Abstract: A content distribution system, including: a registration module for receiving registration data for a digital item accessible, on a communications network such as a peer to peer (P2P) network, using a digital item client, such as a P2P client, on a first device; an activity module for receiving a request for content of the digital item from the client on a second device; and a transaction module for registering download of the content to the second device, for processing payment transactions with the second device, and for processing remuneration transactions with at least the first device. The system also has a search module for receiving queries for digital items and ranking results based on a user selected ranking criteria including at least one of: review of said digital items; use of said digital items; and purchase of said digital items. The digital item and a declaration for the item may comply with MPEG-21.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, and methods of use thereof, for (i) enhancing executive cognitive function(s) (for example, decision making, planning, working memory, multitasking, judgment, numerical problem-solving, reading comprehension), and/or (ii) increasing blood flow in brain vasculature, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, certain polyphenols such as flavanols, procyanidins, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A protective cover located on laths of a security shutter. The cover comprises a set of strips of material, and each strip comprises a base layer and a transparent protective layer. The base layer has a first surface fixed against a lath of the shutter and an image on an opposing second surface. The transparent protective layer covers the second surface such that the image is visible through the transparent layer.

Abstract: This invention describes methods for fabricating polymer optical waveguides, and polymer optical waveguides themselves wherein at least one of the optical layers is deposited by a two-stage deposition process. In particular, the two-stage deposition process comprises spinning as the second step. Preferably, the polymer optical waveguide comprises a three layer structure comprising a lower cladding layer, a light guiding core layer and an upper cladding layer, supported on a substrate. The invention has particular application to the volume production of polymer optical waveguides on large area substrates.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for interfacing a user with a touch-screen. In overview, some embodiments provide for an array of conventional numerical keys to be graphically represented as a primary menu on a touch-screen of a cellular phone or PDA. The graphically represented keys arranged as sectors or annular sectors in a contiguous array around a central origin. To provide text-based input (for example in the process of authoring a text-message or email), a user touch-selects one of the keys, and is provided with a secondary menu for allowing selection of a particular alphanumeric character associated with the selected numerical key. This association is optionally based on a protocol such as ETSI ETS 300 640 or ITU-T Recommendation E.161. In some embodiments the secondary menu, or a similar tertiary menu, is used to provide additional predictive text functionality.

Abstract: A system and method for processing machine learning techniques (such as neural networks) and other non-graphics applications using a graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate and optimize the processing. The system and method transfers an architecture that can be used for a wide variety of machine learning techniques from the CPU to the GPU. The transfer of processing to the GPU is accomplished using several novel techniques that overcome the limitations and work well within the framework of the GPU architecture. With these limitations overcome, machine learning techniques are particularly well suited for processing on the GPU because the GPU is typically much more powerful than the typical CPU. Moreover, similar to graphics processing, processing of machine learning techniques involves problems with solving non-trivial solutions and large amounts of data.

Abstract: Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide, or a bend.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a surface layer or structure on a substrate. The method includes ink jet printing spaced first segments of the surface layer or structure material on the substrate and drying or curing the first segments. Additionally, the method includes ink jet printing further material segments in the gaps between the first segments and drying or curing the further segments. In the present invention, the material and/or curing and drying conditions are different in both steps of the method. The method also includes forming a surface layer or structure where segment material and/or curing and drying conditions are chosen so as to control mechanical properties of the surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel phenylalanine compounds, processes for their preparation, compositions comprising them and their use in the treatment or prevention of diseases capable of being modulated by the inhibition of cell adhesion.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers which include at least one internally directed generally concavely configured sonic energy radiating element which directs sonic energy toward at least one arcuate energy reflecting surface which redirects and focuses the energy through an opening in a housing defining the transducer. The configuration of the at least one radiating element and the at least one energy reflecting surface are such that sound waves from substantially any point along the radiating element to the reflecting surface and to a focus exteriorly of the opening are substantially equal. The transducers function to focus energy either as transmitters or receivers.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed that allows a hardware designer using a behavioral synthesis tool to view a calculated execution time for a group of related loops identified in source code describing a hardware design circuit. Further, a designer can then interactively unroll and/or pipeline a selected loop without having to modify the source code description of the circuit. Using a graphical user interface (GUI), the designer can modify the loop design easily and see the results of the new loop configuration without having to generate the RTL code, perform RTL synthesis, etc. For example, the designer can readily view the relative loop execution time of the circuit to better determine whether the design is acceptable. Additionally, the designer can execute an area-versus-latency analysis, and, if the analysis is not satisfactory, the designer can unroll and or pipeline selected loops using the GUI.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses are described in which an arbitration controller cooperates with arbitration logic. The arbitration controller has a plurality of inputs that receive one or more transactions from a plurality of blocks of functionality. The arbitration controller arbitrates requests for access to a shared resource amongst the plurality of blocks of functionality by implementing an arbitration policy. The arbitration policy groups the transactions from the plurality of blocks of functionality into global groups of transactions for servicing by that shared resource. All of the transactions in a first global group are serviced by that shared resource prior to servicing transactions in a next global group of transactions. The arbitration logic facilitates the arbitration policy. The arbitration logic includes cascaded arbitration units that hierarchically arbitrate for the shared resource.

Abstract: In a laser shock peening process, the shape of the spot generated by the laser beam is changed on the fly. This is achieved, for example, by a masking device which is movable into and out of the path of the laser beam. Laser shock peening spots can consequently be shaped so as to avoid the spots overlapping an edge of the workpiece, or any other feature which may be damaged by the laser energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for easily indicating to a user that a communication has been received for him or her. A portable message waiting indication device (MWID) includes a power source (e.g., battery), signal receiver and a visual and/or audible indicator. The indicator is activated in response to receipt of a first wireless signal at the receiver. In response to a second signal the indicator is deactivated. A MWID may also include a user-actuable switch or sensor to deactivate the indicator. In one method of using a MWID to inform a user that a communication has been received, the user registers the MWID and may identify when the MWID indicator should be activated (e.g., for certain types of messages (e.g., voice-mail, electronic mail), certain senders, a category of senders, time of day, message priority). Multiple MWIDs may be configured and employed by a user, and each may be configured similarly or differently.

Abstract: Synthetic analogues of lysine and glutamine are provided which function as substrates for the fibrin-stabilising enzyme Factor XIIIa even when labelled with a detectable moiety. The use of suitable protecting groups provides compounds which possess reduced susceptibility to in vivo metabolism especially by peptidases, and are hence useful agents for the diagnosis of thrombosis, embolism, atherosclerosis, inflammation or cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor adapted for electrical connection to a power source having an electrical contact means (3). The sensor has a first insulating substrate (1) carrying a first electrode (2) and a second insulating substrate (7) carrying a second electrode (6). The electrodes are disposed to face each other in spaced apart relationship, sandwiching a spacer (4) therebetween. A first cut-out portion extends through the first insulating substrate (1) and a spacer (4) to expose a first contact area (23) on the second insulating substrate (7). This permits the electrical contact means (31) to effect electrical connection with the first contact (23) which in turn is in electrically conductive connection with the second electrode (6). A similar contact arrangement may be disposed on the opposite side of the sensor.

Abstract: A device for sensing a gas comprises a plastics housing (106, 107) moulded in situ around at least one portion of a conducting lead frame (100), the housing defining an enclosure (113) and being provided with means for enabling gas flow into the enclosure. A gas sensitive element (114) within the enclosure (113) is mounted to the conducting lead frame (100). The conducting lead frame (100) comprises connection leads which are accessible through, and at least partially encapsulated by, the wall of the housing.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine aerofoil is made by electron beam welding together at least two metal sheets (10) and (12) and electron beam welding that sub assembly via an end to a root that has been manufactured in a separate operation, and then heating the whole to a temperature that will convert the electron beam welds to diffusion bonds.