Abstract: A method for separating liquid-like (T2e) from solid-like (T2G) 1H NMR transverse relaxation times in porous media uses novel pulse sequences together with a 1H NMR spectrometer optimized for geological core samples. The method is applied to obtain 1D T2 distributions and 2D T1-T2 maps in organic-rich chalks for quantification of liquid-like signal (micropore fluids, meso-macropore fluids, fluids dissolved in organic matter, and clay-bound water) and solid-like signal (kerogen, bitumen, and clay hydroxyls). The novel pulse sequences comprise a solid-echo, which detects more solid-like signal than an FID. The method is used for fluid typing in micro/meso-macro pores, clay mineral identification, determination of kerogen content, and quantification of solvent-extracted bitumen versus bitumen expelled from kerogen due to swelling from dissolved hydrocarbons. The method is used to quantify the asphaltene, resin, aromatic, and/or saturate content of bitumen in the rock.

Abstract: Technology is shown for verifying a leaf certificate in a PKI chain of trust involving receiving a leaf certificate signed by an intermediate certificate embedded in the leaf certificate. The intermediate certificate is extracted from the received leaf certificate and its public key used to calculate a signature for the received leaf certificate. The calculated signature is compared to a signature included in the received leaf certificate. The received leaf certificate is verified when the calculated signature matches the signature included in the received leaf certificate. The intermediate certificate can be included as a X.509 property of the leaf certificate.

Abstract: A controller is provided for generating carrier signals controlling a pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter driving an electric actuator.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting TGF-?. Trap molecules are provided in which a ligand-binding domain of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 2 (TGF?RII) is fused to an immunoglobulin Fc domain that contains an N-terminal immunoglobulin hinge region where at least one unpaired cysteine residue of said hinge region is replaced by a serine residue.

Abstract: Self-activating chimeric signaling proteins, and especially chimeric TNF family member ligand-receptor proteins are contemplated. In preferred methods, the chimeric protein comprises an extracellular portion of CD40L that is coupled via a flexible linker to CD40 such that the fusion protein, when expressed in an APC, is capable of folding back on itself and transmits a CD40-mediated signal as if it had been contacted by CD40L located on another cell. Advantageously, cells expressing such chimeric proteins contemporaneously with presentation of an antigen will enhance an immune reaction against the antigen.

Abstract: A computerized interactive learning system includes a display device and a compatible input device. The display device provides work items to a learner. The input device detects input activities from the learner in response to the work item. The system analyzes the input activities at two or more tiered levels of granularity. The display device provides conditional feedback to the learner based on the analysis. The input device and the display device can be incorporated into an integrated touchscreen.

Abstract: System integrating one or more touchscreen devices into a general-purpose non-session based computing system for greater usability and productivity is provided. Methods for operating such system are also provided. A handheld multi-mode input device supporting the methods and the system to achieve the objects is also provided.

Abstract: Method implementing a generic computer human input device using key event signal coding compliant to the standard protocols so as to expand its application range without losing plug-and-play property. Applications of the present invention include audience response, gaming, legacy system support and cross-platform system integration, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for determining, using real-time data, whether a removal process has been effective in removing a conductive coating from a removal site on a substrate of an electric device. The method includes determination of conductivity between the removal site and the intact conductive coating which relates to the absence or presence of the conductive coating in the removal site. The presence of conductive coating in the removal site indicates incomplete removal and thus enables real time correction thereof.

Abstract: A solar panel utilizes at least one and, in one embodiment, three protective layers to eliminate the need for a metal frame. The protective layers may include one inorganic layer and two polymer layers, which are cured onto an underside of the panel. In one embodiment, the protective layers are cured over lateral edges of certain of the layers of the solar panel, including for example the conductor layers, semiconductor junction, and reflector layer. The protective layers may extend to cover an exposed edge along an underside of panel's superstrate. In one embodiment, the lateral edge of the superstrate is contoured to resist damage from rough handling and/or exposure to the elements. A support platform may be provided, and the solar panel secured thereon by way of interposing an adhesive between an underside of the panel and the support platform.

Abstract: A tactical flashlight and/or laser mount structure has a chassis, two control buttons, an elastic means, a movable tenon and a mounting mortise. The chassis is fixed on the top of the tactical flashlight and/or laser for engaging the chassis with the gun separately. Each of the control buttons includes a pressing portion and a lift portion, the two control buttons are outward- and inward-movably disposed on the chassis, the elastic means is disposed between the two control buttons, a movable tenon is upward and downward movably disposed on the chassis and formed with two oblique notches, the lift portion of two control buttons joint to the oblique notches, and the mounting mortise is fixed on the gun.

Abstract: A tactical flashlight and/or laser mount structure has a chassis, two control buttons, an elastic means, a movable tenon and a mounting mortise. The chassis is fixed on the top of the tactical flashlight and/or laser for engaging the chassis with the gun separately. Each of the control buttons includes a pressing portion and a lift portion, the two control buttons are outward- and inward-movably disposed on the chassis, the elastic means is disposed between the two control buttons, a movable tenon is upward and downward movably disposed on the chassis and formed with two oblique notches, the lift portion of two control buttons joint to the oblique notches, and the mounting mortise is fixed on the gun.

Abstract: An upper cover plate for an air-tight chamber and a tool for removing the upper cover plate from the chamber are introduced. The upper cover plate integrates a chamber body to form the air-tight chamber, in which the chamber body further includes a top surface for air-tightly matching with a bottom surface of the upper cover plate. The upper cover plate further includes a plurality of thread holes engageable respectively with a plurality of the tools. The present invention is characterized on that at least one of the thread holes is formed as a through thread hole connecting to the bottom surface, and that the respective tool for engaging with the through thread hole includes a portion for penetrating the through thread hole and going beyond the bottom surface.

Abstract: A business transaction capacity management system provides an exchange for dynamically defined services to be exchanged among parties that have met standards imposed upon themselves. The system provides controls for reducing the risk of participating in a project and for limiting participation to buyers and sellers that meet criteria that are recognized in a trading community. The system facilitates the description of new goods and/or services being offered for exchange in terms developed by a trading community that are recognized in that trading community as commercially reasonable and facilitates user-defined qualifications for various limits to bring about further or different cooperation among the system's users.