Abstract: User data of different snapshots for the same virtual disk are stored in the same storage object. Similarly, metadata of different snapshots for the same virtual disk are stored in the same storage object, and log data of different snapshots for the same virtual disk are stored in the same storage object. As a result, the number of different storage objects that are managed for snapshots do not increase proportionally with the number of snapshots taken. In addition, any one of the multitude of persistent storage back-ends can be selected as the storage back-end for the storage objects according to user preference, system requirement, snapshot policy, or any other criteria. Another advantage is that the storage location of the read data can be obtained with a single read of the metadata storage object, instead of traversing metadata files of multiple snapshots.

Abstract: System and method for checking and characterizing metadata of snapshots utilize a snapshot metadata database to execute at least one of checking and characterizing operations on the metadata of snapshots. The snapshot metadata database includes information extracted from backing storage elements containing the metadata of snapshots.

Abstract: The present invention provides Photobacterium sp. JH-ISH-224 ?2-6-sialyltransferase Psp26ST variants and expression cassettes, vectors, and host cells for expressing the Psp26ST variants. Methods of synthesizing sialylated products are also described.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical polymeric material. The method comprises continuously irradiating predetermined regions of an optical, polymeric material with femtosecond laser pulses to form a gradient index refractive structure within the material. The optical polymeric material can include a photosensitizer to increase the photoefficiency of the two-photo process resulting in the formation of the observed refractive structures. An optical device includes an optical, polymeric lens material having an anterior surface and posterior surface and an optical axis intersecting the surfaces and at least one laser-modified, GRIN layer disposed between the anterior surface and the posterior surface and arranged along a first axis 45° to 90° to the optical axis.

Abstract: The invention provides human secreted proteins (SECP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SECP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of SECP.

Abstract: A communication method is provided between a chip and an imaging device. Accordingly, the chip receives a clock pulse signal from the imaging device via a clock line; and receives a READ instruction from the imaging device via a data line. Within one clock pulse signal period, the chip transmits at least one bit of implicit data and one bit of master data that are stored in an internal memory to the data line within different time slots, respectively, and the imaging device collects data from the data line while the chip is transmitting the master data to the data line. Further, the chip receives a WRITE instruction from the imaging device via the data line, wherein the chip receives master data sent from the imaging device, writes the master data into the memory arranged in the chip, and updates the implicit data stored in the memory.

Abstract: User data of different snapshots for the same virtual disk are stored in the same storage object. Similarly, metadata of different snapshots for the same virtual disk are stored in the same storage object, and log data of different snapshots for the same virtual disk are stored in the same storage object. As a result, the number of different storage objects that are managed for snapshots do not increase proportionally with the number of snapshots taken. In addition, any one of the multitude of persistent storage back-ends can be selected as the storage back-end for the storage objects according to user preference, system requirement, snapshot policy, or any other criteria. Another advantage is that the storage location of the read data can be obtained with a single read of the metadata storage object, instead of traversing metadata files of multiple snapshots.

Abstract: A communication method is provided between a chip and an imaging device. Accordingly, the chip receives a clock pulse signal from the imaging device via a clock line; and receives a READ instruction from the imaging device via a data line. Within one clock pulse signal period, the chip transmits at least one bit of implicit data and one bit of master data that are stored in an internal memory to the data line within different time slots, respectively, and the imaging device collects data from the data line while the chip is transmitting the master data to the data line. Further, the chip receives a WRITE instruction from the imaging device via the data line, wherein the chip receives master data sent from the imaging device, writes the master data into the memory arranged in the chip, and updates the implicit data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A mass analyser comprises a pair of electrode arrays. Each array has a set of focusing electrodes which are supplied, in use, with voltage to create an electrostatic field in a space between the electrode arrays causing ions to undergo periodic, oscillatory motion in the space, ions passing between electrodes of the sets of focusing electrodes and being repeatedly focused at a center plane, mid-way between the electrode arrays. At least one electrode of each set of focusing electrodes has an electrode surface closer to the center plane than the electrode surfaces of other electrodes of the same set. The analyzer may be an ion trap mass analyser or a multi-turn ToF mass analyzer.

Abstract: An electrostatic ion trap for mass analysis includes a first array of electrodes and a second array of electrodes, spaced from the first array of electrode. The first and second arrays of electrodes may be planar arrays formed by parallel strip electrodes or by concentric, circular or part-circular electrically conductive rings. The electrodes of the arrays are supplied with substantially the same pattern of voltage whereby the distribution of electrical potential in the space between the arrays is such as to reflect ions isochronously in a flight direction causing them to undergo periodic, oscillatory motion in the space, focused substantially mid-way between the arrays. Amplifier circuitry is used to detect image current having frequency components related to the mass-to-charge ratio of ions undergoing the periodic, oscillatory motion.

Abstract: The invention “Ion Trap Array (ITA)” pertains generally to the field of ion storage and analysis technologies, and particularly to the ion storing apparatus and mass spectrometry instruments which separate ions by its character such as mass-to-charge ratio. The aim of this invention is providing an apparatus for ion storage and analysis comprising at least two or more rows of parallel placed electrode array wherein each electrode array includes at least two or more parallel bar-shaped electrodes, by applying different phase of alternating current voltages on different bar electrodes to create alternating electric fields inside the space between two parallel electrodes of different rows of electrode arrays, multiple linear ion trapping fields paralleled constructed in the space between the different rows of electrode arrays which are open to adjacent each other without a real barrier.

Abstract: An optical device comprising an optical hydrogel with select regions that have been irradiated with laser light having a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 50 nJ and a wavelength from 600 nm to 900 nm. The irradiated regions are characterized by a positive change in refractive index of from 0.01 to 0.06, and exhibit little or no scattering loss. The optical hydrogel is prepared with a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: An electrostatic ion trap for mass analysis includes a first array of electrodes and a second array of electrodes, spaced from the first array of electrode. The first and second arrays of electrodes may be planar arrays formed by parallel strip electrodes or by concentric, circular or part-circular electrically conductive rings. The electrodes of the arrays are supplied with substantially the same pattern of voltage whereby the distribution of electrical potential in the space between the arrays is such as to reflect ions isochronously in a flight direction causing them to undergo periodic, oscillatory motion in the space, focused substantially mid-way between the arrays. Amplifier circuitry is used to detect image current having frequency components related to the mass-to-charge ratio of ions undergoing the periodic, oscillatory motion.

Abstract: The invention provides human secreted proteins (SECP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SECP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of SECP.

Abstract: By adapting femtosecond micromachining approaches developed in hydrogels, we can perform Intra-tissue Refractive Index Shaping (IRIS) in biological tissues. We reduced femtosecond laser pulse energies below the optical breakdown thresholds to create grating patterns that are associated with a change in the refractive index of the tissue. To increase two-photon absorption, we used a two (or more)-photon-absorbing chromophore.

Abstract: Systems and methods share context information on a neighbor aware network. In one aspect, a context providing device receives a plurality of responses to a discovery query from a context consuming device, and tailors services it offers to the context consuming device based on the responses. In another aspect, a context providing device indicates in its response to a discovery query which services or local context information it can provide to the context consuming device, and also a cost associated with providing the service or the local context information. In some aspects, the cost is in units of monetary currency. In other aspects, the cost is in units of user interface display made available to an entity associated with the context providing device in exchange for the services or local context information offered to the context consuming device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsion type silicone pressure sensitive adhesive composition and a process for the production thereof. Also provided is an emulsion type silicone pressure sensitive adhesive composition, comprising: (A) 100 parts by weight of a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive; (B) 1-30 parts by weight of an emulsifier selected from the group consisting of a polyvinylalcohol and a polyether modified MQ resin wherein M is R 3SiO 1/2, and Q is SiO 4/2, wherein R represents C 1-20 alkyl; (C) water; and (D) catalyst.

Abstract: An optics system is provided that comprises a glass-based diffractive optical element (DOE) for coupling an optical signal passing out of an optical waveguide into a photodetector. The glass-based DOE improves optical link performance by performing one or more of shortening a response time of a photodetector, preventing an overloading condition of the photodetector from occurring and managing back reflection of light from the photodetector. The glass-based DOE is relatively inexpensively to manufacture and is reliable over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, media and signals for generating a computer representation of a three-dimensional swept envelope of a vehicle having a wheeled chassis operable to support a vehicle body for movement along a terrain is disclosed. The method involves receiving terrain data representing a 3D terrain, receiving data defining parameters of the vehicle, and receiving data defining a path for movement of the vehicle from an initial position on the terrain to a displaced position on the terrain. The method also involves disposing a computer representation of the vehicle on the 3D representation of the terrain at successive locations along the path using the parameters. Disposing involves determining points of engagement between wheels of the wheeled chassis and the 3D representation of the terrain to dispose the chassis with respect to the terrain, and determining a corresponding 3D location of the vehicle body with respect to the terrain.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a voltage waveform at an output node. The circuit includes a voltage rail connected to the output node via a voltage rail switch; an anchor node connected to the output node via an inductor and a bidirectional switch, wherein the bidirectional switch includes two or more transistors connected in series; and a control unit configured to change the voltage at the output node by controlling the voltage rail switch and the bidirectional switch so that, if a load capacitance is connected to the output node, a resonant circuit is established between the inductor and the load capacitance. The circuit may be included in an apparatus for use in processing charged particles, e.g. for use in performing mass spectrometry or ion mobility spectrometry.