Abstract: A set of N copies of bank control logic are provided for tracking the banks within the memory modules (DRAMS). When the total number of banks within the memory module(s) is greater than N, the addresses of particular banks are folded into a single grouping. The banks are represented by the N copies of the bank control logic even when the total number of banks is greater than N. Each bank within the group is tagged as being busy when any one of the banks in the group is the target of a memory access request. The algorithm folds the addresses of the banks in an order that substantially minimizes the likelihood that a bank that is in a busy or false busy state will be the target of another memory access request. Power and logic savings are recognized as only N copies of bank control logic have to be supported.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of a stabilized polyester that is low in the generation of aldehydes which comprises reacting one or more diacids with one or more diols in an esterification process, and/or one or more diesters with one or more diols in a transesterification process in the presence of an effective amount of a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of (a) a polyhydric alcohol which is for example poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol), poly(styrene-co-allyl alcohol), maltitol, isomalt, sorbitol, xylitol, sucrose, mucic acid dibutylester, mucic acid di(phenyl-1-ethyl)ester, pentaerythritol or dipentaerythritol; (b) a compound of the formula II which is for example di-iso-octyl-phosphinic acid; (c) a sterically hindered amine which is for example Tinuvin 123 or Tinuvin 622; (d) a polyacrylamide, an anionic acrylic polymer or a cationic acrylamide copolymer; or (e) a hydroxylamine and/or a nitrone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for providing access to spatial data. A request for data is received. Enterprise and third party data are integrated. The integrated data is processed. Spatially referenced results are generated using the processed data. The spatially referenced results are returned in response to the request.

Abstract: Naphthyridine and quinoline derivatives useful in the treatment of bacterial infections in mammals, particularly humans, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A heating unit (2) for heating a patio (4), which heating unit (2) comprises a heater portion (8) which provides heat for the patio (4) by burning gas from a gas container (6), and a meter (10), and the heating unit (2) being such that the meter (10) is a token-operated or coin-operated meter which allows the passage of gas from the gas container (6) to the heater portion (8) on receipt of at least one token (12) or coin, and the passage of the gas is only for a predetermined time period after which at least one further token (12) or coin is required for allowing the passage of more of the gas for a further predetermined time period.

Abstract: A turbo decoder that calculates alpha, beta and gamma (branch metric) values does not normalize the branch metric but instead applies the normalization factor to the newly calculated extrinsic values before writing them to interleaving memory, resulting in use of less memory than in prior turbo decoders. A compensating factor is applied when the extrinsics are read from interleaving memory. The absence of normalization in the gamma calculation not only conserves memory but also enhances decoder sensitivity.

Abstract: The use of a red nucleic acid stain, in particular red fluorescent SYTO® dye in various methods used for the detection or characterisation of nucleic acids is described. In particular, the red nucleic acid stains have been found to be particularly compatible with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and therefore form the basis of enhanced detection methods.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for filling a void of an electromechanical system includes forming a void within a support layer. A conductive layer is formed outwardly from the support layer such that a portion of the conductive layer partially fills the void. A remainder of the void is filled with an inorganic material. A mirror is formed outwardly from the inorganic material and the conductive layer.

Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.

Abstract: A monolithic dental implant is provided made from a material or materials having a elasticity moduli less than approximately 4 Msi. The materials can be either a polymer or a composite material having a polymer matrix and a fiber- or particulate-reinforced second phase. When subject to occlusive forces, the monolithic dental implant provides improved lateral transmission of the forces, resulting in a reduction in bone resorption. Additionally, because the dental implant is monolithic, it is not subject to the problems associated with bacteria collection and abrasive wear common to multi-component dental implants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for re-using a semiconductor donor wafer in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) fabrication process provide for: (a) subjecting a first implantation surface of a donor semiconductor wafer to an ion implantation process to create a first exfoliation layer of the donor semiconductor wafer; (b) bonding the first implantation surface of the first exfoliation layer to a first insulator substrate; (c) separating the first exfoliation layer from the donor semiconductor wafer, thereby exposing a first cleaved surface of the donor semiconductor wafer, the first cleaved surface having a first damage thickness; and (d) subjecting the first cleaved surface of the donor semiconductor wafer to one or more elevated temperatures over time to reduce the first damage thickness to a sufficient level to produce a second implantation surface.

Abstract: A novel VIGS vector is described based on pGR106. The vector includes a nucleotide silencing sequence which is homologous or complementary to a target gene of a host cell. The vector can induce gene silencing in whole plants and microplants and is also effective in the tubers of Solanum spp.

Abstract: A touch sensor device and method is provided that facilitates improved device usability. Specifically, the touch screen device and method provide user interface functionality while reducing the possibility of inadvertent activation of certain functions. The touch screen device comprises a proximity sensor adapted to detect object presence in a sensing region, a display screen overlapping the sensing region, and a processor. The touch screen device is adapted to provide user interface functionality by facilitating the display of user interface elements and the selection and activation of corresponding functions. For certain functions, the touch screen device and method uses the presence of a second object to confirm selection of a function before that function will be performed. So configured, the touch device screen is able to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent activation for certain functions on the device.

Abstract: A mechanical water still (10) includes an impervious dome-like upper surface (12) and a membrane base (14) that is coupled (26) to the impervious dome-like structure (12) to form, when inflated, a chamber (20). The membrane base (14) supports a water pervaporation process therethrough. A water collection well (16) has an opening into which water droplets condensed from the water pervaporation process collect. The water collection well (16) is sited within the membrane base (14) and generally extends outwardly and downwardly from the membrane base (14), as shown in FIG. 1. In use, a contaminated water source (24) is brought into, ideally, complete contact with the membrane base (14), with the water collection well (16) arranged both to act as a heat sink into the water source (24) and to provide stability to the water still (10) when floating and immersed in the water source (24).

Abstract: A memory controller includes an address queue with address queue locations that may expand to store address commands that point to consecutive locations in memory. In this manner, multiple address commands may combine together in a common expanded address queue location. In one embodiment, each address queue location includes a main information portion and a supplemental information portion. The supplemental information portion is smaller than the main information portion. The main information portion stores the target address information of a first address command. When the address queue receives an address command with a target address that is consecutive to the target address of the first command, then the supplemental address portion stores a subset of the target address of the second command.

Abstract: A method of monitoring human activity includes monitoring accelerations using an inertial sensor disposed at one of a plurality of locations on a human body, wherein at least one of the plurality of locations is not a foot location. A plurality of steps are counted based on the accelerations. A gait characteristic of the plurality of steps is determined. The characteristic is used to determine a stride length. At least one of a distance traveled and a speed of travel are determined based on the stride length.

Abstract: A sequence of processing transactions operating on a cached data set, which depend on each other because they operate on the same items of data from the data set. The transactions are saved until the master copy of the data becomes available. The transactions are played back against the master copy until one of the played back transactions fails because another transaction which operated on the same items of data but against a separate cached copy and originating from another application, was successfully played back on the master copy at an earlier time. At this point, all subsequent transactions which depended on the failing transaction are rolled back on the cached copy (with appropriate failure reports generated) and activity resumes from there. “Chained” (optimistic) transactions can therefore be applied to cached data and can be allowed to progress by recording their dependencies so they can be undone when required.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric compositions comprising an hydrogenated anthraquinone derivative and/or its enol/enolate tautomer. Methods of scavenging oxygen and preventing transmission of oxygen into a package using said compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A protective shield assembly capable of being deployed from a launch vehicle is provided, and methods for assembling and deploying the protective shield assembly are also provided. The protective shield assembly includes a shroud, and a flexible sheet of material within the shroud. The flexible sheet of material is capable of substantially conforming to a contour of at least a portion of the launch vehicle to provide a protective barrier.

Abstract: A method includes storing at least one user datum received from a user in a secure storage portion of a memory within a mobile communication device. Authentication information is received into the mobile communication device. The at least one user datum is transmitted from the mobile communication device to a recipient in response to entry of the authentication information, while preventing the user of the mobile communication device from reading the at least one user datum.