Abstract: Described is a technique to exhaustively enumerate the thermodynamic properties of the water molecules solvating the active site of a protein in its apostate and calculate the relative binding affinities of congeneric compounds that bind to this protein. The subject matter includes sampling the configurations of the solvating water in the active site; extracting the thermodynamic information about the solvating water from these configurations by clustering the observed water configurations into regions of high water occupancy (e.g.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: Described is a technique to exhaustively enumerate the thermodynamic properties of the water molecules solvating the active site of a protein in its apostate and calculate the relative binding affinities of congeneric compounds that bind to this protein. The subject matter includes sampling the configurations of the solvating water in the active site; extracting the thermodynamic information about the solvating water from these configurations by clustering the observed water configurations into regions of high water occupancy (e.g.

Abstract: Contactless payment cards with on-card microchips are transported in mailers with RF shielding. The RF shielding is designed to prevent communication with and skimming of information from the contactless cards enclosed in the mailers while in transit.

Abstract: A transmission bit rate control mechanism for a packet-based communication system in which sender transmission bit rates can vary over time is provided. The transmission bit rate mechanism includes a receiver recording mechanism, which receives transmission time information, computes and records statistical parameters of packets received from a sender; and a receiver processing mechanism, which selectively computes a new transmission bit rate using the recorded statistical parameters, and communicates a new transmission bit rate to the sender.

Abstract: A fastener for a plastic bag includes first and second mutually engageable track portions and a slider for engaging and disengaging the track portions. In a preferred embodiment, the slider includes a core portion and an end portion. The core portion is made of a first material having a first preselected material property. The end portion is made of a second material having a second preselected material property and is arranged at opposing ends of the slider.

Abstract: An ink-jet recording apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a movable supporting member slidable in a conveying direction of a recording medium while supporting the recording medium to follow the recording medium conveyed; and an interlocking mechanism configured to control a movement of the movable supporting member. The interlocking mechanism is operable to: position the movable supporting member in a predetermined upstream position in the conveying direction when the recording medium is conveyed to the predetermined upstream position; retain the movable supporting member in the predetermined upstream position until the recording medium overhangs the movable supporting member to cover a contact portion and at least a part of a non-contact portion; and slide the movable supporting member toward a downstream side in the conveying direction while supporting an edge of the recording medium with the conveyance of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method having the following steps: running a circulation valve comprising a reactive material into the well bore on the casing; reverse-circulating an activator material in the well bore until the activator material contacts the reactive material of the circulation valve; reconfiguring the circulation valve by contact of the activator material with the reactive material; and reverse-circulating a cement composition in the well bore until the reconfigured circulation valve decreases flow of the cement composition. A circulation valve for cementing casing in a well bore, the valve having: a valve housing connected to the casing and comprising a reactive material; a plurality of holes in the housing, wherein the plurality of holes allow fluid communication between an inner diameter of the housing and an exterior of the housing, wherein the reactive material is expandable to close the plurality of holes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cementing applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cementing comprising the steps of: providing a cement composition that comprises: a polyelectrolyte and/or an alkenoic acid first monomer; a filler; and a crosslinking agent; placing the cement composition in a desired location; and allowing the cement composition to set therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communication of scaleable-coded audiovisual signals over multiple TCP/IP connections are provided. The sender schedules and prioritizes transmission of individual scalable-coded data packets over the plurality of TCP connections according to their relative importance in the scalable coding structure for signal reconstruction quality and according to receiver feedback. Low-latency packet delivery over the multiple TCP/IP connections is maintained by avoiding transmission or retransmission of packets that are less important for reconstructed media quality.

Abstract: A method of servicing multiple well locations from a central location that includes the steps of configuring a central location for distribution of well development task fluids to centralized service factories through fluid lines; preparing the treatment fluids at the centralized service factories; and treating wells with the treatment fluids according to well development tasks associated with each well. A system for centralized well treatment operations that includes a centralized well treatment center which pumps well development task fluids to centralized service factories; a plurality of systems with well development mechanisms; a first connection and second connection between a well and the centralized service factories, wherein the connections are directed to flowing and recovering treatment fluids respectively; a third and fourth connection between another well and the well treatment factory, wherein the connections are directed to flowing and recovering treatment fluids respectively.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the fabrication of molecular electronics devices from molecular wires and Single Wall Nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, the cutting of a SWNT is achieved by opening a window of small width by lithography patterning of a protective layer on top of the SWNT, followed by applying an oxygen plasma to the exposed SWNT portion. In another embodiment, the gap of a cut SWNT is reconnected by one or more difunctional molecules having appropriate lengths reacting to the functional groups on the cut SWNT ends to form covalent bonds. In another embodiment, the gap of a cut SWNT gap is filled with a self-assembled monolayer from derivatives of novel contorted hexabenzocoranenes. In yet another embodiment, a device based on molecular wire reconnecting a cut SWNT is used as a sensor to detect a biological binding event.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes, in one aspect, a signal processor having circuitry configured to substitute an assortment of pre-recorded sounds in place of the sound of the guitar. The pre-recorded sounds are triggered by a guitar note that is above a certain threshold. The threshold can be varied, as can the length of time of the substitution.

Abstract: A food bowl assembly includes a bowl (12) and a food platform (14) that lies in a lower portion of the bowl. The platform supports solid food and allows grease and other fluids to flow to a lower compartment (34) that lies under the platform. The platform has support surfaces (40) on which food lies, has recesses (42) that lie slightly below the level of the support surfaces and into which fluid drains, and has drain holes (50) in the recess though which fluids flow to the lower compartment. All of the holes lie closer to the vertical axis (16) of the bowl assembly than to the rim (24) of the platform, which avoids fluids spilling out of the holes when the bowl assembly is tipped. The bottom of the bowl or the platform, forms a deflector (64) around a region below the holes, with gaps in the barrier that allow fluid to flow to the periphery of the lower compartment.

Abstract: A liquid transporting apparatus which transports a liquid includes a channel unit having a surface which is electroconductive and a liquid channel which includes a pressure chamber; a piezoelectric actuator applying a pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber and having a piezoelectric layer arranged to face the surface of the channel unit and to cover the pressure chamber, electrodes which are arranged in the piezoelectric layer to face the pressure chamber, and a first isolating film arranged between the piezoelectric layer and the surface of the channel unit to cover the pressure chamber; and a deterioration detecting mechanism detecting a deterioration of the first isolating film and having a second isolating film which is electroconductive and stacked on a surface, of the first isolating film, on a side of the piezoelectric layer, and which is insulated from both the electrodes and the channel unit.

Abstract: A closure for a container comprises a base and a top cover. The base comprises a flange trap, a seal lock, and an opening. The top cover comprises a seal boss, a seal lock, a flange boss, and a top surface. The flange trap and flange boss secure the closure to a container when the closure is in a closed position. The seal locks are positioned to engage one another when the closure is in the closed position. The seal boss extends into the container when the closure is in the closed position to help prevent sauce or other liquid from leaking out of the container. A method for using a closure for a container and a container combination provides a closure and a container and arranges the closure so that the container is within the opening of the closure.

Abstract: A method for preparation of high purity silicon suitable for photovoltaic cells using reduction of silica, which is pre-purified in an aqueous solution, in presence of a reducing agent, preferably carbonaceous agent, where the pre-purified silica has a low amount of boron suitable for photovoltaic cells is described.

Abstract: A container includes a first tray, and a second tray disposed within the space of the first tray to define a reservoir therebetween. The first tray has a first bottom wall and a surrounding first sidewall, which extends generally upwardly from the first bottom wall to define a space therein. The second tray has a second bottom wall and a surrounding second sidewall, which also extends generally upwardly from the second bottom wall. The second bottom wall has at least one aperture defined in a central region thereof, and also has an upper surface, which slopes downwardly toward the at least one aperture. The reservoir defined between the first and second trays is in fluid communication with the aperture.