Abstract: A method of improving the security of a QKD system is disclosed. The QKD system exchanges qubits between QKD stations, wherein the brief period of time surrounding the expected arrival time of a qubit at a modulator in a QKD station defines a gating interval. The method includes randomly activating the modulator in a QKD station both within the gating interval and outside of the gating interval, while recording those modulations made during the gating interval. Such continuous or near-continuous modulation prevents an eavesdropper from assuming that the modulations correspond directly to the modulation of a qubit. Thus, an eavesdropper (Eve) has the additional and daunting task of determining which modulations correspond to actual qubit modulations before she can begin to extract any information from detected modulation states of the modulator.

Abstract: A method (300) of performing photon detector autocalibration in quantum key distribution (QKD) system (200) is disclosed. The method (300) includes a first act (302) of performing a detector gate scan to establish the optimum arrival time of a detector gate pulse (S3) that corresponds with a maximum number of photon counts (NMAX) from a single-photon detector (216) in the QKD system (200). Once the optimal detector gate pulse arrival time is determined, then in an act (306), the detector gate scan is terminated and in an act (308) a detector gate dither process is initiated. The detector gate dither act (308) involves varying the arrival time (T) of the detector gate pulse (S3) around the optimal value of the arrival time established during the detector gate scan process. The detector gate dither provides minor adjustments to the arrival time to ensure that the detector (216) produces maximum number of photon counts (NMAX).

Abstract: A grounding connector includes a base with a first crimping structure extending from the base for crimping to the cable and securing the cable relative to the base along a cable axis. A first contact member can extend from the base laterally adjacent to the first crimping structure. The first contact member can have a narrowing first cable slot for receiving the cable to engage and form electrical contact with the cable when the first crimping structure is crimped to the cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying error-free transmission of the synchronization (“sync”) channel of a QKD system are disclosed. The method includes sending a first pseudo-random bit stream (PRBS) over the sync channel from Alice to Bob, and verifying at Bob the accurate transmission of the first PRBS. The method also includes sending a second pseudo-random bit stream (PRBS) over the sync channel from Bob to Alice, and verifying at Alice the accurate transmission of the first PRBS. If the transmissions of a select number of bits in the first and second PRBSs are error-free, then the sync channel is verified and the QKD system can commence operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain phenyl pyrrolidine ether compounds which are useful as neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of tachykinin and in particular substance P. The invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds as active ingredients and the use of the compounds and their formulations in the treatment of certain disorders, including emesis, depression, and anxiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 5H-benzo[4,5]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine compounds, that are useful for treating cellular proliferative diseases, for treating disorders associated with MET activity, and for inhibiting the receptor tyrosine kinase MET. The invention also related to compositions which comprise these compounds, and methods of using them to treat cancer in mammals.

Abstract: In a quantum key distribution (QKD) system, a method of autocalibrating the gating of a single-photon detector (SPD) unit is disclosed. The method includes exchanging photon signals (P1, P2) to establish a bit-error rate (BER). The method also includes performing a detector gate signal timing scan (314) that varies the signal arrival time (T) to establish an optimum arrival time (TMIN) corresponding to an optimum (e.g., minimum) BER. Detector gate signal timing dithering is then performed (318). This involves varying the detector gate signal arrival times about the optimum arrival time to ensure that the QKD system operates at or near an optimum BER.

Abstract: A method of autocalibrating the timing of the laser (202) in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system (200) is disclosed. Laser (202) generates photon signals (204) in response to a laser gating signal (S0) from a controller (248). The method includes first performing a laser gate scan (304) to establish the optimum arrival time (TMIN) of the laser gating signal corresponding to an optimum (e.g., minimum) bit-error rate BER (e.g., BERMIN) when exchanging photon signals between encoding stations (Alice and Bob) of the QKD system. Once the optimum laser gating signal arrival time (TMIN) is determined, the laser gate scan is terminated (306) and a laser gate dither process (308) is initiated. The laser gate dither involves varying the arrival time (T) of the laser gating signal around the optimum value of the arrival time TMIN. The laser gate dither provides minor adjustments to the laser gating signal arrival time to ensure that the system operates at or near the optimum BER.

Abstract: A grounding connector includes a base with a first crimping structure extending from the base for crimping to the cable and securing the cable relative to the base along a cable axis. A first contact member can extend from the base laterally adjacent to the first crimping structure. The first contact member can have a narrowing first cable slot for receiving the cable to engage and form electrical contact with the cable when the first crimping structure is crimped to the cable.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing the operation of a two-way QKD system by sending a sync signal (SC) in only one direction, namely from one QKD station (ALICE) to the other QKD station (BOB). The one-way transmission greatly reduces the amount of light scattering as compared to two-way sync signal transmission. The method includes phase-locking the sync signal at BOB and dithering the timing of the quantum signals so as to operate the QKD system in three different operating states. The number of detected quantum signals is counted for each state for a given number of detector gating signals. The QKD system is then operated in the state associated with the greatest number of detected quantum signals. This method is rapidly repeated during the operation of the QKD system to compensate for timing errors to maintain the system at or near its optimum operating state.

Abstract: A heater for a liquid has a combustion chamber, a jacket for the liquid extending about the combustion chamber and a burner head assembly connected to the combustion chamber. The burner head assembly includes a housing having a burner mounted thereon and a hollow interior. A control module and a fan are mounted in the hollow interior, the fan being connected to an electric motor. A compressor and a fuel pump are mounted on the housing and are operatively connected to the electric motor. The control module may include controls for exercising components of the heater prior to combustion, thereby verifying operation of these components. Preferably there is a speed control for the motor, such as a closed loop speed control which regulates motor speed and accordingly output of the heater. Preferably there is a backup system using a lookup table in the event that the closed loop speed control fails.

Abstract: Certain novel N-acylated spiropiperidine derivatives are agonists of the human melanocortin receptor(s) and, in particular, are selective agonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of MC-4R, such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: A grounding connector includes a base with a first crimping structure extending from the base for crimping to the cable and securing the cable relative to the base along a cable axis. A first contact member can extend from the base laterally adjacent to the first crimping structure. The first contact member can have a narrowing first cable slot for receiving the cable to engage and form electrical contact with the cable when the first crimping structure is crimped to the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a temperature between a first value and a second value. The method and apparatus utilize a heat transfer device capable of cycling through a series of cycles, the device being capable of changing the temperature from the second value to the first value when operational. During each cycle the device transfers heat for a first period of time when the temperature reaches the second volume until the first value is reached and thereafter the device stops transferring heat. The first period of time is compared to a desired cycle-on period of time during each cycle and the second temperature value then is adjusted for a subsequent cycle of the device so the first period of time when the device transfers heat approaches the desired cycle-on period of time. There may also be provided temperature controls for a liquid heater having a jacket containing the liquid. The jacket has an inner heated wall and an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall.

Abstract: A method of improving the security of a QKD system is disclosed. The method includes randomly modulating the modulator in a QKD station both within the gating interval and outside of the gating interval, while recording those modulations made during the gating interval. Such continuous modulation prevents an eavesdropper from assuming that the modulations correspond directly to the modulation of a qubit. Thus, an eavesdropper (Eve) has the additional and daunting task of determining which modulations correspond to actual qubit modulations before she can begin to extract any information from detected modulation states of the modulator.

Abstract: A method of detecting an intrusion into (or an anomaly in a behavior of) a target software system begins by instrumenting the target software system to generate behavior data representing a current observation or observation aggregate. The method then determines whether the current observation or observation aggregate warrants a second level examination; preferably, this determination is made by processing the current observation or observation aggregate through a first level detection algorithm that provides a first, provisional indication of a possible intrusion. If a result of executing the first level detection algorithm indicates that the current observation or observation aggregate warrants a second level examination, the method continues by processing the current observation or observation aggregate through at least one or more second level detection algorithms to provide a second, more definite, fine grain indication of a possible intrusion.

Abstract: A burner head assembly for a burner includes a housing having a hollow interior and an exterior. There is a control module within the hollow interior. The module has internal connectors within the hollow interior and external connectors on the exterior of the housing, whereby electrical connections to the module can be made internally and externally with respect to the housing without requiring apertures in the housing and wiring extending through the apertures. For example, the control module may include a circuit board, the circuit board having a portion within the hollow interior and which extends to the exterior. The exterior and interior connectors are connected to the circuit board. The housing may have two portions, the control module being fitted between the two portions of the housing. Preferably the control module is sealingly received between the two portions of the housing.

Abstract: Certain novel 4-substituted N-acylated piperidine derivatives are agonists of the human melanocortin receptor(s) and, in particular, are selective agonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of MC-4R, such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: A heater for a liquid has a combustion chamber, a jacket for the liquid extending about the combustion chamber and a burner head assembly connected to the combustion chamber. The burner head assembly includes a housing having a burner mounted thereon and a hollow interior. A control module and a fan are mounted in the hollow interior, the fan being connected to an electric motor. A compressor and a fuel pump are mounted on the housing and are operatively connected to the electric motor. The control module may include controls for exercising components of the heater prior to combustion, thereby verifying operation of these components. Preferably there is a speed control for the motor, such as a closed loop speed control which regulates motor speed and accordingly output of the heater. Preferably there is a backup system using a lookup table in the event that the closed loop speed control fails.

Abstract: A heater for a liquid has a combustion chamber, a jacket for the liquid extending about the combustion chamber and a burner head assembly connected to the combustion chamber. The burner head assembly includes a housing having a burner mounted thereon and a hollow interior. A control module and a fan are mounted in the hollow interior, the fan being connected to an electric motor. A compressor and a fuel pump are mounted on the housing and are operatively connected to the electric motor. The control module may include controls for exercising components of the heater prior to combustion, thereby verifying operation of these components. Preferably there is a speed control for the motor, such as a closed loop speed control which regulates motor speed and accordingly output of the heater. Preferably there is a backup system using a lookup table in the event that the closed loop speed control fails.