Abstract: A system and method for producing an image of a subject with a tomographic imaging system are provided. A tomographic imaging system is operated to rotate a radiation detector, radiation source, or both through a plurality of angular positions around a subject while acquiring data. As the radiation detector or source is rotated, the radiation detector or source is shifted at each angular position by a different shift value. An image of the subject is reconstructed from the acquired data using a reconstruction technique that incorporates the shifts applied to the detector, source, or both into a system matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to manufacture a coherent bundle of scintillating fibers is disclosed. In the method and apparatus, a polymer matrix of a transparent polymer and nanoparticle scintillators is placed on top of a collimated bundle having a plurality of capillaries and pressed in a pressure vessel until the polymer matrix is forced into the capillaries. Pressure is applied via an anvil on top of the polymer matrix. To prevent fracturing of the collimated bundle during pressing, back pressure is supplied to the pressure vessel via a valve, which controls a supply of high pressure gas. Alternatively, the back pressure may also be supplied by a press (and or pressure) and support to the collimated bundle is provided by a high melting point thermoplastic. Heat may be applied to the polymer matrix via the anvil to speed the pressing operation due to the viscosity of the polymer.

Abstract: A method of assessing a risk level of an enterprise using cloud-based services from one or more cloud service providers includes assessing provider risk scores associated with the one or more cloud service providers; assessing cloud service usage behavior and pattern of the enterprise; and generating a risk score for the enterprise based on the provider risk scores and on the cloud service usage behavior and pattern of the enterprise. The risk score is indicative of the risk of the enterprise relating to the use of the cloud-based services from the one or more cloud service providers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing x-ray phase-contrast imaging using a conventional x-ray source and detector are provided. An array of x-ray focusing elements it provided and used to focus x-ray onto a pattern of multiple different focal spots. When an object is introduced into the beam path, the focal spots will be displaced based on the x-rays being refracted by the object. A refraction angle map is produced and used to generate a phase contrast image, such as an image that indicates the electron density distribution in the object. Multi-spectral imaging can be achieved by utilizing the chromatic aberration of the array of x-ray focusing elements and sweeping the detector through different focal planes associated with different x-ray energy levels or sweeping the peak voltage of the x-ray source for a fixed object-to-detector distance.

Abstract: A cloud service usage assessment system analyzes network traffic from an enterprise data network and generates cloud service usage analytics for the enterprise. In some embodiments, the cloud service usage analytics may include cloud service usage risk assessment. The cloud service usage assessment system is advantageous applied to assess network security in view of an enterprise's adoption of multiple cloud based services.

Abstract: A method implements searchable encryption of cloud stored data by appending tokenized keywords to an encrypted file destined for a cloud storage service. In some embodiments, the tokenized keywords are appended to the header of the encrypted file. Searching of cloud-stored encrypted files using the native search capability of the cloud storage service is then possible by performing the search using the tokenized keywords. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, a method enables searching of cloud stored encrypted file using a cloud search appliance.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enabling a group of people to share the cost of an event, such as a meal, the purchase of a gift, or the rental of a car. Embodiments of the invention provide the tools needed to enable a group to participate in a shared event or activity, where one of the participants pays for the event or activity using their payment device and the other members of the group pay their portion of the cost to the participant who made the payment. Embodiments of the invention provide an ecosystem where a person can pay for an event, goods, or services using a single payment device (such as a credit or debit card) and then settle the amounts owed to them by other members of a group using the tools provided by the invention.

Abstract: User equipments (UEs) may be scheduled by, in a cell, determining relative priorities of data radio bearers (DRBs), each DRB associated with an active UE. A limit is established dividing radio resources available for allocation in the cell during a scheduling period into at least a first limited portion and a second remaining portion. According to the determined relative priorities: a) up to the first limited portion of the radio resources are allocated to only the DRBs that have a guaranteed bit rate (GBR), and thereafter b) the second remaining portion of the radio resources are allocated to only the DRBs which have not been fully allocated from the first limited portion. In carrier aggregation the radio resources are allocated in turn in each different cell per step a) and thereafter in turn in each different cell per step b).

Abstract: To schedule user equipments (UEs) in a scheduling period, for each of X cells in a carrier aggregation (CA) system relative priorities of data bearers are determined. Each data bearer is associated with a respective UE having buffered data and at least one of the UEs is a CA-UE that is allowed radio resource allocation to its associated data bearers in at least two of the cells. For each CA-UE, the buffered data of the CA-UE is distributed across those cells in which the CA-UE and its associated bearers are allowed resource allocation using a measure of total data throughput for each of those cells. For each of the X cells resources are allocated to the data bearers according to the relative priorities such that for each CA-UE the resources allocated to its associated data bearers across those cells are sufficient to carry the buffered data as distributed.

Abstract: A computing apparatus including: a processing system to process a predetermined type of operations using a predetermined communication protocol on a first network connecting a terminal in a first geographical region and a resource controller in a second geographical region; a communication portal to communicate using a second network; and a data store coupled with the processing system. The communication portal communicates via the second network with the mobile device to establish, in the data store, a resource correlation record associating a first resource controlled by the resource controller in the second geographical region with a second resource. The resource correlation record includes locale dependent parameters. In response to a communication initiated in the terminal for an operation of the predetermined type using the first resource, the processing system applies the second resource to the operation in accordance with the resource correlation record using at least the locale dependent parameters.

Abstract: A network traffic monitoring system for redirecting network traffic between a client device and a cloud service includes a monitor proxy server configured as a network intermediary between the client device and the cloud service; and a published identity provider. The published identity provider is configured to receive a login request from a client device and to authenticate the client device at a federated identity provider. The published identity provider is configured to receive from the federated identity provider a redirect response including an identity assertion and a redirect web address to the cloud service. The published identity provider is configured to rewrite the redirect web address to the web address of the monitor proxy server. As a result, network traffic between the cloud service and the client device is routed through the monitor proxy server after user authentication using the published identity provider.

Abstract: A user interface to register merchants. The user interface is configured to allow a merchant to search and identify a set of transaction parameters that are used in authorization and/or settlement messages of payment transactions initiated for a store of the merchant and allow the merchant to obtain a store identifier representing the set of transaction parameters. The store identifier, for example, can be used to label offers of the store of the merchant. Thus, whether or not an authorization or settlement message transmitted in the payment processing network for a payment transaction is for the store can be determined based on whether or not the transaction parameters in the message match with the set of transaction parameters represented by the store identifier.

Abstract: A system and method for producing an image of a subject with a tomographic imaging system are provided. A tomographic imaging system is operated to rotate a radiation detector, radiation source, or both through a plurality of angular positions around a subject while acquiring data. As the radiation detector or source is rotated, the radiation detector or source is shifted at each angular position by a different shift value. An image of the subject is reconstructed from the acquired data using a reconstruction technique that incorporates the shifts applied to the detector, source, or both into a system matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing x-ray phase-contrast imaging using a conventional x-ray source and detector are provided. An array of x-ray focusing elements it provided and used to focus x-ray onto a pattern of multiple different focal spots. When an object is introduced into the beam path, the focal spots will be displaced based on the x-rays being refracted by the object. A refraction angle map is produced and used to generate a phase contrast image, such as an image that indicates the electron density distribution in the object. Multi-spectral imaging can be achieved by utilizing the chromatic aberration of the array of x-ray focusing elements and sweeping the detector through different focal planes associated with different x-ray energy levels or sweeping the peak voltage of the x-ray source for a fixed object-to-detector distance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a juicer device. In some aspects, the juicer includes a feed housing releasably connected about a rotatable cutter, and an input chute of the feed housing can be offset away from a side of the cutter that rotates upward. In some aspects, the juicer includes a feed housing releasably connectable by a rotation of the feed housing relative to the mount from an aligned position to an installed position so that the feed housing is locked in place in response to the rotating motion. In some aspects, the juicer includes a press chamber in which pulp can be squeezed for juice extraction. The press chamber can include a base and a wall, and a press chamber form can include a continuous piece of material forming at least a portion of the base, at least a portion of the wall, and a transition between the base and the wall.

Abstract: A network traffic monitoring system for redirecting network traffic between a client device and a cloud service includes a monitor proxy server configured as a network intermediary between the client device and a federated identity provider and between the client device and the cloud service. The monitor proxy server is configured to receive a redirect response generated by the federated identity provider upon user authentication. The monitor proxy server is configured to rewrite the redirect web address to the web address of the monitor proxy server. The monitor proxy server is further configured to rewrite a response web address in network communications between the cloud service and the client device to the web address of the monitor proxy server. As a result, network traffic between the cloud service and the client device is routed through the monitor proxy server after user authentication by the federated identity provider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to manufacture a coherent bundle of scintillating fibers is disclosed. In the method and apparatus, a polymer matrix of a transparent polymer and nanoparticle scintillators is placed on top of a collimated bundle having a plurality of capillaries and pressed in a pressure vessel until the polymer matrix is forced into the capillaries. Pressure is applied via an anvil on top of the polymer matrix. To prevent fracturing of the collimated bundle during pressing, back pressure is supplied to the pressure vessel via a valve, which controls a supply of high pressure gas. Alternatively, the back pressure may also be supplied by a press (and or pressure) and support to the collimated bundle is provided by a high melting point thermoplastic. Heat may be applied to the polymer matrix via the anvil to speed the pressing operation due to the viscosity of the polymer.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding and dispensing streaking applicators for an automated streaking apparatus having a cartridge holder, the cartridge including: a case with a dispensing end, a longitudinal axis and an elongate slot generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the dispensing end including an applicator dispensing position where one applicator can be at least partially accessible from outside the case; and an applicator support member constrained within the case for longitudinal movement therein and being able to carry a stack of applicators; the elongate slot being capable of operatively receiving a biasing member when the cartridge is in the cartridge holder to urge the support member towards the dispensing end and an applicator into the dispensing position.

Abstract: A method of assessing a risk level of an enterprise using cloud-based services from one or more cloud service providers includes assessing provider risk scores associated with the one or more cloud service providers and in view of darknet intelligence data; assessing cloud service usage behavior and pattern of the enterprise; and generating a risk score for the enterprise based on the provider risk scores and on the cloud service usage behavior and pattern of the enterprise. The risk score is indicative of the risk of the enterprise relating to the use of the cloud-based services from the one or more cloud service providers.