Abstract: Well logging method and logging tool for measuring cement density and thickness at different azimuth angles for a cemented, cased well. The method uses a gamma source, a short-spaced detector, a long-spaced detector, and preferably a backscatter detector, where the detector-to-source spacings are designed for calculating (93) thickness and density of the cement annulus (94) from the detector count rates (91).

Abstract: Method for evaluating cement quality in a cased well. A density log of the well is obtained using, for example, a GammaRay sources and detectors (51). The detector count rates are inverted to provide initial estimates of cement density and thickness (53). Acoustic waveform data are obtained from the well using an acoustic logging tool (52). The acoustic data are inverted (54-56), using the initial estimates of cement density and thickness obtained from the density logs, and an updated density log is inferred. Cement images are obtained from the updated density log, and cement bond quality can be estimated (57).

Abstract: A method of replicating on a test server a production load of a production server. The method can include creating the production load on the production server by processing client requests received from clients. The method further can include, while the client requests are processed, via a processor, in real time, replicating the production load to generate a replicated production load that represents the client requests and defines state information representing unique states formed between the production server and the respective clients. The method also can include, in real time, communicating the replicated production load in order to replicate the production load on the test server.

Abstract: A method of replicating on a test server a production load of a production server. The method can include creating the production load on the production server by processing client requests received from clients. The method further can include, while the client requests are processed, via a processor, in real time, replicating the production load to generate a replicated production load that represents the client requests and defines state information representing unique states formed between the production server and the respective clients. The method also can include, in real time, communicating the replicated production load in order to replicate the production load on the test server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for recovering heavy oil that, at least in one embodiment, include conditioning a reservoir of interest, then initially producing fluids and particulate solids such as sand to increase reservoir access. The initial production may generate high permeability channels or wormholes in the formation, which may be used for heavy oil production processes such as cold flow (CHOPS) or enhanced production processes such as SAGD, or VAPEX.

Abstract: A system in which a plurality of performance objects are stored in computer memory, where each performance objects contains at least one input template and a corresponding optimized code path program product. A template matcher intercepts an input set destined to a directory server, and then determines a match between the intercepted input set and one of the templates. A code path selector then retrieves the corresponding optimized code path program product stored in a performance object associated with the matched template. Finally, a code processor executes the retrieved optimized code path program product on the intercepted input set, and stores the result in a tangible computer media through alteration of a physical property of the media.

Abstract: A robust underwater communication system, for communication between an acoustic signal transmitter and a remotely positioned acoustic signal receiver, wherein transmitted data is carried by a plurality of symbols each having two components one of which comprises a distinctive bit code and the other of which appertains to the character of the symbol as a whole wherein the character of successive symbols is stepped through a predetermined continuously repeating sequence of distinctive steps each of which occurs once in the sequence, the signal receiver being operated synchronously with the signal transmitter and comprising a correlator arrangement responsive both to the bit code and to the character of received signals for effecting demodulation and having a plurality of outputs one for each symbol, so that as each symbol is detected a signal on the output to which it corresponds pre-dominates and amplitude detector means responsive to the outputs from the correlator arrangement for providing an output signal c

Abstract: An assembly includes an electrically conductive mounting bracket, a current limiting device electrically connected to the mounting bracket, and a fuse assembly that includes a body and a fuse. The electrically conductive mounting bracket is configured to mount about the body of the fuse assembly, and, when the electrically conductive mounting bracket is mounted about the body of the fuse assembly, the mounting bracket forms a path for electrical current between the current limiting device and the fuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Abstract: A robust underwater communication system, for communication between an acoustic signal transmitter and a remotely positioned acoustic signal receiver, wherein transmitted data is carried by a plurality of symbols each having two components one of which comprises a distinctive bit code and the other of which appertains to the character of the symbol as a whole wherein the character of successive symbols is stepped through a predetermined continuously repeating sequence of distinctive steps each of which occurs once in the sequence, the signal receiver being operated synchronously with the signal transmitter and comprising a correlator arrangement responsive both to the bit code and to the character of received signals for effecting demodulation and having a plurality of outputs one for each symbol, so that as each symbol is detected a signal on the output to which it corresponds pre-dominates and amplitude detector means responsive to the outputs from the correlator arrangement for providing an output signal c

Abstract: Methods for recovering heavy oil are provided. In at least one embodiment, the process includes conditioning a reservoir of interest, then initially producing fluids and particulate solids such as sand to increase reservoir access (“slurry production”). The initial production may generate high permeability channels or wormholes in the formation, which may be used for heavy oil production processes (“hydrocarbon production”) such as cold flow (CHOPS) or enhanced production processes such as SAGD, or VAPEX.

Abstract: This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of genes encoding proteins involved in deafness caused by dominant negative mechanism of action by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid, short interfering RNA, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (mRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of genes involved in deafness caused by dominant negative mechanism of action.

Abstract: By dividing data entries among multiple data collections, a data collection comprising a data entry associated with a requested percentile can be determined with reference to the number of data entries within each collection. Initially, the range of values corresponding to the identified data collection can be presented as the value of the requested percentile. Should further detail be required, the value for a requested percentile can be refined by averaging the range, linearly, or otherwise, extrapolating estimated values for the data entries within the identified data collection, or sorting the actual entries according to their values. A relational database can maintain the data entries, each comprising values along one or more dimensions, and an OLAP engine component can maintain a counting of the data entries within the defined data collections.

Abstract: Stacking distribution transformers for shipping and storage includes providing a first pallet on top of which a first distribution transformer is attached and a second pallet on top of which a second distribution transformer is attached. Two side supports are attached to opposite sides of the second distribution transformer such that upper support surfaces of the two side supports extend above an upper surface of the second distribution transformer. The first pallet is placed on the side supports above the second distribution transformer, and the first pallet is secured to the side supports. A center support may be attached to the first pallet and to the second pallet on a side of the second distribution transformer different from the sides of the second distribution transformer to which the side supports support are attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Abstract: A system in which a plurality of performance objects are stored in computer memory, where each performance objects contains at least one input template and a corresponding optimized code path program product. A template matcher intercepts an input set destined to a directory server, and then determines a match between the intercepted input set and one of the templates. A code path selector then retrieves the corresponding optimized code path program product stored in a performance object associated with the matched template. Finally, a code processor executes the retrieved optimized code path program product on the intercepted input set, and stores the result in a tangible computer media through alteration of a physical property of the media.

Abstract: By dividing data entries among multiple data collections, a data collection comprising a data entry associated with a requested percentile can be determined with reference to the number of data entries within each collection. Initially, the range of values corresponding to the identified data collection can be presented as the value of the requested percentile. Should further detail be required, the value for a requested percentile can be refined by averaging the range, linearly, or otherwise, extrapolating estimated values for the data entries within the identified data collection, or sorting the actual entries according to their values. A relational database can maintain the data entries, each comprising values along one or more dimensions, and an OLAP engine component can maintain a counting of the data entries within the defined data collections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communication between an application and a device. In one embodiment, a set of class mappings maps parameters between a parser and an application data model. The parser is reversible, and the parser can be used to both parse a received command and reconstruct a command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for persistently storing information objects in a secondary store is provided. Each object to be stored persistently is made a subclass of a persistent object class. The persistent object declares metadata that defines parameters of a table in the secondary store in which instances of the object are stored, and external requirements of the object. When a persistent object inherits attributes from one or more parent object classes, instances of each parent class are represented in separate tables. When a persistent object is read or written by an application program, methods in the persistent object class automatically retrieve or store information for each field of the persistent object by recursively calling a read method or a write method for each class from which the persistent object inherits, and the object's own class. The read method and write methods automatically create and submit commands to the secondary store.