Abstract: A net negative charge is used to eliminate silver migration in an EL lamp. An electrode containing silver, either the entire electrode, a bus bar on the electrode, or a contact area on the electrode, receives a net negative charge while the EL lamp is being driven with alternating current. The net negative charge can be provided by the driver itself or by a current source, such as a battery or a charged capacitor; or by asymmetric current means in the current path of the EL lamp, including the lamp itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for tissue regeneration, particularly for treating skin lesions such as wounds. In one aspect, the invention provides a wound healing composition comprising living cells such as fibroblasts within a support matrix such as fibrin, in which the cells have a wound healing phenotype, and in which the composition is single layered and has been incubated for up to about 8 days to allow development of the wound healing phenotype. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful especially for assisting the process of wound healing, particularly chronic open lesions that are slow to heal or resistant to healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for tissue regeneration, particularly for treating skin lesions such as wounds. In one aspect, the invention provides wound healing composition characterised by the higher expression levels of phenotypic marker genes such as apolipoprotein D, matrix metalloprotease (2), collagen 3a1 and smooth muscle actin than the housekeeping gene ribosomal protein L32. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful especially for assisting the process of wound healing, particularly chronic open lesions that are slow to heal or resistant to healing.

Abstract: A system and method to optimize the yield of a restaurant having perishable inventory is described. Through a card company, a restaurant can market incentives to make reservations during an off-peak time to enrolled card members. Offer marketing is based on stated customer preferences, and conducted via, for example, a website, email, or text message. Reservations are made, for example, via a centralized booking service. The incentive is fulfilled to the card member in a coupon-less manner. The card company receives a commission from the participating restaurant for every such sale.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents for treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a radio frequency identification (RFID) network, including a plurality of radio frequency (RF) antennas that transmit signals representative antenna data, an RF switch for isolating a signal from an antenna, a RF switch controller for controlling the RF switch, and a reader for reading the signals from the antennas, wherein the system only requires one reader to monitor the RFID network. A radio frequency integration platform (RFIP) monitors a plurality of RFID networks. The RFIP includes an RFIP server and an RFIP database for managing antenna and RFID network data.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents for treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.

Abstract: A method of and system for producing combined social expression cards and gift certificates for delivery to recipients is implemented in a Web-based client-server environment in which remotely located customers use standard Web browsers to access a Web server. The Web server presents a remotely located customer with a selection of social expression card designs and selection of gift certificates. In response to customer selection of a card design and a gift certificate, the system of the present invention delivers a combined social expression card and gift certificate to a recipient designated by the customer. Delivery according to the present invention may be accomplished either by printing and mailing a physical product to the recipient or by delivering an electronic version to the recipient by electronic mail.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite textile or material comprising a substrate of high strength fibers, and having a natural or synthetic diamond coating bonded thereto. Preferably, the textile is a high strength fabric including or made from aramide fibers, and the natural or synthetic coating is applied by a process such as plasma or flame spraying, chemical vapor deposition, sintering, or fast pulse laser deposition. The textile or fabric can preferably be used to make or reinforce protective clothing including vests, hats, helmets, jackets, pants, shoes or boots, coats, blankets, rugs, curtains, and the like. The textile or fabric may also include an iodine or iodine containing coating, to absorb radioactive radiation, and to kill airborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to asphalt generally, and more particularly to polymeric products containing asphalt-based additives to achieve various properties and/or reduce cost. In one embodiment, this invention relates the use of asphalt as a resin replacement and/or a colorant in a plastic product. In one such embodiment it relates to rigid foamed polymeric board wherein asphalt is added to increase insulating capability of the polymeric foamed board.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used to make recurring loan payments (e.g., mortgage payments) through a transaction card account. Information is received at a transaction account system from a loan company system corresponding to an application received at the loan company system from a requester for a loan involving automatic debits to a transaction card account. A determination is made as to whether the requestor is eligible for the loan to be associated with a transaction card account. If not, the customer receives a communication of rejection. If eligible, a determination is made whether the transaction account system has stored therein a transaction card account of the requestor. If no, a transaction card account is opened for the requester and associated with the loan. If yes, the loan payment is associated with the transaction card account bill. Periodic debits to the transaction card account are automatically made that correspond to a recurring loan payment amount for the loan.

Abstract: Directional wire antennas for use in article or personal tracking and/or inventory monitoring or control systems wherein the antennas are specifically configured to provide a tunable vertical beam angle which is less than their horizontal beam angle. The antennas are modified or non-balanced dipole or monopole structures having non-symmetrical wire legs wherein at least one leg has segments extending angularly in a linear manner in two separate planes. In preferred embodiments the antennas are designed to receive signals from active RFID (radio frequency identification) tags placed on objects to be monitored within confined or defined structures without bleed over of signals from tags placed on objects at different vertical levels of the structure.

Abstract: A thermal management circuit material comprises an electrically conductive layer; a dielectric layer comprising a polymer matrix and a thermally conductive, electrically non-conductive particulate filler, wherein the dielectric layer is disposed on and in at least partial contact with the electrically conductive layer, and wherein the circuit material has a thermal conductivity of greater than or equal to about 1 watt per meter-degree Kelvin.

Abstract: A computer has computer instructions corresponding to a method for motivating competitors in an enterprise setting. The computer, for example, has computer instructions for providing (102) a number of selectable iconic figures in a customizable graphical user interface (GUI). The computer further has computer instructions for selecting (108) an iconic figure for each of a plurality of competitors in an enterprise setting, establishing (110) one or more competitive metrics for the competitors, monitoring (118) the one or more competitive metrics for each competitor, and updating (120) the iconic figure of each competitor according to changes in their respective one or more competitive metrics.

Abstract: This invention relates to foam insulating products, particularly extruded polystyrene foam, containing asphalt as an infrared attuation and process additives for improving the insulating properties and for reducing the manufacturing cost of the foam products.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for removing airborne pathogens and toxic substances from a surface of an article or a volume of air, comprising: a main processing chamber having a door for ingress to and egress from the main processing chamber, at least two high voltage electrodes for generating a current. The electrode can form ozone, if desired, to destroy pathogens. Optionally, the electrodes can be in a sealed or unsealed glass tube, with or without mercury, to generate ultraviolet light for photochemical reaction with pathogens or other contaminants. The apparatus also includes a post processing chamber comprising at least one filter for removing or absorbing airborne particulates and pathogens, and includes low voltage electrodes to neutralize charges in air transmitted from the main processing chamber.

Abstract: Therapeutic combinations useful in the treatment or prevention of psychotic disorders, to pharmaceutical compositions containing said combinations, and to their use in the treatment or prophylaxis of psychotic disorders are provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory array with an extra column of memory cells and a reference bit line is provided, in which the reference bit line acts as a reference for a shared precharging and clamping control on the bit lines in the array. Precharge transistors are coupled to respective bit lines in the array, and adapted to precharge voltage on the respective bit lines to near a target level. A detector has an input coupled to the reference bit line and an output coupled to the precharge transistors on the plurality of bit lines. The detector generates a precharge signal which turns off the precharge transistors when the reference bit line has a voltage near the target level, and turns on the precharge transistors when the reference bit line has a voltage below the target level.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory array with an extra column of memory cells and a reference bit line is provided, in which the reference bit line acts as a reference for a shared precharging and clamping control on the bit lines in the array. Clamp transistors are coupled to respective bit lines in the array, and adapted to prevent voltage on the respective bit lines from exceeding a target level. A comparator has an input coupled to the reference bit line and an output coupled to the clamp transistors on the plurality of bit lines. The comparator generates a bias voltage which turns on the clamp transistors at a first bias level when the reference bit line has a voltage below the target level, and a second bias level, which is lower than the first bias level, when the reference bit line has a voltage near the target level.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for sanitizing a plurality of articles, which comprises a housing enclosing a sanitizing zone, the housing having a seal for preventing leakage of gas or fluid from the sanitizing zone; a pump for introducing an antimicrobial fluid into the sanitizing zone; and a pump for withdrawing the fluid from the sanitizing zone. The device also includes at least one high power microwave source and at least one ultraviolet irradiating source, or a microwave source that also generates ultraviolet radiation. Preferably, the gas is a halogen, such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a gas or fluid containing chlorine or bromine ions, but it can be ozone or another gas which kills bacteria, microbes, viruses, and other pathogens. The fluid can also be sprayed droplets or vaporized sodium hypochlorite, or similar antiseptic agent.