Abstract: A wearable computer system has a user interface with at least an audio-only mode of operating, and that is natural in appearance and facilitates natural interactions with the system and the user's surroundings. The wearable computer system may retrieve information from the user's voice or surroundings using a passive user interface. The audio-only user interface for the wearable computer system may include two audio receivers and a single output device, such as a speaker, that provides audio data directly to the user. The two audio receivers may be miniature microphones that collaborate to input audio signals from the user's surroundings while also accurately inputting voice commands from the user. Additionally, the user may enter natural voice commands to the wearable computer system in a manner that blends in with the natural phrases and terminology spoken by the user.

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.

Abstract: Isolated sulfotransferase nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as sulfotransferase allozymes. Methods for determining if a mammal is predisposed to thyroid disease or cancer also are described.

Abstract: A computerized method of presenting information from a variety of sources on a display device. Specifically the present invention describes a graphical user interface for organizing the simultaneous display of information from a multitude of information sources. In particular, the present invention comprises a graphical user interface which organizes content from a variety of information sources into a grid of tiles, each of which can refresh its content independently of the others. The grid functionality manages the refresh rates of the multiple information sources. According to one embodiment, the method of the present invention allocates refresh rates to tiles according to priorities that are assigned based on identifiers such as quality of service (QoS) tags associated with one or more of the information sources. The present invention is intended to operate in a platform independent manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for preparing a purified lactic acid solution suitable for use in connection with a source of lactate material a pH within the range of 0.8 to 9.0. The process includes the steps of providing a source of lactate material which includes a calcium salt; acidulating the concentrated broth with sulfuric acid to form an acidulated solution which includes lactic acid and calcium sulfate; reducing an amount of calcium sulfate from the acidulated solution; extracting the acidulated solution with an amine extractant to form a loaded solvent; and back extracting the loaded solvent with an aqueous solvent to provide a purified solution of lactic acid. Optionally, the source of lactate material can be concentrated prior to the step of acidulating. Alternately, the amine extractant can include sulfate anion. The sulfuric anion in the amine extractant can be residual sulfuric acid from the acidulation step.

Abstract: A cryoplasty catheter and method for preventing or slowing reclosure of a lesion following angioplasty. The cryoplasty catheter includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a dilatation balloon disposed at the distal end. An intake lumen and exhaust lumen are defined by the shaft to deliver coolant to the balloon and to exhaust or drain coolant from the balloon. The method in accordance with the present invention includes cooling a lesion to aid in remodeling the lesion through dilatation and/or freezing a portion of the lesion adjacent the dilatation balloon to kill cells within the lesion to prevent or retard restenosis.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical chromophore having the formula D-?-A, wherein ? is a ? bridge including a thiophene ring having oxygen atoms bonded directly to the 3 and 4 positions of the thiophene ring, D is a donor, and A is an acceptor.

Abstract: A device for dispensing particulate matter may include a gravimetric sensor to measure the weight of particulate matter mixed with a fluid carrier. In an illustrative embodiment, a dry chemical inductor includes a bin for containing particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a valve for controllably releasing a particulate matter from the bin into the conduit. The device may further include a gravimetric sensor, such as an electronic scale or a load cell, for measuring the weight of particulate matter released from the bin. A controller may receive signals from the gravimetric sensor and actuate the valve to interrupt the flow of particulate matter when the desired amount of particulate matter has been released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: It has been found that placental alkaline phosphatase interacts synergistically with growth factors and corresponding serum factors to stimulate the proliferation of adult fibroblast cells. Furthermore, this stimulation of fibroblast proliferation does not result in a corresponding stimulation of collagen synthesis. Thus, wound healing compositions can be formulated that improve wound healing without increasing scar formation. Compositions for wound healing can include placental alkaline phosphatase and a gel-forming material. In some embodiments, compositions include placental alkaline phosphatase and serum/growth factors. In addition to wound healing applications, compositions with placental alkaline phosphatase can also be used in cell culturing of adult fibroblast cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic, biologically active molecule for fixing an active ingredient to the virus protein 1 (VP1) of the polyoma virus. According to the invention, an amino acid sequence A1 which is derived from the C-terminal end of virus protein 2 (VP2) or 3 (VP3) of the polyoma virus is bonded to an active ingredient at one of its ends.

Abstract: A system for creating a decorative edible item from a selected image. The system includes at least one image source, such as a scanner and/or a library of stored images, a controller unit and a printer. An edible media is inserted into the printer. The user then selects the image source, such as the scanner for scanning in a photograph reminiscence of a person or event being honored. The size of the printed image is then selected as well as the number of copies to be printed from the image. The print sequence is then activated. The controller unit applies color correction to the digital image and converts the digital image into printer control signals to operate the printer. The printer then prints a rendition of the image with edible inks as the edible media travels through the printer. A high-quality pictorial rendition of the image is thus created. The printed edible media can then be applied onto a product, shipped to a separate location or eaten as is.

Abstract: A process comprising a) providing a polymer blend comprising a luminescent polymer and a second polymer, where at least one of the polymers is crosslinkable, and b) crosslinking the crosslinkable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating auxin and glucosinolate production in plants, specifically by modulating CYP83B1 expression. The present invention also relates to transgenic plants that overexpress and underexpress CYP83B1.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer blends that include a luminescent polymer. Also featured are devices incorporating these blends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the pH of blood in the vicinity of a vulnerable plaque. A balloon including an opto-electric device may be positioned proximate a vulnerable plaque. The balloon can be inflated to partially occlude blood flow enabling interaction between lipid laden blood and pH-sensitive material either within the balloon or on the wall(s) of the balloon. The selected pH-sensitive material is one whose optical properties change as a function of the pH of blood in the vasculature. An opto-electric device may be used for measuring the optical property and/or the change in the optical characteristics of the pH-sensitive compound.

Abstract: Vegetable oils having an elevated stearic acid content and a low polyunsaturates content are described. A confectionery product containing oils of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A gene encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase from Brassica napus is described, as well as methods of altering oil content in plants using the diacylglycerol acyltransferase.