Abstract: System and methods for detecting substances such as explosives via the nuclear quadrapole resonance effect. We observe that the nuclear quadrupole resonances of explosives located within a cavity portal involve continuous Rabi transitions which are nonlinear processes since stimulated emission occurs. In other words, where there are no resonances caused by the presence of an explosive, high average power and low average power measurements should be identical. However, when resonances are stimulated by the system, the difference between these two conditions can be compared to determine a correction to measurements made when a person located in the cavity has explosive material on their person, without the need for separate empty portal or elaborate calibration procedures.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope which utilizes a single coherent fiber bundle for simultaneously carrying imaging and illumination light.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a micro endoscope having steering, rotation and tool control function which can be utilized for insertion using a needle and catheter for performing arthroscopy and endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: This invention provides for the use of compounds represented by the structure of the general formula (I): wherein R1 is a linear, saturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated, alkyl chain ranging in length from 2 to 30 carbon atoms; R2 is a linear, saturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated, alkyl chain ranging in length from 2 to 30 carbon atoms; Y is either nothing or a spacer group ranging in length from 2 to 30 atoms; X is either a physiologically acceptable monomer, dimer, oligomer or a physiologically acceptable polymer, wherein X is a glycosaminoglycan; and n is a number from 2 to 1,000; wherein if Y is nothing the phosphatidylethanolamine is directly linked to X via an amide bond and if Y is a spacer, said spacer is directly linked to X via an amide or an esteric bond and to said phosphatidylethanolamine via an amide bond, thereby inhibiting the development of a psoriatic plaque or reducing plaque size in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to a purine or pyrimidine phosphonate compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein B, X, and R1-R3 are as defined in classes and subclasses herein. These compounds may be used as antiviral precursors. The invention also relates to therapeutic compositions of these compounds and their use for the preparation of a medication for testing and/or preventing a viral infection in a patient. The invention also provides methods for making these compounds. In particular, the invention provides an H-phosphinate precursor intermediate of formula (II) wherein B is a purine or pyrimidine base as defined herein and R1 is selected from the group comprising a hydrogen atom, and a methyl, ethyl, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and C1-6haloalkyl group.

Abstract: A fill adapter for filling a reservoir. The fill adapter includes a button assembly actuator and a pump chamber plunger actuator hingably attached to the button assembly actuator, wherein the actuation of the button assembly actuator actuates the pump chamber plunger actuator and wherein the pump chamber plunger actuator actuates a pump chamber membrane before the at least one button assembly is actuated.

Abstract: A method for error detection includes storing in an associative memory multiple data entries, each data entry including a data item together with one or more check symbols computed with respect to the data item. A predetermined sequence of search keys is applied to the memory, thereby causing the memory to generate, in parallel, match results with respect to the data entries. The match results are processed in order to identify an error in at least one of the data entries.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid precursor composition adapted for application on a on a desired surface, this composition comprising: a. at least one therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment or prevention of a disorder or pathological condition, wherein said disorder or pathological condition excludes oral disorders, b. at least one acidic-pH sensitive polymer, c. at least one hydrophobic polymer, and d. a pharmaceutically acceptable volatile solvent, wherein a weight ratio between the at least one hydrophobic polymer and the at least one acidic-pH sensitive polymer is larger than 1.

Abstract: Provided is a platform for entrapment within alumina sol-gel carriers of labile biologically active materials such as proteins, therapeutic enzymes, enzymes of industrial relevance, antigens, and small molecules for achieving successful and efficient protective storage, protection from harsh environmental conditions such as heat, pH and chemicals, delivery to site and subsequent treatment and/or vaccination against diseases against which the active agents are targeted.

Abstract: Ambient light is detected by a photodiode circuit by measuring the time taken for a digital output of the photodiode circuit to change state in response to exposure of a photodiode of the photodiode circuit to that ambient light. A nominal time for state change is calculated based on photodiode circuit characteristics. Furthermore, an effective time for the photodiode circuit digital output to change state is determined in a calibration mode where the photodiode has been disconnected and a reference current is applied to the circuit. An illumination value of the detected ambient light is then calculated as a function of: the measured time, the effective time and the nominal time.

Abstract: An image assembly may include a substrate having a face, a first optical layer and at least one spacer member. The imaging assembly may also include an anti-reflection structure. The at least one spacer member may be arranged between the substrate and the first optical layer to define an air gap therebetween. The anti-reflection structure may be coupled to at least part of the face and at least one of the first optical layer and the at least one spacer member. The anti-reflection structure may also include a plurality of projections having dimensions smaller than a wavelength of radiation to be imaged by the imaging assembly.

Abstract: Melanocortin receptor modulators, processes for preparing them and use thereof in human medicine and cosmetics are described. Melanocortin receptor modulators corresponding to formula (I): compositions containing them, processes for their preparation and their use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods for producing plants with enhanced growth and yield. Particularly, the present invention provides plants to which an expression construct comprising the entire prn operon was introduced, wherein said plants produce pyrrolnitrin and show enhanced growth and yield production compared to corresponding control plants not harboring the prn operon.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate, a metallic layer, a dielectric filling and a light collection element. The substrate has first and second opposite surfaces, and has a funnel-shaped cavity between a first aperture on the first surface and a second aperture on the second surface. The metallic layer covers an inner wall of the funnel-shaped cavity. The dielectric filling is disposed over the metallic layer and fills the funnel-shaped cavity. The light collection element is coupled to the second aperture, and is configured to collect light that impinges on the first aperture and is directed to the second aperture by the metallic layer and dielectric filling.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged for examining particles, comprising: a cartridge having at least one microchannel, a viscoelastic fluid flowing in the microchannel, the fluid comprising a suspension of particles, thereby effecting alignment of the particles in at least one-dimensional array parallel to the fluid flow, and an optical magnifying means generating an image of the particles in the microchannel.

Abstract: Compounds derived from oxoazetidine corresponding to general formula (I) compositions containing same, processes for their preparation and their use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions are described.

Abstract: Articles of manufacturing comprising electrospun elements having continuous or stepwise gradients of porosity, average pore size, weight per volume and/or of agents for promoting cell colonization, differentiation, extravasation and/or migration are provided. Also provided are methods of manufacturing and using same for guiding tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first n-bit communications block and a second m-bit communications block. A controller is configured to control mode of operation for the first and second communications blocks. In a first mode, the first and second communications blocks function as a single communications block for n+m bit communications. In a second mode, the first and second communications blocks operate as substantially independent communications block for n bit communications and m bit communications.

Abstract: A temporal focusing system is disclosed. The temporal focusing system is configured for receiving a light beam pulse and for controlling a temporal profile of the pulse to form an intensity peak at a focal plane. The temporal focusing system has a prismatic optical element configured for receiving the light beam pulse from an input direction parallel to or collinear with the optical axis of the temporal focusing system and diffracting the light beam pulse along the input direction.

Abstract: Novel agents exhibiting anti-biofilm formation activity while being non-cytotoxic are provided, as well as methods of using the same, either per se or conjugated to a polymer, for preventing and/or reducing the formation of microbial biofilms and/or for disrupting microbial biofilms. The novel agents described herein include thiazolidine-2,4-diones (TZDs), pyrrolidine-2,5-diones (PYDs), imidazolidine-2,4-diones or oxazolidine-2,4-diones, substituted by an alkyl having 7-20 carbon atoms in its backbone chain.