Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-executable instructions for supporting custom functions within an application. An application add-in is received that includes a custom function and a custom function location. The application is available across multiple platforms. The custom function is also available across multiple platforms. The custom function is registered within the application using the custom function location. A request to invoke the custom function is received within the application A custom function implementation is downloaded from the custom function location. The custom function implementation is executed. A return value is received from the custom function implementation. The return value may be displayed within the application.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents methods, apparatuses, and systems to bolster communication security, and more particularly to utilize a constant time cryptographic co-processor engine for such communication security. For example, the disclosure includes a method for secure communication, comprising receiving encrypted data at a receiving device; obtaining a randomization for at least one bit of the encrypted data; modifying an execution of a cryptographic algorithm on the at least one bit to obtain a randomized cryptographic algorithm based on the randomization; and executing the randomized cryptographic algorithm on the at least one bit of encrypted data to recover original data associated with the encrypted data.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents methods, apparatuses, and systems to bolster communication security, and more particularly to utilize a constant time cryptographic co-processor engine for such communication security. For example, the disclosure includes a method for secure communication, comprising receiving encrypted data at a receiving device; obtaining a randomization for at least one bit of the encrypted data; modifying an execution of a cryptographic algorithm on the at least one bit to obtain a randomized cryptographic algorithm based on the randomization; and executing the randomized cryptographic algorithm on the at least one bit of encrypted data to recover original data associated with the encrypted data.

Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The top and bottom surfaces have a surface roughness between 3-4 ?m. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces defining a surface area that is at least 25% of a surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. First orifices are defined through the top surface and second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. The second orifices are connected to the first orifices by a plurality of channel.

Abstract: A hybrid engine that uses a primary internal combustion engine portion and a secondary external combustion engine portion. In a preferred arrangement, the secondary external combustion engine portion operates as a reciprocating steam engine. The heated exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine portion are used to generate steam, and the steam is used to power the steam engine portion adding the steam engine's power output to that of the internal combustion engine. The thermal efficiency of the hybrid engine may be higher than the thermal efficiency of an internal combustion engine without use of the exhaust gas heat. The hybrid engine uses a configuration in which steam is generated directly in the steam engine and a mechanical link between the internal combustion engine portion and the steam engine portion with the result that the hybrid engine is simple and inexpensive to construct and maintain.

Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shingle includes a first layer having at least one full tab and at least one full cut-out. A second layer is positioned under the first layer. The full tab width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. The full cut-out width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. A method that includes applying such shingles to a roof.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a solid material is disclosed. The method comprises boring at least one bore hole in the solid material, the bore hole having a bottom and an open top. Reactive materials capable of an exothermic reaction to produce a liquid and a gas are introduced into the bore hole. The bore hole is then sealed at the open top. The exothermic reaction is then initiated to produce the liquid and the gas. The pressures generated by the liquid and gas in the bore hole result in fracturing of the solid material.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for the detection of a target analyte, such as a pathogen, in a sample.

Abstract: A hybrid engine that uses a primary internal combustion engine portion and a secondary external combustion engine portion. In a preferred arrangement, the secondary external combustion engine portion operates as a reciprocating steam engine. The heated exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine portion are used to generate steam, and the steam is used to power the steam engine portion adding the steam engine's power output to that of the internal combustion engine. The thermal efficiency of the hybrid engine may be higher than the thermal efficiency of an internal combustion engine without use of the exhaust gas heat. The hybrid engine uses a configuration in which steam is generated directly in the steam engine and a mechanical link between the internal combustion engine portion and the steam engine portion with the result that the hybrid engine is simple and inexpensive to construct and maintain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluid past a device having a flow adjusting device comprising transmitting a temperature to a thermally reactive material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which produces a volume change in the thermally reactive material in response to a change in the temperature. The thermally reactive material is enclosed within a container having a movable portion which is moved in response to the volume change of the thermally reactive material and the movement of the movable portion is applied to actuate the flow adjusting device. The flow adjusting device may comprise a fluid propulsion device such as a fan or pump or a throttling device such as a throttling, check, or shuttle valve.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a solid material is disclosed. The method comprises boring at least one bore hole in the solid material, the bore hole having a bottom and an open top. Reactive materials capable of an exothermic reaction to produce a liquid and a gas are introduced into the bore hole. The bore hole is then sealed at the open top. The exothermic reaction is then initiated to produce the liquid and the gas. The pressures generated by the liquid and gas in the bore hole result in fracturing of the solid material.

Abstract: Methods of creating libraries of biological polymers are provided. The construction of a library employs a probability matrix for a reference sequence, and a constraint vector for which is applied to the probability matrix to produce a substitution scheme. The substitution scheme is then used to generate a library comprising substitutions recommended by the substitution scheme. The library members, or host cells comprising and/or expressing them, can be screened for desired changes in a property of interest in the biological polymers in the library.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for building DNA constructs in vitro, transforming such constructs into competent Bacillus strains with good efficiency, and generating populations of mutants. Also provided is a method to assemble DNA constructs in situ.

Abstract: Cells producing mutant phytases having modified activity are provided, as well as the phytases so produced. Also provided are methods of making and producing such phytases and the use of the expressed phytase protein in feed as a supplement.

Abstract: An evolvable production strain of B. subtilis exhibiting continuous or high level expression during protein evolution is described. An evolved Bacillus subtilis pstS promoter facilitates screening and production of secreted proteins.