Abstract: An image sensor device is provided that has an uncovered imaging array of pixels and a covered global reference non-imaging array of pixels. The pixel samples of the global reference non-imaging array are used to remove noise from the pixel samples of the imaging array. The control signals and control lines that are used to sample the pixels of the imaging array are separate from and independent of the control signals and control lines that are used to sample the pixels of the global reference non-imaging array of pixels. For each row of pixels of the imaging array that is sampled, the same row of pixels of the global reference non-imaging array is sampled. The global reference row has no or very few offsets or variations to ensure that noise removal is performed effectively.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for short-term forecasting of future retail performance are described herein. The system includes a Web-based graphical user interface, a weather history database and a weather forecast database. The method and computer program product allow users (e.g., retail managers and the like) to produce maps and related charts, using weather and sales history correlation analyzes, indicating weather favorability for specific retail products in specific geographic areas during specific future (and past) time periods. The weather favorability maps thereby facilitate retail-based advertising, allocation, placement, promotion and staffing decisions.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for weather and/or terrestrial vegetation-based water renovation and management forecasting are described herein. The system includes a water renovation and management forecast system that acts as an analysis engine, where the analysis engine executes a request for the evaluation of water. The system may also include a front end system that preferably provides a graphical user interface to the users of the present invention to access the water renovation and management forecast system. In addition, a database stores both past (i.e., history) and future (i.e., forecast) weather and/or terrestrial vegetation data that are used by the water renovation and management forecast system in the analysis of the water. Data in the database are passed in via the front end system, collected by the water renovation and management forecast system, or derived by the water renovation and management forecast system.

Abstract: An ink-jet printhead having a thin film substrate, the substrate including a plurality of thin film layers including a gold thin film layer overlying a tantalum thin film layer, an underlying passivation layer and an aluminum thin film layer underlying the passivation layer. A portion of the substrate is disposed adjacent an outer edge thereof and an ink barrier layer overlies the thin film substrate, the barrier layer having a first edge. The substrate portion extends beyond the barrier layer first edge. A plurality of bond pads is disposed on the substrate portion. Power and ground traces are coupled to a respective bond pad and are dropped through vias in the substrate portion to the thin film aluminum layer underlying the passivation layer. The traces are returned through vias to the gold thin film layer at a location separated from the barrier first edge.

Abstract: A method of predisposing a mammal to accelerated tissue repair is provided. This method comprises systemically administering to the mammal, prior to its exposure to tissue damage, an effective amount of TGF-.beta.. Preferably, the TGF-.beta. is administered no more than about 24 hours prior to exposure to tissue damage.

Abstract: A leash including a cord to attach a surfer to his surfboard. The cord is retractable by spring action into a housing so as to eliminate slack or excess cord length and thereby reduce both the potential for tangling and drag through the water. The housing is detachably connected to the surfboard at the existing crossbar which is typically embedded therewithin.