Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in characterizing properties of an article having a structure comprising a multiplicity of sites comprising different periodic patterns, where method includes providing a theoretical model of prediction indicative of optical properties of different stacks defined by geometrical and material parameters of corresponding sites, said sites being common in at least one of geometrical parameter and material parameter; performing optical measurements on at least two different stacks of the article and generating optical measured data indicative of the geometrical parameters and material composition parameters for each of the measured stacks; processing the optical measured data, said processing comprising simultaneously fitting said optical measured data for the multiple measured stacks with said theoretical model and extracting said at least one common parameter, thereby enabling to characterize the properties of the multi-layer structure within the single article.

Abstract: This invention enables the “bulk” oligomerization of ethylene (i.e. the oligomerization of ethylene in the presence of the oligomer product) using a catalyst system comprising 1) a very low concentration of a chromium catalyst and 2) a three part activator. The chromium catalyst contains a diphosphine ligand, preferably a so called P—N—P ligand. The activator includes an aluminoxane, trimethyl aluminum, and triethyl aluminum.

Abstract: Tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles are synthesized via a sol-gel route using metallic tungsten as precursor and printed on a flexible electrode using inkjet printing in order to build solid-state electrochromic cells. A method for separate control of different spectral regions of the electrochromic device (near infrared and visible) is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for admitting applicants into an academic institution can include the steps of: compiling a list of standardized test takers who have applied for admission to at least one academic institution, but have not received an offer of admission to any one of the at least one academic institutions; conditionally admitting selected ones of the test takers to an abbreviated academic program; subjecting the conditionally admitted test takers to at least one examination during the abbreviated academic program, each conditionally admitted test taker achieving a score on the at least one examination; and, admitting into the academic institution those conditionally admitted test takers who achieve a score on said at least one examination which satisfies an admissions criteria.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, including exploding the biomass cells to devolatilize the biomass, hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce a liquid component including hemicellulosic sugars and a solid component including less than 10% hemicellulose, separating the liquid and solid components, vaporizing the cellulose in the solid component, and condensing the cellulosic sugar vapors. The methods and systems may vaporize the cellulose in a continuous steam reactor at a temperature of about 400-550° C. and a pressure of about 1-3 bara. Electromagnetic and/or electroaccoustic treatment such as ultrasound and/or microwave treatment may be applied to the biomass immediately before or during cellulose hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for synthesizing labeled drugs. The present invention further provides methods for preventing or stopping prescription drug abuse for all agents registered as a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) schedule II through schedule V medications. According to the present invention, methods are provided for monitoring patient compliance with prescribed drug treatment. The present invention also provides methods for facilitating a replacement prescription when a patient is left without access to their prescribed drug. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method to improve employee compliance with an employer's drug policies via either a voluntary or compulsory system for enhanced drug testing.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Sedum plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by medium deep red purple flowers in very large inflorescences, dusky, dark leaves, strong, upright stems, and a medium, clumping habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Sunbird’ characterized by large yellow orange ray florets, numerous ray florets which cup down like a “shuttle cock”, a medium habit with good branching, strong stems on an upright habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Supreme Cantaloupe’ characterized by enlarged disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, cantaloupe orange ray and disc florets, inflorescences with dark centers where the disc florets are not fully opened, strong, dark stems that don't fall over with the weight of the large inflorescences, a medium short size and narrow, upright habit with excellent stem count and branching, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Supreme Flamingo’ characterized by enlarged disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, light coral pink ray florets and darker coral pink disc florets, inflorescences with dark centers where the disc florets are not fully opened, a medium small size, narrow, upright habit with excellent stem count, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Supreme Elegance’ characterized by enlarged disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, dark pink ray florets and darker pink disc florets, inflorescences with dark centers where the disc florets are not fully opened, strong, dark stems that don't fall over with the weight of the large inflorescences, a medium short size and narrow, upright habit with excellent stem count, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: An applicator includes a cylindrical core having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A backing layer is attached to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the cylindrical core. A fabric material is attached to at least a portion of the backing layer. The fabric material is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Abstract: Ethylene copolymers having a relatively high melt flow ratio and a multimodal profile in a temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) plot are disclosed. The copolymers can be made into film having good dart impact values and good stiffness properties under decreased extruder pressures.

Abstract: A unitary plastic container, which is optionally used for waste collection comprises a base, a front wall, a back wall and two opposing side walls, each wall extending upwardly from the base to define an open container top and an interior container volume. Each side wall has an outwardly extending sidewall portion which is outwardly offset relative to the rest of the container side wall. In each outwardly extending sidewall portion, an elongated cutout, indentation or channel is present. The elongated channel has a forward opening, a rearward opening and an elongated side opening extending from the forward opening to the rearward opening. The elongated channel lies within the interior container volume and divides the outwardly extending sidewall portion into two areas: an upper outwardly extending sidewall portion and a lower outwardly extending portion. The outwardly open elongate channel may be fitted with a reinforcing sleeve.

Abstract: A gas-solution equilibrium device for a liquid sample gas analyzer includes a temperature-controlled, thermally-conductive mandrel, a coil of gas-permeable tubing wrapped around the mandrel, the gas-permeable tubing having an inlet and an outlet, and a housing having an internal space containing the temperature-controlled, thermally-conductive mandrel, the coil of gas-permeable tubing and a volume of gas where the gas-permeable tubing has a predefined linear length and a predefined wall thickness, the combination of which together is capable of equilibrating a liquid passing through the coil at a predefined flow rate with oxygen in the atmosphere to provide a gas calibration solution in real time at the outlet of the tubing for the liquid gas analyzer.

Abstract: A method for admitting applicants into an academic institution can include the steps of: compiling a list of standardized test takers who have applied for admission to at least one academic institution, but have not received an offer of admission to any one of the at least one academic institutions; conditionally admitting selected ones of the test takers to an abbreviated academic program; subjecting the conditionally admitted test takers to at least one examination during the abbreviated academic program, each conditionally admitted test taker achieving a score on the at least one examination; and, admitting into the academic institution those conditionally admitted test takers who achieve a score on said at least one examination which satisfies an admissions criteria.

Abstract: A neutron detector includes a microchannel plate having a structure that defines a plurality of microchannels, and layers of materials disposed on walls of the microchannels. The layers include a layer of neutron sensitive material, a layer of semiconducting material, and a layer of electron emissive material. For example, the layer of neutron sensitive material can include boron-10, lithium-6, or gadolinium.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Secret Affair’ characterized by enlarged disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, deep pink disc and ray florets, a medium sized, mounding habit with good stem count and branching, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Cinnamon Cupcake’ characterized by red to red orange ray florets, enlarged red disc florets forming an anemone-type inflorescence, contrasting dark stems, a multicrown, dwarf habit with strong upright stems, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Rosita’ characterized by light pink ray florets, numerous, medium to small size inflorescences, a well branched, compact, dwarf habit, and excellent vigor.