Abstract: A method of generating tissue from stem and progenitor cells is disclosed. Primary mammalian stem cells and progenitor cells are placed in an extracellular matrix. The matrix is maintained in a culture medium and a microgravity environment.

Abstract: A galvanic cell having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. The cathode and anode each have vesicles, an electroactive species encapsulated into the vesicles, a conducting substrate, and functionalized tethers immobilizing the vesicles to the substrates. The electrolyte is in contact with both conducting substrates. At least some of the vesicles contain benzoquinone and/or hydroquinone.

Abstract: An object-oriented system for building and maintaining a spatial data structure for use in topological applications. The data is organized in a database which incorporates spatial feature location, attributes, and metadata information in a relational framework across a hierarchy. The system provides for the instantiation of the objects and levels that make up the database and for spatially indexing the data among the objects across hierarchical levels. The data can be updated while preserving the spatial linking among objects and levels, and the data can be exported to a relational vector product format database.

Abstract: The fluidic drive for miniature acoustic-fluidic pump and mixer is comprised of an acoustic transducer attached to an exterior or interior of a fluidic circuit or reservoir. The transducer converts radio frequency electrical energy into an ultrasonic acoustic wave in a fluid that in turn generates directed fluid motion through the effect of acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming results due to the absorption of the acoustic energy in the fluid itself. This absorption results in a radiation pressure and acoustic streaming in the direction of propagation of the acoustic propagation or what is termed “quartz wind”.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the thickness of a coating material using ultrasonic signals. A broad band of frequencies is transmitted by a transducer towards a layer of coating layer on a substrate and a trailing signal is received from the coating layer/substrate interface while a leading backscattered signal from a fluid/coating layer is gated out. The trailing signal is deconvolved into a set of frequencies. The resonant frequency of the coating layer is determined as the frequency with the greatest amplitude. The thickness of the material is calculated as a function of the resonant frequency of the coating layer.