Abstract: A system and method that include receiving a communication pricing query; mapping the communication pricing query to a billable item; resolving a price of a billable item within a set of hierarchically defined pricing models with sparse overrides, wherein each pricing model is defined for a set of billable items; and returning the price of the billable item in a response to the communication pricing query.

Abstract: A system and method that include receiving a communication pricing query; mapping the communication pricing query to a billable item; resolving a price of a billable item within a set of hierarchically defined pricing models with sparse overrides, wherein each pricing model is defined for a set of billable items; and returning the price of the billable item in a response to the communication pricing query.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of specific protein and/or peptide fractions having a high aspartate content for regulating plasma glucose concentrations and increasing insulin sensitivity in a mammal. It has been found that high amounts of aspartate equivalents, especially in relative absence of glutamate equivalents, increase the glucose uptake of peripheral cells and improve the reaction of the liver on dietetic glucose consumption. As a result it has a favourable effect on the blood glucose levels of a person suffering from hyperglycaemia, in particular postprandial and post-surgery hyperglycaemia and/or insulin resistance. The invention relates to a complete food fortified with aspartate equivalents as well as a supplement rich in aspartate equivalents that is given simultaneously with or even minutes up to an hour prior to the consumption of a meal comprising glucose.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of treating or preventing pressure ulcers, comprising enterally administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising proteins, carbohydrates, fats, arginine or equivalents thereof, ascorbic acid equivalents and a-tocopherol equivalents, wherein arginine or equivalents thereof is administered in a daily amount of 3-15 g, ascorbic acid equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 180-840 mg and a-tocopherol equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 50-400 mg.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of treating or preventing pulmonary inflammation as a complication ensuing from physical trauma, bacteraemia or viral inflection, said method comprising enterally administering at least one or more glutathione promoters selected from: ?0.3-20 g, preferably 0.5-5 g pyruvate equivalents; ?0.1-5 g, preferably 0.2-2 g oxaloacetate equivalents; ?0.01-1 g, preferably 0.02-0.5 g lipoic acid equivalents; and at least 20 g of digestible water soluble carbohydrates, in the form of an aqueous liquid composition containing at least 10 g/l of said digestible water soluble carbohydrates. Another aspect of the invention relates to an aqueous liquid composition suitable for enteral administration containing: 2 to 20 wt. % digestible dissolved carbohydrates; two or more glutathione promoters selected from: 0.5 to 50 g/l pyruvate equivalents; 0.05 to 20 g/l oxaloacetate equivalents; 0.05 to 5 g/l cystein equivalents; and at least 45 wt % water.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preventing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in a mammal suffering from trauma, said method comprising enterally administering to said mammal, within 24 hours of the occurrence of the trauma, (i) digestible water soluble carbohydrates and (ii) a liver guanosine-5?-triphosphate (GTP) increasing component and/or peptides with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibiting activity. Another aspect of the invention relates to an aqueous liquid composition containing: ?20-200 g/l digestible dissolved carbohydrates; ?5-5000 mg/l guanosine equivalents in combination with 1-100 g/l ribose equivalents and/or 2-2000 mg/l flavonoides; or 0.01 to 10 mM of peptides with ACE inhibiting activity; and ?45 to 97.95 wt. % water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular disorders, comprising the following fractions: fraction a) consisting of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; fraction b) consisting of phospholipids, which fraction contains at least two different phospholipids selected from the group consisting of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. fraction c) consisting of compounds which are a factor in methionine metabolism, which fraction contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc.

Abstract: Enteral compositions and use thereof, which compositions contain proteins and lipids, for the prevention and/or treatment of sepsis; the lipid fraction being particularly rich in phospholipids.

Abstract: A fan powered by a controlled external energy source and a flow measurement device measure the airflow exiting or entering grilles/registers of an HVAC system without impeding the airflow being measured. A flow straightening element is preferably employed to overcome any effects of a non-uniform or swirled airflow profile on the fan. Preferably, the RPM of the fan is measured to determine the airflow. The RPM/flow calibration of the fan is insensitive to pressure differentials or the fan is a pressure-sensitive fan submitted to appropriate pressure differentials. Alternatively, the voltage or current supplied to the external energy source is used to determine the airflow. Finally, the pressure differential across the flow straightening element can be measured to determine airflow, eliminating the impact of pressure differential across the flow measurement device and fan.

Abstract: An accessory device for use with at least one toy vehicle is provided, wherein the accessory device includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes a first passageway configured to permit the toy vehicle to pass entirely through the first housing. The first housing may further include a second passageway configured to permit the toy vehicle to completely pass through the first housing. A sensor may be positioned along the first passageway, the second passageway, or both. The sensor may be configured to detect the passage of the toy vehicle through the passageway and activate a sensory output generating device. The accessory device further includes a second housing attachable to the first housing and includes a passageway configured to permit the toy vehicle to pass entirely through the second housing.

Abstract: A tree extraction system with a frame for mounting to a host vehicle with hydraulic system and including articulated jaws, supported by the frame and designed to grasp a tree trunk, and reversibly extending leg members for forcing the frame and attached jaw assembly upward relative to a ground surface to extract any tree engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: There is provided a nutritional or pharmaceutical composition comprising a protein fraction containing L-serine and an energy metabolism precursor wherein the composition is free of glycine or if glycine is present within the composition, the weight ratio of L-serine: glycine after hydrolysis of the composition is of more than 2.7:1, which composition provides an effective creatine response within mammals muscle and methylation reaction capacity of organisms.

Abstract: A kit and method for accessorizing a protective helmet, particularly for snow skiers. The kit includes paired hook and loop attachment panels for respective attachment to the outer plastic shell of a skier's helmet and to one or more decorative accessories.

Abstract: The invention is of a novel business method for presenting pre-recorded promotional presentations to retail consumers at the point of sale. The system plays a short consumer message upon activation by the consumer and educates the consumer about some aspect of the product for sale. This novel business method is a way for marketers to make individualized contact with the consumer at the point of sale without the use of sales personnel.

Abstract: A fan powered by a controlled external energy source and a flow measurement device measure the airflow exiting or entering grilles/registers of an HVAC system without impeding the airflow being measured. A flow straightening element is preferably employed to overcome any effects of a non-uniform or swirled airflow profile on the fan. Preferably, the RPM of the fan is measured to determine the airflow. The RPM/flow calibration of the fan is insensitive to pressure differentials or the fan is a pressure-sensitive fan submitted to appropriate pressure differentials. Alternatively, the voltage or current supplied to the external energy source is used to determine the airflow. Finally, the pressure differential across the flow straightening element can be measured to determine airflow, eliminating the impact of pressure differential across the flow measurement device and fan.

Abstract: A fan powered by a controlled external energy source and a flow measurement device measure the airflow exiting or entering grilles/registers of an HVAC system without impeding the airflow being measured. A flow straightening element is preferably employed to overcome any effects of a non-uniform or swirled airflow profile on the fan. Preferably, the RPM of the fan is measured to determine the airflow. The RPM/flow calibration of the fan is insensitive to pressure differentials or the fan is a pressure-sensitive fan submitted to appropriate pressure differentials. Alternatively, the voltage or current supplied to the external energy source is used to determine the airflow. Finally, the pressure differential across the flow straightening element can be measured to determine airflow, eliminating the impact of pressure differential across the flow measurement device and fan.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of treating or preventing pressure ulcers, comprising enterally administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising proteins, carbohydrates, fats, arginine or equivalents thereof, ascorbic acid equivalents and ?-tocopherol equivalents, wherein arginine or equivalents thereof is administered in a daily amount of 3-15 g, ascorbic acid equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 180-840 mg and ?-tocopherol equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 50-400 mg.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of controlling the plasma genistein concentration in mammals in order to avoid activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ? (PPAR?), said method comprising the steps of: a. assessing the genistein blood serum concentration of the mammal; b. if needed, administering to said mammal a genistein component in an amount sufficient to maintain the genistein blood serum concentration at a level between 0.02 and 3 ?M during at least 8 hours, preferably at least 16 hours of each day; c. repeating steps a. and b. during a period of at least 30 days with intervals of no more than 3 days. The present method is particularly suited for preventing obesity and diseases or conditions in which bone tissue is lost.

Abstract: A toy assembly that includes a remotely controlled vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the toy assembly includes a remote control that can be used to control a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the remote control includes a chip with pre-recorded content stored thereon. In one embodiment, the remote control can be coupled to an audio amplifier that can generate audible outputs. In another embodiment, the remote control can be used in a hand-held configuration.

Abstract: A wild game desensitization system and associated method for desensitizing wild game to the perceptible evidence of presence present at a hunting site. The system includes scent dissemination, sound generating, and movement generating systems, all associated with a mannequin for conditioning game to human presence, and thereby reducing the deterrent effect of actual human presence after the system has been at such hunting site for an extended period of time.