Abstract: A first node of a network includes a quantum receiver, a classical transceiver, and an initial-key generator that cooperate with a second node of the network to receive an initial key via the quantum receiver. The first node includes a key-series generator that (i) decrypts, with the initial key, a first encrypted key of a series of encrypted keys to generate a first unencrypted key of a respective series of unencrypted keys and (ii) decrypts each subsequent encrypted key of the series of encrypted keys with a preceding unencrypted key of the series of unencrypted keys to generate a subsequent unencrypted key of the series of unencrypted keys. The first node includes one or both of a decryptor and an encryptor. The decryptor decrypts encrypted data using a last unencrypted key of the series of unencrypted keys. The encryptor encrypts unencrypted data using the last unencrypted key.

Abstract: A circuit can include a capacitor that has a semiconductor layer, a dielectric layer, and a conductive layer. The circuit can include an insulating layer and a metal or conductive layer. The metal layer can have a first portion that has a first plurality of fingers, and a second portion that has a second plurality of fingers, which can be interdigitated with the first plurality of fingers. The circuit can include one or more first electrical connections that electrically couple the first portion of the metal layer to the semiconductor layer of the capacitor. The circuit can include one or more second electrical connections that electrically couple the second portion of the metal layer to the conductive layer of the capacitor. A capacitance provided by the interdigitated first and second pluralities of fingers can be at least about 3% of a capacitance provided by the capacitor.

Abstract: A training system for use in a wide variety of training tasks and environments comprising a user interface simulating the same information available to a trainee in the task environment which allows the trainee to assert actions to the system; a domain expert which can use the same information available to the trainee and carry out the same task; a training session manager for evaluating such trainee assertions and providing guidance to the trainee appropriate to his acquired skill level; a trainee model which contains a history and summary of the trainee actions; an intelligent training scenario generator for designing increasingly complex training exercises based on the current skill level and any weaknesses or deficiencies that the trainee has exhibited in previous interactions; and a blackboard that provides a common fact base for communication between the other components of the system. The domain expert contains a list of "mal-rules" which typifies errors usually made by novice trainees.

Abstract: A method of matching a first query pattern with a plurality of stored data is disclosed. For each stored data pattern, the number of components are counted which are identical to corresponding components in the first query pattern, thereby forming a set of match numbers equals the number of components in any stored pattern, that stored data pattern is displayed as an output pattern set indicating a match. If no match exists then a second query pattern is determined by modifying the first query pattern, component by component, in dependence upon both a first, global influence of all stored patterns on all components of the first query pattern and a second, particular influence of all stored patterns on each respective component of the first query pattern. The first two method steps are then repeated using the second query pattern in place of the first query pattern. If no match a third query pattern similarly is determined by modifying the second query pattern.