Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.

Abstract: Granulated papermaking sludge is combined with plastic to form composite materials that may be shaped into structural and non-structural articles.

Abstract: The pressure gauge spring is a responsive and easy to manufacture gauge for connection to a pressure source. The spring assembly comprises a coiled hollow tube having a first end and a second end with a body portion therebetween, the hollow tube adapted to produce a displacement of the second end in response to a change in said pressure source to which said first end is connected. The second end of the body portion is sealed. The body portion of the spring assembly has a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion extending from proximate to said first longitudinal portion to said second end and substantially uniformly compressed along the second longitudinal portion to reduce volume thereby. A transition area is disposed between said first end and said first longitudinal portion of said hollow tube, and is compressed so as to form a continuous longitudinally extending ridge along said transition area.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to a high bandwidth shallow mesa semiconductor photodiode responsive to incident electromagnetic radiation. The photodiode includes an absorption narrow bandgap layer, a wide bandgap layer disposed substantially adjacent to the absorption layer, a first doped layer having a first conductivity type disposed substantially adjacent to the wide bandgap layer, and a passivation region disposed substantially adjacent to the wide bandgap layer and the first doped layer.

Abstract: A medical sling is made from material that is in a shape suitable for use in a medical application. One or more cuts are disposed in the material. The width of the sling remains substantially constant when the sling is exposed to substantially longitudinal tensioning force in connection with its implantation inside the body of a patient. The cuts on the sling provide open areas to permit tissue ingrowth and crosslinking when the sling is implanted inside the body of the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to methods and system for converting an analog signal to digital samples for transmission over a communication network, and for converting digital samples received over a communication network to an analog signal. According to one feature, the system of the invention generates encoding and decoding master clocks from local oscillators, thus enabling the system of the invention to operate in environments where reliable timing signal are not available from the communication network. According to another feature, the system of the invention adjusts the frequencies of the encoding and decoding master clocks based on a connect rate to the communication network.

Abstract: A card may include a photoconductive layer and an electrophoretic layer. The impedance of the photoconductive layer is lowered when struck by light from the light-emitting layer. Where the impedance of the photoconductive layer is lowered, the electrophoretic layer may be addressed by an applied electric field to update an image on the card. The image on a card may be updated by a system of updating an image on a card and a method of updating an image on a card that are presented.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for non-invasive pipeline inspection. According to one embodiment, the system includes a processor, an analyzer, and a wave launcher. The wave launcher is adapted to transmit an input wideband waveform having a selected input energy into the pipeline along a longitudinal axis, and to receive from the pipeline a reflected component of the input waveform having a reflected energy. The analyzer is adapted to generate the input waveform, and to receive the reflected component of the input waveform from the wave launcher. The processor is adapted to compare the input waveform with the reflected component of the input waveform to determine characteristics.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting an alteration in a target nucleic acid. Methods of the invention are useful for detecting and identifying mutations that are indicative of disease or the predisposition for disease.

Abstract: A transistor having a channel width, W, and a channel length, L, defined by non-rectangular electrodes. The transistor is a thin film field effect transistor having an insulated gate electrode. One of a source and drain electrodes is connected to a display electrode and one is connected to a data line. The source and drain electrodes can be interdigitated to provide a desired W/L ratio. The gate is connected to a select line. An overlap region between a display electrode and a select line for another pixel defines a capacitor. The transistor is fabricated to be situated behind the display electrode so as to maximize an aperture ratio. The design enables the use of conventional printing methods, such as screen printing, ink jet printing, printing through a stencil, flexo-gravure printing and offset printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole with at least one receptacle and at least one stud, which can be releasably mounted within the receptacle by inserting a fastening projection of the stud into the receptacle. The fastening projection includes a first locking member, and the receptacle includes a flexible wall having a second locking member. The flexible wall is deflected when the fastening projection is inserted into the receptacle until the first and the second locking members engage.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure including a first substrate, and an epitaxial layer bonded to the substrate. The epitaxial layer has a threading dislocation density of less than 107 cm−2 and an in-plane lattice constant that is different from that of the first substrate and a second substrate on which the epitaxial layer is fabricated. In another embodiment, there is provided a method of processing a semiconductor structure including providing a first substrate; providing a layered structure including a second substrate having an epitaxial layer provided thereon, the epitaxial layer having an in-plane lattice constant that is different from that of the first substrate and a threading dislocation density of less than 107 cm−2; bonding the first substrate to the layered structure; and removing the second substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance including a terminal clip to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the terminal clip includes a first end portion defining an opening for passing a terminal end of a cord therethrough, a second end portion disposed remotely from the first end portion, and an intermediate portion including a hook and extending between the first and second end portions.

Abstract: Method and system for processing and evaluating data from combination chromatographic and mass spectrometric data. The methods and system comprise data smoothing and determination of an quality factor for a chromatogram of a data set based on a determined entropy value. In one embodiment, the methods and system further comprise data baseline correction prior to entropy value determination. In a further embodiment, a correlation is determined between chromatograms processed according to the invention and one or more chromatograms of one or more data sets. Preferably, said correlation is performed using a multivariate analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for wavelength stabilization of a broadband optical source. The method and system are based on utilizing an optical power divider to generate two optical signals for each of the broadband source and a reference wavelength source. The difference in the power ratio of the two optical signals derived from the broadband source and the power ratio of the two optical signals derived from the reference wavelength source is determined. Because the power ratios are similarly affected by component aging and changes in environmental factors such as temperature and incident radiation, the difference in the power ratios can be used to adjust the wavelength of the broadband source so that its center wavelength is stabilized to the center wavelength of the reference source.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for encouraging communication over a network between participants engaged in a learning activity. A communication channel is opened over the network between participants. An objective shared by the participants is presented. Cooperative interaction between the participants is required to complete the objective. Content related to the objective is displayed to each participant of the learning activity. Messages are exchanged in real-time between the participants over the communication channel to allow the participants to progress cooperatively towards completing the objective. Input from one of the participants of the learning activity is received. The input represents an action taken in response to the exchanged messages. The content displayed to the participants is dynamically updated based on the action taken by one of the participants during the learning activity, to depict progress towards the objective.

Abstract: Methods and compositions suitable for accomplishing the in vitro amplification of nucleic acid molecules via enzymatic means are provided. The preferred means employ circular rather than linear replicons. Means for producing such circular replicons from linear reactants are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting and quantitating soluble nuclear matrix proteins in body fluids and extracellular media. The method is useful for monitoring the viability of cells and tissue, for evaluating the progress of a disease or its treatment, and for evaluating the cytotoxicity of unknown compounds. Also disclosed are methods for inducing the release of nuclear matrix proteins in soluble form from cells.

Abstract: A display includes an encapsulated display media, a rear electrode, and a movable electrode. The encapsulated display media comprises a plurality of capsules, each capsule comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a fluid. The display media has a first surface and a second surface. The rear electrode is disposed adjacent the second surface of the display media. The movable electrode and the rear electrode apply an electric field across the display media.