Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a light vehicle to a surface, the coupling mechanism comprising: a magnetic coupling device arranged such that it may be switched between a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the device generates an external magnetic field less than a first strength, and in the second mode the device generates an external magnetic field of at least a second strength, the second strength being greater than the first strength; and a surface detection unit, coupled to the magnetic coupling device, and arranged to determine when the light vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a surface, wherein in response to the surface detection unit determining that the light vehicle is within the predetermined distance, switching the magnetic coupling device from the first mode to the second mode, to secure the light vehicle to the surface.

Abstract: Skeletonized blood vessels for use as vascular grafts are protected from biomechanical injury and/or certain cellular and extracellular changes by application of a biocompatible hydrogel to the vessel exterior. The hydrogel may be applied to the vessel graft before or after harvesting from a donor patient.

Abstract: A method including, at a computer: causing a man machine interface to be provided to each one of a plurality of remote users, wherein the man machine interface is configured to enable a remote user to be specified to have a particular user state selected from a group comprising an output state and a potential-input state but not comprising a live-input state; causing a command interface to be provided to a remote administrator, wherein the command interface is configured to enable the remote administrator to change a user state from a potential-input state to a live-input state and configured to enable the remote administrator to input comment; causing a first variant of the first man machine interface to be provide to a remote user while the remote user has a live-input state, wherein the first variant of the man machine interface is configured to enable the remote user, while the remote user has the live-input state, to input comment to be read by other remote users and to read comments input by the remote

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a light vehicle to a surface, the coupling mechanism comprising: a magnetic coupling device arranged such that it may be switched between a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the device generates an external magnetic field less than a first strength, and in the second mode the device generates an external magnetic field of at least a second strength, the second strength being greater than the first strength; and a surface detection unit, coupled to the magnetic coupling device, and arranged to determine when the light vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a surface, wherein in response to the surface detection unit determining that the light vehicle is within the predetermined distance, switching the magnetic coupling device from the first mode to the second mode, to secure the light vehicle to the surface.

Abstract: A method including, at a computer: causing a man machine interface to be provided to each one of a plurality of remote users, wherein the man machine interface is configured to enable a remote user to be specified to have a particular user state selected from a group comprising an output state and a potential-input state but not comprising a live-input state; causing a command interface to be provided to a remote administrator, wherein the command interface is configured to enable the remote administrator to change a user state from a potential-input state to a live-input state and configured to enable the remote administrator to input comment; causing a first variant of the first man machine interface to be provide to a remote user while the remote user has a live-input state, wherein the first variant of the man machine interface is configured to enable the remote user, while the remote user has the live-input state, to input comment to be read by other remote users and to read comments input by the remote

Abstract: A method including, at a computer: causing a man machine interface to be provided to each one of a plurality of remote users, wherein the man machine interface is configured to enable a remote user to be specified to have a particular user state selected from a group comprising an output state and a potential-input state but not comprising a live-input state; causing a command interface to be provided to a remote administrator, wherein the command interface is configured to enable the remote administrator to change a user state from a potential-input state to a live-input state and configured to enable the remote administrator to input comment; causing a first variant of the first man machine interface to be provide to a remote user while the remote user has a live-input state, wherein the first variant of the man machine interface is configured to enable the remote user, while the remote user has the live-input state, to input comment to be read by other remote users and to read comments input by the remote

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing or one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The microsphere compositions release an effective amount of the one or more active agents for a period greater than 14 days in vivo, preferably greater than 60 days in vivo, more preferably up to 73 days in vivo, more preferably greater than 90 days in vivo, even more preferably over 100 days in vivo, and most preferably greater than 107 days in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents such as AG1478 to induce nerve regeneration, specifically regeneration of the optic nerve useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing or one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The microsphere compositions release an effective amount of the one or more active agents for a period greater than 14 days in vivo, preferably greater than 60 days in vivo, more preferably up to 73 days in vivo, more preferably greater than 90 days in vivo, even more preferably over 100 days in vivo, and most preferably greater than 107 days in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents such as AG1478 to induce nerve regeneration, specifically regeneration of the optic nerve useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (TOP) in the eye.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that receive a purchase request from a user that includes purchase profile information. The request is collected along with information provided from one or more suppliers and seller merchandising rules to generate one or more purchase options that matches some of the purchase profile information and marketing objectives of the seller and/or its business partner(s). Further, the system and method may monitor selling and buying activities associated with a type of purchase option provided by the seller. Based on the monitoring, merchandising rules are adjusted that affect how purchase offers are generated and provided to a requesting user. Accordingly, new purchase offers are generated based on the adjustments and facilitate, for example, the seller or its partners meeting its marketing objectives.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electronic receipts and reports relating thereto. Transactions occurring at one or more points of purchase are electronically transmitted to and stored in a database as data records. Purchaser information, including a purchaser electronic mail address, is also stored as a data record in the database, as is information relating to the point of purchase. Discrete information from the data records is used to create an electronic receipt, which is transmitted via electronic mail to the purchaser. The purchaser may print the receipt and use it as necessary. Various reports may also be generated by manipulating the data records.