Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a 3D model of a scene. A plurality of light beams are projected onto the scene and their imaged projections are analyzed to capture surface information of the scene at a plurality of dots where the light beams intersect the scene. Surface information is used to register consecutive video frames and to construct a 3D model of the scene.

Abstract: A modified pro-? chain comprising a triple helix forming domain linked to at least an N-terminal domain, the N-terminal domain containing a polypeptide from at least part of a laminin glycoprotein or secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. The pro-? chain may form part of a procollagen molecule that has the N-terminal domain retained. The procollagen molecule may be incorporated into collagen polymers, matrices and gels and be used for such applications as wound healing.

Abstract: Sensors and a method for detecting an analyte are described. Sensors each have a volume of a hydrophilic medium that retains an amount of analyte proportionate to the concentration of analyte in a biological fluid, electrodes and a redox enzyme in contact with medium, and an electron transfer mediator. The fluid contacts sensors and at initially predetermined intervals intermittently applies a potential to electrode sufficient to oxidize the mediator and sensing current through electrode as a function of the duration of the applied potential. The applied mediator oxidizing applied potential is maintained for a period of time sufficient to determine the rate of change of current with time through electrode. The current flow is correlated with the current flow for known concentrations of the analyte in medium.

Abstract: A vegetable lipid-based composition and candle comprised of a vegetable lipid component and a petroleum wax is described. The vegetable lipid component may include a triglyceride or a free fatty acid/triglyceride mixture. The vegetable lipid-based composition has properties that make it advantageous in candle production.

Abstract: A multipurpose bowl assembly including a bowl, a target having a coupler configured to attach the target to the bowl and a launching device coupled to the bowl and configured to propel at least one item in a direction generally toward the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test system for analyzing body fluids of the type comprising a test element tape carrying a plurality of test elements, a tape deflector for the test element tape for the selective application of body fluid, and a light source as well as a detector for optically analyzing test elements to which body fluid has been applied. The tape deflector has a rotatable optical element which acts as a deflection roller during transport of the test element tape. The optical element is positioned in the optical path between the light source and the detector.

Abstract: Method and system for secure computational outsourcing and disguise of data, computer programs, pictures, and databases from unauthorized access, theft, and tampering using disguising and tamperproofing operations. In some embodiments, the disguising operation includes generating a random number for each data element, and modifying each data element with the random numbers. In some embodiments, the computer program, written in a first programming language, is partitioned into first and second programs; the first program determines whether access to the data is authorized, the second program entangles the second program and the data; and the second program is translated into a second programming language. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for identifying the subject of a first picture by comparison to a second picture. Embodiments comprise securing a computer program with real programming code by creating dummy program code and mixing the dummy and real program code.

Abstract: A novel application of a transition metal oxo complex, a cationic oxorhenium(V) oxazoline, in the production of molecular hydrogen (H2) from the catalytic hydrolytic oxidation of organosilanes. The reaction is characterized by quantitative hydrogen yields, low catalyst loading, ambient conditions, high selectivity for silanols, water as the only co-reagent, and no solvent requirement. The amount of hydrogen produced is proportional to the water stoichiometry. For example, reaction mixtures of polysilyl organics such as HC(SiH3)3 and water contain potentially greater than 6 weight percent hydrogen. Kinetic and isotope labeling experiments reveal a new mechanistic paradigm for the activation of Si—H bonds by oxometalates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device which is used to separate gas or liquid from microfluidic flow-through systems. The gas or liquid separation is achieved independently of the spatial orientation of the device. In addition the invention concerns a microfluidic flow-through system in which a device according to the invention enables bubble-free fluid transport.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the fall risk of a patient is provided. The method includes the evaluation of a patient to determine whether the patient exhibits one or more intrinsic fall risk factors selected from a group consisting of confusion, depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, antiepileptic/anticonvulsant prescriptions and benzodiazepine prescriptions. A specific point value is assigned to each of the intrinsic risk factors found to be exhibited by the patient. A mobility test is also performed on the patient to evaluate the patient's ability to rise from a seated position, and a specific mobility test point value is assigned to the patient based upon the patient's performance of the mobility test. Each intrinsic risk factor's specific point value is then summed together with the specific mobility test point value to achieve a total risk score, and the patient's fall risk is determined based on the total risk score.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided. The dispenser has a reservoir for storing a liquid or solid material. The dispenser may have a piezoelectric valve or pump located in an opening of the reservoir for regulating dispensing of the material. Alternatively, the dispenser may have a piezoelectric inchworm that directly or indirectly propels the material against or out of the opening. The opening may deposit the material directly or indirectly on the surface of an animal, or under the animal's skin. The dispenser also can be attached to the surface of the animal. Alternatively, the dispenser may be placed inside the animal.

Abstract: A phase contrast quadrature interferometric method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample. The method includes probing a substrate exposed to the sample with a laser beam. The substrate includes a reflecting surface with a first region having recognition molecules specific to the target analyte and a second region without recognition molecules. The method also includes probing the first and second region, and measuring time dependent intensity on a photodetector at one or both of a pair of quadrature angles of a reflected diffraction signal. The apparatus includes a laser source, a platform for receiving the planar array, an objective lens offset from the platform by approximately a focal length, and a split photodetector means for measuring a first quadrature and a second quadrature in a signal resulting from reflection of the laser beam.

Abstract: A multi-modal data acquisition system for detecting target material on a biological reaction surface, the system comprising a radiation source for generating an incoming beam that impinges on the biological reaction surface at an oblique incidence angle and produces a reflected beam, an interferometric detector for detecting an interferometric signal from the illuminated surface, the reflected beam being directed to the interferometric detector, a fluorescence detector for detecting a fluorescence signal from the illuminated surface; the fluorescence detector being positioned to substantially minimize the incidence of the reflected beam; and a processing system for receiving the interferometric and fluorescence signals and determining the presence or absence of target material on the biological reaction surface. A reaction surface conditioned for the simultaneous collection of fluorescence, interferometric and other signals.

Abstract: Cubic boron nitride/diamond (cBND) composite films with excellent adherence to various substrates and their fabrication method are disclosed. The cBND composite confining cBN can be prepared without any amorphous/turbostratic BN (aBN/tBN) incubation layers. The cBND composite is established on the compatibility of structural and physical properties of two superior materials: cBN on top and diamond beneath. The underlying diamond is adapted to the substrate of choice using a variety of methods which may include prescratching the substrates, bias enhanced nucleation, etching for depleting undesirable chemical elements, construction of buffer layers and gradient buffer layers for the isolation of undesirable chemical elements or/and adaptation of physical properties. The diamond nuclei are preferably formed either by bias-enhanced nucleation or by pre-scratching the substrate prior to nucleation.

Abstract: A method of performing a surgery is provided including a surgical navigation system having a tracking system, computer and monitor placed outside of a sterile field. An input pad and a tracking array attachable to a surgical instrument or bone are placed into the sterile field along with a probe having a probe array. The tracking array and the probe array are acquired by the tracking system and a virtual mouse is activated by positioning the probe relative to the input pad, thereby causing a mouse input to the computer with the virtual mouse.