Abstract: Tandem solar cell configurations are provided where at least one of the cells is a metal chalcogenide cell. A four-terminal tandem solar cell configuration has two electrically independent solar cells stacked on each other. A two-terminal solar cell configuration has two electrically coupled solar cells (same current through both cells) stacked on each other. Carrier selective contacts can be used to make contact to the metal chalcogenide cell (s) to alleviate the troublesome Fermi level pinning issue. Carrier-selective contacts can also remove the need to provide doping of the metal chalcogenide. Doping of the metal chalcogenide can be provided by charge transfer. These two ideas can be practiced independently or together in any combination.

Abstract: A method for creating a first MRI image and a second MRI image is provided. A first echo is read out. A second echo is read out. The first echo readout is used to generate a first image set, with each image pixel being a first linear combination of the first species and the second species. The second echo readout is used to generate a second image set, with each image pixel being a second linear combination of the first species and the second species. The first image set and second image set are combined to obtain a first combined image containing only the first species and a second combined image containing only the second species, comprising combining the first image set and the second image set to generate two pairs of solutions and using a mathematical optimization to choose a correct pair of solutions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the enhancement of the osteogenic potential of bone graft by ex vivo treatment with a Wnt polypeptide, such as a liposomal Wnt polypeptide.

Abstract: Nanoscale probes for forming stable, non-destructive seals with cell membranes. The probes, systems including these probes, and methods of fabricating and using the probes described herein may be used to sense from, stimulate, modify, or otherwise effect individual cells or groups of cells. In particular, described herein are nanoscale cellular probes that may be used to fuse with, and in some variations span, the lipid membrane of a cell to provide stable and long lasting contact to the cell. Thus, the probes described herein may be used as part of a system, method or device that would benefit from stable, non-destructive access to and across a cell membrane. In some variations the nanoscale probe devices or systems described herein may be used as part of a drug screening procedure.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: A flywheel for use as an energy storage device is made of hoops of different fiber composite layers, the radial thickness of each hoop and the physical properties of the fiber composite in each loop being chosen by a computer modeling optimization procedure to maximize total energy of storage while minimizing radial stress.

Abstract: Light is coupled into a cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) resonant cavity using an acousto-optic modulator. The AOM allows in-coupling efficiencies in excess of 40%, which is two to three orders of magnitude higher than in conventional systems using a cavity mirror for in-coupling. The AOM shutoff time is shorter than the roundtrip time of the cavity. The higher light intensities lead to a reduction in shot noise, and allow the use of relatively insensitive but fast-responding detectors such as photovoltaic detectors. Other deflection devices such as electro-optic modulators or elements used in conventional Q-switching may be used instead of the AOM. The method is particularly useful in the mid-infrared, far-infrared, and ultraviolet wavelength ranges, for which moderately reflecting input mirrors are not widely available.