Abstract: A flow cell for examining specimen fluid flowing within sheath fluid. A housing defines a hollow fluid passage that includes a geometric focusing portion in which the fluid passage narrows in height and an examination area. A cannula injects specimen fluid into the fluid passage as a stream of the specimen fluid with an initial velocity. The sheath fluid flows through the fluid passage, having a first velocity as it passes the point the specimen fluid is injected. The initial velocity is less than the first velocity, which focuses down the height of the specimen fluid stream via linear flow rate focusing. The narrowing geometric focusing portion of the fluid passage also focuses down the height of the specimen fluid stream via geometric focusing. A microscope and camera capture images of the focused down specimen fluid stream passing through the examination area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing L-aspartic acid comprising treating an ammonium fumarate solution with aspartase to generate an ammonium L-aspartate solution; adding fumaric acid to the solution; and then crystallizing L-aspartic acid from the solution, wherein fumaric acid is added to the ammonium L-aspartate solution after the solution has been heated to 50 to 130° C. in an amount 0.4 to 0.8 times the total amount of fumarate and the L-aspartate contained therein in terms of mole, and the resultant mixture is once turned into a homogeneous solution by applying thereto a shearing force, and then L-aspartic acid is deposited therefrom, or wherein the solution is cooled at a rate of 0.1-5° C./min from the temperature at which fumaric acid is added thereto to the temperature at which crystallized L-aspartic acid is separated therefrom, to thereby deposit L-aspartic acid.

Abstract: An array of non-volatile memory cells is arranged in a plurality of rows and columns where each cell has a first region and a second region spaced apart from one another with a channel region therebetween for the conduction of charges between the first region and the second region. A first plurality of row lines electrically connect the second region of cells in the same row. A plurality of column lines electrically connect the first region of cells in the same column. A plurality of strap lines connect certain of the row lines with each strap line electrically connecting a second plurality of row lines not immediately adjacent to one another, wherein row lines connected to a first strap line are interleaved with row lines connected to a second strap line.

Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for fabricating a MEMS apparatus having a bulk element with hinges underneath. The bulk element may comprise single-crystal silicon, fabricated by way of bulk micromachining techniques. The hinges may be made of thin-films, fabricated by way of surface micromachining techniques. A distinct feature of the MEMS apparatus of the present invention is that by disposing the hinges underneath the bulk element, the surface of the bulk element can be maximized and the entire surface becomes usable (e.g., for optical beam manipulation). Such a feature would be highly advantageous in making arrayed MEMS devices, such as an array of MEMS mirrors with a high optical fill factor. Further, by advantageously making use of both bulk and surface micromachining techniques, a MEMS mirror thus produced is equipped with a large and flat mirror along with flexible hinges, hence capable of achieving a substantial rotational range at modest electrostatic drive voltages.

Abstract: Chloride ion and sodium ion determination methods, compositions, and assays are provided which are based on the use of sodium ion as an activator for &agr;-amylase. Chloride ion and sodium ion determination are performed by colorimetry, using measurements of &agr;-amylase activity to indirectly measure the desired ion concentrations. One preferred composition for chloride ion determination comprises &agr;-amylase that is substantially calcium free, sodium ion in higher concentration than the &agr;-amylase, and an &agr;-amylase activity detecting substrate. In the methods, &agr;-amylase is deactivated by a calcium-binding compound, thereby preventing calcium from bonding with the &agr;-amylase. Next, chloride ion and sodium ion stoichiometrically bond with deactivated &agr;-amylase, thereby activating the &agr;-amylase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for picking articles situated on retrieval pallets (38) in a pallet rack (52), characterized by a vehicle (10) capable of travelling along the picking front of the pallet rack (52) and having a first lifting device (14) with a height-adjustable picker-carrying device (26) for the picker (18) and having a second lifting device (16) with a height-adjustable pallet-carrying device (28) for an order pallet (20), wherein the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device are positionable heightwise relative to the respective retrieval position independently of one another. The picker situated on the picker-carrying device may therefore be transported along the picking front by means of the vehicle. The two independently operating lifting devices of the vehicles make it possible to achieve the, in each case, ergonomically most advantageous retrieval height and delivery height for the picker-carrying device and the pallet-carrying device respectively.

Abstract: A volume control device including a digitally adjustable resistor. The digitally adjustable resistor causes a volume transition to be made in a series of incremental steps of small magnitude resulting in a smooth transition between volume levels, and, hence, no incidental noise.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A nonce stamp is a physical article that is relatively difficult to copy illicitly, and that bears a “nonce” number. The “nonce” is a relatively unique identifier, in that it is chosen from a distribution such that any given user/customer is extremely unlikely to obtain two nonce stamps bearing the same nonce. The method includes: presenting a nonce stamp having a nonce number; presenting a numbered digital certificate derived securely from the nonce number; and authenticating the transaction by comparing the number on the digital certificate and the nonce number. The digital certificate is typically obtained by users/customers in exchange for the purchase price of a desired transaction. The apparatus is an information-based indicium including a nonce stamp, and a digital certificate including a number derived securely from the nonce.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Exemplary peptides of the invention include KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLALIS (SEQ ID NO:3) and KGWGSFFKKAAHVGKHVGKAALTHYL (SEQ ID NO:15). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. Such methods are useful for the treatment of respiratory infections, such as in cystic fibrosis patients. Such methods are further useful for accelerating wound healing.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, A reinforced catheter is provided comprising an inner layer forming a catheter body, the body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a closed tip end, a middle reinforcing layer extending over the first inner layer to the distal end and an outer layer extending over the middle reinforcing layer. Additionally, a connector for coupling a catheter to an extension tube or afterloader is provided comprising a first half having a housing with at least one pair of opposing cutout portions of a first depth provided thereon, a second half slidably connectable with the first half and a biasing means for securing the second half within the housing.

Abstract: A durable antifreeze/coolant composition for coolants for the cooling systems of internal combustion engines is disclosed. The composition is excellent in inhibiting corrosion of metal portions, especially iron and aluminum portions and effectively inhibits cavitation damage. The antifreeze/coolant composition includes about 0.1-8.0% by weight of C6-C12 aliphatic dibasic acid and/or an alkali metal salt thereof and about 0.1-10% by weight of p-toluic acid and/or an alkali metal salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear voice coil actuator having a latching feature, the actuator having a coil assembly, a field assembly, a magnetic structure positioned in the coil assembly, and a stop which limits the position of the magnetic structure with respect to the field assembly when the coil is not energized. The coil assembly has a coil base and a coil located in a cavity in the coil base. The field assembly preferably has an axially magnetized cylindrical magnet, a soft pole piece, and a soft magnetic housing. Preferably the magnetic structure is a magnetic plate positioned coaxially with the axis of magnetization of the magnet and having a diameter or a thickness which is selected to set a latching force between the plate and the magnet when the coil is not energized.

Abstract: Disclosed are TGF-&agr; polypeptides, related polypeptides, fragments and mimetics thereof useful in stimulating stem cell or precursor cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. The methods of the invention are useful to treat tissue injury as well as expand stem cell populations in, or obtained from, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, urogenital, neurological and cardiovascular tissues. The methods include ex vivo and in vivo applications.

Abstract: A phase change memory device, and method of making the same, that includes contact holes formed in insulation material that extend down to and exposes source regions for adjacent FET transistors. Spacer material is disposed in the holes with surfaces that define openings each having a width that narrows along a depth of the opening. Lower electrodes are disposed in the holes. A layer of phase change material is disposed along the spacer material surfaces and along at least a portion of the lower electrodes. Upper electrodes are formed in the openings and on the phase change material layer. Voids are formed into the spacer material to impede heat from the phase change material from conducting through the insulation material. For each contact hole, the upper electrode and phase change material layer form an electrical current path that narrows in width as the current path approaches the lower electrode.

Abstract: A multiwell plate scanner comprises a detector for measuring an attribute of a sample which is scanned continuously over wells of a multiwell plate. A signal obtained during the scan may be sampled and digitized based on detector position over the multiwell plate. The scanner is also disclosed for scanning microarrays, bio-chips and areas of samples not having physical separations. The scanner may be used in a high throughput screening system comprising a storage and retrieval module, a sample distribution module, a reagent distribution module, and a detector which incorporates the scanner. The screening system may further comprise a transport module and a data processing and integration module for transporting samples between the components of the system and for controlling system operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for deconstructing an integrated circuit package comprising: taking an integrated circuit package comprising a lead frame having a plurality of wire bond pads for placing a die into electrical contact with the lead frame, and an encapsulant encapsulating the wire bond pads; and removing the encapsulant to expose the wire bond pads; wherein at least a portion of the encapsulant is removed by a lapping process.

Abstract: Microorganisms of the genus Bacillus that are capable of reducing nitrates and contain chitin and/or chitosan in their cell walls are provided. The microorganism of the invention can be used for improving soil, for treating organic waste by fermentation, for fermenting soybeans, and for reducing bitterness. The microorganism of the invention can also be used as a feed additive or a good additive. Further, the microorganism of the invention has an anti-microbial effect.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of identifying one or more nucleic acids in a sample. The nucleic acids, for example, expressed genes in a cell, can be identified by contacting the nucleic acids with oligonucleotides having detector tags, and selector tags to form tagged oligonucleotides. Each nucleic acid can be uniquely identified by mass-spectrophotometric analysis of the detector tag.

Abstract: An improved wave energy converter for use in offshore and deep-sea locations. The wave energy converter is adapted for secure attachment to the bottom of a body of water (e.g., the ocean floor), preferably beyond the breaker zone. The wave energy converter is selectively adjustable in length. A hydraulic power generation system is used to convert the energy present in the waves into hydraulic power that can be use to generate electricity and for other purposes, such as desalinization. The system may include a hydraulic piston assembly, a floatation device that is connected to the piston assembly, high and low pressure hydraulic reservoirs, and a hydraulically driven power generator. The floatation device moves upward in response to rising waves, and downward under the force of gravity in response to falling waves. The system utilizes this downward gravitational force to discharge fluid from the piston assembly, which in turn, drives the power generator.

Abstract: A memory device includes an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns with a portion of the rows of the memory cells being divided into segments. A global bias circuit generates a plurality of first bias currents. Each of a plurality of local bias networks includes a local bias circuit that generates a plurality of second bias currents in response to a corresponding one of the plurality of first bias currents, and includes a plurality of segment bias circuits that each generates a third bias current. Each segment bias circuit is adjacent to a corresponding segment of the memory cells. Each segment bias circuit provides a ground feedback signal to the local bias circuit, which adjusts the second bias current in response to the ground feedback signal. The segment bias circuits are disposed in geometric positions in the segments.