Abstract: The present invention provides playing cards which allow a code to be read reliably from the cards shot out at various speeds. Playing cards (1) are provided with a code (2) not readable under a lighting condition of visible light, but readable under lighting conditions other than the visible light. The code (2) comprises four code elements (3) arranged in two rows and two columns and represents suit and rank information of the playing cards (1). The code elements (3) include at least two types of mark which differ in length in a column direction corresponding to a reading direction of the code (2). Row-by-row combinations of the code elements (3) arranged in a row direction orthogonal to the code reading direction can be identified uniquely and the suit and rank information of the playing cards (1) represented by the code (2) can be identified based on the row-by-row combinations of the code elements (3).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of prioritizing a predefined set of electronic data sources includes a step of identifying one or more second data sources corresponding to one or more first data sources if it is determined that the first data sources do not have the ability to provide data related to one or more query dimensions of a query statement. The identified one or more second data sources meet the following criteria: (1) one or more source fields of the one or more second data sources are equivalent to the one or more query dimensions not contained in the first data source; and (2) each source dimension field of the one or more second data sources are either: (A) equivalent to a source field of the first source or (B) have values that are capable of being obtained from the query statement. The one or more first data sources are linked with the corresponding one or more second data sources to generate one or more composite data sources.

Abstract: This invention provides arrays of counter rotating current surface coils for simultaneous reception and transmission with a volume coil for improved signal-to-noise ratio and radio frequency field homogeneity for in particular high-field (4-8 T) imaging of deep body regions, such as central brain structures.

Abstract: A biosensor is disclosed comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of an electrical conductive material such as noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface cleaning pad body comprising a matrix web of binder fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles is provided. The method comprises the steps of depositing a mass of binder fibers onto a conveyor, shielding all but a selected area of the mass of binder fibers, depositing superabsorbent polymer particles onto the selected area of the mass of binder fibers so as to disburse superabsorbent polymer particles throughout a thickness of the mass of binder fibers, and bonding the mass of binder fibers to form a web structure and to substantially contain the superabsorbent polymer particles, thereby providing a cleaning pad body with superabsorbent polymer particles substantially contained in a zone of the mass of binder fibers that occupies at least a portion of the thickness of the mass of binder fibers and the selected area.

Abstract: An interface of the present invention includes a first inverter circuit that inverts a logic level of an input signal given to an external input terminal and outputs the inverted logic level, a second inverter circuit that outputs a potential in which a logic level of an output signal of the first inverter circuit is inverted, that is, a potential higher or lower than a logic of an input signal applied to the first inverter circuit by the amount of a predetermined potential, and a feedback path that positive feedbacks an output signal of the second inverter circuit to the external input terminal. The interface circuit of the invention positive-feedbacks a potential of the output signal of the second inverter circuit and shifts the potential of the external input terminal in a floating state to an H or L level potential.

Abstract: An electronic document, such as an image and a text file for example, may be associated with an action by (1) electronically extracting within a client device features from the electronic document work, (2) transmitting the extracted features from the client device to one or more servers, (3) receiving at the client device from the one or more servers an identification of the electronic document work based on the extracted features, wherein the identification is based on a sub-linear search (or wherein the identification is based on a non-exhaustive search identifying a neighbor), (4) electronically determining an action based on the identification of the electronic document work, and (5) electronically performing the action on the client device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic motion picture camera having an optical receiving system and a beam splitter which splits the receiving beam path into a taking beam path leading to an optoelectronic taking sensor and a viewfinder beam path leading to an optical viewfinder. The camera has an electronic display for the reproduction of an additional image. An optical vision mixer is arranged in the viewfinder beam path by which the taken image and the additional image can be directed in the direction of the viewfinder such that the taken image or the additional image, or the taken image and the additional image as a uniform image, can be observed in the viewfinder.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes releasably mateable plug and receptacle units. At least one socket is enclosed within the receptacle unit and is aligned with at least one permeable membrane disposed in the front end of the receptacle unit. The plug unit includes a body slidably mounted within a longitudinal bore therein. At least one pin extends from the front end of the body and is aligned with at least one permeable membrane disposed in the front end of the plug unit. The plug unit is biased toward a first, de-mate position in which the body is extended rearwardly such that the pin is enclosed with the plug unit and is slidable to a second, mate position in which the body is compressed forwardly such that the pin projects through the permeable membranes of the plug and receptacle units to electrically connect with the socket.

Abstract: Information about an audio or video file played on a device is provided by (a) extracting features from the audio or video file, (b) communicating the features to a database, and (c) receiving the information about the audio or video file from the database. The information might include a song title, an album title, and/or a performer name. The information might include a title of a video work, a director of the video work, and/or names of performers in the video work. The information might be rendered on an output of the device. The information might be stored (e.g., persistently) locally on the device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process to obtain a calcium carbonate material comprising GCC and PCC, presenting a fraction of particles finer than 1 ?m of greater than 80%, preferably of greater than 85%, more preferably of greater than 90%, and even more preferably of greater than 95%, and a specific surface area of less than 25 m2/g, in a cost efficient manner, wherein GCC and PCC are co-ground, possibly with at least another mineral material. An other object of the present invention lies in the co-ground calcium carbonate material in the form of an aqueous suspension and in the form of a dry product. An other object of the present invention lies in the uses of such products in any sector making use of mineral material, and notably in the paper, paint and plastic industries.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting viral infection of a eukaryotic cell by a target virus having a class II virus fusion protein are provided. Also provided are methods of screening a test compound for the ability to inhibit infection by a virus having a class II viral fusion protein. Additionally provided herewith are aqueous-soluble proteins comprising a portion of a class II viral fusion protein comprising a Domain III of the viral fusion protein.

Abstract: A biosensor is disclosed comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of an electrical conductive material such as a noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.

Abstract: Provided are absorbent articles for retaining a malodorous bodily fluid. The absorbent articles comprise an additive that is a quaternary ammonium salt that is water soluble at 37° C., comprises an alkyl C16-C21 chain, and contains at least two oxygen atoms in the anionic portion of the salt. Also provided are methods of preparing absorbent articles, including disposable absorbent articles, containing the above additive.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant mycobacteria expressing an HIV-1 antigen and a malarial antigen. Also provided are Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing an HIV-1 antigen. Further provided are vaccines capable of inducing an immune response in a mammal against HIV-1 and the malarial pathogen. Additionally provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal against HIV-1 and a malarial pathogen. Also provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal against HIV-1. The methods comprise infecting the mammal with any of the above-described mycobacteria.

Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed comprising a container disposed within a housing, the container having a cavity with an opening at the upper end for receiving an item. A cover comprises two or more rounded cover sections pivotally mounted between the container and the housing for movement between an open position and a closed position, the cover sections being biased toward the open position. Vertical downward movement of the container toward the bottom wall of the housing causes the cover sections to overcome the bias and rotate to the closed position. When rotating to the open position, the cover sections recede into a receiving space between the housing and container, thereby exposing the cavity, such that the outer form factor of the storage unit is no larger in the open position than in the closed position.