Abstract: This technology relates in part to methods and compositions for treatment or prevention of infections, including but not limited to respiratory infections. The methods and compositions can include lung surfactants, detergents, antivirals, siRNA, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) boosting agents.

Abstract: A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.

Abstract: A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.

Abstract: A multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle that uses tractor propulsion to launch the vehicle into space. Only the upper stage of the vehicle includes an engine and avionics allowing the lower stages to be only liquid propellant tanks that may be dumped when empty. The liquid propellant may be either monopropellant or bi-propellant. The upper stage may include multiple nozzles that burn the propellant. Alternatively, the upper stage may include an aerospike engine instead of nozzles. The multiple stage orbital delivery vehicle may be air launched from an airborne aircraft or may be launched from the ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-contained, random scattering laser generating device comprising a housing comprises an opening and an inner chamber, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the inner chamber and in radioactive communication with the at least one quantum dot, and a first lasing medium. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with a high-energy emitting source whereby randomly scattered light is produced, partially coherently amplifying the randomly scattered light emitted from the at least one quantum dot, and generating a random scattering laser.

Abstract: A solar powered radiometric lift device operable to generate sustained lift is disclosed. A hot surface powered by solar energy and a colder surface are utilized to generate a pressure differential via free molecular momentum exchange. An insulating space may be situated between the hot surface and the colder surface, and formed into channels allowing thermal transpiration. The solar powered radiometric lift device is operable to provide sufficient lift for a geostationary stratospheric platform. Embodiments of the solar powered radiometric lift device are further operable to provide station keeping thrust and controllability.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus that includes a calibration member that is disposed within a calibration holder and is movable to a position within the optical path of the scanner head assembly. The apparatus can perform optical analysis of images on sheets, comprising a structure forming a baffle for passage of a sheet therethrough, and a photosensor disposed to receive light reflected from a sheet in the baffle. In particular, this embodiment employs a shutter plate mounted to a rack and pinion system where the shutter plate serves the dual purpose of presenting the calibration member to the scanner when engaged into the paper path and when retracted, the backside of the shutter serves as a paper guide.

Abstract: A pressure oscillation damping mechanism comprises a cavity having an entrance exposed to fluid flowing on an exterior of the cavity. The damping mechanism may include a constriction positioned adjacent to the entrance and being sized to dampen an amplitude of the pressure oscillations occurring within the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light modulating communication device comprising a housing comprising at least one inner chamber, and an opening, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the at least one inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the at least one inner chamber, a modulator positioned proximal to the opening of the housing, and optionally, at least one reflector positioned within the at least one inner chamber. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with high-energy particles such that light is produced from the at least one quantum dot, and modulating the light produced from the at least one quantum dot.

Abstract: According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus that includes a calibration member that is disposed within a calibration holder and is movable to a position within the optical path of the scanner head assembly. The apparatus can perform optical analysis of images on sheets, comprising a structure forming a baffle for passage of a sheet therethrough, and a photosensor disposed to receive light reflected from a sheet in the baffle. In particular, this embodiment employs a shutter plate mounted to a rack and pinion system where the shutter plate serves the dual purpose of presenting the calibration member to the scanner when engaged into the paper path and when retracted, the backside of the shutter serves as a paper guide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to illumination devices and methods of generating light for extended periods of time without requiring an outside source of power, recharging, refueling or maintenance. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of quantum dots and a radioisotope, and may be used in numerous ways, for example, for the marking critical areas or paths, for the illumination of pathways in aircraft, ships, trains, buildings, and other facilities where these routes must be precisely delineated or identified for safety reasons, for the inclusion of signs or other indicia that must be illuminated at all times, as well as many military uses, such as for the demarcation of temporary airfields for fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters or for IFF (identification friend or foe).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to illumination devices and methods of generating light for extended periods of time without requiring an outside source of power, recharging, refueling or maintenance. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of quantum dots and a radioisotope, and may be used in numerous ways, for example, for the marking critical areas or paths, for the illumination of pathways in aircraft, ships, trains, buildings, and other facilities where these routes must be precisely delineated or identified for safety reasons, for the inclusion of signs or other indicia that must be illuminated at all times, as well as many military uses, such as for the demarcation of temporary airfields for fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters or for IFF (identification friend or foe).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-powered, random scattering laser generating device comprising a housing comprises an opening and an inner chamber, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the inner chamber and in radioactive communication with the at least one quantum dot, and a first lasing medium. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with a high-energy emitting source whereby randomly scattered light is produced, partially coherently amplifying the randomly scattered light emitted from the at least one quantum dot, and generating a random scattering laser.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a light modulating communication device comprising a housing comprising at least one inner chamber, and an opening, at least one quantum dot positioned inside the at least one inner chamber, a high-energy emitting source positioned within the at least one inner chamber, a modulator positioned proximal to the opening of the housing, and optionally, at least one reflector positioned within the at least one inner chamber. The present disclosure also relates to a method comprising providing at least one quantum dot, contacting the at least one quantum dot with high-energy particles such that light is produced from the at least one quantum dot, and modulating the light produced from the at least one quantum dot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of polymers, e.g., polynucleotides, are provided. The systems are capable of analyzing a polymer at a specified rate. One such analysis system includes a structure having a nanopore aperture and a molecular motor, e.g., a polymerase, adjacent the nanopore aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a double-stranded region in a nucleic acid by (1) providing two separate, adjacent pools of a medium and a interface between the two pools, the interface having a channel so dimensioned as to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage of a single-stranded nucleic acid, but not of a double-stranded nucleic acid, from one pool to the other pool; (2) placing a nucleic acid polymer in one of the two pools; and (3) taking measurements as each of the nucleotide monomers of the single-stranded nucleic acid polymer passes through the channel so as to differentiate between nucleotide monomers that are hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel and nucleotide monomers that are not hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is constructed so as to comprise a non-solid core layer surrounded by a solid-state material, wherein light can be transmitted with low loss through the non-solid core layer, and an electrical component is in fluid communication with the non-solid core layer. The electrical component controls movement of sample material through the non-solid core. The optical wave guide provides light confinement with structured dielectric materials. A presently preferred implementation of the invention employs anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROWs or ARROW). Liquid-core waveguides may also be implemented using other dielectric confinement methods where the layers are periodic, such as Bragg mirrors, holey photonic crystal fiber, and omniguides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of polymers, e.g., polynucleotides, are provided. The systems are capable of analyzing a polymer at a specified rate. One such analysis system includes a structure having a nanopore aperture and a molecular motor, e.g., a polymerase, adjacent the nanopore aperture.

Abstract: Targeted molecular bar codes and methods for using the same are provided. The subject targeted molecular bar codes include a molecular bar code and a member of a specific binding pair, where the specific binding pair member is generally bonded to the bar code through a linking group. The subject molecular bar code may be read during translocation through a single nano-meter scale pore. The subject targeted molecular bar codes find use in a variety of different applications involving analyte detection, such as screening and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a double-stranded region in a nucleic acid by (1) providing two separate, adjacent pools of a medium and a interface between the two pools, the interface having a channel so dimensioned as to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage of a single-stranded nucleic acid, but not of a double-stranded nucleic acid, from one pool to the other pool; (2) placing a nucleic acid polymer in one of the two pools; and (3) taking measurements as each of the nucleotide monomers of the single-stranded nucleic acid polymer passes through the channel so as to differentiate between nucleotide monomers that are hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel and nucleotide monomers that are not hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel.