Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to share policy information. The policy information may be associated with a smart contract. Accordingly, the policy information may be encrypted using a public key for the smart contract and compiled into a block of the blockchain. In response to a request to provide access to the information to a particular node, the private key for the smart contract may be encrypted using the public key for the particular node and compiled into a block of the blockchain.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a blockchain comprising a plurality of immutable sales records corresponding to sales made by agents of an entity are provided. According to certain aspects, a transaction request indicating a sale made by an agent of the entity may be received at a first node. A block including a sales record indicating the sale made by the agent may be added to a blockchain and transmitted to another node for validation. The first node may add the block to a copy of the blockchain, where the block may be identified by a hash value that references a previous block in the blockchain that includes at least one additional sales record.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel whitening agents for cellulosic substrates. The whitening agents are comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. The whitening agents are further characterized by having a dispersion component value of the Hansen Solubility Parameter of less than or equal to about 17 MPa0.5. This invention also relates to laundry care compositions including but not limited to liquid and/or powder laundry detergent formulations and rinse added fabric softening (RAFS) compositions that comprise such whitening agents.

Abstract: A projectile and stabilizer therefor are provided. The sliding stabilizer is used instead of fixed or glued tail feathers, vanes or other fletching as a means for stabilizing projectile flight. The invention improves current projectile technology with reduced assembly labor cost, the elimination of bow clearance issues, improved accuracy with the consistent production of the sliding stabilizer, easy replacement of the stabilizer in the field, and improved projectile storage. A sliding stabilizer is designed to slide along the shaft of a projectile and comprises a circumferentially extending wing and a plurality of fins. In use, the stabilizer is positioned at the front of the projectile prior to launch, and the projectile slides quickly through the stabilizer until secured at a stop position at or near the trailing end of the projectile. An annular arrow fletch and arrow stabilizer are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.

Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor constructions containing vertically-extending pillars, and methods for forming such constructions. The vertically-extending pillars can be incorporated into transistor devices, and can contain vertically-extending channel regions of the transistor devices. The transistor devices can be incorporated into integrated circuitry, and in some aspects are incorporated into memory constructions, such as, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) constructions.

Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor constructions containing vertically-extending pillars, and methods for forming such constructions. The vertically-extending pillars can be incorporated into transistor devices, and can contain vertically-extending channel regions of the transistor devices. The transistor devices can be incorporated into integrated circuitry, and in some aspects are incorporated into memory constructions, such as, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating physical conditions resulting from postmenopausal estrogen decline in a postmenopausal subject, and in particular methods for reducing the risk of osteoporotic bone fractures in a postmenopausal subject. The present invention also provides a kit useful for carrying out the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating physical conditions resulting from postmenopausal estrogen decline in a postmenopausal subject, and in particular methods for reducing the risk of osteoporotic bone fractures in a postmenopausal subject. The present invention also provides a kit useful for carrying out the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A novel device and method for making an electrical connection to an insulated wire conductor. The device comprises a conductive tube which has a plurality of spring teeth connected thereto and disposed therein so as to virtually block the tube entirely when the teeth are undeflected. Thus, for example, the spring teeth may be formed in a ring which is then secured inside the tube. In order to further enhance the electrical connection, additional sets of spring teeth may be positioned within the tube along its length in a similar manner. The tube also preferably includes an insulation material covering the exterior surface thereof. Advantageously, a portion of the insulation material adjacent each open end of the tube may be formed into a roll which can be rolled out along the wire conductor after it is inserted into the tube, thereby protecting the electrical connection from exposure to moisture and the elements.