Abstract: A method for producing background-suppressed MR images with improved resistance to subject motion and noise, particularly that associated with parallel imaging techniques. An MRI system is employed to acquire two sets of undersampled k-space data under different scan conditions. A differential k-space data set is then formed by complex, pairwise subtraction of the two undersampled k-space data sets and a background-suppressed MR is reconstructed from the differential k-space data set using an accelerated reconstruction technique, such as GRAPPA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for examining a medium (19), comprising the following steps of: transmitting a measurement input signal (4) comprising at least one measurement frequency, wherein the measurement input signal (4) is coupled into a medium (19); receiving a measurement output signal (9) emerging from the medium (9); transmitting a counter measurement input signal (13) comprising at least one counter measurement frequency, wherein the counter measurement frequency essentially corresponds to the measurement frequency, and wherein the counter measurement input signal (13) is coupled into the medium (19) simultaneously and in an opposite direction to the measurement input signal (4); receiving a counter measurement output signal (16) emerging from the medium (19); calculating a Doppler correction by comparing the counter measurement input signal (13) with the counter measurement output signal (16) in terms of the counter measurement frequency and by comparing the measurement input signal (4

Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent including hop acids is disclosed that inhibits the growth of acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius in a medium such as fruit juice.

Abstract: Methods for the engineering and preparation of intervertebral disc repair scaffolds and articulating joint repair scaffolds are disclosed. The methodology utilizes either magnetic resonance images or combined magnetic resonance and computed tomography images as a template for creating either the intervertebral scaffold or the joint repair scaffold (e.g., osteochondral scaffold) with fixation to the underlying bone. The disc scaffold design may include an outer annulus that may contain desired structures and a central nucleus pulposus region that could either contain a designed microstructure or a contained hydrogel. The osteochondral scaffold may include a bone compartment interface with a cartilage compartment. The bone compartment may interface with a cutout portion of the bone through fixation components. Different microstructure designs may be created for the bone and cartilage compartment to represent desired mechanical and mass transport properties.

Abstract: An Interactive Maintenance Management System (“IMMS”) (10) is an alarm handling system (FIG. 2) for handling alarms (102) that indicate present or imminent equipment failure. The IMMS (10) may be utilized in industrial situations, such as strip-mines (14), to reduce equipment (12) downtime and reduce or prevent equipment failure. The IMMS (10) utilizes a flexible response system to track, analyze, and improve performance of the alarm handling system.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: There is provided a high throughput automated single molecule image collection and processing system that requires minimal initial user input. The unique features embodied in the present disclosure allow automated collection and initial processing of optical images of single molecules and their assemblies. Correct focus may be automatically maintained while images are collected. Uneven illumination in fluorescence microscopy is accounted for, and an overall robust imaging operation is provided yielding individual images prepared for further processing in external systems. Embodiments described herein are useful in studies of any macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, peptides and proteins. The automated image collection and processing system and method of same may be implemented and deployed over a computer network, and may be ergonomically optimized to facilitate user interaction.

Abstract: Methods for reprogramming primate somatic cells to pluripotency using an episomal vector that does not encode an infectious virus are disclosed. Pluripotent cells produced in the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital microform imaging apparatus which includes an approximately monochromatic illumination source transmitting an incident light through a diffuse window along a first optical axis of the apparatus. A microform media support is configured to support a microform media after the diffuse window and along the first optical axis. An approximately 45 degree fold mirror reflects the incident light transmitted through the microform media approximately 90 degrees along a second optical axis. An imaging subsystem includes a lens connected to a first carriage which is linearly adjustable approximately parallel with the second optical axis, and an area sensor connected to a second carriage which is linearly adjustable approximately parallel with the second optical axis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for predicting and controlling the stability of expressed polypeptides. The compositions and methods may be used to predict and as desired, increase or decrease the stability of proteins recombinantly expressed in mycobacteria, for example DesA3 expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis. At the C terminus and the penultimate position, substitution to residues with charged side chains, large non-polar side chains, or no side chains can be used to reduce or inhibit the protein degradation. At the antepenultimate position from the C terminus, residues with no side chain or acidic side chains can increase the stability, i.e. reduce or inhibit the protein degradation. The combinational substitution of only the last three residues of polypeptides can make the polypeptides more stable during heterologous expression in mycobacterial hosts.

Abstract: A computer database system for storing, processing, displaying, and analyzing single molecule data is capable of managing and processing variously formatted, different kinds of single molecule data and displaying subsets thereof upon instructions by a user. A component-based architecture is implemented where the processing and the displaying are separately performed. The data is dynamically loaded for processing as needed. Embodiments of computer database systems can be utilized in managing single molecule data, particularly image data derived from single molecule images. Such single molecule images may be generated by a variety of technologies, e.g., optical mapping, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and flow cytometry. Systems may be deployed over a computer network. One or more additional databases may be included which are interconnected through a network.

Abstract: A method for identifying a susceptibility of a subject to atrial-rhythm disturbances includes a) placing a plurality of sensors on the subject to measure a physiologic signal of the subject, and b) recording the physiologic signal from the sensor. The physiologic signal includes an atrial electrical activity of the subject. The method includes c) determining a beat-to-beat variability in the atrial electrical activity of the subject. The beat-to-beat variability includes alternans of electrocardiographic waveforms of a predetermined number of a sequence of heart beats. The method includes d) determining a susceptibility to atrial-rhythm disturbances of the subject using the beat-to-beat variability in the atrial electrical activity determined in step c), and e) generating a report of the susceptibility to atrial-rhythm disturbances of the subject.

Abstract: A laser glass fiber with a core of the fiber comprising a silicate glass host, one or more glass network modifiers, one or more glass network intermediators, and Thulium ions, Holmium ions, or a combination of Thulium ions and Holmium ions. The fiber emits laser light from 1.7 micron to 2.2 micron.

Abstract: A method of making a composite structure (1) that comprises a curved body (5) and an integral rim (3) extending from an end of the curved body. The method comprises the steps of: forming a diaphragm pack (19) comprising a flat stack (13) of composite plies between two diaphragms (15 A, 15B), wherein each ply (L1, L2, L3) of the flat stack (13) is made up of a plurality of composite tiles (9). Each tile (9) includes at least a first portion (9A) and a second portion (9B) that have side edges of the first portion (9A) configured to abut against side edges of adjacent tiles and side edges of the second portion (9B) configured to overlap side edges of adjacent tiles. Air is evacuated from within the diaphragm pack (19) either before or after placing the diaphragm pack (19) within a double diaphragm forming apparatus comprising a hollow forming tool (23), wherein the first portion (9A) of the composite tiles (9) is supported on an upper surface (23 A) of the tool (23).

Abstract: A refiner plate for forming accepts and exhaust from a pulp material includes a first side and a second side and defines a channel extending between the first side and the second side. The channel is operable to direct at least some of the exhaust and at least some of the accepts away from the first side.

Abstract: A control valve includes a main poppet that moves in response to pressure in a primary control chamber and thereby controls the flow of fluid through a valve seat between first and second ports. A passageway extends between the second port and the primary control chamber and includes a variable flow restriction that decreases as the main poppet moves away from the valve seat. An electrohydraulic pilot valve has a pilot poppet which controls fluid flow from the primary control chamber to the first port in response to pressure in a pilot control chamber. A sub-pilot valve selectively releases pressure in the pilot control chamber to operate the pilot poppet to open and close a path between the inlet and the outlet. Using an electrohydraulic pilot valve enables the main poppet to operate quickly in controlling large fluid flow rates. Unidirectional and bidirectional versions of the control valve are described.

Abstract: A system and method for handling stale messages is presented. A first message is transmitted to a peer entity. The first message includes a first timestamp. A second message is received from the peer entity. The second message is related to the first message and includes a second timestamp. A third message is received from the peer entity. The third message includes a third timestamp. A staleness of the third message is determined using the first timestamp, second timestamp, and third timestamp. When the third message is stale, the third message is at least one of ignored and discarded. When the third message is not stale, the third message may be processed.

Abstract: A mobile device is disclosed that includes a housing, a touch sensitive display subassembly, and a gasket. The touch sensitive display subassembly is received in the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The touch sensitive display subassembly includes a lens overlaying a display. The gasket is attached to only one of the housing and the touch sensitive display subassembly. This gasket inhibits passage of debris between the housing and the touch screen display subassembly.