Abstract: A high-power pulsed surface processing system includes insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) to replicate desirable pulse structures with high precision, at low cost, and with high reliability within a single system. The pulsed surface processing system includes a power supply, an anode and a cathode, a dual gate driver supplying power to one or more IGBT gates, and one or more capacitor banks. Pulse formation software controls the timing and duration of electrical pulses to the electrodes. A freewheeling diode protects the system from an abrupt reduction of current in the circuit. The high-power pulsed surface processing system may be used to control versatile and complex pulse structures while with precise control of instantaneous pulse powers, pulse timing, and process control. The inclusion of dual gate drivers also offers the ability for multiple pulsers to be created and “slaved” together for a wide variety of custom processes.

Abstract: A method of protecting hair from damage by applying a long-chain unhydrolyzed alkyltrialkoxysilane to hair shafts and then hydrolyzing and polymerizing the alkyltrialkoxysilane to form a non-penetrating outer layer on the hair shaft by utilizing pH adjusted water followed by the application of heat. Alternatively, the alkyltrialkoxysilane may be applied to the hair in combination with an alkyl or alkenyl succinic anhydride prior to the application of heat.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reshaping keratin-rich substrates while forming adherent flexible films contain emulsified or soluble mixtures of silanols and hemiaminals or the reaction products of silanols and hemiaminals including silylated hemiaminals. A method for treating split-ends in hair is also described.

Abstract: Underwear (1) and protective cup (2) combination with front fly access (7). Designed to protect the genital area and function in a normal manner as a regular pair of underwear would while urination with convenience and comfort. Protective underwear (1) with right side front fly access (7). Only one straight fly opening allows the wearer to urinate without removing the protective cup (2). Cup does not obscure the fly opening (7). Elastic waistband (8) allows easy insertion or removal of cup from the top of opening (9) created by the front fly access panel (10). Fabric between the skin and cup (2) keeps skin dry and sanitary while keeping the cup securely in place. Protective underwear (1) allows any size cup to be used.There are no straps to twist, no snaps to rust or irritate the skin, no buttons to break or lose. Made from cotton or cotton blend fabric makes protective underwear washable and dryable.

Abstract: Teethers are configured with a base, a biting structure that extends distally from the base, and one or more handles that extend proximally from the base. The base has a hollow interior with both a proximal opening and a distal opening. The biting structure is also hollow and includes a proximal opening such that the biting structure has a proximally-facing concave interior. As a result of this design, a baby may use the teether by either grasping the one or more handles or by inserting his or her fingers through the base and into the concave interior of the biting structure. With the baby's fingers inserted into the concave interior of the biting structure, the baby can satisfy the desire to insert his or her fingers into the mouth while also biting on the teether.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject predisposed to a disorder associated with ion channel dysfunction, comprising ascertaining whether at least one of the genes encoding ion channel subunits in said subject has undergone a mutation event as set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 1-72.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject predisposed to a disorder associated with ion channel dysfunction, comprising ascertaining whether at least one of the genes encoding ion channel subunits in said subject has undergone a mutation event such that a cDNA derived from said subject has the sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-134.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject predisposed to a disorder associated with ion channel dysfunction, comprising ascertaining whether at least one of the genes encoding ion channel subunits in said subject has undergone a mutation event such that a cDNA derived from said subject has the sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-134.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject predisposed to a disorder associated with ion channel dysfunction, comprising ascertaining whether at least one of the genes encoding ion channel subunits in said subject has undergone a mutation event as set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 1-72.