Abstract: Described herein are fragments of fibronectin and vitronectin and variants thereof that have certain activities, including growth factor-binding activity. Also described are fragments of growth factors that bind to fibronectin and inhibit binding of full-length growth factors to fibronectin. Compositions containing such fragments are useful in cosmetic treatments (e.g., the treatment of wrinkles or UV photodamage of skin), and the treatment of wounds and cancer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the growth of bacteria in ethanol fermentation systems with antibiotic alternatives, which can be nonoxidizing biocides, stabilized oxidizers, or any combinations thereof, are described. As an option, a process or composition of the present invention can include one or more polycyclic antibacterial peptides. The methods can provide improvements, such as increased ethanol yields with minimal carryover of biocide into co-products of the processes.

Abstract: In one example, a system is provided. The system includes a portable, in-field unit including: a tag reader to acquire an ID tag identifier from a tag located in or on a physical item positioned within functional range of the in-field unit tag reader; a digital processor arranged for executing software code stored in the in-field unit responsive to the acquired ID tag identifier, the stored software code including—a customer application layer; and a database adapter component configured to provide database services to the processor; wherein the database services include accessing a stored database to acquire stored data associated with the acquired ID tag identifier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device firmware upgrade scheme is disclosed for upgrading a device image of a mobile communications device. A device management session is established between the mobile communications device and a first server using a first protocol. Upon obtaining identity information of a second server operable to compute or otherwise determine a customized upgrade process, a device inventory is transmitted to the second server using a second protocol. Upon receiving the customized upgrade process, the mobile communications device downloads one or more upgrade files from one or more resources. Thereafter, the mobile communications device is operable to provide a status indication to the first server using the first protocol.

Abstract: A method for providing secure remote access by a controller is described. The method includes sending one or more endpoint requests. The method also includes receiving authentication service endpoint information and connection service endpoint information. The method further includes requesting authentication based on the authentication service endpoint information. Requesting authentication includes requesting license validation. The method also includes sending one or more registration messages based on the connection service endpoint information. The method further includes receiving a session request. The method additionally includes determining controller candidate link information. The method also includes sending the controller candidate link information. The method further includes receiving an automation message based on the controller candidate link information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: Saving power in a mobile terminal includes determining alignment processing moments after the mobile terminal enters a standby mode. Alignable wakeup events, which occur during alignment processing periods corresponding to each alignment processing moment, are thus controlled to commence related processing at each of the alignment processing moments. Power consumption caused by various wakeup events in a standby mode may thus be reduced and battery life of the mobile terminal may thus be improved.

Abstract: A reinforcement support is provided for use in connection with concrete reinforcement elements and poured concrete. The reinforcement support includes a tubular paperboard shell having first and second ends with a channel extending therebetween. At least a first notch is formed into the first end extending towards the second end with the first notch being configured to supportingly accommodate at least one concrete reinforcement element.

Abstract: A method of defining data patterns for object handling includes obtaining an image of an input data area, processing the image to obtain image data, and comparing the image data with a pattern, wherein the pattern identifies spatial information of corresponding pattern fields of the pattern. The method further includes determining a confidence level of the comparison of the image data according to a success in matching the image data with the pattern fields, comparing the confidence level with a confidence threshold associated with the pattern, and selecting the pattern. A pattern output associated with the selected pattern is identified, wherein the pattern output corresponds to a canonical return format, and the pattern output is applied to the image data.

Abstract: Described herein are fragments of fibronectin and vitronectin and variants thereof that have certain activities, including growth factor-binding activity. Also described are fragments of growth factors that bind to fibronectin and inhibit binding of full-length growth factors to fibronectin. Compositions containing such fragments are useful in cosmetic treatments (e.g., the treatment of wrinkles or UV photodamage of skin), and the treatment of wounds and cancer.

Abstract: A method of controlling an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction is provided. The method involves measuring a temperature of a first reactant flowing at a first flow rate, contacting the first reactant with a second reactant flowing at a second flow rate to form a reaction product, measuring the temperature of the reaction product, and determining the temperature difference between the temperature of the first reactant and the temperature of the reaction product. The method can further involve adjusting the flow rate of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant, or shutting down flow, based on the temperature difference. An apparatus to carry out the method is also provided. The method and apparatus can be useful in controlling many different reactions, including the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and ammonia to form monochloramine.

Abstract: Described herein are fragments of fibronectin and variants thereof that bind growth factors. Compositions containing such a fragment of fibronectin are therefore useful in sequestering growth factors, and complexes containing both a FN fragment and a bound, active growth factor can be used to deliver growth factors to a patient (e.g., to a wound on the patient's skin).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an aqueous system for biocide control, by adding an acidified solution that includes monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt and alkyl isothiocyanate to an aqueous system. A biocide feed system is also provided that is configured to generate a reproducible level of alkyl isothiocyanate. The method and system provide effective levels of alkyl isothiocyanate for rapid biocidal activity, along with levels of monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt which can decompose to form additional alkyl isothiocyanate and provide longer-term biocidal activity.

Abstract: A mobile computer workstation for use with a computer network is disclosed. The workstation can include a wheeled chassis having a vertical beam that supports a horizontal work surface. An input device tray is located at a front side of the work surface and a bracket located at a rear side of the work surface mounts a display screen to the workstation above and off the work surface. A power unit including a battery charger and a battery is mounted to the chassis and supplies power to the display screen.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring an electrolytically-active species concentration in an aqueous or non-aqueous solution for use in providing control of the concentration of the species in a source solution thereof based on the measurements. In the method, a sample containing an electrolytically-active species is added into a measurement cell that has a working electrode and an auxiliary electrode, and a constant current is applied to the measurement cell while the working and auxiliary electrodes are in contact with the sample with monitoring of voltage difference across the electrodes until a change in the voltage difference is detected. A feedback signal is generated based on a parameter of the change in the voltage difference that is directly proportional to the amount of the electrolytically-active species in the sample, which can be used for process control. An apparatus is also described.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a side mounted energy attenuating vehicle seat. In one exemplary embodiment the seat comprises a rigid base with a first side, and a substantially vertically oriented mounting plate adjacent the first side of the base. The exemplary seat further comprises a vertical slide mechanism comprising a fixed portion attached to the mounting plate, and a sliding portion attached to the first side of the base, the mechanism configured to allow for a downward stroke of the base relative to the mounting plate. A roller is attached to the first side of the base substantially below the point of attachment to the sliding portion of the vertical slide mechanism, and configured to roll in a vertical direction while bearing against the mounting plate, and supporting the seat base in a horizontal orientation. An energy attenuating member is positioned so as to prevent the seat from stroking downward relative to the mounting plate during normal use.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing a transfer document for a client to transfer services provided by counterparties that require recurring transactions using a first account to use a second account is provided. A cashflow analysis for the first account and a cashflow analysis for the second account are performed to determine for each counterparty and each service the desired date to effect the transfer to avoid undesirable cashflow spikes or interruptions in both accounts. A transfer document for transferring services requiring recurring transactions for each counterparty is electronically generated via at least one computer. Each transfer document identifies at least the service to be transferred, the client, the second account, the desired date for the transfer and proof of authorization from the client. A replica of an account document selected according to the service being transferred and the second account is included on the transfer document.

Abstract: A mobile computer workstation for use with a computer network is disclosed. The workstation can include a wheeled chassis having a vertical beam that supports a horizontal work surface. An input device tray is located at a front side of the work surface and a bracket located at a rear side of the work surface mounts a display screen to the workstation above and off the work surface. A power unit including a battery charger and a battery is mounted to the chassis and supplies power to the display screen.

Abstract: A method of defining data patterns for object handling includes obtaining an image of an input data area, processing the image to obtain image data, and comparing the image data with a pattern, wherein the pattern identifies spatial information of corresponding pattern fields of the pattern. The method further includes determining a confidence level of the comparison of the image data according to a success in matching the image data with the pattern fields, comparing the confidence level with a confidence threshold associated with the pattern, and selecting the pattern. A pattern output associated with the selected pattern is identified, wherein the pattern output corresponds to a canonical return format, and the pattern output is applied to the image data.