Abstract: A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to visualize locations of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged items are described. One example method processes received Radio Frequency (RF) waves to extract wave angles to determine a location of one or more RFID tagged items. Additionally, the example method also indicates the location of one or more RFID tagged items via a portable electronic device configured with a transparent visual display.

Abstract: Segmented community flyers are predicated upon segmented communities. Segmented communities are for those web-based users that appreciate the distinction between their “real life” friends in their local geographic communities and their “cyberspace” contacts, many of whom they have never met in person. Further, those web-based users that do appreciate their “real life” friends in their local geographic communities need a way of communicating to many of these “real life” friends at once, without having to spend time preparing and sending multiple emails. Segmented community flyers advantageously accomplish such communication.

Abstract: A computer user interface for use in a transport vehicle (10), which defines a virtual control panel in the upper open area of the vehicle steering wheel (12). The user enters inputs by action in appropriate sections of the virtual control panel area. A computer controlled display (20) illustrates a map to the user of locations of sections in the virtual control panel area, and information that can be input by user action with particular sections. A sensor (22) monitors the virtual control panel area, and produces electronic information corresponding to user action in the virtual control panel area. Software logic in a computer (46) analyzes the electronic information to determine if there has been user action and the location thereof, for designating an action as a particular user input. Based upon the designation, the computer produces an appropriate output, such as operating or adjusting vehicle systems.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a subject is suffering from or at risk for developing cancer. The method includes preparing a nucleic acid sample from a subject, and identifying a single nucleotide polymorphism in the SERPINB13 gene. The presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism indicates that the subject is suffering from or at risk for developing cancer. Also disclosed is a method of treating cancer by administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a nucleic acid encoding the Hurpin protein or an effective amount of the Hurpin protein.

Abstract: A Distributed Computer Resource Bartering System, or DCRBS, software is described whereby a fraction of the computing resources of the individual Peers is bartered amongst them with a single Coordinator software module and a multitude of Peer software modules. The Coordinator and Peer software modules would simultaneously communicate and functionally operate with one another through the software and hardware infrastructure of a computer networking environment such as the Internet. The bartering items of the DCRBS software are further individually valuated and classified into a number of major Bartering Categories, or BTRCT, to effect a natural and commerce driven exchange mechanism. The specific BTRCT includes, but without limitation to, computing power, computing memory, computing storage, computer peripherals, computer files, Internet Access and money.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for displaying a program, commercial or a promotional message to a viewer of a viewing appliance. A method has steps of transmitting a television signal such that a display screen displays live or pre-recorded audio/visual programming; and opening a visually distinct on-screen area, region, window or stripe on the display screen upon command of the viewer, the on-screen area displaying information that provides the viewer with a capability to interactively obtain selected information from an information provider through a data communications network, such as the Internet, or to participate in an interactive application, such as a poll. The method implements steps of sending a first trigger signal (a VBI trigger) from a server for prompting the viewer to select whether the viewer wishes to have the on-screen area displayed during a program and, if the viewer so wishes, operating an input device for sending an affirmative signal to the viewing appliance.