Abstract: A cardiac-based metric is computed based upon characteristics of a subject's cardiac function. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the end of a mechanical systole is identified for each of a plurality of cardiac cycles of a subject, based upon an acoustical vibration associated with closure of an aortic valve during the cardiac cycle. The end of an electrical systole of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for each cardiac cycle is also identified. A cardiac-based metric is computed, based upon a time difference between the end of the electrical systole and the end of the mechanical systole, for the respective cardiac cycles.

Abstract: A cardiac-based metric is computed based upon characteristics of a subject's cardiac function. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the end of a mechanical systole is identified for each of a plurality of cardiac cycles of a subject, based upon an acoustical vibration associated with closure of an aortic valve during the cardiac cycle. The end of an electrical systole of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for each cardiac cycle is also identified. A cardiac-based metric is computed, based upon a time difference between the end of the electrical systole and the end of the mechanical systole, for the respective cardiac cycles.

Abstract: A cardiac-based metric is computed based upon characteristics of a subject's cardiac function. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the end of a mechanical systole is identified for each of a plurality of cardiac cycles of a subject, based upon an acoustical vibration associated with closure of an aortic valve during the cardiac cycle. The end of an electrical systole of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for each cardiac cycle is also identified. A cardiac-based metric is computed, based upon a time difference between the end of the electrical systole and the end of the mechanical systole, for the respective cardiac cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing the progression of at least one of cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac remodeling or left ventricular dysfunction following a cardiac insult in a subject in need of treatment thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to methods of delaying the onset of heart failure symptoms or reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events following a cardiac insult in a subject in need of treatment thereof.

Abstract: A facility is provided for dynamically adjusting operating level of server processing within a computing environment including one or more servers processing multiple types of server tasks. The facility includes, responsive to detection of a failure at a server of the environment, determining a situational severity threshold for continued computing environment task processing, and automatically comparing the threshold against priority metrics for the multiple types of server tasks processed within the environment. Server processing of one or more types of server tasks having a priority metric below the situational severity threshold is then automatically blocked. The facility can also include dynamically adjusting of at least one priority metric associated with at least one type of server task to reflect a cause of the failure of the server, wherein the dynamically adjusting occurs prior to the automatic comparing of the situational severity threshold against the priority metrics.

Abstract: A facility is provided for transitioning a database service from a failing, primary server to another server of a computing environment including a plurality of servers, at least some of which have a common database service capability, but not commonly replicated supporting databases. The facility includes, responsive to detection of failure at the primary server, selecting another server of the plurality of servers to function as database service backup for the primary server, updating at least one configuration file of the computing environment to indicate that the another server is to function as database service backup for the primary, failing server, and dynamically creating at least one database structure at the another server. The dynamically created at least one database structure supports the database service backup function at the another server and corresponds to a database structure of a database supporting the database service at the primary server.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for determining and managing the impact, or probable impact, of electronic-mail messages on computer resources. In one embodiment, prior to sending a first electronic mail message to a plurality of intended recipients over a network, a prospective impact of the first electronic mail message on computer resources on the network should the first electronic mail message be sent is determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable calibration of a display for a particular user thereof. An image displayed such as by an interactive system is adjusted based on physical attributes associated with the user or other characteristics of the user in order to customize the image being displayed. For some embodiments, change to the image includes dynamically resizing and/or repositioning a projected display based on the size and reach of the user to make items shown in the display such as menus or hyperlinks more easily accessible to the user. Input from a camera of the interactive system can be utilized to detect the attribute such as a height of the user for correlation to a typical reach of the user. In operation, the interactive system can therefore dynamically adapt to each unique user as different users approach and interact with the interactive system by automatic calibration of the image being displayed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are provided for governing the transfer of data characterizing a user's behavior, physiological parameters and/or psychological parameters. One embodiment provides a method of handling a request, from a requesting application, for emotion data characterizing an emotional state of a user. A firewall ruleset defining rules governing the transfer of the emotion data to requesting applications is accessed to determine whether to provide the emotion data the requesting application. The request is denied if the firewall ruleset rules are not satisfied.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment count the number of times that a file or registry entry is added, changed, or deleted at clients in a network. If the count exceeds a threshold, then a warning is sent to the clients. The warning may prompt the clients to delete or rename the file or registry entry, run an anti-virus program, quarantine the file or registry entry, or issue a message. In this way, viruses may be detected at clients.

Abstract: Methods for multiplexing multiple signal streams over a single full duplex ETHERNET link include modifying a standard ETHERNET packet header to indicate the stream to which the packet belongs. According to the presently preferred embodiments, the packet header is modified in a way which is well formed and does not cause framing errors in existing equipment. The methods of the invention may be carried out in existing ETHERNET framers/mappers with only a software modification. Thus, the new functionality can be obtained with existing equipment.

Abstract: Methods for providing flow control of signal streams over a single full duplex ETHERNET link include receiving multiple data streams over a single ETHERNET link, associating a buffer with each data stream, putting received data into the appropriate buffer, monitoring the fullness of the buffers, and transmitting a PAUSE frame to the source of the data streams where the PAUSE frame indicates the fullness of each buffer. The PAUSE frame is read and where indicated, the transmission of data destined for a congested buffer(s) is halted until a subsequent PAUSE frame is received which indicates that the congested buffer(s) has become decongested. Apparatus for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for extracting packetized data from a SONET/SDH signal include processing the signal to produce a deskewed data stream; demapping the data stream to produce a stream of packets; and temporarily storing the packets in a packet buffer, wherein the demapping is performed at a first rate when the fullness of the buffer is below a fullness threshold and the demapping is performed at a second rate when the fullness of the buffer is at or above the fullness threshold. Apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An iontophoresis electrode (10) is disclosed including a backing layer (22) formed of PVC or similar material including plasticizers providing softness and conformability and a conductive layer (18) formed of carbon or similar polymer material having electrical characteristics which are negatively affected with the migration of the plasticizers. A barrier layer (26) is provided to prevent the undesired migration of plasticizers from the backing layer (22) into the conductive layer (18). In one preferred form, the barrier layer (26) is a sacrificial layer, such as of identical construction as the conductive layer (18), for acceptance of the migration of the plasticizers. In another form, the barrier layer (26) is an impermeable layer formed of material in which the plasticizer is immiscible so as to prevent the migration of the plasticizers.