Abstract: The invention relates to data processing apparatus and methods for method oriented invocation (MOI) of data processing service modules. MOI Adapters and methods interface compound messages with service modules that process them, advantageously reducing memory and processing time utilization. Compound messages may be progressively parsed and processed, identifying the constituent information items needed by a service module and invoking the service module when all needed information items are available, without using resources to maintain and process superfluous message data. Multiple service modules may be addressed by a single MOI Adapter.

Abstract: The invention relates to data processing systems and methods facilitating the creation of computer code files for making MOI Adapters that advantageously interface compound messages with service modules that process them. An MOI Controller Compiler utilizes multiple input data sources, correlates their contents as needed, and produces the computer code file. Data sources accessed by the MOI Controller Compiler provide information about the construction and content of a compound message, the interface for a service module, and possibly information about correspondences between components of the message and interface. The multiple input data sources may derive from a unified input file.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate and conduct the programming and implementation of object-oriented computer programs with improved object portability. In one embodiment, a portable component is created that has a pure object for performing desired data processing goals, such as accessing customer account information. The pure object is developed independently of a component system with which it may be deployed. The portable component also has a descriptor block for providing a description of the pure object's capabilities at execution time. The portable component is coupled at runtime with a technology adapter that mediates between the portable component and a particular component system so that the technology-independent portable component can be exercised by requests made to the particular component system. Elements disclosed for providing improved portability of programming objects may be individually, or in combination, provided to system developers and users by various means and methods.

Abstract: Markers of multiple sclerosis and methods and kits utilizing same for diagnosing multiple sclerosis in an individual are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate and conduct the programming and implementation of object-oriented computer programs with improved object externalization and internalization. Program code allows an instance of a user-defined class to be viewed by other program elements as a block of memory containing one or more data items. The data items are the attributes of the object instance. An attribute map effectively describes the object instance by indicating, for example, the location of a particular attribute within the memory block. The attribute map may also directly or indirectly indicate, for example, the size of the attribute, the type of the attribute, and whether the attribute is rudimentary or aggregate in composition. Other program code, external to the object, uses a pointer to the object and the attribute map to externalize the object, i.e., transform the representation of an object to a secondary format.