Abstract: An imaging system for an optical element, the imaging system comprising means for illuminating a targeted optical element with at least one incident light beam and means for directing at least two light beams returning from at least one surface of the illuminated optical element onto a detector; the detector adapted to measure relative light characteristics of the at least two returning light beams and to calculate at least one parameter of the optical element using the measured characteristics of the at least two returning light beams.

Abstract: The permeability of barrier layers formed from sodium bentonite clay may be significantly and unpredictably impacted upon contacting various ionic substances. Modifying agents may be admixed with sodium bentonite clay to lessen the impacts resulting from its contact with an ionic substance. Suitable modifying agents may comprise an anionic substance selected from the group consisting of a diutan, a polymer containing a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof. Methods for forming a barrier layer may comprise: providing a barrier material comprising sodium bentonite clay and a modifying agent admixed with the sodium bentonite clay, the modifying agent comprising an anionic substance selected from the group consisting of a diutan, a polymer containing a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof; and forming a barrier layer comprising the barrier material.

Abstract: Methods and materials are described for producing immortalized hybrid cells composed of a fusion of immortalized multi-lineage progenitor cells (MLPC) and primary hepatocytes. The hybrid cells express the biological activity of the primary hepatocytes and the immortality and expansion capacities of the immortalized MLPC. The methods of culture and expansion of the resultant hybrid cells and the methods to confirm the characteristics of the hybrid cells are described.

Abstract: Culture medium formulations are described that are capable of large-scale expansion of stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells while sustaining the activity of those cells to maintain the phenotype and biological characteristics of normal hepatocytes.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus for coupling a mower to a front three-point linkage of a tractor includes a mounting element for coupling to the three-point linkage and a carrier element to which the mower is coupled. A linkage mechanism including upper link members and a lower link member couples the carrier element to the mounting element. The lower link member is pivotally coupled to the mounting element about a first lower pivot axis. A pair of take-up springs act between the lower link member and the mounting element to take up a portion of the weight of the mower. The take-up springs are coupled between corresponding anchor elements and corresponding anchor brackets on the lower link member. The anchor elements are carried on respective compensating arms, which in turn are pivotal on pivot shafts carried on the mounting element.

Abstract: This invention provides transcription regulatory control sequences, the activity of which function as biomarkers for a variety of biological responses. This invention also provides expression constructs in which a biomarker transcription regulatory sequence is operably linked with a sequence for a reporter. Cells that comprise these expression constructs can be used in assays to identify conditions that modulate activity of the biological response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that may be frequently stopped and restarted are described. In one example, an engine is rotated in small crankshaft angle increments and stopped after the engine is rotated through a predetermined actual total number of crankshaft degrees so that the engine position does not change when the engine reaches a desired position.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to hydroxy-terminated poly(alkylene oxide) copolymer surfactants for use downhole, downhole compositions including the same, and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method can include obtaining or providing a composition including a hydroxy-terminated poly(alkylene oxide) copolymer surfactant. The copolymer surfactant can include a first repeating unit having the structure —[R1O]—, wherein at each occurrence R1 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted (C2-C10)alkylene group. The copolymer surfactant can include a second repeating unit having the structure —[R2O]—, wherein at each occurrence R2 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted (C2-C10)alkylene group. The first repeating unit can have a lower molecular weight than the second repeating unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that may be frequently stopped and restarted are described. In one example, an engine is rotated in small crankshaft angle increments and stopped after the engine is rotated through a predetermined actual total number of crankshaft degrees so that the engine position does not change when the engine reaches a desired position.

Abstract: A conveying device (1) for picking up a sward of crop material from the ground and feeding the crop material to, for example, a baler (4), comprises a conveying channel (28) through which the crop material is conveyed from a pick-up mechanism (18) to the baler (4) by a feed rotor 34. The conveying channel (28) comprises a base (30) comprising an upstream base part (43) and a downstream base part (44). The upstream base part (43) is pivotal adjacent its upstream end (45) about a transversely extending first pivot axis (57). The downstream base part (44) is pivotal about a second transversely extending second pivot axis (76) towards the downstream end (51) thereof. The downstream end (46) of the upstream base part (43) is supported on a pair of first resilient mounting members (59) and the upstream end (50) of the downstream base part (44) is supported on a pair of second resilient support members (85) through a pair of carrier arms (78) which are pivotal about a transversely extending carrier pivot axis (74).

Abstract: A database (52) stores image recipient reconstruction profiles each comprising image reconstruction parameter values. An image reconstruction module (30) is configured to reconstruct medical imaging data to generate a reconstructed image. An image reconstruction setup module (50) is configured to retrieve an image recipient reconstruction profile from the database (52) for an intended image recipient associated with a set of medical imaging data and to invoke the image reconstruction module (30) to reconstruct the set of medical imaging data using image reconstruction parameter values of the retrieved image recipient reconstruction profile to generate a reconstructed image for the intended image recipient. A feedback acquisition module (54) is configured to acquire feedback from the intended image recipient pertaining to the reconstructed image for the intended image recipient.

Abstract: A combined baler/bale wrapper (1) comprises a baler (10) mounted on a chassis (5) and a bale wrapper (14) mounted on the chassis (5) rearwardly of the baler (10) for wrapping a bale formed by the baler (10). The bale wrapper (14) comprises a pair of first and second bale support rollers (50,51) for supporting and rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis (56). A pair of wrapping film dispensers (60) are carried on a carrier ring (58) which is rotated about a second wrapping axis (61) for dispensing wrapping film onto the bale (2) as the bale (2) is being rotated by the first and second bale support rollers (50,51).

Abstract: An adhesive formulation is provided that is a waterborne bonding adhesive for adhering sheet membranes that may incorporate a solid plasticizer. The formulation is fast-curing and develops bond strength rapidly after application to a substrate as the adhesive dries, when the sheet membrane is mated to the substrate. The fast-curing characteristic is important to ensure the membrane is not displaced from the surface in windy exterior applications. The adhesive is formulated to form the bond between sheet membranes to substrates that illustratively include, steel, wood, concrete, roof boards, insulation, and fiberglass mat roof boards.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for lifting and moving an object that is underwater. The apparatus including a first (12) and a second (14) chamber, both chambers containing a first (16) and a second (18) fluid. There is a conduit (20, 21) in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, the first and second fluids moveable between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system retrieves data (206) from a plurality of accessible data sources, the accessible data sources storing data including physiological data describing a subject to be imaged, a nature of a requested diagnostic image, image preferences of a clinician who requested the diagnostic image, and previously reconstructed images of the requested nature of the subject and/or other subjects, reconstruction parameters and/or sub-routines used to reconstruct the previously reconstructed images. The system analyzes (6, 12) the retrieved data to automatically generate reconstruction parameters and/or sub-steps specific to the nature of the requested diagnostic image, the subject, and the clinician image preferences. The system controls a display device (10, 216) to display the generated reconstruction parameters and/or sub-routines to the user for a user selection.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system retrieves data (206) from a plurality of accessible data sources, the accessible data sources storing data including physiological data describing a subject to be imaged, a nature of a requested diagnostic image, image preferences of a clinician who requested the diagnostic image, and previously reconstructed images of the requested nature of the subject and/or other subjects, reconstruction parameters and/or sub-routines used to reconstruct the previously reconstructed images. The system analyzes (6, 12) the retrieved data to automatically generate reconstruction parameters and/or sub-steps specific to the nature of the requested diagnostic image, the subject, and the clinician image preferences. The system controls a display device (10, 216) to display the generated reconstruction parameters and/or sub-routines to the user for a user selection.

Abstract: Polymer-based drilling fluids may be used as an alternative to drilling fluids containing bentonite or other clay materials, although filter cake formation with polymer-based drilling fluids can often be inadequate. Drilling methods can comprise: providing a drilling fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a non-crosslinked hydroxyalkylcellulose polymer, and a plurality of non-biodegradable particulates; drilling a borehole in the presence of the drilling fluid; and forming a filter cake within the borehole, the filter cake comprising the non-crosslinked hydroxyalkylcellulose polymer and the non-biodegradable particulates.

Abstract: The permeability of barrier layers formed from sodium bentonite clay may be significantly and unpredictably impacted upon contacting various ionic substances. Modifying agents may be admixed with sodium bentonite clay to lessen the impacts resulting from its contact with an ionic substance. Suitable modifying agents may comprise an anionic substance selected from the group consisting of a diutan, a polymer containing a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof. Methods for forming a barrier layer may comprise: providing a barrier material comprising sodium bentonite clay and a modifying agent admixed with the sodium bentonite clay, the modifying agent comprising an anionic substance selected from the group consisting of a diutan, a polymer containing a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof; and forming a barrier layer comprising the barrier material.

Abstract: Retention members for securing LED boards to substrates while permitting light from the LEDs to be emitted unobstructed. The present retention members may be in the form of clips that are designed to span an LED board and attach to a substrate so as to trap the LED board between a retention member and the substrate. The retention members described herein may include one or more retention features that may interface with a corresponding mounting feature formed on the substrate to secure the retention member and thus the LED board to a substrate.

Abstract: An imaging system for an optical element, the imaging system comprising means for illuminating a targeted optical element with at least one incident light beam and means for directing at least two light beams returning from at least one surface of the illuminated optical element onto a detector; the detector adapted to measure relative light characteristics of the at least two returning light beams and to calculate at least one parameter of the optical element using the measured characteristics of the at least two returning light beams.