Abstract: A network-based service is disclosed for disambiguating search queries based on a location-based clustering of search results corresponding to the query. In one embodiment, a user may submit a query for travel items, such as hotel accommodations. The service can determine, based on the query, an initial set of hotels providing such accommodations. The service can then cluster the hotels according to their geographic positions. If the service identifies multiple clusters, the user can be prompted to select a specific cluster to receive additional information regarding the cluster. Illustratively, if a user submits a query for a hotel in “Springfield,” the service may ask the user to select among multiple clusters of results, each corresponding to a different city named “Springfield” in which results have been located.

Abstract: The technical problem of automatically facilitating a career transition that is a career pivot is addressed by providing a career navigator component in an on-line connection network system. The career navigator is configured to determine that a member's intent is to pivot in their career and, in response, identify, rank, and surface member profiles that indicate the same pivot. The operations for recognizing a pivot intent include maintaining hierarchical occupation taxonomy that can be consulted to determine whether the member's activities on the web site relate to the same or different parent occupations. Once the pivot intent has been recognized, the career navigator identifies those member profiles that indicate the same career transition, and presents those profiles to the pivoting member via a custom-generated user interface.

Abstract: A network-based service is disclosed for disambiguating search queries based on a location-based clustering of search results corresponding to the query. In one embodiment, a user may submit a query for travel items, such as hotel accommodations. The service can determine, based on the query, an initial set of hotels providing such accommodations. The service can then cluster the hotels according to their geographic positions. If the service identifies multiple clusters, the user can be prompted to select a specific cluster to receive additional information regarding the cluster. Illustratively, if a user submits a query for a hotel in “Springfield,” the service may ask the user to select among multiple clusters of results, each corresponding to a different city named “Springfield” in which results have been located.

Abstract: A network-based service is disclosed for disambiguating search queries based on a location-based clustering of search results corresponding to the query. In one embodiment, a user may submit a query for travel items, such as hotel accommodations. The service can determine, based on the query, an initial set of hotels providing such accommodations. The service can then cluster the hotels according to their geographic positions. If the service identifies multiple clusters, the user can be prompted to select a specific cluster to receive additional information regarding the cluster. Illustratively, if a user submits a query for a hotel in “Springfield,” the service may ask the user to select among multiple clusters of results, each corresponding to a different city named “Springfield” in which results have been located.

Abstract: A network-based service is disclosed for disambiguating search queries based on a location-based clustering of search results corresponding to the query. In one embodiment, a user may submit a query for travel items, such as hotel accommodations. The service can determine, based on the query, an initial set of hotels providing such accommodations. The service can then cluster the hotels according to their geographic positions. If the service identifies multiple clusters, the user can be prompted to select a specific cluster to receive additional information regarding the cluster. Illustratively, if a user submits a query for a hotel in “Springfield,” the service may ask the user to select among multiple clusters of results, each corresponding to a different city named “Springfield” in which results have been located.

Abstract: A system (and a method) are disclosed for a video processing system with enhanced entropy coding performance. The system includes an entropy decoder configured to divide decoding of an input video stream into arithmetic decoding and syntax decoding. The entropy decoder includes an arithmetic decoding module, a syntax decoding module, a memory management module and a memory buffer connecting the two decoding modules. The arithmetic decoding module is configured to decode the input video stream into multiple bins of decoded input video stream and the syntax decoding module is configured to decode the bins of arithmetically decoded input videos stream into one or more syntax elements. The memory management module uses the memory buffer to accelerate the coding performances of arithmetic decoding and syntax decoding. The system also includes a corresponding entropy encoder configured to encode a video stream with improved coding performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD) of a TNF-like receptor. Also provided by this invention is a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD), wherein the PLAD is selected from the group consisting of: the PLAD of a TNF-R, the PLAD of p60, the PLAD of p80, the PLAD of Fas (CD95/APO-1), the PLAD of TRAIL receptors, the PLAD of LT?R, the PLAD of CD40, the PLAD of CD30, the PLAD of CD27, the PLAD of HVEM, the PLAD of OX40 and the PLAD of DR4. TNF-R, p60, p80, Fas, TRAIL receptor, LT?R, CD40, CD30, CD27, HVEM, OX40, DR4, TROY, EDAR, XEDAR, DCR3, AITR, 4-1BB, DR3, RANK, TACI, BCMA, DR6, DPG, DR5, DCR1 AND DCR2 are all members of the TNF receptor superfamily or the TNF-like receptor family. The invention also provides the PLAD for other members of the TNF receptor superfamily.

Abstract: Transcoder chip having a buffer for temporarily storing decoded macroblocks and compressed domain parameters. A video decoding module of the transcoding chip decodes and stores the decoded macroblocks in the buffer in a first sequence. The video encoding module then reads the data from the buffer in a second sequence different from the first sequence to encode the macroblocks in a different format. The buffer can also be used for deblocking the macroblocks and for filtering motion vectors. By using the buffer, data traffic between the transcoding chip and external memory is reduced, increasing the speed for transcoding a video sequence from one format to another.

Abstract: Transcoder chip having a buffer for temporarily storing decoded macroblocks and compressed domain parameters. A video decoding module of the transcoding chip decodes and stores the decoded macroblocks in the buffer in a first sequence. The video encoding module then reads the data from the buffer in a second sequence different from the first sequence to encode the macroblocks in a different format. The buffer can also be used for deblocking the macroblocks and for filtering motion vectors. By using the buffer, data traffic between the transcoding chip and external memory is reduced, increasing the speed for transcoding a video sequence from one format to another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD) of a TNF receptor-like receptor. Also provided by this invention is a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD), wherein the PLAD is selected from the group consisting of: the PLAD of a TNF-R, the PLAD of p60, the PLAD of p80, the PLAD of Fas (CD95/APO-1), the PLAD of TRAIL receptors, the PLAD of LTyR, the PLAD of CD40, the PLAD of CD30, the PLAD of CD27, the PLAD of HVEM, the PLAD of OX40 and the PLAD of DR4. TNF-R, p60, p80, Fas, TRAIL receptor, LTyR, CD40, CD30, CD27, HVEM, OX40, DR4, TROY, EDAR, XEDAR, DCR3, AITR, 4-1BB, DR3, RANK, TACI, BCMA, DR6, DPG, DR5, DCR1 AND DCR2 are all members of the TNF receptor superfamily or the TNF-like receptor family. The invention also provides the PLAD for other members of the TNF receptor superfamily.

Abstract: Methods related to modulating programmed necrosis are described. The methods relate to modulation of proteins involved in programmed necrosis, e.g., tumor necrosis factor receptor (2) (TNFR-2), tumor necrosis factor receptor (1) (TNFR-1), and receptor-interacting protein (RIP).

Abstract: A flashlight configured to durably provide an effective beam of light for extended periods of time. The flashlight features a high-power, directed LED configured to produce a divergent beam of light that is characterized by an optical directivity angle extending from a vertex point. The flashlight includes a lens having a first portion forming a convergent lens, where the LED is located such that its vertex point coincides with the lens' focal point. The convergent lens is sized and positioned such that substantially all of the directed light from the LED passes through the convergent lens portion to emerge in a first beam of parallel light. The LED emits additional light through a tip. A parabolic reflector has the tip at its focal point to reflects the additional light into a second beam of parallel light that is parallel to and surrounding the first beam, thus forming a single and more efficient useful beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD) of a TNF-like receptor. Also provided by this invention is a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD), wherein the PLAD is selected from the group consisting of: the PLAD of a TNF-R, the PLAD of p60, the PLAD of p80, the PLAD of Fas (CD95/APO-1), the PLAD of TRAIL receptors, the PLAD of LT?R, the PLAD of CD40, the PLAD of CD30, the PLAD of CD27, the PLAD of HVEM, the PLAD of OX40 and the PLAD of DR4. TNF-R, p60, p80, Fas, TRAIL receptor, LT?R, CD40, CD30, CD27, HVEM, OX40, DR4, TROY, EDAR, XEDAR, DCR3, AITR, 4-1BB, DR3, RANK, TACI, BCMA, DR6, DPG, DR5, DCR1 AND DCR2 are all members of the TNF receptor superfamily or the TNF-like receptor family. The invention also provides the PLAD for other members of the TNF receptor superfamily.

Abstract: A flashlight configured to durably provide an effective beam of light for extended periods of time. The flashlight features a high-power, directed LED configured to produce a divergent beam of light that is characterized by an optical directivity angle extending from a vertex point. The flashlight includes a lens having a first portion forming a convergent lens, where the LED is located such that its vertex point coincides with the lens' focal point. The convergent lens is sized and positioned such that substantially all of the directed light from the LED passes through the convergent lens portion to emerge in a first beam of parallel light. The LED emits additional light through a tip. A parabolic reflector has the tip at its focal point to reflects the additional light into a second beam of parallel light that is parallel to and surrounding the first beam, thus forming a single and more efficient useful beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD) of a TNF-like receptor. Also provided by this invention is a polypeptide comprising the isolated amino acid sequence of a pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD), wherein the PLAD is selected from the group consisting of: the PLAD of a TNF-R, the PLAD of p60, the PLAD of p80, the PLAD of Fas (CD95/APO-1), the PLAD of TRAIL receptors, the PLAD of LT&bgr;R, the PLAD of CD40, the PLAD of CD30, the PLAD of CD27, the PLAD of HVEM, the PLAD of OX40 and the PLAD of DR4. TNF-R, p60, p80, Fas, TRAIL receptor, LT&bgr;R, CD40, CD30, CD27, HVEM, OX40, DR4, TROY, EDAR, XEDAR, DCR3, AITR, 4-1BB, DR3, RANK, TACI, BCMA, DR6, DPG, DR5, DCR1 AND DCR2 are all members of the TNF receptor superfamily or the TNF-like receptor family. The invention also provides the PLAD for other members of the TNF receptor superfamily.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head carries an array of brush bristles in conventional fashion. The bristles surround an inlet through which dust and debris are sucked into the vacuum cleaner during normal brushing action. A skirt is mounted inside the bristles so that when the head is pressed sufficiently towards a brushing surfaces a lower edge of the skirt can contact directly against the brushing surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable battery pack containing rechargeable batteries. In particular, the present invention facilitates the easy collection and proper disposal of useless rechargeable batteries without discarding the electrical device in which the rechargeable batteries are installed. Further, the present invention is directed to a releasable, rechargeable battery pack which is not removed from the electrical device during charging of the battery pack. The present invention is also directed to a battery pack fitted to a wet and dry portable vacuum cleaner.