Abstract: A system and method for generating query refinement suggestions may include collecting refinement data for at least one received source query. The collected refinement data is then clustered to form at least one cluster. At least one potential refinement query suggestion is identified from the refinement data within the at least one cluster.

Abstract: A stopword detection component detects stopwords (also stop-phrases) in search queries input to keyword-based information retrieval systems. Potential stopwords are initially identified by comparing the terms in the search query to a list of known stopwords. Context data is then retrieved based on the search query and the identified stopwords. In one implementation, the context data includes documents retrieved from a document index. In another implementation, the context data includes categories relevant to the search query. Sets of retrieved context data are compared to one another to determine if they are substantially similar. If the sets of context data are substantially similar, this fact may be used to infer that the removal of the potential stopword(s) is not material to the search. If the sets of context data are not substantially similar, the potential stopword can be considered material to the search and should not be removed from the query.

Abstract: An online system presents remote users with static incentives, dynamic incentives and the ability to create and submit customizable incentives related to goods or services of interest to the user. By using the incentive delivery system, the user can research goods or services of interest and in an interactive fashion create an incentive package most desirable to the user and submit same to a central location. The systems performs decisioning routines on submitted incentive requests and makes such requests available for review. Ultimately, the submitted requests may be accepted or rejected or a counter-incentive may be issued to the user for consideration. A manufacturer, such as an automobile manufacturer, can offer incentives direct to its consumers and enter into an electronic dialogue with its customers to help drive profits and sales in the most efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for managing returnable containers according to a manufacturer's production schedule. It provides capabilities to move and adjust container inventory throughout the entire parts supply chain. Movements of the containers are tracked to ensure each supplier has at all times a physical inventory of containers that is adequate to ship parts in a timely manner to the manufacturer's facilities. Container movement is controlled through the use of process flows and their relationship with physical locations called “inventory holding areas.” An inventory holding area reflects the quantity of containers that are held within that portion of the supply chain. Each of these portions is represented by an “inventory holding area type.” The system and method operate based on the function of the inventory holding area types and the relationships between each other.

Abstract: A method is applied to search terms for determining synonyms or other replacement terms used in an information retrieval system. User queries are first sorted by user identity and session. For each user query, a plurality of pseudo-queries is determined, each pseudo-query derived from a user query by replacing a phrase of the user query with a token. For each phrase, at least one candidate synonym is determined. The candidate synonym is a term that was used within a user query in place of the phrase, and in the context of a pseudo-query. The strength or quality of candidate synonyms is evaluated. Validated synonyms may be either suggested to the user or automatically added to user search strings.

Abstract: A stopword detection component detects stopwords (also stop-phrases) in search queries input to keyword-based information retrieval systems. Potential stopwords are initially identified by comparing the terms in the search query to a list of known stopwords. Context data is then retrieved based on the search query and the identified stopwords. In one implementation, the context data includes documents retrieved from a document index. In another implementation, the context data includes categories relevant to the search query. Sets of retrieved context data are compared to one another to determine if they are substantially similar. If the sets of context data are substantially similar, this fact may be used to infer that the removal of the potential stopword(s) is not material to the search. If the sets of context data are not substantially similar, the potential stopword can be considered material to the search and should not be removed from the query.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for adjusting trim settings for internally generated voltages of an integrated circuit device are provided. In one embodiment the apparatus receives a target digital value for an internally generated voltage, and compares the target digital value to a current digital value for the internally generated voltage. If the comparison indicates that a difference between the target digital value and the current digital value is greater than an allowable threshold, a trim setting used to trim the internally generated voltage is adjusted based on the difference. The trim setting may be adjusted until the difference between the target digital value and the current digital value is less than or equal to the allowable threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions, comprising polypeptides isolated from Staphylococcus epidermidis. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compostions. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus using immunogenic compostions of the Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention also relates to methods for detecting Staphylococcus epidermidis in a biological sample.

Abstract: An isolated, altered fibronectin-binding protein (Fnb) of S. aureus having at least one mutation in an amino acid selected from residues corresponding to Gln103, Gln105, Lys157, Lys503, Lys620, Lys702, Lys762, Gln783 and Gln830 of FnbA of S. aureus strain ATCC49525 is described. Replacement of these reactive residues within the fibronectin-binding protein renders this protein less capable than wild-type Fnb of covalently cross-linking with fibronectin and fibrin. The altered fibronectin-binding protein effectively interferes with adhesion of S. aureus to fibronectin and fibrin, and therefore, an immunogenic composition comprising such altered Fnb exhibits improved immunogenic properties and is safer to use.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof includes a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steamflow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a delivery catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member and including a graft disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular body configured to be secured to a blood vessel by a self expanding attachment system. The attachment system comprises a generally sinusoidal wire frame having apices which extend longitudinally outward from the end of the tubular body apices which are secured within the tubular body. Both the protruding apices and the base apices are formed with helices which bias the attachment system radially outward. The attachment system further includes a plurality of lumen piercing members that are oriented in a responsive relationship to the radially outward bias of the attachment system.

Abstract: Immunogenic polysaccharide-protein conjugates having a polysaccharide antigen (or its oligosaccharide fragment representing one or more antigenic epitopes) derived from a nosocomial pathogen conjugated to a staphylococcal surface adhesin carrier protein are used in immunogenic compositions to elicit antibody responses to both the polysaccharide antigen and the staphylococcal surface adhesin carrier protein. Such immunogenic compositions are used to immunize against diseases caused by Staphylococcal aureus, Staphylococcal epidermidis or other nosocomial pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a medical device wireless adapter, and more particularly, to a module that adapts an existing legacy or newly designed medical device to a healthcare provider's wireless infrastructure.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition that includes a polymeric film forming component, at least one silane coupling agent, and one or more lubricants is provided. The polymeric film forming component of the sizing composition includes a silanated polyvinyl acetate, an epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and a modified epoxy emulsion. In preferred embodiments, the film formers are present in the sizing composition in ratios of 70:25:5, 50:25:25, or 63:18:18 of silanated polyvinyl acetate, epoxidized polyvinyl acetate, and modified epoxy emulsion respectively. Fibers sized with the sizing composition in a sheet molding compound process have improved wet-out characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus, typically for microwave ovens and the like, that has separate compartments for different foods or food components. These separate compartments are such that food components are kept separate during storage, prior to cooking or heating, as well as during cooking or heating, avoiding unwanted mixing of the food components. The apparatus includes compartments configured such that steam, generated by the heating of a food component in a lower compartment is used to steam cook or heat a food component in an upper compartment.

Abstract: Immunogenic polysaccharide-protein conjugates having a polysaccharide antigen (or its oligosaccharide fragment representing one or more antigenic epitopes) derived from a nosocomial pathogen conjugated to a staphylococcal surface adhesin carrier protein are used in immunogenic compositions to elicit antibody responses to both the polysaccharide antigen and the staphylococcal surface adhesion carrier protein. Such immunogenic compositions are used to immunize against diseases caused by Staphylococcal aureus, Staphylococcal epidermidis or other nosocomial pathogens.

Abstract: A method for communicating data using at least one network linking at least one respondent device with at least one monitoring device, said method comprising the steps of: continuously measuring at least one physiologic parameter for purposes of detecting a predetermined event using said at least one monitoring device; operating said network in an off state in which said network is off except for the periodic transmission of patient status data while said network is in a first operative state wherein said predetermined event has not occurred and transmitting said measured data along said at least one said network in a second state when said predetermined event has occurred.