Abstract: A system obtains a first parameter (QP1) associated with a quality of an advertisement among multiple advertisements, where the first quality parameter (QP1) does not include a click through rate (CTR). The system functionally combines the first quality parameter (QP1) with at least one other parameter and uses the functional combination to filter, rank or promote the advertisement among the multiple advertisements.

Abstract: A system provides one or more advertisements to users in response to search queries and logs user behavior associated with user selection of the one or more advertisements. The system also logs features associated with selected ones of the one or more advertisements, or associated with the search queries. The system further uses a statistical model and the logged user behavior to estimate quality scores associated with the selected advertisements and aggregates the estimated quality scores. The system predicts the quality of another advertisement using the aggregated quality scores.

Abstract: A system obtains ratings associated with a first set of advertisements hosted by one or more servers, where the ratings indicate a quality of the first set of advertisements. The system observes multiple different first user actions associated with user selection of advertisements of the first set of advertisements and derives a statistical model using the observed first user actions and the obtained ratings. The system further observes second user actions associated with user selection of a second advertisement hosted by the one or more servers and uses the statistical model and the second user actions to estimate a quality of the second advertisement.

Abstract: A hand held non-destructive testing device has a frame which supports an NDI sensor and incorporates means for translation across a surface to be inspected with position registration and resilient means for maintaining the sensor and the translation means in intimate contact with the surface. An ergonomic handle is mounted to the frame for manually controlled translation of the frame incorporates a plurality of control means for control of the sensor in scanning of the surface under inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an aerospace structure, having an edge and a surface, includes a base. Coupled to the base is an edge support adapted to releasably engage the edge of the structure. Also coupled to the base is a stanchion. Moveably coupled to the stanchion is a surface support adapted to support the surface of the structure when the edge of the structure is retained by the edge support.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition comprises an aqueous solution of one to a plurality of salts of glyphosate at a total glyphosate a.e. concentration not less than about 360 g/l, wherein (a) said glyphosate is in anionic form accompanied by low molecular weight non-amphiphilic cations in a total molar amount of about 110% to about 120% of the molar amount of said glyphosate; and (b) a major amount to substantially all of the low molecular weight non-amphiphilic cations are potassium cations. The composition exhibits improved tank-mix compatibility with a phenoxy-type herbicide salt formulation by comparison with an otherwise similar composition having a lower molar amount of said low molecular weight non-amphiphilic cations.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions are provided which cause rapid symptomology while delivering long term control of regrowth of plants. The herbicidal compositions comprise N-phosphonomethylglycine or a herbicidal derivative thereof, a bipyridilium or a herbicidal derivative thereof, and at least one surfactant. A herbicidal spray composition is preparable from a particulate solid concentrate or a liquid concentrate. Also provided is a method for killing or controlling the growth of plants comprising the step of contacting the foliage of said plants with an aqueous herbicidal composition of the invention.

Abstract: A method for using an end effector for inspecting a structure is provided. An end effector includes a magnetically coupled attachment member for connecting the end effector to a control system bridge. An end effector also includes a telescoping arm at least partially disposed inside a tube. A force mechanism provides a force to extend the arm from the tube. A probe attachment, connected to the end of the arm opposite the tube, provides motion in at least one axis relative to the arm for an inspection probe attached to the end effector. Cut-off switches can be used to alert a control system to a separation of the end effector from the bridge and proximity of the bridge to a structure under inspection.

Abstract: Aqueous herbicidal glyphosate compositions are provided, particularly sprayable, ready-to-use (RTU) formulations that are capable of inducing early visually apparent phytotoxic effects while minimizing antagonism to the glyphosate component of the composition and preserving the equally desirable attribute of prolonged control of the treated plants. The compositions combine a glyphosate component and a fatty acid component as a fast symptomology active ingredient and, in one embodiment, are enhanced by the concentration of the fatty acid component utilized and the inclusion of an agronomically acceptable inorganic ammonium salt, preferably ammonium sulfate. In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention include a nonionic surfactant component comprising certain water-soluble, alkoxylated alcohols.

Abstract: An end effector for inspecting a structure is provided. An end effector includes a magnetically coupled attachment member for connecting the end effector to a control system bridge. An end effector also includes a telescoping arm at least partially disposed inside a tube. A force mechanism provides a force to extend the arm from the tube. A probe attachment, connected to the end of the arm opposite the tube, provides motion in at least one axis relative to the arm for an inspection probe attached to the end effector. Cut-off switches can be used to alert a control system to a separation of the end effector from the bridge and proximity of the bridge to a structure under inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate the opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes include ball bearings such as ball and socket bearings for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. A fluid, such as water or pressurized air, may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the structure. A water column skirt may be used to with a probe employing ball bearings for support.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition is provided comprising an aqueous solution of N-phosphonomethylglycine, predominantly in the form of the potassium salt thereof, at a concentration of at least 300 g a.e./l of the composition; and a surfactant component in solution or stable suspension, emulsion, or dispersion in the water, comprising one or more surfactants in a total amount of about 20 to about 300 g/l of the composition, wherein the composition has a viscosity of less than about 250 centipoise at 0° C. or a Gardner color value less than 10.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions are provided which cause rapid symptomology while delivering long term control of re-growth of plants. The herbicidal compositions comprise N-phosphonomethylglycine or a herbicidal derivative thereof a bipyridilium or a herbicidal derivative thereof, and at least one surfactant. A herbicidal spray composition is preparable from a particulate solid concentrate or a liquid concentrate. Also provided is a method for killing or controlling the growth of plants comprising the step of contacting the foliage of said plants with an aqueous herbicidal composition of the invention.

Abstract: Based on recent investigations showing iatrogenic, profound neutropenia (and the fever spikes that often accompany it, which must be medicated immediately to avoid the risk of life-threatening infection) can most accurately be monitored by obtaining daily mucosal neutrophil counts from the patient's oral mucosa rather than obtaining daily counts of the patient's blood neutrophils as in the past, a mouth wash method has been developed for collecting muscosal neutrophils. The mouth wash samples so collected are delivered directly, or in aqueous dilution to a sample pad supported on a strip which sample pad has deposited thereon reagents enabling a colorimetric, fluorescent or chemiluminescent assay of the quantity of an enzyme characteristic of human neutrophils that is present in the sample. This measured quantity can be correlated to mucosal neutrophil count. The method shows outstanding sensitivity, precision and accuracy relative to microscopic methods of counting mucosal neutrophils.

Abstract: A computer system, including a processor, an input device and an output device and that executes an operating system to support the execution, is used to execute first and second sets of application programs. The operating system includes a graphical user interface coupleable through an output driver to the output device and an input interface including an input queue coupleable through an input driver to the input device. 1An environment manager program is also executed by the processor. This program includes a third list of a second set of application programs and a fourth list of application program windows corresponding to the second list of application programs. Execution of the environment manager program provides for the inclusion of the environment manager program in the first and second sets and for selectively swapping with the operating system the first and third lists and the second and fourth lists to switch between the execution of the first and second sets of application programs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to herbicidal compositions or formulations, and to methods of using such compositions or formulations to kill, or control the growth and proliferation of, unwanted plants. In particular, the present invention is directed to herbicidal compositions or formulations, as well as their methods of use, which comprise N-phosphonomethylglycine or a herbicidal derivative thereof, a pyridine analog or a herbicidal derivative thereof, and optionally one or more suitable surfactants, with N-phosphonomethylglycine being in excess relative to the pyridine analog. Such compositions cause early visual symptoms of treatment and/or enhanced effectiveness or control when applied to the foliage of plants.

Abstract: Faults, dimensions and other characteristics of a material or structure are sensed by a coherent beam's reflection from the material during ultrasonic or very fast vibration. The reflected beam acquires a phase substantially different from its original phase and from the phase of a reference beam split from the common source beam. The reflected beam and the reference beam are superimposed by diffraction in a photorefractive polymer composite adaptive holographic beamsplitter, and the superimposed beams are detected by a photodetector capable of detecting small interference changes from ultrasonic surface displacements or perturbations. An apparatus and method defining an improved homodyne interferometer for performing the method is described.

Abstract: A UPS system includes a mechanical backup input line isolation switch to provide mechanical isolation between the primary energy source connected to the input line and the secondary energy source upon detection of a failure of an electronic isolation switch normally providing isolation between the input line and the secondary energy source. Detection of such a failure is accomplished by means of a dummy load which is connected in across the input line. Its impedance is sized to permit a small low level of current flow, above normal leakage current levels permitted by a functioning semiconductor electronic line switch, if energy is reverse coupled from the reserve energy source via a failed electronic line switch without draining significant power from the primary energy source when the UPS is normally operative and deriving power from the primary energy source.