Abstract: A real time monitoring and control system (101) interfaces with service supply entities such as SMSC, MSC, GGSN, SGSN, and IP probe entities. A data manager (104) maintains account resource data associating each of a plurality of accounts with one or more services, in which at least one account is associated with a plurality of services. Each account may have multiple pots, each associated with a type of resource such as bytes, packets, or time. A session manager (102) monitors concurrent service usage in real time and generates messages or control instructions for account modification and for account resource re-allocation across services in real time according to service usage. The session manager (102) dynamically re-distributes available account resources to sessions as the sessions occur, including resource re-allocation during a plurality of sessions including scalar and event-based sessions.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel associations between polymorphisms in the genes encoding the human Epithelial Na+ Channel (ENaC) and COPD. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for assessing the predisposition and/or susceptibility of an individual to COPD, which method comprises detecting the presence of a polymorphism in one or more human ENaC-encoding genes, in particular position 3870 of SEQ ID:1 encoding SCNN1B or position 10544 of SEQ ID NO: 2 encoding SCNN1G. The invention also relates to a method of treating a human identified as having a polymorphism in one or more human ENaC-encoding genes with a drug capable of treating COPD.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a virtual network of real-world entities are provided. In various embodiments, the methods and systems receive a database identifying real-world entities wherein the database can include relationships between entities and attributes. Some attributes can be associated with strengths. Upon receiving a search query from a user, the methods and systems can dynamically match entities based on the received query and the strengths to provide a response to the received search query.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation, testing and use of a model of at least part of an organisation. The model includes a number of elements and components linked thereto. Typically where there are a number of components, some of the components are linked so as to allow data from one component to be passed to a linked component and used in the performance of that component. This allows the model to be accessed and utilized by user's with a reduced technical expertise in comparison to previous systems as many of the components can be performed automatically, and in the required sequence once the user has accessed and commenced use of a first component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of an association between the gene encoding FGF-BP1 (fibroblast growth factor-binding protein) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The invention identifies a role for FGF-BP1 in COPD. The present invention therefore relates to diagnostic techniques for the detection of COPD by detecting all or part of this gene, its precursors or products (mRNA, cDNA, genomic DNA, or protein). The present invention also provides methods and as-says for identifying compounds which modulate FGF-BP1 and which may be used for treating respiratory diseases such as COPD. Furthermore, the invention relates to polymorphisms in the genes encoding FGF-BP1. The invention also relates to the use of polymorphisms in the FGF-BP1-encoding genes in assessing predisposition and/or susceptibility of an individual to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Abstract: A method of packaging and sterilizing disposable articles for surgical operations, in which several surgical articles are packed in a first package that is packed in a transport package and thereafter transported to a plant for sterilizing with the aid of ethylene oxide, whereafter the first package is sterilized in this plant. A second package containing sterile packaged surgical articles of a type, that can not sustain sterilizing, or for other reasons should not be sterilized with ethylene oxide, is brought together with the first package before this package is packed into the transport package and before this package is transported to the sterilizing plant, the second package being impermeable to ethylene oxide. A transport package used in the method and a package for sterile packaged articles, which can not sustain sterilizing or should not be sterilized with ethylene oxide is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressurised medicament canister has a valve which dispenses a metered dose upon being released from a depressed condition. An inhaler device adapted for use with the canister has a breath-actuated latch mechanism arranged in use to latch the canister in a depressed condition and further to release the latch in response to inhalation through the inhaler by a user. Additionally, a dose counter for counting the number of doses dispensed from the canister comprising a counter member having a helical toothed track which is incrementally advanced each time a dose is dispensed from the canister. Also a valve for the canister comprising a sliding seal delimiting the metering chamber and slidable relative to a nozzle member, said sliding seal being biased in use to reduce the volume of the metering chamber substantially to zero once the metering chamber has been vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A powder inhaler includes a container for storing powdered medicament. A metering member has a dosing recess and is moveable between a filling position in which the dosing recess is in alignment with an opening of the container, and an inhalation position in which it is in alignment with an inhalation channel. A mouthpiece is in communication with the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of powdered medicament when in the inhalation position. A protective member provided between the metering member and the inhalation channel is moveable between a closed position in which the protective member covers the dosing recess, thereby preventing powdered medicament contained in the dosing recess from entering the inhalation channel, and an open position in which the protective member does not cover the dosing recess, thereby exposing the dosing recess to the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of the powdered medicament.

Abstract: A powder inhaler includes a container for storing powdered medicament. A metering member has a dosing recess and is moveable between a filling position in which the dosing recess is in alignment with an opening of the container, and an inhalation position in which it is in alignment with an inhalation channel. A mouthpiece is in communication with the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of powdered medicament when in the inhalation position. A protective member provided between the metering member and the inhalation channel is moveable between a closed position in which the protective member covers the dosing recess, thereby preventing powdered medicament contained in the dosing recess from entering the inhalation channel, and an open position in which the protective member does not cover the dosing recess, thereby exposing the dosing recess to the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of the powdered medicament.

Abstract: A system and a method are presented for detecting the presence of at least one clock signal of a defined clock frequency applied to at least one input port of an integrated circuit system, wherein the a first number M of clock pulses related to the at least one clock signal within a predefined cycle period is counted and the counted first number M of clock pulses is compared with a reference number. Depending on the result of the comparison the presence of the at least one clock signal is detected or not.

Abstract: A method for conducting an interactive financial simulation. The method is implemented at least in part by a computer and includes transmitting an initial financial projection for a fictitious company, transmitting a news story, generating a new share price for the fictitious company based on an index, generating a new financial projection for the fictitious company based on a set of decisions selected for implementation by a participant of the interactive financial simulation, and generating a final share price for the fictitious company based on a final set of decisions selected for implementation by the participant.

Abstract: A method and system for simulation of an electronic circuit is provided, the circuit being represented by a network of a plurality of logic elements, the circuit comprising first and second asynchronous clock domains, whereby jitter elements are additionally inserted at predetermined portions of circuit boundaries between the first and second clock domains, the jitter elements being represented as logic elements, the values of which are randomly set.

Abstract: A powder inhaler includes a container for storing powdered medicament. A metering member has a dosing recess and is moveable between a filling position in which the dosing recess is in alignment with an opening of the container, and an inhalation position in which it is in alignment with an inhalation channel. A mouthpiece is in communication with the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of powdered medicament when in the inhalation position. A protective member provided between the metering member and the inhalation channel is moveable between a closed position in which the protective member covers the dosing recess, thereby preventing powdered medicament contained in the dosing recess from entering the inhalation channel, and an open position in which the protective member does not cover the dosing recess, thereby exposing the dosing recess to the inhalation channel for enabling inhalation of the dose of the powdered medicament.

Abstract: Filter systems that are effective against a broad range of contaminants including HCN, cyanogen chloride (CK), acid contaminants. and basic contaminants such as ammonia without the need (but with the option, if desired) for using molybdenum or chromium containing materials. The filtering systems of the present invention include a tungsten-based material and other impregnants incorporated into a substrate such as filter media particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for the analysis and development of an organisation and the use of elements and sub-elements identified within the organisation in an efficient manner in order to allow predetermined targets to be accomplished. This is achieved by allowing the performance of any said element and associated sub elements to be analysed effectively with respect to and with reference to an organisation representation in which the elements and sub-elements are located.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing a business and/or technical architecture of an organisation. The invention includes the ability to identify and create specific elements which are required for a specific architecture framework and putting these specific elements together within a set of models or views, and allowing access through a visual representation of the architecture framework, along with an apparatus comprising the technical means to accommodate the method allow selection of one or a number of said elements to generate further visualisations and/or links to further database or operating tools while allowing interaction with know organisational representations.

Abstract: Methods and algorithms for quality control in gene expression profiling on DNA microarray technology are disclosed including methods and algorithms for assessing quality control of the printing of a DNA microarray, the preparation of an RNA sample, the labeling of probes, the hybridization between a DNA microarray and probes, the result of washing procedures, the result of scanning procedures, and for quantifying the gene expression data produced by imaging the hybridized DNA microarray.

Abstract: A portable support for a mobile terminal, said support comprising: a generally planar base assembly; and a cradle assembly adapted to receive said mobile terminal, said cradle assembly pivotally attached to said base assembly by means of a hinge, wherein said cradle assembly is pivotable, about said hinge, to a first, upright, position with respect to the base assembly, in which the craddle assembly is arranged in a generally upright position when said base assembly is placed on a horizontal surface, wherein said cradle assembly is pivotable, about said hinge, from said first position, to a second, laid-flat, position with respect to the base assembly, in which the cradle assembly is arranged substantially in the same plane as the base assembly, and wherein said support is arranged such that when said cradle assembly is pivoted from said second position to said first position, further pivoting said cradle assembly is prevented when said cradle assembly reaches said first position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a helpdesk service comprises receiving an electronic request from a user for help on a specified problem, automatically performing a search in a knowledge base system to find potential solutions to the problem, and assigning a confidence rating to each potential solution found. If any potential solutions are found with confidence ratings greater than a threshold value, they are automatically returned to the user without involving a human agent. If no potential solution is found with a confidence rating greater than a threshold value, the request is automatically passed to a human agent for action. Any potential solutions with confidence ratings lower than the threshold value but greater than a second, lower threshold value are automatically presented to the agent as suggested solutions.