Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.

Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may comprise multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may comprise multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also comprise a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may comprise a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.

Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.

Abstract: This disclosure describe three related novel methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of the bacterial RecA and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed methods has the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes. Further, the improved processivity of the disclosed methods allow amplification of DNA up to hundreds of megabases in length.

Abstract: As part of an integrated banking platform, an internet banking platform includes a banking server, a processor, and a memory module. The memory module includes stored computer program code. The memory module, the stored computer program code, and the processor are configured to cause the banking server to receive access to a rewards program server associated with a rewards account platform. Further, the server is caused to receive enrollment information associated with a user, and to connect to the rewards program server. The server is also caused to transmit an enrollment request message to the rewards program server. The enrollment request message includes at least a subset of the enrollment information. Additionally, the server is caused to receive an enrollment response message that indicates whether the user has been enrolled in a rewards account maintained by the rewards account platform.

Abstract: Aerial markers are disclosed for hanging on overhead support cables at discrete spaced apart distances to warn passersby, such as airplanes, helicopters, hang gliders, hot air balloons, and the like of the presence of the cables. The aerial markers can be made in multiple parts, having various parting lines, including a vertical parting line, and can be hung in a spaced relationship to the support cables. To space the marker body from the support wire, a support frame is used to enable hanging the marker body via one or more external clamps. Direct connection is also possible.

Abstract: Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for restoring tissue and organ function, which has been hindered by inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types through multi-lineage differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery that pluripotent hESCs maintained under defined culture conditions can be uniformly converted into a specific lineage by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid induces specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to neuronal progenitors and neurons efficiently. Similarly, nicotinamide induces specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes efficiently. This technology provides a large supply of clinically-suitable human neuronal or cardiac therapeutic products for CNS or myocardium repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a biological sample, such as PVL, PBP2a and SPA.

Abstract: This disclosure describes related novel methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of recombinase and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed methods have the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes, thus offering easy and affordable implementation and portability relative to other amplification methods. Further disclosed are conditions to enable real-time monitoring of RPA reactions, methods to regulate RPA reactions using light and otherwise, methods to determine the nature of amplified species without a need for gel electrophoresis, methods to improve and optimize signal to noise ratios in RPA reactions, methods to optimize oligonucleotide primer function, methods to control carry-over contamination, and methods to employ sequence-specific third ‘specificity’ probes.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical system are disclosed that include at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof, wherein the at least one electrode comprises a carbon material, a glassy carbon material or a combination thereof. Contemplated systems are suitable for ?-ECoG arrays. Additional microelectromechanical systems are disclosed that include at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof, wherein the at least one electrode comprises a carbon material, a glassy carbon material or a combination thereof; at least one substrate, surface, layer or a combination thereof, wherein the at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof is disposed on, coupled with or otherwise layered on the at least one substrate, surface, layer or a combination thereof; and at least one bump pad, wherein the at least one electrode, microelectrode or combination thereof is coupled with the at least one bump pad via at least one conductive metal.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for using four wave mixing in optical sensing of various materials, including isotopes, chemical and biological substances.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for dynamic frequency scaling of an intermediate frequency (IF) signal within a radio device.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for prioritizing video slices of H.264 video bitstream comprising: a memory storage and a processing unit coupled to the memory storage, wherein the processing unit operates to execute a low complexity scheme to predict the expected cumulative mean squared error (CMSE) contributed by the loss of a slice of H.

Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC inverter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating and preventing an infection or disease, and for directly killing microorganisms, using carboxy-terminal C5a analogs, are provided.

Abstract: A power-gating circuit and devices including the same are provided. The power-gating circuit includes a flip-flop configured to receive a first power supply voltage and a gated clock signal to operate and a switch circuit connected between a first power supply voltage source configured to supply the first power supply voltage and a second power supply voltage source configured to supply a second power supply voltage. The switch circuit includes a first switch configured to be connected between the first power supply voltage source and the second power supply voltage source and to operate in response to a clock enable signal and a second switch configured to be connected between the first power supply voltage source and the second power supply voltage source and to operate in response to the first power supply voltage.

Abstract: A method and application that utilizes a signal processing algorithm is provided for detecting plug-in electric vehicle charging events through interrogation of smart meter data. The method is a form of non-invasive load monitoring that allows the utility to track plug-in electric vehicle charging events in real time or over extended periods. These parameters are suitably flexible so as to accommodate diverse electric vehicle technologies and a range of electric vehicle owners' charging habits. Application of the method facilitates the integration of electric vehicles into utilities' electrical grids, protection of the utilities' assets, geographic mapping of electric vehicle owners and charging events, managed charging through communication between the utility and the vehicle or owner, managed charging through the offer of time of use rates for electric vehicle owners, and an enabling technology to accompany other Smart Grid functions such as Vehicle-to-Grid distributed energy storage.

Abstract: A process includes providing a mixture that includes a recombinase, a single-strand binding protein, and one or more oligonucleotides; and detecting particles in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A distribution interconnection system processes and manages interconnections into the distribution system for utilities. Various embodiments may manage and facilitate the application process. In addition, utilities may track and manage unauthorized operators, for example, via a reverse power flow detection process.