Abstract: A modular flow monitoring package (MFMP) is provided for use in an additive delivery system. The MFMP may be manufactured as an add-on to be added to an existing additive delivery system, or may be incorporated into a cartridge or container structure. The MFMP includes a flow sensor for sensing flow of a base fluid and user actuator position sensors for sensing the position of one or more user actuated additive flow adjustment levers. A visual display, which may comprise an array of multi-color LED's may convey information to a user that is relevant to a user's use of the additive delivery system or the user's nutritional needs. Such information may include a current dosage of additive, being delivered, whether a recommended dosage of additive has been consumed, remaining life of a cartridge or supply of additive, and other data relative to health or performance monitoring.

Abstract: A method for detecting a traffic ramp-up rule violation includes receiving data element retrieval requests from an information retrieval system and determining a requests per second (RPS) for a key range. The method also includes determining a moving average of RPS for the key range. The method also includes determining a number of delta violations, each delta violation comprising a respective beginning instance in time when the RPS exceeded a delta RPS limit. For each delta violation, the method includes determining a maximum conforming load for the key range over and determining whether the RPS exceeded the maximum conforming load for the key range based on the beginning instance in time of the respective delta violation. When the RPS has exceeded the maximum conforming load, the method includes determining that the delta violation corresponds to a full-history violation indicative of a degradation of performance of the information retrieval system.

Abstract: A method for detecting a traffic ramp-up rule violation includes receiving data element retrieval requests from an information retrieval system and determining a requests per second (RPS) for a key range. The method also includes determining a moving average of RPS for the key range. The method also includes determining a number of delta violations, each delta violation comprising a respective beginning instance in time when the RPS exceeded a delta RPS limit. For each delta violation, the method includes determining a maximum conforming load for the key range over and determining whether the RPS exceeded the maximum conforming load for the key range based on the beginning instance in time of the respective delta violation. When the RPS has exceeded the maximum conforming load, the method includes determining that the delta violation corresponds to a full-history violation indicative of a degradation of performance of the information retrieval system.

Abstract: A method for detecting a traffic ramp-up rule violation includes receiving data element retrieval requests from an information retrieval system and determining a requests per second (RPS) for a key range. The method also includes determining a moving average of RPS for the key range. The method also includes determining a number of delta violations, each delta violation comprising a respective beginning instance in time when the RPS exceeded a delta RPS limit. For each delta violation, the method includes determining a maximum conforming load for the key range over and determining whether the RPS exceeded the maximum conforming load for the key range based on the beginning instance in time of the respective delta violation. When the RPS has exceeded the maximum conforming load, the method includes determining that the delta violation corresponds to a full-history violation indicative of a degradation of performance of the information retrieval system.

Abstract: There is described a method of forming defects inside a sheet of material by using a laser system. The material has a damage irradiance threshold and an optical transparency window. The method has the steps of: moving a focal spot of a pulsed laser beam relatively to said sheet such that said focal spot moves in back and forth sequences across a thickness of said sheet as the focal spot is moved along a plane of said sheet, while emitting laser pulses of said pulsed laser beam, said laser pulses having a wavelength within said optical transparency window and having an irradiance at said focal spot exceeding said damage irradiance threshold thereby forming a plurality of defects inside said sheet, the plurality of defects being distributed both along said plane and across said thickness of said sheet of material.

Abstract: Laser systems and methods for providing an output light beam having a target spatial pattern are provided. A light generating module generates an input light beam, whose spectral profile is then tailored by imposing thereon a controllable phase modulation. The obtained spectrally tailored light beam is dispersed, using at least one spatially-dispersive element to provide an output light beam having a spatial profile which is a function of the spectral profile of the spectrally tailored light beam, The phase modulation is selected in view of the spectral profile of the input light beam and of the dispersion characteristics of the at least one spatially-dispersive element so that the spatial pattern of the output light beam matches the target spatial pattern therefor.

Abstract: Laser systems and methods for providing an output light beam having a target spatial pattern are provided. A light generating module generates an input light beam, whose spectral profile is then tailored by imposing thereon a controllable phase modulation. The obtained spectrally tailored light beam is dispersed, using at least one spatially-dispersive element to provide an output light beam having a spatial profile which is a function of the spectral profile of the spectrally tailored light beam, The phase modulation is selected in view of the spectral profile of the input light beam and of the dispersion characteristics of the at least one spatially-dispersive element so that the spatial pattern of the output light beam matches the target spatial pattern therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating a lineage specific stem cell in vitro, comprising a) transfecting a pluripotent embryonic stem cell with a construct comprising a regulatory region of a lineage specific gene operably linked to a DNA encoding a reporter protein, b) culturing the pluripotent embryonic stem cell under conditions such that the pluripotent embryonic stem cell differentiates into a lineage specific stem cell and c) separating the cells which express the reporter protein from the other cells in the culture, the cell which expresses the reporter protein being an isolated lineage specific stem cell. A lineage specific stem cell can also be identified utilizing this method.

Abstract: The omnidirectional air driven power generating system is a system of valves and chambers which translate the potential energy of an air pressure differential into kinetic energy in the form of a compact air current of accelerated velocity. The valves relieve overpressure and assure one-way flow through an air driven power converter, regardless of the direction of the wind. The pressure differential is created across any convenient structure such as a house, church, cliff or mountain. A simple cruciform structure is disclosed which optimizes the pressure differential. There is no limit to the size or weight of the deflecting surfaces, and the power producing potential of the system increases as the projected frontal area which is exposed to the wind increases. The rotors of the air driven power converter are enclosed within a housing which provides a sheltered environment such that operation at its rated output power can continue through any extreme of wind or turbulence.