Abstract: A method and apparatus to generate harmonically related laser wavelengths includes a pair of lenses at opposing faces of a non-linear optical material. The lenses are configured to promote incoming and outgoing beams to be normal to each outer lens surface over a range of acceptance angles of the incoming laser beam. This reduces reflection loss for higher efficiency operation. Additionally, the lenses allow a wider range of wavelengths for lasers for more universal application. Examples of the lenses include plano-cylindrical and plano-spherical form factors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for blocking the effect of the intronic inhibitory splicing region of intron 7 of the SMN2 gene. The compositions and methods of the instant invention include short oligonucleotide reagents (e.g., oligoribonucleotides) that effectively target sites in the SMN2 pre-mRNA, thereby modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to include exon 7 in the processed transcript. The short target regions are 8-mers and 5-mers and also include the identification of a single nucleotide base that is essential for initiating a long distance stearic inhibitory interactions as well as novel targets distant from intron 7 which block the intronic inhibitory splicing of the same. These short target regions and concomitant inhibitory blocking oligonucleotides are less expensive and easier to manufacture and are small enough to cross the blood brain barrier.

Abstract: An approach to detect when a cantilever loses interaction with a sample, thereby detecting when a portion of an image obtained using a cantilever is spurious is presented. An observer based estimation of cantilever deflection is compared to the cantilever deflection and the resulting innovation is used to detect when the cantilever loses interaction. The loss of interaction is determined when the innovation is outside of and/or below a threshold level.

Abstract: A binary-fluid heat and mass exchanger has a support structure with a plurality of horizontal vertically spaced groups of tubes mounted thereon. Each group of tubes comprises a pair of horizontal spaced hollow headers. A plurality of small diameter hollow tubes extend between the headers in fluid communication therewith. Fluid conduits connect a header of one group of tubes with a header of an adjacent group of tubes so that all of the groups of tubes will be fluidly connected. An inlet port for fluid is located on a lower group of tubes, and an exit port for fluid is connected to a higher tube group to permit fluid to flow through the tubes in all of the groups. A second inlet port for introducing a solution of fluid downwardly over the tubes is located above the support structure. An outlet port is located at the top of the support structure to convey generated vapor upwardly through the groups and out of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A knee rehabilitation device is provided and includes a base, a pair of elongated posts extending upwardly from the base and having opposite upper and lower ends, and an upper and lower restraint each having opposite sides releasably secured to the pair of posts. The posts have a plurality of holes extending along the length thereof. Each side of each restraint has a threaded aperture therein. Threaded shafts extend through one of the holes along the posts and are threadably received in the apertures of the restraints, such that the spacing between the upper and lower restraints is selectively adjustable, thereby selectively limiting the degree of movement of a person's leg between the upper and lower restraints. The restraints are also pivotal about the axis of the shafts so that the restraints can be positioned substantially parallel to the person's leg when the leg engages the restraint.

Abstract: A method of chemiluminescently determining a sulfide which is either hydrogen sulfide or methyl mercaptan by reacting the sulfide with chlorine dioxide at low pressure and under conditions which allow a longer reaction time in emission of a single photon for every two sulfide containing species, and thereafter, chemiluminescently detecting and determining the sulfide. The invention also relates not only to the detection method, but the novel chemical reaction and a specifically designed chemiluminescence detection cell for the reaction.

Abstract: A skeletal dome structure composed of a plurality of arcuate support beams joined at their upper ends to a central hub and radiating outwardly and downwardly to terminate at points of engagement with a support surface. Each support beam is composed of an elongated lightweight core sandwiched between upper and lower strips of a material having high tensile and compressive strength. In making the dome, each beam is first preassembled to the extent that the core thereof is secured to a first strip, that strip is then attached at one end to the central hub, the first strip and core are then longitudinally flexed to develop a convex curvature along the side of the core opposite from the strip, and a second flexible strip is then secured to the convex side of the core.