Abstract: A broadband loaded antenna and matching network with related methods for design optimization are disclosed. The loaded antenna structures may preferably be either monopole or dipole antennas, but the particular methods and techniques presented herein may be applied to additional antenna configurations. The load circuits positioned along an antenna may comprise parallel inductor-resistor configurations or other combinations of passive circuit elements. A matching network for connecting an antenna to a transmission line or other medium preferably includes at least a transmission line transformer and a parallel inductor. Various optimization techniques are presented to optimize the design of such broadband monopole antennas. These techniques include implementation of simple genetic algorithms (GAs) or micro-GAs. Component modeling for selected components may be effected through either lumped element representation or curved wire representation.

Abstract: An intraurethral device for use in a female urinary tract is provided. The intraurethral device comprises a urethral element that contains a chemical compound capable of treating or detecting the presence or absence of a disorder or disease. In one embodiment, the intraurethral device also contains outer and inner insertion elements that are in operative communication with the urethral element to facilitate the insertion of the urethral element into the urethra without substantially contaminating the chemical compound prior to insertion.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process and system for treating animal waste. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process and system for treating animal waste effluent with ozone to decompose the organic material within and improve the odor of the animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total bacterial content and coliform bacterial count of the animal waste. The process of this present invention comprises collecting an animal waste solution, containing a mixture of water and animal fecal material; contacting the waste solution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the organic material contained within; and feeding the ozone treated waste solution to a solids separating device prior to collecting the waste solution in a biobasin or, alternatively, recycling the ozone treated waste solution for use as a source of irrigation or flushwater.

Abstract: The invention is directed to open-framework and microporous solids well suited for use in catalysis and ion exchange. The microporous solids are constructed by using a salt template which can be readily removed without destroying the framework of the micropore. Various microporous solids can be formed having different geometric structures depending upon the templating salt used and the concentration. Examples of two compounds include Na2Cs[Mn3(P2O7)2]Cl and K2.02Cs2.90[Cu3(P2O7)2]Cl2.92. Both compounds have 3-D (Mn, Cu)—P—O frameworks.

Abstract: A glow discharge spectroscopy (GDS) source operates at atmospheric pressure. One of the discharge electrodes of the device is formed by an electrolytic solution 27 containing the analyte specimen. The passage of electrical current (either electrons or positive ions) across the solution/gas phase interface causes local heating and the volatilization of the analyte species. Collisions in the discharge region immediately above the surface of the solution results in optical emission and ionization that are characteristic of the analyte elements. As such, these analyte elements can be identified and quantified by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) or mass spectrometry (MS). The device uses the analyte solution as either the cathode or anode. Operating parameters depend on the electrolyte concentration (i.e. solution conductivity) and the gap 35 between the solution surface and the counter electrode.

Abstract: High performance electromechanical devices suitable for a wide range of applications are described. The electroactive devices are capable of operating in a manner that offers enhanced mechanical displacement responses and increased load-bearing capabilities. In one embodiment, the device is capable of providing a significantly increased level of free displacement. The electroactive devices include an electroactive composite which includes at least one electroactive material that may comprise an electrostrictive or a piezoelectric material and a tensioning device which is adapted for inducing a mechanical pre-load to the electroactive composite structure. The tensioning device exerts a mechanical pre-load upon the electroactive material which alters stress profile, increases mechanical energy and increases stored elastic energy of the electroactive devices.

Abstract: Vascular biomaterial structures may be coated with a plasma-induced layer on their surface. Vascular biomaterial structures may include cardiovascular devices such as heart valves, stents, vascular graphs, and the like. Devices coated with a plasma polymerized coating may show reduced amounts of undesirable coagulation of blood at the surface of the device. A reduced amount of thrombosis may be observed for such plasma coated medical devices.

Abstract: A process for converting organic waste materials into useable products and products thereof is disclosed. According to the process, organic waste materials are contacted with ozone thereby converting said waste material to a substrate or medium. The substrate is a product of the process and it may be further contacted with organisms for bioconversion to further products. The organisms can include bacteria, yeast, fungi, plant cells, animal cells and genetically engineered organisms which are selected for their ability to bioconvert the substrate and produce a selected product.

Abstract: A compound for use in an electro luminescent (EL) device. The compound includes a first substance in combination with a second substance. The first substance includes nanostructures in combination with an equal weight percentage of PPV derivative, whereas the second substance is a PPV derivative. The first substance makes up from greater than 0 wt % to about 3 wt % of the compound, whereas the second substance makes up the remainder. Also, an EL device made from the compound, and a method of making the EL device, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an array of viable cells is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises ink-jet printing a cellular composition containing cells onto a substrate. Upon printing, at least about 25% of the cells remain viable after incubation for 24 hours at 37° C. in a 5% CO2/95% O2 environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.

Abstract: Fluid compositions and methods for lubrication of mammalian joints are disclosed, including both natural and artificial fluids. Synovial fluid acts to lubricate the bearing surfaces of bones and bone-like structures which are held in frictional contact within biological joints. Such fluids may be used to treat arthritic, injured, and diseased joints. Synovial fluid containing a dextran-based hydrogel with lipids provides enhanced rheological and tribological properties of such a fluid. Phospholipids are particularly useful in dextran-based compositions for synovial fluid. One phospholipid that can be used advantageously in synovial fluid is dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a practically universal surface modification process and the materials thereby obtained. In general, the process includes initial epoxy modification of a substrate surface by attachment of an epoxy-containing polymer to the surface. Following attachment of the polymer, still-existing epoxy groups on the polymer may then cross-link the polymer to form a unified anchoring layer on the surface. Other epoxy groups in the anchoring layer, not utilized in forming the layer may be used to graft surface modifying materials to the surface. For instance, macromolecules, biomolecules, polymers, and polymerization initiators may be grafted to the surface via the anchoring layer.

Abstract: Fluorinated alkyl compounds may be used as reaction intermediates or reaction products in polymerizing amino acid structures into peptides. Fluorinated methyl groups have been found to be particularly useful. A compound having a fluorinated methyl group such as that set forth below: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: alkyls, hydrogen, aryls, aromatic compounds, amines, sulfur-containing alkyl groups, sulfur-containing aryl groups, and heterocyclic compounds may be utilized alone, or reacted in combination with other amino acids, to form a dipeptide, or polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for electrostatically spinning fibers of polyamic acid and the fibers thus produced as well as the nonwoven webs that may be formed from the fibers. According to the processes of the present invention, polyamic acid solutions may be electrostatically spun to form fibers of very small diameter, such as, for instance, less than about 5 &mgr;m in average diameter. The fibers may be formed into a nonwoven web having very high specific surface area and large porosity. The polyamic acid may be converted to polyimide to form a polyimide nonwoven web. The polyimide nonwoven web may then be activated through a carbonization process to enhance the electrochemical properties of the web. The nonwoven webs of the invention may be utilized in a variety of electrochemical applications including, for example, electrical double layer capacitors.

Abstract: A compound for use in an electro luminescent (EL) device. The compound includes a first substance in combination with a second substance. The first substance includes nanostructures in combination with an equal weight percentage of PPV derivative, whereas the second substance is a PPV derivative. The first substance makes up from greater than 0 wt % to about 3 wt % of the compound, whereas the second substance makes up the remainder. Also, an EL device made from the compound, and a method of making the EL device, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved fixative for tissue useful for bioprosthetic heart valves is provided. The tissue can have an elastin content and the elastin can be chemically fixed using a phenolic tannin, for example, tannic acid. The fixed elastin component provides greater mechanical durability and improved resistance to biological degradation following implantation. The tannic acid fixation protocol allows for biological material having a high elastin content, for example, about 30% or more. When used in combination with a glutaraldehyde fixative an additive effect can be seen in increased cross-link density and increased resistance to degradation and calcification.

Abstract: A method for the production of a multiple phase composite material, wherein the composite material includes a major phase component and at least one minor phase component. The major and minor phase components are arranged in a desired predefined morphological structure in which the major phase component and the minor phase components have predefined size and shape characteristics. The method involves supplying the major phase component to a chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner and supplying the minor phase components to the chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner. Within the chaotic mixer (10) the major phase component and minor phase components undergo mixing according to controlled parameters to controllably and progressively develop predefined desired morphologies. Resulting structures are also provided.

Abstract: Leukocytes from leukemia patients have been found to be readily killed by ultra-violet light-C (UVC) radiation. Cells from healthy donors were minimally affected by doses of UVC 10 times higher than those which caused dramatic drops in the metabolism of diseased cells and eventual death.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.