Abstract: Since ultrasonic velocities in anisotropic media can change by a factor of 3 or more depending on the direction of propagation, accounting for these changes is extremely important. Also many anisotropic materials are made up of multiple layers of varying orientation, hence the need to account for refraction at ply boundaries. In the present invention, an algorithm is used to calculate these velocities and travel times and properly account for refraction phenomena. Specifically a multilayer SAFT algorithm has been developed that will calculate the time shift, shift and sum A-scan waveforms in layered anisotropic media at any given depth, ply orientation, and number of plies. The algorithm showed an improvement in signal to noise ratio with synthetic data as was expected. This algorithm can be used as a replacement for homogenizing material properties in layered media and will calculate time shifts with increased accuracy since exact material properties are used.

Abstract: This invention provides a device, or product of manufacture, for use as a teaching device for tying knots, or as an aid in tying knots, e.g., as for use by handicapped or disabled individuals. The invention provides device, or product of manufacture, completely automated for tying knots using the device and/or methods of the invention. The invention also provides methods for making and using these devices of the invention.

Abstract: Detecting and determination of halooorganic compounds is described, which is applicable in the pharmaceutical industry, in fluorinated drug research and manufacturing; in the medical and clinical studies of the effects of fluoroorganic compounds; in the environmental and agricultural studies and screening, in the analysis of water, soils and air contaminated with fluoroorganic compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating hyperlipidemia by administering a Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTP) inhibitor in combination with a Liver Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (L-FABP) inhibitor, methods of preventing the development of hepatic steatosis, methods of identifying an agent useful for treating hyperlipidemia, and methods of screening for inhibitors of MTP and L-FABP activity. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a MTP inhibitor and a L-FABP inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of volatile emissions from a pile of composting organic material. Specifically, the present invention relates to covering the composting pile with a blanketing layer of finished compost material. The invention further relates to mixing finished compost with composting material either by itself or mixing the blanketing layer into the composting material during aeration. The invention also discloses adding additional blanketing layers of finished compost as previous layers are mixed into the composting material during aeration.