Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting PrP in a biological human or animal sample that may contain PrP. The inventive method is characterised in that it uses a molecule containing at least one positive charge and/or at least one osidic bond and a ligand other than a proteinic ligand selected from macrocyclic ligands and glycosaminoglycanes.

Abstract: A spatial data management system including a spatial database maintained in computer memory, the spatial database including one or more position data sets, the position data sets including respective objective identifiers, geographical data and date/time data. The system also includes an analysis engine configured to retrieve one or more position data sets from the spatial database and to generate display data at least partly from the retrieved position data sets. The system further includes a layout manager configured to receive the display data from the analysis engine and to display to a user a graphical spatial representation of the display data which allows relevant analysis of past performance and/or projections for future performance based on changes to spatial layouts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting PrP in a biological human or animal sample that may contain PrP. The inventive method is characterised in that it uses a molecule containing at least one positive charge and/or at least one osidic bond and a ligand other than a proteinic ligand selected from macrocyclic ligands and glycosaminoglycanes.

Abstract: An auction system 200 in a networked environment. The system includes a preregistration module 201 for identifying and verifying a user of the auction system. The preregistration module checks the credit history of the user and generates a registration record of the user. The system includes an assurance module 210 for conducting a presale inspection of the merchandise item and to generate a merchandise inspection report. The system also includes a description module 215 for displaying the merchandise inspection report and a description report of the merchandise item. The system includes a bidding module 220 for processing a plurality of bids from a plurality of users. The bidding module analyzes each of the plurality of bids from each of the plurality of users to determine whether an incoming bid is higher or lower than a current high bid and to determine a current high bid.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise coloring the hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges are disclosed, wherein each edge creates a different affect when used for hair highlighting. Furthermore, a hair colorist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair colorist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be colored and/or highlighted. The applicators disclosed herein may be used to paint color on the hair, however, such applicators retain their rigidity during use, are faster-drying, and easier to clean than highlighting brushes known in the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color, relaxers, and the like to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise processing hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges, surfaces, tapers, and dimensions are disclosed, wherein each applicator configuration creates a different effect when used for hair processing. Furthermore, a hair stylist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair stylist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be processed. The applicators disclosed herein retain their rigidity during use, are fast-drying, create less waste, and are easy to clean. In one embodiment, a user may tailor the applicator's head design to meet his or her personal needs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of directionally controlling a movable partition includes providing at least one roller assembly and a steering actuator, coupled therewith, to a portion of the partition. A controller may be used to control the steering actuator and thereby select, or change, the orientation of the roller assembly with respect to the partition. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be used to determine the vertical orientation of the partition including whether the partition, or a section thereof, is substantially plumb. If the partition is substantially out of plumb, for example, if a lower edge of the partition is laterally displaced relative to an upper edge of the partition, the controller and steering actuator may cause the at least one roller assembly to direct the partition, or section thereof, in a particular direction until the partition, or section thereof, becomes substantially plumb.

Abstract: Complex multidimensional datasets generated by digital imaging spectroscopy can be organized and analyzed by applying software and computer-based methods comprising sorting algorithms. Combinations of these algorithms to images and graphical data, allow pixels or features to be rapidly and efficiently classified into meaningful groups according to defined criteria. Multiple rounds of pixel or feature selection may be performed based on independent sorting criteria. In one embodiment sorting by spectral criteria (e.g., intensity at a given wavelength) is combined with sorting by temporal criteria (e.g., absorbance at a given time) to identify microcolonies of recombinant organisms harboring mutated genes encoding enzymes having desirable kinetic attributes and substrate specificity. Restriction of the set of pixels analyzed in a subsequent sort based on criteria applied in an earlier sort (“sort and lock” analyses) minimize computational and storage resources.

Abstract: Reducing the peak-to-average power ratio of a signal comprises receiving the input signal, where the input signal is associated with at least one unacceptable frequency range. The input signal is clipped about an amplitude range to yield a clipped signal and clipped information, where the clipped information represents intermodulation products. The clipped information is filtered to yield an error signal. The error signal represents a subset of the intermodulation products, where an intermodulation product of the subset corresponds to the unacceptable frequency range. The error signal is subtracted from the input signal to yield an output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color, relaxers, and the like to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise processing hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges, surfaces, tapers, and dimensions are disclosed, wherein each applicator configuration creates a different effect when used for hair processing. Furthermore, a hair stylist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair stylist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be processed. The applicators disclosed herein retain their rigidity during use, are fast-drying, create less waste, and are easy to clean. In one embodiment, a user may tailor the applicator's head design to meet his or her personal needs.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise coloring the hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges are disclosed, wherein each edge creates a different affect when used for hair highlighting. Furthermore, a hair colorist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair colorist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be colored and/or highlighted. The applicators disclosed herein may be used to paint color on the hair, however, such applicators retain their rigidity during use, are faster-drying, and easier to clean than highlighting brushes known in the prior art.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of extracting sucrose esters from Oriental tobacco, the method comprising: providing a Oriental tobacco material; contacting the solid Oriental tobacco material with a supercritical fluid, such as supercritical carbon dioxide, for a time and under conditions sufficient to extract sucrose esters from the Oriental tobacco into the supercritical fluid; and separating the supercritical fluid comprising extracted sucrose esters from the Oriental tobacco. The resulting extract can comprise more than 90% by weight of tetra-acyl sucrose esters, and can be used as a flavor additive for tobacco materials used in smoking articles.

Abstract: Hyperactive glandular conditions are treated using topically formulated botulinum toxin compositions. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, topical botulinum preparations are applied directly to the skin by a patient as needed to suppress his or her hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, chromhidrosis, nevus sudoriferous, acne, seborrhiec dermatitis or other glandular condition. In other embodiments, topical botulinum toxins are applied with the aid of mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical transdermal delivery enhancers.

Abstract: A process for detecting the forms of the prion pathogens responsible for subacute, transmissible, spongiform encephalopathies, including a macrocyclic adjuvant ligand (AML), free or bound to a support, that is added to a biological sample capable of containing PrPsc, the resulting suspension then being reacted with an anti-PrPsc antibody, and the presence of PrP is then detected.

Abstract: A differential mode inductor includes a first inductor lead that receives a current. A first arm receives the current from the first inductor lead. A center tap receives the current from the first arm. A second arm receives the current from the center tap. The second arm is substantially parallel to the first arm. The current in the first arm flows in the same direction as the current in the second arm. A second inductor receives the current from the second arm.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses a filter element incorporating activated carbon particles. A preferred filter element incorporates a filter material such as cellulose acetate tow, and that tow is plasticized using triacetin. A mixture of propylene glycol and triacetin is contacted with the activated carbon particles, and those particles so treated are incorporated into the filter element. Alternatively, a mixture of propylene glycol and triacetin is incorporated within the filter element, and a portion of that mixture is in contact with at least a portion of the activated carbon particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for manufacturing sleeves, a sleeve dispenser, and a method of manufacturing inexpensive, throwaway sleeves that may be used to protect temples from chemicals, germs, bacteria, and the like. Sleeves may be inexpensively manufactured using a single inexpensive raw material as well as an inexpensive manufacturing process in which no waste material is produced. Furthermore, sleeves may be produced as a compact roll of sleeves to accommodate unobtrusive placement in areas with limited space, thereby facilitating distribution in space-limited facilities such as hair salons, spas, optometrist or ophthalmologist offices, sunglass shops, and the like. In some embodiments, the sleeves include latitudinal and longitudinal perforations that facilitate removal of pairs of sleeves from the sleeve roll and removal of each of the pair of sleeves from each other. After separation, a sleeve aperture is passed over the temple until it is fully covered and protected.

Abstract: A differential mode inductor includes a first inductor lead that receives a current. A first arm receives the current from the first inductor lead. A center tap receives the current from the first arm. A second arm receives the current from the center tap. The second arm is substantially parallel to the first arm. The current in the first arm flows in the same direction as the current in the second arm. A second inductor receives the current from the second arm.

Abstract: A method of predicting compensation data includes obtaining compensation data, associated with a job category, with at least one datum being associated with each of a plurality of characteristics associated with the job category, determining values of factors, associated with respective ones of the caracteristics, and a base value that when used as operands of a function yield estimates of the obtained data such that relationships between the estimates and corresponding obtained compensation data satisfy at least one criterion, and using a portion of the values of factors and the base value by a computer to automatically obtain estimates of compensation data.