Abstract: Improved techniques and systems for delivery and acquisition of digital assets are disclosed. The techniques and systems are especially suitable and useful for delivering digital assets (e.g., media assets) that are available for acquisition and electronic delivery from online stores to electronic devices. In accordance with one aspect, when a digital asset is acquired from an online store via an electronic device associated with a user, the digital asset can be arranged for delivery to a number of other of electronic devices also associated with the user. It will be appreciated that the digital asset can be delivered and acquired without requiring explicit user input or instruction in accordance with another aspect. Other aspects of the techniques and systems include customization of configuration and user interfaces that are provided to facilitate acquisition of digital assets in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: Advanced hologram techniques pre-calculate holograms to be displayed on an LCoS switch panel of a wavelength selective switch (WSS) module. The holograms are generated offline and are then stored on the WSS module for later retrieval. Each of the holograms is associated with a defined parameter, such as an attenuation level, and each of the holograms is configured to create a reconfigurable phase grating profile or pattern of the pixels of the LCoS switch panel. Each phase pattern selectively directs desired diffraction orders of optical channels from the LCoS switch panel for output to selected ports and selectively directs undesired diffraction orders away from the ports and at a desired attenuation level. During operation, the WSS module can retrieve the stored holograms. Interpolation can determine intermediate holograms between parameter values, and a ramp function can be added to the pattern to account for steering adjustments.

Abstract: A medical training device facilitating practice of a task-specific medical procedure for the treatment of a traumatic injury is presented. The invention includes a simulant with or without a simulated wound and an optional case adapted to receive the simulant. For embodiments specific to establishing an emergency airway, the simulant includes a compressible body with an outer covering and an insert with an inner covering. The compressible body and the outer covering approximate a neck. The insert approximates a trachea. The insert is disposed within and separable from the compressible body. The inner covering is disposed between the outer covering and the insert. For embodiments specific to an intramuscular injection, the simulant includes a compressible body, a slot, and a fill. The compressible body approximates a muscle. The slot extends into the compressible body. The slot is adapted to receive the fill. The fill is removably secured within the slot.

Abstract: A method of treating maltodextrin by adding a seed material to an aqueous solution of a maltodextrin having a DE not exceeding about 6 and that is heated to a temperature of at least 70.degree. C. Addition of a seed material promotes aggregate formation and so promotes gelling, resulting in production of a firmer gel than conventionally obtainable.The invention also provides a method of treating maltodextrins by maintaining an aqueous solution or dispersion of maltodextrin having a DE not exceeding about 6 (e.g. Paselli SA2) at a temperature of less than 50.degree. C. for at least 1 hour; then heating the solution or dispersion to a temperature of at least 70.degree. C.; followed by cooling. Maltodextrin treated in this way forms a gel that is firmer in consistency than maltodextrin gels produced by conventional processes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to derivatives of fredericamycin A, their preparation and pharmaceutical uses as antitumor agents.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paged-mapped multi-line telephone communication system where a plurality of line selection keys can be paged to a central control module for an easier and more convenient operation. The operator has a view of all available lines and their status on various modules that are connected to the control module. The operator can select a line through a simplified pagination scheme. A set of lines represented on the auxiliary modules can be transferred to the control module where the operator selects the desired line by pressing the key corresponding to the line which was represented in the page transferred to the control module. To make an outgoing call, or to retrieve a call from another station from hold, the user would first depress the page key on the auxiliary module corresponding to the page or grouping in which the line representation resides.

Abstract: An inflatable cholangiocath (10) includes an elongate shaft (11) having a proximal and a distal end (12,14), a second shaft (15) carried at the distal end and having left and right branches (16,18) adapted to be inserted into an incised duct of a patient and a central drainage lumen (24) extending from the proximal end, through the elongate shaft, and out the left and right branches, balloon means (30) encompassing a portion of the distal end and the left and right branches, the balloon means being closed to the central drainage lumen and, means for selectively inflating and deflating (20) the balloon means within the duct for predetermined periods of time.

Abstract: A process for forming a moulded confection, such as an ice confection, which has a protruding or re-entrant shape (i.e. with a surface portion having a negative draft angle with respect to a desired direction of mould release), characterized by:(a) filling a mouldable confection mix into a thin-walled flexible elastic mould having a cavity corresponding to said protruding or re-entrant shape, and also having in its wall at least one thin-walled flexible elastic cleft or pleat; and(b) solidifying the mouldable mix within the mould, and withdrawing the solidified confection mix from the mould so as to cause the mould to distort and the cleft or pleat to open or unfold and release a confection of said protruding or re-entrant shape from the mould.

Abstract: A composite food product is prepared by dosing a portion of an ice confection onto incipiently gelling calcium alginate or calcium low-methoxy pectate. It forms a depression in which it sits. A particular process described gives a peach Melba product.