Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a biodegradable piece for medical use including the steps of: a) preparing a mixture including glycerol and sebacic acid, b) pouring said mixture into a one-piece mould made of elastic material, c) placing the mould containing said mixture on a support, d) placing the support into a chamber with controlled temperature and vacuum level until a polymer having the desired consistency is obtained, e) removing the support from the chamber and allowing it to cool down to room temperature, and f) removing the piece thus obtained from the mould.

Abstract: The invention features a aortic carboxypeptidase-like polypeptide (ACLP), DNA encoding ACLP, and methods of detecting genetic alterations associated with abdominal wall defects.

Abstract: A system of and method for reducing or eliminating any unwanted sideband component in the output of a transmitter comprising a quadrature modulator followed by a translational loop. In one implementation, a value representative of the unwanted sideband is derived from a low frequency signal generated within or by the translational loop. In this implementation, the low frequency signal is taken from an input to a VCO within the translational loop.

Abstract: A storage management system for managing storage resources of a plurality of computer devices in a computer network includes a plurality of management agents, each of which is installed in a corresponding one of the plurality of computer devices, and each of which is configured to compile storage information of storage resources accessible by the corresponding computer device to create a first set of compiled storage information, and a storage manager installed in the server. The storage manager is configured to collect the first set of compiled storage information from each of the management agents and to further compile the first sets of storage information received to create a second set of compiled storage information. The storage management system further includes a user interface operatively coupled to the server manager to allow a user to access the second set of compiled storage information.

Abstract: An Internet-based system and method is set forth for estimating power availability and business process downtime based on specific attributes of a building and business process components contained therein. The system includes a power availability estimator computer coupled to a plurality of user computers via a computer network. The power availability estimator computer can be programmed with a power availability estimator engine, which calculates or estimates the probability that electrical power will be available and/or downtime for a particular building on an annual basis. The power availability estimator engine includes a plurality of equations that cooperate with a probability density function graph to calculate the estimated power availability and business process downtime.

Abstract: A device is prepared having cells or tissue attached to a non-degradable filamentous matrix surrounded by a semi-permeable membrane. The matrix is preferably formed of a plurality of monofilaments twisted into a yarn or woven into a mesh, and can be in the form of a cylinder. When implanting the device, the semi-permeable membrane is preferably immunolsolatory, and the cells or tissue may produce a biologically active molecule to provide therapy. To enhance cell or tissue adhesion, the matrix is coated with extracellular matrix molecules or treated to provide a surface charge. The device can be made by inserting the matrix into a capsule formed of the semi-permeable membrane, distributing the cells or tissue on the matrix through an opening of the capsule, and sealing the opening of the capsule.

Abstract: A dual track stencil system includes a plurality of pairs of adjustable conveyor rails, including a first pair of conveyor rails and a second pair of conveyor rails. The first and second pairs of conveyor rails of the dual track system are advantageously adjustable to accommodate variable width circuit boards or operation of the system in single track mode. The first and second pairs of conveyor rails can be independently controlled for allowing for independent movement of circuit boards through the stencil system for processing. The stencil system includes a working area, at which the circuit boards are stenciled. A stencil, having two patterns, each aligned with a respective working area of each track is suspended above the dual track system. A solder dispensing unit including a squeegee arm is suspended above the stencil, parallel to and centered between the two tracks.