Abstract: Methods of constructing concrete walls that include placing a plurality of cleats along a wall perimeter, securing the cleats to a surface under the wall perimeter, placing a plurality of insulating concrete forms along the perimeter, and placing concrete into the insulating concrete forms to form the insulating concrete wall. The cleats include a base plate, a first vertical flange extending approximately perpendicular from the base plate, and a second vertical flange extending approximately parallel to the first vertical flange. The space defined by the first vertical flange, second vertical flange and the base plate, is adapted to receive a bottom portion of a form component or a bottom portion of a form. The insulating concrete forms are placed along the perimeter such that a bottom portion of the form components or a bottom portion of the form are press fit into the defined space.

Abstract: New sensors and different embodiments of multi-channel integrated circuit are provided. The new high energy and spatial resolution sensors use both solid state and scintillator detectors. Each channel of the readout chip employs low noise charge sensitive preamplifier(s) at its input followed by other circuitry. The different embodiments of the sensors and the integrated circuit are designed to produce high energy and/or spatial resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging for widely different applications. Some of these applications may require fast data acquisition, some others may need ultra high energy resolution, and a separate portion may require very high contrast. The embodiments described herein addresses all these issues and also other issues that may be useful in two and three dimensional medical and industrial imaging.

Abstract: After-cooking darkening is a gray-black discoloration of the potato tuber, formed after cooking by the oxidation of an iron-chlorogenic acid complex. Cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid. The full-length c4h gene was cloned and sequenced from both genomic DNA and cDNA of Russet Burbank tuber tissue by PCR and 5? and 3? RACE. The gene expression levels of c4h were examined by Northern hybridization, relative quantitative RT-PCR and real time quantitative RT-PCR in potato cultivars and wide selection of diploid clones varying in susceptibility to after-cooking darkening. Results suggest that there is a relationship between the levels of c4h gene expression and the degree of after-cooking darkening in potato tubers. The inhibition of C4H gene expression and over expression of C4H expression were also examined.

Abstract: A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent;. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: A method of preparation of reference data for measuring the profile of a patterned structure for use in control of a manufacturing process, the method including: providing a model for generating profiles based on the manufacturing process; generating the profiles by simulation of the manufacturing process; and preparing diffraction signal reference data corresponding to the generated profiles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting surface motion of an object subject to ultrasound are disclosed. The method comprises generating a laser beam, dividing the laser beam into a reference beam and an object beam to be directed onto the surface, thereby producing a scattered object beam, introducing a frequency shift between the reference beam and the scattered object beam, wherein the frequency shift is smaller than the ultrasonic frequency, detecting the interference between the scattered object beam and the frequency shifted reference beam using a plurality of detecting elements to generate a plurality of electrical interference signals, wherein the electrical interference signals each comprise a wanted signal component indicative of the surface motion and a noise signal component, and processing the electrical interference signals to determine the surface motion of the object.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for determining a line profile in a patterned structure, aimed at controlling a process of manufacture of the structure. The patterned structure comprises a plurality of different layers, the pattern in the structure being formed by patterned regions and un-patterned regions. At least first and second measurements are carried out, each utilizing illumination of the structure with a broad wavelengths band of incident light directed on the structure at a certain angle of incidence, detection of spectral characteristics of light returned from the structure, and generation of measured data representative thereof. The measured data obtained with the first measurement is analyzed, and at least one parameter of the structure is thereby determined. Then, this determined parameter is utilized, while analyzing the measured data obtained with the second measurements enabling the determination of the profile of the structure.

Abstract: A supported catalyst for olefin polymerization comprises a selected ionic activator, a selected organometallic catalyst and a support material. The selected activator must contain an active hydrogen moeity. The organometallic catalyst is characterized by having a phosphinimine ligand and a substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand (which contains from 7 to 30 carbon atoms). The supported catalyst exhibits excellent activity in gas phase olefin polymerizations and may be used under substantially “non-fouling” polymerization conditions.

Abstract: A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics.

Abstract: A unit cell for a Read-In Integrated Circuit employs a signal sampling circuit with a voltage input controlled by a first switch, a capacitor charged by the voltage input and a linear amplifier connected to the capacitor. An output through a second switch samples the capacitor as the input signal for a transistor cascade for emitter current supply incorporating a first transistor receiving the input signal and a second transistor serially connected to the first transistor with a parallel resistor. The second transistor is maintained in saturation for a first portion of the input signal range with the first transistor acting as a source follower for that range. Linear current flow through the resistor results allowing high resolution control in the low current range.

Abstract: A dental tool displacement apparatus for use with a motorized power handle to displace a dental tool includes a tool holder having a receptacle for receiving the dental tool, and a drive arrangement. The drive arrangement defines a transmission from the motorized power handle to the tool holder such that the tool holder undergoes reciprocating motion parallel to the tool axis at a first frequency of oscillations per minute and rotates about the tool axis at a second frequency of rotations per minute. In some cases, the two types of motion are generated by an eccentric drive pin engaging an annular slot which has gear teeth along one side, thereby generating an angular rotation step of the tool holder during each reciprocating stroke. In some cases, the first frequency is at least one order of magnitude greater than the second frequency.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for determining a line profile in a patterned structure, aimed at controlling a process of manufacture of the structure. The patterned structure comprises a plurality of different layers, the pattern in the structure being formed by patterned regions and un-patterned regions. At least first and second measurements are carried out, each utilizing illumination of the structure with a broad wavelengths band of incident light directed on the structure at a certain angle of incidence, detection of spectral characteristics of light returned from the structure, and generation of measured data representative thereof. The measured data obtained with the first measurement is analyzed, and at least one parameter of the structure is thereby determined. Then, this determined parameter is utilized, while analyzing the measured data obtained with the second measurements enabling the determination of the profile of the structure.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program configured to provide an electronic method for seismic time-lapse characterization of an underground formation are provided. The method includes decomposing, with microprocessor executing a predefined set of instructions stored in a memory, baseline and monitor seismic survey data of a formation into a four dimensional Clifford Algebraic form; extracting, via the microprocessor, time delays from a matrix of decomposed sensor measurement vectors generated based on the four dimensional Clifford Algebra form; and determining, via the processor, time strains for the underground formation from differences in the extracted time delays from the matrix before displaying the determined time strains for the underground formation to a user via a monitor or a hard copy printed document. A procedure is also provided to calibrate and refine the static and dynamic models of an underground formation using the results from the seismic time-lapse characterization.

Abstract: Expandable or pre-expanded thermoplastic particles, e.g. polystyrene particles, used to form foam containers e.g. cups, bowls, are coated with a coating composition comprising a liquid part consisting of a) liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 to 800; and a solid part comprising components selected from the group consisting of b) polyolefin wax, e.g. polyethylene wax, c) a metal salt of higher fatty acids, e.g. zinc stearate or calcium stearate; d) polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000; and e) a fatty bisamide or fatty amide, e.g. ethylene bis-stearamide; and combinations of b) through e). The coating composition prevents or resists leakage of liquids and foods with oil and/or fatty components and improves the rim strength and ATF properties of foam containers.

Abstract: Partially expanded closed-cell unmatured polystyrene bead with a partial vacuum within the cells inside the bead, which may be coated with an air impervious coating to retain a partial vacuum inside cells for a prolonged period of time. The resulting bead has improved thermal insulating properties and may be used for insulation.

Abstract: A method and device for setting up a virtual electronic teaching system with individual interactive communication is proposed. Various methods and devices for carrying out tele-teaching or e-learning sessions have been previously suggested. These methods and devices are improved in such a manner that work stations that can be freely interlinked and individual interactive communication can be set up at low cost. Towards this end, a telecommunication network is used that comprises a main distribution frame linked with an exchange (VST). An access multiplexer and/or a splitter are connected to the main distribution frame or are integrated into the main distribution frame. analog or digital telecommunication systems (TE) are connected via an interface circuit (SS). When the connection is set up, at the transmitter end, the kind of connection available to the interface circuit (SS) is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nuclear reactor, in particular a pool-type nuclear reactor cooled with liquid metal (for example, a heavy metal such as lead or lead-bismuth eutectic) or with sodium or molten salts, having a core formed by a bundle of fuel elements and immersed in a primary fluid circulating between the core and at least one heat exchanger; the fuel elements extend along respective parallel longitudinal axes and have respective bottom active parts immersed in the primary fluid to constitute the core, and respective service parts that extend at the top from the active parts and emerge from the primary fluid; the fuel elements are mechanically supported via respective top end heads anchored to supporting structures and can be operated via handling machines.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by very free flowering and with a long bloom time (bloom from early spring to late fall in Canby, Oreg.), excellent warm pink flowers in dense clusters that fade to darker pink, leaf color pewter with dark veins, excellent tolerance to heat and humidity, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by being very free flowering on short flower stalks, having a very long bloom time (bloom from early spring to late fall in Canby, Oreg.), excellent flower size and color, a well branched, mounding habit, and excellent vigor.