Abstract: A method and system for providing an emergency contact service are disclosed. The emergency contact system monitors presence off users with respect to various user devices in order to determine at which devices each user is present. An emergency message is then transmitted to devices at which the user is present. The emergency contact service is then capable of receiving a confirmation message to confirm receipt of the emergency message. The emergency contact service can track the users by retrieving location information, such as a GPS location, associated with a device at which a user is present. The emergency contact service can then identify whether a user in is the vicinity of an emergency location, and transmit an emergency message to the user is the user is in the vicinity of the emergency location.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for mediating user communications. A user persona manager maintains one or more user profiles and manages user interactions with other parties and with service providers based on user preferences associated with the user profile or profiles selected for a particular interaction. The persona manager receives a single set of user authentication information to establish the user identity, and provides previously stored information to other parties and service providers as appropriate, and otherwise conducts user interactions involving communications initiated by or on behalf of the user. The persona manager also examines interactions initiated by others, selects user profiles appropriate to the interactions, and routes and responds to the interactions based on information stored in the user profiles.

Abstract: An RFID Point-of-Sale system for completing a sale transaction to a customer of a plurality of items associated with a plurality of unique RFID tags at a store includes an arrangement of a plurality of RFID tag scanners for detecting the plurality of unique RFID tags associated with the plurality of items, and a checkout platform including a transaction panel, wherein a list of the plurality of items is displayed on the transaction panel based on a matching of the detected plurality of unique RFID tags with information stored in an inventory database.

Abstract: A method using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for managing a promotional merchandise display at locational spots in a store includes providing a locational spot in the store with a locational RFID tag uniquely identifying the locational spot, providing the locational spot with the promotional merchandise display associated with merchandise RFID tags, wherein each of the merchandise RFID tags uniquely identifies one or more products in the promotional merchandise display, scanning for radio frequency signals from the locational RFID tag and the merchandise RFID tags at or near the locational spot, transmitting information obtained from the scanning to a server, analyzing the information at the server for a determination of whether the promotional merchandise display is in compliance with a promotional display plan; and if not, generating a notice to the store, the notice including information relating to the locational spot and the promotional merchandise display.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new peptide interacting with the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-W and/or Bcl-XL, and also to screening methods allowing identification of modifiers of those interactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing histological and physiological biometric markers that are substantially unique to an individual in order to activate a device, participate in a transaction, or identify himself or herself, wherein at least one biometric marker is obtained by one or more electrical contacts on the surface of the skin. A biometric identification of an individual is obtained by a heartbeat waveform, which is acquired by one or more direct electrical contacts. A mechanism for biometric authentication is used that includes one or more electrodes, an electrical signal receiver, a memory module, and a processing module.

Abstract: Compositions that include extracts from sources of immune modulators that include nanofraction immune modulator molecules (i.e., molecules having molecular weights of about 3,000 Da and less) are disclosed. These compositions may also include other immune modulators, such as transfer factor. Administration of compositions with extracts that include nanofraction immune modulator molecules modulates the cell-mediated immunity (e.g., down-regulates undesired T cell activity) of a subject to which such compositions are administered. When administered with transfer factor, the combination of nanofraction immune modulator molecules and transfer factor down-regulates undesired T cell activity while increasing, or up-regulating, T cell activity against pathogens and other undesirable entities, such as cancer cells and other aberrant or mutated cells. Assays and assay techniques for evaluating the immune modulation capabilities of various substances are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for use with local area networks (LANs) automatically configures a new device on a LAN by secure encrypted transmission of setup parameters. A remote control (RC) with an infrared (IR) transmitter contains a stored setup command and a security number that is used only once (a “nonce”). Setup of a new device is initiated by pressing a “setup” button on the RC which generates the security number and transmits it and the setup command to the new device via IR. The new device receives the setup command and security number and queries the network for the setup parameters. The RC also transmits the security number via IR to a network member device that contains the setup parameters. The network member uses the security number as an encryption key to encrypt the setup parameters and transmit them over the network. The new device uses the security number as the decryption key to decrypt the transmitted setup parameters.

Abstract: A system and method allows a user to automatically configure a new device on a local area network (LAN) by pressing a sequence of buttons on a conventional remote control (RC) while pointing the infrared (IR) transmitter of the RC at the new device. The button-sequence includes an arbitrary button-sequence selected by the user, or a pre-established button-sequence stored in an existing network member device, such as the network controller, and displayed to the user. The button-sequence represents a cipher key for an encryption/decryption algorithm. The network member device uses the cipher key to encrypt a configuration message that includes a shared network security key and transmit it over the network. The encrypted configuration message is received by the new device and decrypted using the same cipher key.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new peptide interacting with the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-W and/or Bcl-XL, and also to screening methods allowing identification of modifiers of those interactions.

Abstract: A device for displaying and exchanging a plurality of documents of various shapes and sizes and for organizing the same. The device of the present invention comprises at least two layers of pliable sheet material. If multiple sheets are used, the sheets may be nested together. The sheets may then be inserted into a binder mechanism where the binder mechanism compressibly engages the layers to create a pressure region adjacent thereto. The frictional force between the sheet material and the inserted document retains a document inserted into the pressure region formed between two adjacent layers.

Abstract: An implantable drug pump and an access template for locating the implanted pump refill septum, also known as a refill port, or cathether access port are disclosed. The access template comprises a denial surface, an access port, and template labeling. The denial surface has a periphery with a location diameter and an alignment feature. The denial surface is configured to prevent penetration through a dermal layer into the implantable drug pump. The access port carried on the denial surface is configured to permit penetration through the dermal layer. The template labeling uses a label color that is substantially the same color as needle labeling color for a needle sheath covering a needle that is intended to access an implantable drug pump. The access template can be configured into a wide variety of apparatus and method embodiments.

Abstract: A corrosion coupon rack includes one or more coupon mounting devices constructed of a coupon holder receiver including a handle recess of a given diameter and an end wall, a connection conduit in communication with the handle recess through an opening in the end wall and axially aligned therewith, and locking means having open and closed positions, the locking means including a cam surface extending into the handle recess when the locking means is in the closed position; and a coupon holder including a handle insertable into the handle recess, the handle having inner and outer ends, a locking recess, and a shaft axially aligned with the handle, the shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle inner end, and a distal end adapted to releasibly attach a corrosion coupon, the shaft extending through the t-connection and into the pipe.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist in closing an incision through body tissue that comprises a tubular body sized for introduction through the incision and carrying a plurality of stabilizer elements at the distal end thereof. The stabilizer elements are configured to be deployed within the body cavity to engage the lowermost tissue layer. In one method, the device is pulled with the stabilizer elements deployed to retract the body tissue away from adjacent body structure. In another method, a plurality of needle tips carrying sutures are guided through the body tissue to a retention device at the ends of the stabilizer elements. With the needle tips captured in the retention devices, the device is withdrawn from the incision so that the sutures form ligatures that can be tied off to close the incision.

Abstract: A WLAN (108) includes a first access point (104) for providing wireless service within a first coverage area, a second access point (106) for providing wireless service within a second coverage area and programmed to transmit probe responses, and a wireless communications unit (102) located within the first coverage area and operating on the wireless service of the first access point (104). The communications unit (102) is programmed to monitor, or passively probe, for the probe responses, or is instructed by the first access point (104) on when to monitor for the probe responses, transmitted by the second access point (106). By executing such passive probing, the communications unit (102) may make handover decisions for switching between the wireless service of the first access point (104) to the wireless service of the second access point (106) based on access point data included in the probe responses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for ameliorating the clinical signs of an avian pneumovirus (APV) infection in a bird are disclosed. The compositions include immunologically effective amounts of an avirulent APV isolated from Canada geese. Methods for preparing avirulent Canada goose APV compositions and vaccines are also described.

Abstract: A device for displaying and exchanging a plurality of documents of various shapes and sizes and for organizing the same. The device of the present invention comprises at least two layers of pliable sheet material. If multiple sheets are used, the sheets may be nested together. The sheets may then be inserted into a binder mechanism where the binder mechanism compressibly engages the layers to create a pressure region adjacent thereto. The frictional force between the sheet material and the inserted document retains a document inserted into the pressure region formed between two adjacent layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an acknowledgement mechanism for transmission of a real-time data stream from a sending system to a receiving system are disclosed. An exemplary method implemented in a sending system involves establishing a connection with a receiving system for transmitting a real-time data stream to the receiving system. The method also involves transmitting a current segment of the real-time data stream to the receiving system. If an acknowledgement of the current segment is not received from the receiving system during a predetermined time period, the method also involves discontinuing any retransmission attempts for the current segment and transmitting a next segment to the receiving system.

Abstract: A method of starting up and shutting down a microchannel process is provided. Included are the steps of providing a first multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an endothermic reaction, a second multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an exothermic reaction, providing a containment vessel, the containment vessel containing at least a portion of the first, and preferably the second, process unit. In startup, the microchannel process is first checked for pressure integrity by pressurizing and checking the important components of the process for leaks. Subsequently, the process units are heated by introducing a dilute low-thermal energy density material, preferably to the second process unit, followed by the introduction of a dilute high-thermal energy density material, and adjusting the proportion of high-thermal energy density material as required. In shutdown, a purge material from the containment vessel is introduced into the first, and preferably the second, process unit.

Abstract: A business method provides access to digital medical image data generated by up to a plurality of imaging facilities to a payer. The business method includes receiving digital medical image data generated by the imaging facilities using a gateway at each imaging facility. The received-digital medical image data is transmitted from the gateway to a central server via a network and stored at the central server. The payer is then provided access to the stored digital medical image data via the network for a fee.