Abstract: A self-adaptive method for controlling a self-biased PLL system is disclosed. The method comprises providing an application-dependent input frequency; and providing an application-dependent number N representing the ratio between the output frequency and the application-dependent input frequency to the PLL system. In a system and method in accordance with the present invention, the bandwidth and damping factor are tracked, not only with the input frequency but with the divider ratio as well. Therefore, jitter is minimized for any operating condition (i.e., input frequency variations [N]). The charge-pump current is made to be proportional to the VCO current ID and inversely proportional to the frequency range N; and the loop filter resistor is made to be inversely proportional to the square root of the VCO current ID and proportional to N. In so doing, the bandwidth and damping factors can be tracked more comprehensively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are replication-competent adenovirus vectors comprising co-transcribed first and second genes under transcriptional control of a heterologous, target cell-specific transcriptional regulatory element (TRE), wherein the second gene is under translational control of an internal ribosome entry site. Methods for the preparation and use of such vectors are also provided. The vectors provide target cell-specific virus replication in applications such as cancer therapy and gene therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used to step and correct the position of raster lines in a sinusoidal or zig-zag deflection system. By combining the magnetic flux generated with a rotation “twister” coil and a vertical deflection coil, scan lines can be uniformly spaced and separated nearly to their ends. Accordingly, the magnetic flux generated with the twister coil is adjusted going in the left to right direction then reversed in polarity and readjusted while returning from right to left. It is this controlled twister flux that combines with the linear vertical deflection flux to straighten and then step each scan line to produce an aligned raster.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided which automatically distribute tasks associated with a telephone system and tasks associated with a computer system between a plurality of agents tracking ACD telephone status of the plurality of agents and tracking computer status of the plurality of agents. When a request for a computer task is received, an agent of the plurality of agents is assigned to the computer task corresponding to the received request based on the ACD telephone status and the computer status of the agent of the plurality of agents.

Abstract: Host cell specific adenovirus vehicles are provided for transfecting target host cells. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon transcription factors that are only active in specific, limited cell types, virus replication will be restricted to the target cells. The modified adenovirus may be used as a vehicle for introducing new genetic capability, particularly associated with cytotoxicity for treating neoplasia.

Abstract: Methods for rapid detection and/or semi-quantitation of anti-adenovirus antibody are disclosed. Anti-adenovirus antibody is detected using a device comprising a membrane with adsorbed antigen which specifically binds anti-adenovirus antibody and an absorbent pad which is contacted with the membrane. By consolidating detection reactions in a confined location and eliminating the need to manually remove input reagents, detection and semi-quantitation is achieved rapidly and conveniently. The invention also provides kits and devices for detection and/or semi-quantitation of anti-adenovirus antibodies.

Abstract: This whole farm assurance and actuarial system is a multi-enterprise certification system that undertakes a modular approach, which allows farms to obtain certification for different enterprises without the need for duplication of inspections or administration. This system includes a plurality of assurance procedures separated into modules. A first module of procedures is applicable to farm independent criteria for meeting requirements of a farm regardless of the type of farm. A second module of procedures is applicable to enterprise-specific criteria for meeting requirements of a first enterprise type, and a third module of procedures applicable to enterprise-specific criteria for meeting requirements of a second enterprise type. The farm is required to comply with requirements of the first module before the farm can be certified for either of the second or third modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar freely in two dimensions by connecting the bar between congruent pantograph trusses. The resistance offered to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The apparatus further incorporates means to record the parameters of the exercise.

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch reaction is conducted using a synthesis gas (mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) as a raw material to synthesize hydrocarbons containing a large amount of olefin. These hydrocarbons are separated into a light fraction and a heavy fraction by means of a heat exchanger and an oxo process is conducted with respect to the olefin contained in the light fraction with a cobalt catalyst. As a result, an oxygenated fuel containing alcohol, aldehyde, etc. is manufactured. The oxygenated fuel made by such a manufacturing method is excellent in lubricity and oxidation stability, has a high cetane number, and is also capable of suppressing generation of soot when the oxygenated fuel is combusted.

Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content, lignin structure and lignin composition in target organisms are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the polynucleotides of the present invention into the genome of a target organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing the production of high titre stocks of recombinant AAV (rAAV) through regulation of expression of the AAV REP and CAP proteins. The methods and compositions of the invention are based on the observation that the low level expression of the AAV REP protein increases the production of AAV viral capsid protein and efficiency of packaging resulting in production of higher titre recombinant viral stocks. The invention encompasses recombinant AAV vectors that direct the expression of AAV REP and CAP proteins and the use of such vectors for the production of novel stable cell lines capable of generating high titre rAAV vectors. The invention provides methods for regulating the expression of the AAV REP gene at the transcriptional and post-translational level.

Abstract: A method for chemically bonding semiconductor wafers and other materials to one another without exposing wafers to wet environments, and a bonding chamber for in situ plasma bonding are disclosed. The in situ plasma bonding chamber allows plasma activation and bonding to occur without disruption of the vacuum level. This precludes rinsing of the surfaces after placement in the chamber, but allows for variations in ultimate pressure, plasma gas species, and backfill gases. The resulting bonded materials are free from macroscopic and microscopic voids. The initial bond is much stronger than conventional bonding techniques, thereby allowing for rougher materials to be bonded to one another. These bonded materials can be used for bond and etchback silicon on insulator, high voltage and current devices, radiation resistant devices, micromachined sensors and actuators, and hybrid semiconductor applications. This technique is not limited to semiconductors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided whereby the motion between two video fields of opposite parity may be measured so as to discriminate between the presence of motion and lack thereof. The level of motion at a specified position is determined by comparing a first motion value derived from successive fields of opposite parity with a second motion value derived from successive fields of the same parity at the spatial location corresponding to that used to generate the first motion value. This determination is made with one field being common to the first and second motion values, and taking the minimum of the first and second motion values to be the motion value at that position.

Abstract: A plasma system for processing large area substrates. In one embodiment the system includes a plurality of radiofrequency (rf) plasma sources removably attached to the rf transparent windows of a processing chamber. The number and distribution of sources is varied to provide the size and uniformity of the plasma field required to treat the substrate. A plurality of plasma probes, such as Langmuir probes, Faraday cups and optical sensor are positioned within the chamber and in electrical communication with the plasma sources adjust the rf field produced by the individual sources to maintain the desired degree of field uniformity.

Abstract: A technique for forming a film of material (12) from a donor substrate (10). The technique has a step of introducing energetic particles (22) through a surface of a donor substrate (10) to a selected depth (20) underneath the surface, where the particles have a relatively high concentration to define a donor substrate material (12) above the selected depth. An energy source is directed to a selected region of the donor substrate to initiate a controlled cleaving action of the substrate (10) at the selected depth (20), whereupon the cleaving action provides an expanding cleave front to free the donor material from a remaining portion of the donor substrate.

Abstract: A method for measuring motion at a horizontal and vertical position between video fields of opposite parity comprising the steps of measuring the signal values of at least two vertically adjacent pixels from a video field of one parity and at least two vertically adjacent pixels from a video field of the opposite parity such that when taken together, the pixels represent contiguous samples of an image at said horizontal and vertical position, and determining whether the signal value of any of the pixels lies between the signal values of adjacent pixels in the field of opposite parity and in response outputting a zero motion value, otherwise, outputting a motion value equal to the lowest absolute difference between any of the pixels and its closest adjacent pixel in the field of opposite parity.

Abstract: A telephony call center system comprises an Internet connection adapted for receiving data from a WEB server, the data originating from the computer platform of a person browsing the Internet, including data identifying the browsing person, such as a telephone number, an IP address or the like, and indicating to the WEB server a desire of the browsing person to communicate with an agent at the call center. The communication desired may be (a) a request for an agent at the call center to receive a call from the browsing person, or (b) a request for a call to be placed to the browsing person from the call center. In both (a) and (b) the practical result is a telephone conference between the browsing person and an agent at the call center.

Abstract: A system for wireless communication comprises an architecture of routers connected to a network and having connected transceivers for wireless transmission and reception of data, and a plurality of hand-held communicators adapted for users to communicate with the network through the routers. The system is adapted to provide wireless Data Network Telephony (DNT), and the hand-held communicators execute Quality of Service (QoS) code adapted to prioritize DNT packet code over all non-DNT traffic, thereby preserving the real-time nature of the DNT code.

Abstract: A general method is provided to achieve frequency conversion in an all-digital frequency conversion device that produces an output signal having a selectable phase and frequency that is substantially synchronous with the input signal to be converted. A multiplicity of time-shifted signals is generated, and appropriate ones are selected to set and reset an output signal. An apparatus, computing system, and software product that implement the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An all-digital frequency conversion apparatus is provided that achieves frequency conversion using a simple phase detector and integer and fractional phase feedback information from a digital oscillator output. In an embodiment, a target phase accumulator unit generates a target phase signal to the phase detector unit. The target phase accumulator unit receives inputs from a reference signal input, and a target phase input value. The digital phase detector unit receives the reference signal, a current phase feedback input signal, and the target phase input signal. The phase detector unit outputs a frequency setting signal to a frequency value generator unit. The detector output is based on the difference between the current phase and the target phase. A frequency value generator unit is configured to output a frequency value signal to a digital oscillator unit that generates a corresponding digital output signal that is directly fed back to the current phase feedback input of the phase detector unit.