Abstract: A process for synthesizing (R)-3 -hy droxybutyl (R)-3 -hy droxybutanoate from ethyl (R)-3-hydroxybutanoate and (R)-1,3-butanediol, as well a process for synthesizing (R)-3-hy droxybutyl (R)-3-hy droxybutanoate from (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid and (R)-1,3-butanediol. Also provided are processes for isolating (R)-3-hy droxybutyl (R)-3-hy droxybutanoate, including from a fermentation broth.

Abstract: An ink composition including at least one photochromic pigment or dye, at least one film-forming resin, and at least one solvent in which the at least one photochromic pigment or dye and the at least one film-forming resin are dispersible or dissolvable, wherein the components of the ink composition are present in respective amounts such that the ink composition is in the form of a liquid or gel until evaporation of the at least one solvent, and wherein, upon evaporation of the at least one solvent, the at least one film-forming resin forms a film that (a) inhibits the ink composition from degrading when covered with the sunscreen product or (b) inhibits the ink composition from washing off when the sunscreen is washed off or both, the film-forming resin including shellac, polyurethane, acrylic polymer, silicone polymer or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A temporary tattoo decal including: (a) a porous paper base; (b) a water soluble slip layer or a release coating on at least a first surface of the paper base; (c) a photochromic ink layer atop the slip layer or the release coating; and (d) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer atop the photochromic ink layer, wherein the photochromic ink layer includes at least one photochromic material that is capable of changing its color when exposed to UV radiation and a polymer matrix in which the at least one photochromic material is distributed; and wherein the polymer matrix substantially prevents the ink material from degrading when covered with a sunscreen product and inhibits the photochromic ink from washing off when the sunscreen product covering the photochromic ink layer is washed off.

Abstract: An ink composition including at least one photochromic pigment or dye, at least one film-forming resin, and at least one solvent in which the at least one photochromic pigment or dye and the at least one film-forming resin are dispersible or dissolvable, wherein the components of the ink composition are present in respective amounts such that the ink composition is in the form of a liquid or gel until evaporation of the at least one solvent, and wherein, upon evaporation of the at least one solvent, the at least one film-forming resin forms a film that (a) inhibits the ink composition from degrading when covered with the sunscreen product or (b) inhibits the ink composition from washing off when the sunscreen is washed off or both, the film-forming resin including shellac, polyurethane, acrylic polymer, silicone polymer or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A system for accurately measuring compression garments in laboratory and manufacturing environments provides measurements for industry-standard sizes and individually customized garments and can use the measurements to modify the programming of a manufacturing system to alter the compression parameters of subsequently manufactured garments. The system includes a support structure and a plurality of sensor units at intervals along the support structure with each sensor unit extended circumferentially around the support structure to define a three-dimensional simulated anatomical form circumferentially stretching the compression garment upon insertion of the assembly. Each sensor unit has a pressure sensor measuring the pressure exerted by the compression garment on the sensor unit after insertion.

Abstract: A device for measuring or detecting UV radiation that is usable with sunscreen, the device including: (a) a colorant layer having at least one photochromic material that is capable of changing its color when exposed to UV radiation, and (b) an over-layer atop the colorant layer having (i) a bottom surface that is in contact with a top surface of the colorant layer and (ii) an opposing top surface, the over-layer having a material that is constructed and arranged to allow at least a portion of the sunscreen, when deposited on the top surface of the over-layer, to be absorbed by the over-layer while preventing the sunscreen so deposited from penetrating through the over-layer to the colorant layer, the over-layer being transparent to allow UV radiation to pass through the over-layer to the colorant layer at least when the surface of the over-layer is not covered with the sunscreen. Also, methods for preparing and using the device.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of float threads on the surface of a machine-knitted fabric. Beginning with an initial programmed pattern describing yarn used at each stitch in a knitting pattern, the present method identifies stitches that will create float threads, sorts the identified float threads, giving priority to those float threads that would most limit stretch in a knitted garment, taking into account factors such as float thread length, location in a garment and yarn stretch. Then, in order of the sorted float thread list, the present method assigns additional yarns of the same characteristics as the original yarns to available yarn feeds to minimize the eventual creation of float threads in the knitted fabric. Multiple passes are made through the programmed pattern until no additional floats can be mitigated, or until a predetermined number of passes has been completed.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of float threads on the surface of a machine-knitted fabric. Beginning with an initial programmed pattern describing yarn used at each stitch in a knitting pattern, the present method identifies stitches that will create float threads, sorts the identified float threads, giving priority to those float threads that would most limit stretch in a knitted garment, taking into account factors such as float thread length, location in a garment and yarn stretch. Then, in order of the sorted float thread list, the present method assigns additional yarns of the same characteristics as the original yarns to available yarn feeds to minimize the eventual creation of float threads in the knitted fabric. Multiple passes are made through the programmed pattern until no additional floats can be mitigated, or until a predetermined number of passes has been completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, managing and optimizing online advertising campaigns include groups of independent human resources working through a marketplace to suggest and optimize appropriate choices for how, where and how much to pay for online advertising. Optimization is achieved through the use of market-based incentives that pay participants based on the quality, quantity and efficiency of the results of their suggestions. The systems and methods enable a marketplace that leverages the inherent knowledge of a large group of people to come up with all search terms, placements, targeting and advertisements that might be relevant to a product, and determine the optimal auction prices for these search terms, placements, targeting and ads on the search engine systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, managing and optimizing online advertising campaigns include groups of independent human resources working through a marketplace to suggest and optimize appropriate choices for how, where and how much to pay for online advertising. Optimization is achieved through the use of market-based incentives that pay participants based on the quality, quantity and efficiency of the results of their suggestions. The systems and methods enable a marketplace that leverages the inherent knowledge of a large group of people to come up with all search terms, placements, targeting and advertisements that might be relevant to a product, and determine the optimal auction prices for these search terms, placements, targeting and ads on the search engine systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, managing and optimizing online advertising campaigns include groups of independent human resources working through a marketplace to suggest and optimize appropriate choices for how, where and how much to pay for online advertising. Optimization is achieved through the use of market-based incentives that pay participants based on the quality, quantity and efficiency of the results of their suggestions. The systems and methods enable a marketplace that leverages the inherent knowledge of a large group of people to come up with all search terms, placements, targeting and advertisements that might be relevant to a product, and determine the optimal auction prices for these search terms, placements, targeting and ads on the search engine systems.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage system is described that can fabricated under ambient atmospheric conditions and humidity. The hydrogen storage system includes hydrogen-absorbing alloy particles, such as ABx-type alloys, for example LaNi4.7Al0.3, AB/A2B-type alloys, for example Mg2Ni, and AB2-type alloys, and group VIII transition metal particles, such as Pd, Pt, Ni, Ru, and/or Re, that are mechanically alloyed. The mechanically alloyed particles are stable and retain their hydrogen-absorbing efficiency even after prolonged exposure to air and water. Binders and solvent can be added to produce low-viscosity inks. The hydrogen storage system can be used with fuel cells that can be microfabricated and optionally be integrated with electronic devices.