Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic stabilization device positionable about a portion of a spinal column. The stabilization device may generally include a first component and a second component, where the first and second components are movably coupled to one another to define an arcuate path of motion. The stabilization device may also include one or more adjustment elements positionable within first and second adjustment openings to affect the path of motion between the first and second components and/or the behavior and characteristics of the movement. In addition, one or more resistive elements may be adjustably positionable within either and/or both of the first and second adjustment openings to provide resistance and/or dampening of the forces experienced as the first and second components move relative to one another. The stabilization device may further define a joint having three degrees of freedom to adapt to movement of a spinal column.

Abstract: The invention provides a sanitizing composition in the form of a viscous liquid or gel suitable for use as a handwash composition comprising alcohol, water and a thickener wherein the viscous liquid or gel has particles suspended therein, wherein said particles provide the composition with a granular texture and are capable of being worn away when rubbed. The particles may deliver one or more agents to the skin e.g. antimicrobial, antibacterial or antiviral agents, emollients and/or moisturizers, fragrances, colorings or UV markers.

Abstract: An active vibratory pedal assembly including a pedal and means integrated with the pedal for causing the vibration of the pedal which, in one embodiment, comprises a vibration generation assembly located and mounted to the underside of the pedal plate which includes an electric motor and an eccentric coupled to and rotatable relative to the motor and adapted to generate a force that causes the vibration of the pedal plate for providing an operator with a sensory signal of a vehicular condition or event such as, for example, a vehicle's excessive speed.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide compositions for exfoliating particles and methods for their manufacture. In one exemplary embodiment, the exfoliating particles may comprise a derivative of a botanically-sourced emollient, stearyl stearate, and at least one of: candelilla wax, is bran wax, sunflower wax, jojoba esters, carnauba wax, bees wax, corn wax, a saturated wax-ester, castor wax, ouricury wax, hydrogenated lanolin, and a hydrogenated triglyceride wax, Exemplary methods for producing the exfoliating particles may comprise melting, combining, and/or homogenizing the components of the exfoliating particles and cooling the resultant mixture in a process to form particles of a desired shape and/or size. The exfoliating particles may be for topical use and may be stable in personal care compositions.

Abstract: Compounds that activate a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 are provided. Certain compounds selectively activate the receptor subtype 1 in relation to the sphinogosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 3. Uses and methods of inventive compounds for treatment of malconditions wherein activation, agonism, inhibition or antagonism of the S1P1 is medically indicated are provided.

Abstract: A three-quarter bridge power converter includes a first switch configured to selectively couple a switch node to a higher voltage. The power converter also includes a second switch configured to selectively couple the switch node to a lower voltage. The power converter further includes a third switch configured to selectively cause a third voltage to be provided to the switch node when the first and second switches are not coupling the switch node to the higher and lower voltages. The third switch may be configured to selectively couple the switch node to an energy storage or energy source, such as a capacitor. The third switch may also be configured to selectively couple an energy storage or energy source to ground, where the energy storage or energy source is coupled to the switch node.

Abstract: Human sebum mimetics and methods for producing human sebum mimetics are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a human sebum mimetic comprises a wax ester derived from interesterification of refined botanical oil comprising palmitoleic acid and refined jojoba oil, a phytosterol, phytosqualene, and/or phytosteryl macadamiate. Method for producing a human sebum mimetic comprises mixing refined macadamia oil and refined jojoba oil, interesterifying the refined macadamia oil and the refined jojoba oil, adding a phytosterol, adding phytosteryl macadamiate, and adding phytosqualene after the interesterifying.

Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for protecting eggs in an egg carton from breaking has an element surrounding an egg carton with eggs and having an inner chamber for receiving the egg carton with eggs in it, with a size corresponding to an outer size of the egg carton with eggs, and the element has an impact-absorbing property such that when the egg carton with eggs is located in the inner chamber of the element and is subjected to an outside impact, the element absorbs the impact and the eggs in the egg carton do not break.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a mutant acetaldehyde-CoA/alcohol dehydrogenase or mutant alcohol dehydrogenase and confer enhanced tolerance to ethanol. The invention also provides related expression vectors, genetically engineered microorganisms having enhanced tolerance to ethanol, as well as methods of making and using such genetically modified microorganisms for production of biofuels based on fermentation of biomass materials.

Abstract: The present invention includes a thermochromic dental material comprising a polymeric dental composition; and a temperature sensitive thermochromic dye in contact with the polymeric dental composition, wherein the temperature sensitive thermochromic dye is colorless at body temperature and undergoes a reversible color change at a temperature of between 99-160° F.

Abstract: Compounds of the following generic structure are provided: Such compounds activate a sphingosine-I-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 (S1P1), and have utility in the treatment of malconditions mediated by S1P1 activation. More specifically, such compounds are beneficial in the treatment of, for example, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection and/or adult respiratory syndrome.

Abstract: Protein nanoparticles encapsulate cargo proteins within an enclosure containing a protected chemical milieu. Encapsulation within such protected chemical milieu enhances the employability and performance of cargo proteins, particularly cargo enzymes, particularly within otherwise hostile chemical environments. Protein nanoparticles are assembled using shell proteins, such as viral coat proteins like Q?, in the presence of a bifunctional polynucleotide and the selected cargo protein. The bifunctional polynucleotide includes two aptameric activities that assist the disposition and retention of cargo proteins within the protein nanoparticle.

Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an organism having an enzyme in a sample, comprising: a cartridge for containing the sample and a substrate such that the enzyme can react with the substrate to produce a biological molecule; a partitioning element mounted in a recess in a base of the cartridge, the partitioning element allowing partitioning of the biological molecule thereinto; a light source for irradiating the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element; and, a detector for detecting fluorescence of the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element, the detected fluorescence being indicative of presence of the organism in the sample; wherein the light source is in a raised cartridge mount of the system that mates with the recess in the base of the cartridge. Also provided is a method for calibrating said system and quality control cartridges for use in same.

Abstract: Compounds of the following generic structure are provided: Such compounds activate a sphingosine-I-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 (S1P1), and have utility in the treatment of malconditions mediated by S1P1 activation. More specifically, such compounds are beneficial in the treatment of, for example, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection and/or adult respiratory syndrome.

Abstract: Compounds of the following generic structure are provided: Such compounds activate a sphingosine-I-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 (S1P1), and have utility in the treatment of malconditions mediated by S1P1 activation. More specifically, such compounds are beneficial in the treatment of, for example, multiple sclerosis, transplant rejection and/or adult respiratory syndrome.

Abstract: Compounds that activate a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 are provided. Certain compounds selectively activate the receptor subtype 1 in relation to the sphinogosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 3. Uses and methods of inventive compounds for treatment of malconditions wherein activation, agonism, inhibition or antagonism of the S1P1 is medically indicated are provided.

Abstract: Compounds that activate a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor of the subtype 1 are provided. Certain compounds selectively activate the receptor subtype 1 in relation to the sphinogosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 3. Uses and methods of inventive compounds for treatment of malconditions wherein activation, agonism, inhibition or antagonism of the S1P1 is medically indicated are provided.