Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device has a memory array which is partitioned into a plurality of blocks. Each block has an associated row decoder. Each block has a plurality of local bit lines connecting memory cells arranged in the same column. The row decoder is connected to a plurality of row lines which are connected to memory cells arranged in the same row. A plurality of global column lines traverse across a plurality of blocks with each global column line associated with a local bit line from each of the blocks. A column decoder is connected to the plurality of the global column lines. A switch connects each global column line with its associated local bit line from each of the blocks. A control circuit determines when a particular block is to be programmed and a different block needs to be erased and activates the switches accordingly to cause the erase voltage to apply to one block and the programming voltage to apply to the second block.

Abstract: A low-power high-intensity lighting apparatus includes a lamp base, a lamp housing, and a lamp unit. The lamp base includes a parabolic reflector. The lamp housing is mounted on the lamp base, and includes a surrounding wall and an optical condenser. The surrounding wall has a first open end, and a second open end opposite to the first open end. The optical condenser is mounted on the lamp housing at the second open end. The lamp unit is mounted on the lamp base, extends into the lamp housing through the first open end of the surrounding wall, and generates light that propagates toward the parabolic reflector and that is reflected by the parabolic reflector toward the optical condenser.

Abstract: A method of forming a backlight assembly is presented. The invention reduces the degradation of display quality caused by an uneven expansion of the reflective sheet in a display device. The reflective sheet may be positioned between the light guiding plate and the base in a backlight assembly of a display device. The backlight assembly includes a light source, a light guiding plate positioned to guide light from the light source in a predetermined direction, a base on which the light guiding plate is mounted, and a reflective sheet positioned between the light guiding plate and the base. The reflective sheet has a cutout. A supporting structure extends through the cutout between the light guiding plate and the base to support the light guiding plate. A liquid crystal display device made with such backlight assembly is also presented.

Abstract: A ferritic stainless steel sheet contains abut 0.01 percent by mass or less of carbon; about 1.0 percent by mass or less of silicon; about 1.5 percent by mass or less of manganese; about 11 to about 23 percent by mass of chromium; about 0.06 percent by mass or less of phosphorous; about 0.03 percent by mass or less of sulfur; about 1.0 percent by mass or less of aluminum; about 0.04 percent by mass or less of nitrogen; about 0.0005 to about 0.01 percent by mass of boron; about 0.3 percent by mass or less of vanadium; about 0.8 percent by mass or less of niobium and/or about 1.0 percent by mass or less of titanium wherein 18?Nb/(C+N)+2(Ti/(C+N))?60; and the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities. The average crystal grain diameter is about 40 ?m or less and the average surface roughness is about 0.3 ?m or less.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptides that stimulate gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction, including human prokineticin 1 and human prokineticin 2 polypeptides, and functional fragments and modifications thereof. Also provided are methods of stimulating gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction in a mammal, by administering to the mammal an effective amount of a prokineticin polypeptide. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding a prokineticin polypeptide, and antibodies that selectively bind a prokineticin polypeptide. Further provided are methods of identifying a prokineticin receptor ligand, agonist or antagonist.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved performance of built-in-self-tests (BISTs) in integrated circuits, where variability is introduced into the self tests to improve the coverage of the tests. In one embodiment, an LBIST system includes scan chains interposed between levels of functional logic in a circuit under test. An exemplary method includes the steps of, for each of one or more initial scan chains, filling the initial scan chains with data comprising a pseudorandom pattern of bits, determining a number of levels of functional circuitry and corresponding subsequent scan chains through which to propagate the data and propagating the data from the initial scan chains through the determined number of levels of functional circuitry and corresponding subsequent scan chains. The number of levels of circuitry through which data is propagated is varied from one test cycle to another based upon a pseudorandom input signal.

Abstract: There is provided a niobium alloy powder suitable for manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitors having small leakage currents and high capacitances, where the powder is obtained by enhancing the thermal stability of the niobium oxide coating film while improving the temperature dependence of the sintering behavior of the powder. The niobium alloy powder includes one or more of molybdenum, chromium, and tungsten each with a content of 0.002 to 20% by mass, and phosphorus and boron each with a content of 0.002 to 5% by mass, and moreover, includes hydrogen with a content of 0.005 to 0.10% by mass, the balance being substantially niobium; the specific surface area of the powder is from 1 to 20 m2/g; the powder has a cumulative pore volume of 0.2 ml/g or more; and the cumulative volume of the pores each having a diameter of 1 ?m or less makes up 10% or more and the cumulative volume of the pores each having a diameter of 10 ?m or less makes up 40% or more in relation to the total cumulative pore volume.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system for conducting elemental measurements using cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). The present invention provides sensitivity thousands of times improved over conventional devices and does so with the advantages of low power, low plasma flow rate, and the ability being sustained with various gases.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardl

Abstract: A differential sensing content addressable memory cell without any word lines connected to the cells in the same row comprises a first bit line for supplying a first bit. A first storage element has a first phase change resistor for storing a first stored bit, which is connected in series with a first diode. The first storage element is connected to the first bit line. A second bit line supplies a second bit, with the second bit being an inverse of the first bit. A second storage element has a second phase change resistor for storing a second stored bit, which is connected in series with a second diode. The second storage element is connected to the second bit line.

Abstract: A showerhead as described herein includes a translucent hollow body having a fluid chamber, and a fluid distribution element configured to release fluid contained in the fluid chamber. The fluid distribution element includes a plurality of raised concentric rings having peaks that serve as the fluid release points. The fluid distribution element contains a number of fluid ducts that are specifically shaped to transport the fluid from the fluid chamber toward the fluid release points. The translucent nature of the showerhead creates an optical lens effect that illuminates the showerhead and the water droplets formed by the showerhead. The illumination of the water droplets creates a pleasant showering experience for the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for managing environmental audit information which includes receiving environmental audit information, accessing a predetermined set of environmental audit protocols, associating the audit information with at least one of the environmental audit protocols to form at least one environmental audit record, and storing the environmental audit record. The system of the present invention may also restrict access to the audit record, such that a quality assurance reviewer may review said audit record and may designate the status of that review, but may not modify the contents of the audit record.

Abstract: A machine for loading a load carrier (20) such as a pallet with packing units (cardboard boxes, collis etc.), which form a load stack (21) on the load carrier, is presented. The machine includes handling and support mechanism (52–57), that allows a packing unit (15) to be loaded. The handling and support mechanism supports the load from below throughout the operation of loading from a feed device (51) onto the load stack. By virtue of the handling and support mechanism, the packing unit may be deposited at any selectable spatial position on the load stack. It is therefore possible to form an optimized load stack on the load carrier in which the packing units are always supported from below, with the result that the loading is not dependent upon the material quality of the packaging of the packing unit.

Abstract: The “fuel-air pressure ratio” combustion control system for maintaining a selected fuel-air ratio for a combustion apparatus supplied with air at a substantially constant volumetric rate is improved by means for adjusting the flow rate of fuel in relation to temperature fluctuations of the air. A temperature sensor positioned in the air stream before it mixes with the fuel is connected to a converter which transmits converted temperature signals from the sensor as adjustments of a remote control, secondary valve in the fuel line downstream of a primary valve regulating the flow of fuel. Fuel temperature fluctuations can also be converted into adjustments of the remote control, secondary valve.

Abstract: A method for preventing blurring of an image includes the steps of projecting an image onto a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensors, monitoring a value proportional to a number of photons received by each photosensor in the array; determining a second derivative of the monitored value for each photosensor at least once during exposure; comparing the second derivative to a threshold value that varies during exposure, and recording the monitored value and time at which the second derivative has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for generating a lead by determining an estimated for a vehicle. The system may receive vehicle identifying information; receive seller identifying information; receive information for a sample of vehicles of the same make and model as the vehicle; determine a value for vehicle using the vehicle identifying information and the historical information, wholesale sales through auctions and at dealerships; (and also vehicle condition information if provided), and determine an estimated value, estimated value range, or offer price for the vehicle using predetermined buyer criteria and the determined value. This offer may then be transmitted to the seller in the form of a price certificate, appraisal report, etc., and the seller identifying information may be transmittal to the buyer as a sales lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides transcription factors associated with the hedgehog signaling pathway that are regulated by dephosphorylation by phosphatases. Hedgehog response elements (HRE) that interact with the dephosphorylated transcription factors are also provided as well as methods for identifying compounds that are phosphatase inhibitors. Methods of treating tumors in a subject by modulating the phosphorylation of the transcription factor are also included.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an internal firewall configured to operate in a personal computer, which is configured to operate with other computers connected to a network. The personal computer includes at least two microprocessors. The firewall is configured to deny access to a first microprocessor of the personal computer by one of the other computers of the network during a shared operation involving the personal computer and the other computers of the network. The firewall is also configured to allow access to a second microprocessor of the personal computer by the other computers during the shared operation.