Abstract: A set sleep period is coordinated among a plurality of mesh network nodes to conserve power, and a temporarily reduced sleep period is coordinated among the plurality of nodes to facilitate mesh network node service or installation activity. The reduced sleep period comprises scheduling a period of time during which the sleep period is reduced, or reverting from the temporarily reduced sleep period to the original set sleep period after predetermined period of time. Temporarily reducing the sleep period includes distributing a message throughout the mesh network when the mesh network nodes are awake.

Abstract: An aggregation service aggregates discussions of events and topics within a given subject area using seed search queries, seed URLs, and/or search engine data. A subject area is selected and a set of seed search queries and/or seed URLs relevant to that subject area are manually generated. The set of seed search queries and/or seed URLs are used to identify URLs containing content relevant to the subject area. The URLs are crawled at given intervals to identify content items, which are analyzed using a classifier to identify content items relevant to the subject area. The content items are grouped into clusters surrounding events and/or topics within the subject area. The various clusters are ranked against one another to facilitate ordering clusters for presentation to end-users.

Abstract: A system for providing stabilized annuity payments, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program allocates the risks associated with an investment to the potential beneficiaries of the annuitant by controlling the allocation of assets between two investment pools. The annuitant pool is the pool on which annuity payments are based and the beneficiary pool contains assets that are provided to the beneficiaries upon the death of the annuitant. The beneficiary pool is used as a cushion to isolate the contents of the annuitant pool from fluctuations in value. If the underlying investments perform poorly, assets from the beneficiary pool are reallocated to the annuity pool in order to maintain the existing annuity payment. If the underlying investments perform favorably, increasing in value, excess amounts above a set trigger level amount will be periodically transferred to the annuitant pool.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period. A computer program controls the allocation of assets in the investment vehicle, which allows the investor to initially invest one hundred percent of the initial deposit in non-secure, high risk investments. At the end of the each trading day, the computer program determines if assets should be reallocated from the non-secure investments to the secure investments, from the secure investments to the non-secure investments, or if no reallocation is necessary.

Abstract: A method for measuring of histamine in an epidermis comprising applying an adhesive article to an epithelium of a mammal; allowing for adherence of epithelial cells to the adhesive article; removing the adhesive article from the epithelium of the mammal; preparing the adhesive article using standard laboratory methods for extraction; extracting histamine from the epithelial cells adhered to said adhesive article; measuring histamine from the epithelial cells adhered to said adhesive article; determining the amount of histamine in the epithelial cells as compared to a baseline sample. Further, a method of objectively measuring the perception of itch in mammals and wherein there is a reduction in histamine from a baseline level which is directly proportional to a reduction in an itch perception.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stepwise method to transform and improve a Water and/or Water Reclamation Utility rate structure. Schedules of charges that customers pay for their water and water reclamation service, called rates structures, impose financial losses in income on a utility when water consumption is decreased. One major factor that decreases water consumption is water conservation although there are others. Because of the financial losses, utilities have a disincentive to encourage conservation. The method of the present invention includes the addition of a customer asset charge to the current fixed and water use charges that eliminates the utilities financial losses in income while enabling the maintenance of comparable total charges to customers. With this method, both the utility and the customers save money with water conservation and the utility has a positive motivation to support water conservation.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an array of trigger point probes symmetrically positioned about a central vertical plane of the apparatus, the array including at least two of a pair of upper neck pair of probes, an upper back and shoulder blade pair of probes, a mid back pair of probes, and a lower back pair. Over the probes is Therein is provided a shell resembling the appearance of a human back, the shell provided with apertures sufficient in dimension and location to permit slidable passage of ends of the probes thru the shell. The probes are secured, at a base thereof to a vibratory vertical plane which is secured to a non-vibratory vertical plane secured to a wall. The non-vibratory plane includes lateral extensions that extend to form left and right handles by which a user of the apparatus may select and maintain locations of the back requiring application of pressure to release of trigger point contractions and the like.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period. A computer program controls the allocation of assets in the investment vehicle, which allows the investor to initially invest one hundred percent of the initial deposit in non-secure, high risk investments. At the end of the each trading day, the computer program determines if assets should be reallocated from the non-secure investments to the secure investments, from the secure investments to the non-secure investments, or if no reallocation is necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of trigger point pressure, including a rigid base generally proportioned to the size of a human back; and an array of trigger point probes symmetric about a central vertical plane of said base, the array including at least two of an upper neck pair of probes, a mid-back and shoulder blade pair of probes, a mid back pair of probes, and a lower back pair. A radius of curvature of a top of each probe is proportioned for optimal physiologic communication with a trigger point of a contracted muscle.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Disclosed are topical compositions for the treatment of microbial infections on the skin or scalp which include a polyvalent metal salt of pyrithione and include a metal ion source. Also disclosed are methods for treating microbial infections of the skin or scalp using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for providing stabilized annuity payments and control of investments in a variable annuity, the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program allocates the short and long term risks associated with an investment to the potential beneficiaries of the annuitant by controlling the allocation of assets between two investment pools. The annuitant pool is the pool on which annuity payments are based and the beneficiary pool contains assets that are provided to the beneficiaries upon the death of the annuitant. The beneficiary pool is used as a cushion to isolate the contents of the annuitant pool from fluctuations in value. The beneficiary pool is initially funded with sufficient assets to minimize the likelihood of its depletion under fairly conservative estimates of market conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a composition comprising an effective amount of a particulate zinc material; an effective amount of a surfactant including a surfactant with an anionic functional group; an effective amount of a pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione; from about 0.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of managing assets for stabilizing anticipated periodic payments, allocating the assets to first and second pools; at periodic intervals, comparing the current value of the assets in the first pool to a present value of the remaining payments; and, when the current value is less the present value, reallocating a portion of the assets from the second pool to the first pool so that the first asset pool has a current value representing the present value. In another embodiment, a method for managing assets for stabilizing anticipated periodic payments includes allocating the assets into first and second pools; establishing a first payment amount; determining a first trigger value; assessing a current value of the assets; and reallocating assets from the second pool to the first pool to increase the first payment amount in response to the current value being greater than the first trigger value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition comprising a particulate zinc material wherein the particulate zinc material has a crystallite size less than 600 ?. The present invention further comprises a shampoo composition comprising an effective amount of a surfactant, an effective amount of a particulate zinc material, an effective amount of a metal salt of pyrithione, and an effective amount of a suspending agent wherein the particulate zinc material has a crystallite size less than 600 ?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an effective amount of a pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione, an effective amount of furametpyr and an effective amount of a surfactant including a surfactant with an anionic functional group.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral care compositions and their use, comprising in an orally acceptable carrier: (a) from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight of an essentially water-insoluble zinc compound, and (b) from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a compound having C—O—P bonds selected from polyphosphorylated inositol compounds such as phytic acid, myo-inositol pentakis(dihydrogen phosphate); myo-inositol tetrakis(dihydrogen phosphate), myo-inositol trikis(dihydrogen phosphate), and an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salt thereof. The compositions are effective in preventing and controlling oral cavity conditions including plaque, calculus, caries, periodontal disease, mouth malodor and dental erosion and have acceptable aesthetics without the unpleasant astringent and metallic taste associated with the use of zinc.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising an effective amount of a zinc containing material having an aqueous solubility within the composition of less than about 25% by weight at 25° C.; from about 5% to about 50% of a surfactant; and from about 40% to about 95% water; wherein the pH of the composition is greater than about 7. Further disclosed are compositions comprising an effective amount of a zinc containing material having an aqueous solubility within the composition of less than about 25% by weight at 25° C.; from about 5% to about 50% of a surfactant; and from about 0.1% to about 5% of a zinc ionophoric material; from about 40% to about 95% water; and wherein the pH of the composition is greater than about 7.