Abstract: MEMS can be fabricated from fibers without the use of a matrix material. Devices can be built where fibers are attached only at a substrate edge (e.g. cantilevers, bridges). Motions can be controlled by adjusting the linkage between multiple fibers with weak coupling (e.g. base, tip, in-between). Driving mechanisms include base-forcing (magnetics, piezo, electrostatics) or tip forcing (magnetics). Mirrors may be formed on free ends of cantilevers to form optical scanners.

Abstract: A fossa-eminence prosthesis having a nonanatomic surface that is relatively flatter than the native fossa. The articular eminence of the patient can be surgically reduced before implanting the prosthesis.

Abstract: A porous anode active material including a Group 14 element oxide and a non-active material having no reactivity with lithium; a method of manufacturing the porous anode active material; an anode including the porous anode active material; and a lithium battery including the anode. The non-active material may be silica.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for measuring the total acid number of oil, an apparatus for measuring the lifetime of oil through the measurement of the total acid number of oil, a method for measuring the total acid number of oil, and a method of making measurements using an oil sensor. According to the disclosed invention, measurement accuracy can be increased through the use of a high-sensitivity conductance measuring sensor, the inventive apparatus can be applied to both lubricant oil and insulating oil, the size of the total acid number-measuring apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A topology optimization method. Characteristics of a structure to be designed are differentiated to calculate equivalent static loads. A relative fraction of material is adopted as a design variable. It is determined whether or not an element exists based on an objective function and constraints. Design topology is derived through a linear static analysis that processes the equivalent static loads as multiple loading conditions. Topology of the structure to be designed is compared with the design topology, and thereby the progress of optimization is determined. The topology optimization processes are terminated when a difference of the compared result is less than a setup value, and are returned to an initial step when the difference is greater than the setup value, and the equivalent static loads are calculated using the design topology as a new structure to be designed.

Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: Techniques for forming nanowire layers on a substrate are provided.

Abstract: A sensor producing apparatus comprised of an extractor for extracting a nano fiber from a solution and a driving device to relatively move the substrate and the extractor, a method for forming a sensor, and a sensor with a nano structure are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a filter including a plurality of spheres close-packed to form a thin layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a mobile community service are provided. In a method of operating a creator terminal for a mobile community service, the method includes creating a community for a community service by selecting at least one of a plurality of community types provided by a community server, downloading a task for the created at least one community service from the community server, and installing the downloaded task for the community service. Accordingly, a mobile community service can be provided to support various community activities occurring in everyday life on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A gel electrolyte including a non-volatile polymer solvent including hydrogen bonding groups with at least two hydrogen bonding sites, and a dye-sensitized solar cell including the gel electrolyte. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes: opposing first and second electrodes; a porous layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, including an adsorbed dye; and the gel electrolyte, which is disposed between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule, and substantially pure polypeptides. For example, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode polypeptides having mu3 opiate receptor activity, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide having mu3 opiate receptor activity, and substantially pure polypeptides that have mu3 opiate receptor activity. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: An improved socket for a prosthesis uses a liner material providing fluid flow through a porous matrix whose local pressure is adjusted by a control system communicating with multiple valves and pressure sensors. Control of pressure in a viscoelastic material provides an improved trade-off between comfort and stability.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating pain. For example, this document provides methods that involve administering a neurotensin receptor (NTR) agonist and an opioid receptor agonist to a mammal (e.g., a human). Compositions containing an NTR agonist in combination with an opioid receptor agonist also are provided.

Abstract: Described are mutant Nav1.7 sodium channel alpha-subunits and nucleic acid sequences encoding such mutants. Further described are methods for characterizing a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Nav1 sodium channel alpha-subunit, methods for determining a Nav1.7 haplotype, methods for determining a subject's predisposition to a neurologic disorder associated with a sodium channel mutation, and methods of identifying a compound that modulates mutant Nav1.7 sodium channels. Other materials, compositions, articles, devices, and methods relating to mutant Nav1.7 sodium channels are also described herein.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer cells is provided comprising directly or systemically administering a therapeutically effective dose of an attenuated measles virus. In one embodiment, the therapeutically effective dose is from about 103 pfus to about 1012 pfus and is delivered by direct injection into a group of cancer cells or via intravenous injection.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for determining whether or not a dog is genetically normal, is a carrier of, or is affected with or predisposed to progressive rod-cone degeneration. The method is based on the detection of a transversion from G to A at position corresponding to nucleotide position 1298 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating 1-dimensional micro-arrays using parallel micro-fluidic channels on chemically-modified metal, carbon, silicon, and/or germanium surfaces; a ?L detection volume method that uses 2-dimensional nucleic acid micro-arrays formed by employing the 1-dimensional DNA micro-arrays in conjunction with a second set of parallel micro-fluidic channels for solution delivery, and the 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional arrays used in the methods. The methodology allows the rapid creation of 1- and 2-dimensional arrays for SPR imaging and fluorescence imaging of DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA, DNA-protein, and protein-protein binding events. The invention enables very small volumes necessary for a variety of bioassay applications to be analyzed by SPR. Target solution volumes as small as 200 pL can be analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an electronic implantable medical device prior to it being implanted in a patient's body. The apparatus affords protection against electronic component damage due to electrostatic discharge and/or physical damage due to improper handling. The apparatus is comprised of a circuit board having conductive surface means for receiving and releasably grasping the electrodes of the medical device to support the device's housing proximate to the surface of the circuit board. First and second conductive paths are formed on the circuit board extending between the first and second conductive surfaces for shunting electrostatic discharge currents to prevent such currents from passing through the device's electronic circuitry. The respective shunt paths include oppositely oriented diodes, preferably comprising diodes which emit light (i.e., LEDs) when current passes therethrough. Additionally, means are provided to enable functional testing of the medical device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents into tissues, blood vessels, and body ducts of the human body. A novel catheter enables controlled directing of emitted drug delivery to assist control of drug dwell time in targeted areas. One coaxial catheter embodiment provides capability for locating an outer lumen of the system into the target region, with localization of said outer lumen carried out by use of appropriate medical imaging modalities. In one embodiment, an inner lumen of the catheter means is primed with the agent to be delivered, and recirculated flow of the agent through pluralities of appropriately positioned port holes on the two lumens then occurs via one or more active and/or passive flow driving and guiding techniques intrinsic to the design of the coaxial catheter system.