintained at a desired inflation using a constant air source. The constant air flow source is connected to a pressure regulator that is connected to the endotracheal tube cuff via the endotracheal tube cuff lumen. The regulator includes a bleed valve used to control the air pressure to the cuff so that a constant desired air pressure is maintained. The regulator may also include a manometer for visually displaying the pressure in the regulator, and thereby the cuff.

Abstract: A computer system for administering applications for life insurance has a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to receive data indicative of an application and an initial premium payment from a proposed insured for life insurance; based on the received data, determine whether the proposed insured is uninsurable; responsive to a determination that the proposed insured is not uninsurable, generate an output signal having data indicative of a decision to respond to the application by issuing a policy and commencing a comprehensive underwriting process; receive data indicative of a result of the comprehensive underwriting process; based on the result of the comprehensive underwriting process, determine a rating of the proposed insured; and, based on the rating, provide an output signal indicative of a same or changed premium for the policy.

Abstract: The invention provides an environmentally friendly composition including a friction reducer, a biocide, a scale inhibitor, and optionally a clay stabilizer.