As i detailed in my email , unfortunately the earliest publication date remains 7/June/2001

the guidelines states any references FILED/or PUBLISHED before 04/10/2000 with NO GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS for references. Since i stumbled upon this one so early, I can imagine other contest participants having done the same. If you rules can be clarified a bit more to reflect that non US patents must go by its International Publication date , it could potentially help out all the other contestants too.

I patiently wait for your feedback on my other reference submitted. Please let me know how much further I need to dig for this search. Meanwhile I am starting another search tonight.

Thanks for your patience