Abstract: Embodiments of a system, a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) that facilitates collaborative interaction with content by multiple users are described. In this system, users of a distributed group of dedicated electronic devices provide signals that indicate their current actions as they view the content. Using these signals, the system provides additional signals for display on the group of electronic devices. These additional signals provide an environment that includes the content and the current user actions, which allows the users to collaboratively interact with the content and with each other. Moreover, the multiple users may be dynamically aggregated based on their actions, which allows a social network to be established and dynamically maintained based on user activities and interests.

Abstract: The present methods and compounds relate to increasing meat tenderness by inducing post-mortem breakdown in muscle tissue. This is achieved by the use of beta-blockers in the pre-mortem period, which results in higher calpastatin levels, and reduced hyperplasia. This is also achieved by the use of agents immediately before slaughter that induce apoptosis in muscle tissue. This is further achieved by administering agents that induce muscle fiber fission.

Abstract: An XOR (exclusive or) encoded document is disclosed for establishing a joint secret between two parties. Encoded on the document are one or more areas of XOR messages. Each area containing an XOR message hides from view on each side of the XOR encoded document a different message on either side of a transparent base layer. To uncover a message in an area containing an XOR message on one side of the transparent base layer, the message on the other side of the XOR encoded document is scratched off and rendered illegible.

Abstract: The present methods and systems relate to the placement on meat surfaces of a dye-linked protease substrate bonded in a defined location to a solid, porous support. Proteases in the meat hydrolyze the substrate, which then releases the dye, which diffuses away so that the extent of diffusion can be determined by imaging. Alternatively, the amount of dye released can be determined by its mobilization into a liquid medium. The present methods and systems also relates to determining the amount of hydrolyzed protein that is present in post-mortem meat samples. Agents which bond to hydrolyzed proteins, but not to unhydrolyzed proteins, are generated, wherein such agents comprise antibodies or aptamers. Such agents are then used in quantitative assays comprising ELISA tests or lateral flow tests.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system and apparatus for playing an audio signal synchronously on a first mobile audio player and at least a second mobile audio player. More particularly, the invention pertains to an audio player device enabled for wireless transmission and reception of an audio signal. In one aspect, a delay enables the audio signal to be played synchronously on the audio player with a second audio player. In another aspect synchronization signals are used to play the audio signal synchronously on the first audio player and the second audio player.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computerized method for identifying peaks corresponding to glycans from a mass spectrum. At least one glycan spectrum is received from a mass spectrometer, with each glycan spectrum including peaks having a measured mass. Glycan identifications are automatically assigned to each of the peaks and these assignments are then reported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moving microorganisms to a surface, where they are grown in the presence and absence of antimicrobials, and by monitoring the growth of the microorganisms over time in the two conditions, their susceptibility to the antimicrobials can be determined. The microorganisms can be moved to the surface through electrophoresis, centrifugation or filtration. When the movement involves electrophoresis, the presence of oxidizing and reducing reagents lowers the voltage at which electrophoretic force can be generated and allows a broader range of means by which the target can be detected. Monitoring can comprise optical detection, and most conveniently includes the detection of individual microorganisms. The microorganisms can be stained in order to give information about their response to antimicrobials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moving microorganisms to a surface, where they are grown in the presence and absence of antimicrobials, and by monitoring the growth of the microorganisms over time in the two conditions, their susceptibility to the antimicrobials can be determined. The microorganisms can be moved to the surface through electrophoresis, centrifugation or filtration. When the movement involves electrophoresis, the presence of oxidizing and reducing reagents lowers the voltage at which electrophoretic force can be generated and allows a broader range of means by which the target can be detected. Monitoring can comprise optical detection, and most conveniently includes the detection of individual microorganisms. The microorganisms can be stained in order to give information about their response to antimicrobials.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a signed hardcopy document and authentication thereof is provided. A data representation including digital data is recorded from a hardcopy document. The digital data is compressed using a compression scheme including one of low-fidelity compression and symbol-based compression. An authentication token is generated from the compressed digital data. The authentication token is encoded. A signed hardcopy document including both the encoded authentication token and the data representation is printed.

Abstract: Individuals share music through portable audio devices that synchronously play music by transmitting music signals from one device to the other. Upon request, other individuals can join such a sharing group as a member, and these new members can either be accepted automatically, or through voting by existing group members. So that members of a group can converse, the fraction of ambient sound admitted by the earphones of the portable device can be manually set. In order to enhance the enjoyment of the music, wearable transducers, such as light emitting diodes, respond to signals related to the beat of the music. Signals can be automatically generated, or manually specified, and signals thereafter stored for playback with the music to which it is related. Wearable transducers associated with individuals at a large music event can be set to receive common signals such that the transducers respond in synchrony with one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a front plate for an ion source that is suitable for an ion implanter. The front plate according to the invention comprises obverse and reverse sides, an exit aperture for allowing egress of ions from the ion source that extends substantially straight through the front plate between the obverse and reverse sides, and a slot penetrating through the front plate from obverse side to reverse side at a slant for at least part of its depth, the slot extending from a side of the front plate to join the exit aperture. The slot is slanted to occlude line of sight into the ion source when viewed from in front, yet provides an expansion gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the shared playing of video by a first video player and a second video player. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for playing a video signal on a first portable video player synchronously with the same video signal on a second portable video player. In one aspect, the first portable video player is enabled to transmit video to a second player. The video is played synchronously on both video players, wherein the video is received from another player or from storage on the player. In various further aspects, synchronization signals are used to adjust the position of the video signal playing on the first and second video player, where the video signal is present on both video players.

Abstract: The invention relates to improving the efficiency of ion flow from an ion source, by reducing heat loss from the source both in the ion chamber of the ion source and its constituent parts (e.g. the electron source). This is achieved by lining the interior of the ion chamber and/or the exterior with heat reflective and/or heat insulating material and by formation of an indirectly heated cathode tube such that heat transfer along the tube and away from the ion chamber is restricted by the formation of slits in the tube. Efficiency of the ion source is further enhanced by impregnating and/or coating the front plate of the ion chamber with a material which comprises an element or compound thereof, the ions of which element are the same specie as those to be implanted into the substrate from the source thereof.

Abstract: Meat tenderness is determined by analyzing backscattered ultrasound signals. A signal envelope function computed from the backscattered ultrasound signals is used to derive a number of different parameters, which comprise a unimodal decay factor, a bimodal decay factor, a quiescence time, an event frequency parameter, and an event asymmetry index. Two or more of these factors are combined using a decision algorithm, which can be a neural network, a fuzzy logic classifier, a Bayesian classifier, a regression, an instance-based classifier, a decision tree, or a learned rule. These methods can also be applied to determine characteristics of the physiology of a live organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ion sources (14) comprising a cathode (20) and a counter-cathode (44) that are suitable for ion implanters (10). Typically, the ion source is held under vacuum and produces ions using a plasma generated within an arc chamber (16). Plasma ions are extracted from the arc chamber and subsequently implanted in a semiconductor wafer (12). The ion source according to the present invention further comprises a cathode (40) arranged to emit electrons into the arc chamber; an electrode (44) positioned in the arc chamber such that electrons emitted by the cathode are incident thereon; one or more voltage potential sources (76) arranged to bias the electrode; and a voltage potential adjuster (82) operable to switch between the voltage potential source biasing the electrode positively thereby to act as an anode and the voltage potential source biasing the electrode negatively thereby to act as a counter-cathode.

Abstract: A compliant circuit element spacing system comprises a circuit board, a dummy spacer component, and a compliant circuit element. One or more active components are mounted to the circuit board. The dummy spacer component is also mounted to the circuit board, such that the dummy spacer component is electrically isolated from each active component mounted to the circuit board. The compliant circuit element is positionable proximate the circuit board, and spaced from the circuit board by the dummy spacer component. The spacing component isolates the compliant circuit element from each active component mounted to the circuit board.

Abstract: Collecting images of a patron in an entertainment venue is performed by facial recognition of the patron's face within the images, simplifying the storage and distribution of the images for a patron. In order to enhance the reliability of the facial recognition system, information about the patron that is not directly related to most facial recognition systems, including clothes, height, other associated people, use of glasses and jewelry, disposition of facial hair, and more, can be used. Some of the characteristics used can be specific to a particular date or event, and which will not be more generally characteristic of the patron. The facial recognition system can also be used to identify the patron requesting images to be collected. The present invention also relates to the use of facial recognition in sorting and collecting images from an electronically-stored image collection, enabling the easy retrieval of images that are related to a particular person or set of people.

Abstract: The present methods and systems relate to means for job seekers to provide more detailed information to prospective employers to aid in job hiring decisions. The means comprises validation of job history, education, and skills information provided by the job seeker, which can comprise third party support and feedback. The means further comprises a display of information that comprises the relative strength of the validation, as well as possible means of further validation for the prospective employer to use. The means further comprises a skills assessment that is taken by the job seeker at a time of the seekers time and place convenience, but that can be validated at the place of employment. The means also provides the job seeker with information about how they could improve their employment prospects.

Abstract: Monotomic dopant ions for ion implantation are supplied from vapour of a species containing plural atoms of the desired dopant. The vapour is fed to a plasma chamber and a plasma produced in the chamber with sufficient energy density to disassociate the vapour species to produce monatomic dopant ions in the plasma for implantation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates invoking a command. During operation, the system suggests with a graphic element a gesture to use to invoke a command. The system then receives the gesture from a user at a device. Note that the gesture is received via an input mechanism, and also note that the gesture is a predetermined manipulation of the input mechanism. The system then determines a graphic element within the user interface that is associated with the gesture. Finally, upon determining the object associated with the gesture, the system invokes the command associated with the graphic element.