Abstract: A method of examining a sample comprises exposing the sample to a pump pulse of electromagnetic radiation for a first period of time, exposing the sample to a stimulant pulse of electromagnetic radiation for a second period of time which overlaps in time with at least a portion of the first exposing, to produce a signal pulse of electromagnetic radiation for a third period of time, and interfering the signal pulse with a reference pulse of electromagnetic radiation, to determine which portions of the signal pulse were produced during the exposing of the sample to the stimulant pulse. The first and third periods of time are each greater than the second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to pharmacological methods for the prevention or amelioration of sleep-related breathing disorders via administration of agents or combinations of agents that possess serotonin-related pharmacological activity.

Abstract: A composition including a complex of a metal, a tetradentate ligand, at least one ancillary ligand, and a counterion may be used for selective sp3 C—H bond oxidation. The tetradentate ligand may include a N-heterocyclic-N,N?-bis(pyridyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine group or a N,N?-bis(heterocyclic)-N,N?-bis(pyridyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine group. The composition can be used in combination with H2O2 to effect highly selective oxidations of unactivated sp3 C—H bonds over a broad range of substrates. The site of oxidation can be predicted, based on the electronic and/or steric environment of the C—H bond. In addition, the oxidation reaction does not require the presence of directing groups in the substrate.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory device having a memory cell to selectively store holes by photon and bias voltage induction as a representation of binary values. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing improved cancer vaccines are described. In addition, methods of identifying tumor associated antigens are also described.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an ultrasonic (US) imaging system having a transducer, and a controller managing operations of the transducer. The controller can be operative to cause the transducer to transmit a coded ultrasound signal to an object, cause the transducer to receive an altered coded ultrasound signal from the object, decode the altered coded ultrasound signal to attain a desired bandwidth that exceeds an impulse response of the US imaging system, subdivide the attained bandwidth of the decoded ultrasound signal into a plurality of sub-bands, and generate an image for each sub-band from signals included in each sub-band of the decoded ultrasound signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint. The system may also utilize a ligament tension sensor which generates data representative of tension on a ligament of the artificial joint, and a joint angle sensor responsive to the range of motion of the artificial joint.

Abstract: System (10) is disclosed including an acoustic sensor array (20) coupled to processor (42). System (10) processes inputs from array (20) to extract a desired acoustic signal through the suppression of interfering signals. The extraction/suppression is performed by modifying the array (20) inputs in the frequency domain with weights selected to minimize variance of the resulting output signal while maintaining unity gain of signals received in the direction of the desired acoustic signal. System (10) may be utilized in hearing, cochlear implants, speech recognition, voice input devices, surveillance devices, hands-free telephony devices, remote telepresence or teleconferencing, wireless acoustic sensor arrays, and other applications.

Abstract: Membrane proteins are difficult to express in recombinant form, purify, and characterize, at least in part due to their hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic properties. Membrane scaffold proteins (MSP) assemble with target membrane or other hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins or membrane fragments to form soluble nanoscale particles which preserve their native structure and function; they are improved over liposomes and detergent micelles. In the presence of phospholipid, MSPs form nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the particle at the perimeter of the bilayer domain. The particle bilayer structure allows manipulation of incorporated proteins in solution or on solid supports, including for use with such surface-sensitive techniques as scanning probe microscopy or surface plasmon resonance. The nanoscale particles facilitate pharmaceutical and biological research, structure/function correlation, structure determination, bioseparation, and drug discovery.

Abstract: A microdischarge device that includes one or more electrodes encapsulated in a nanoporous dielectric. The devices include a first electrode encapsulated in the nanoporous dielectric and a second electrode that may also be encapsulated with the dielectric. The electrodes are configured to ignite a microdischarge in a microcavity when an AC or a pulsed DC excitation potential is applied between the first and second electrodes. The devices include linear and planar arrays of microdischarge devices. The microcavities in the planar arrays may be selectively excited for display applications.

Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix, a set of first capsules containing a polymerizer, and a set of second capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The polymerizer may be a polymerizer for an elastomer. The composite material may be prepared by combining a first set of capsules containing a polymerizer, a second set of capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer, and a matrix precursor, and then solidifying the matrix precursor to form an elastomeric matrix.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for use with a direct organic fuel cell containing a formic acid fuel includes a solid polymer electrolyte having first and second surfaces, an anode on the first surface and a cathode on the second surface and electrically linked to the anode. The solid polymer electrolyte has a thickness t: t ? n f ? D f ? C f ? K f ? j f c where Cf is the formic acid fuel concentration over the anode, Df is the effective diffusivity of the fuel in the solid polymer electrolyte, Kf is the equilibrium constant for partition coefficient for the fuel into the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, ? is Faraday's constant nf is the number of electrons released when 1 molecule of the fuel is oxidized, and jfc is an empirically determined crossover rate of fuel above which the fuel cell does not operate.

Abstract: T cell receptors (TCRS) that have higher affinity for a ligand than wild type TCRs are provided. These high affinity TCRs are formed by mutagenizing a T cell receptor protein coding sequence to generate a variegated population of mutants of the T cell receptor protein coding sequence; transforming the T cell receptor mutant coding sequence into yeast cells; inducing expression of the T cell receptor mutant coding sequence on the surface of yeast cells; and selecting those cells expressing T cell receptor mutants that have higher affinity for the peptide/MHC ligand than the wild type T cell receptor protein. The high affinity TCRs can be used in place of an antibody or single chain antibody.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least oil and solvent, and another containing de-oiled corn solids and adsorbed solvent. The solvent is separated from oil, and the de-oiled, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.

Abstract: A laminate material may include a first flexible layer, and a self-healing composite layer in contact with the first flexible layer. The composite layer includes an elastomer matrix, a plurality of first capsules including a polymerizer, and a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The laminate material may self-heal when subjected to a puncture or a tear.

Abstract: A composite material comprises (i) a polymer, (ii) a polymerizer, (iii) a protected corresponding activator for the polymerizer, and (iv) a plurality of capsules. The polymerizer is in the capsules, and the corresponding activator is protected with a corresponding encapsulant for the polymer and the polymerizer.

Abstract: A method for controlling Internet access of a mobile device by using a communication system having a number of access points includes the steps of performing a certificate-based authentication between an authentication access point and a mobile device seeking access to the Internet; transmitting a certificate from the mobile device to the authentication access point; verifying the certificate by the authentication access point; determining whether the authenticating mobile device's certificate has been revoked prior to the expiration of its lifetime; and granting the authenticating mobile device access to the Internet, if the certificate has been verified successfully and not revoked prior to the expiration of its lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising inhibitors of GPIb-IX-VWF binding and methods of treating or preventing thrombosis associated with sepsis or endotoxemia in a mammal.

Abstract: A multi-capsule composition includes a first capsule, which includes a first capsule wall defining a first interior volume and a first fluid in the first interior volume, and a plurality of second capsules, at least partially embedded in the first capsule wall. The second capsules include a second capsule wall defining a second interior volume and a second fluid in the second interior volume. The multi-capsule composition may include at least one active agent, such as pharmaceutical agents, food additives, cleaning agents, complexing agents, personal care substances, lubricants, adhesives, heating/cooling agents, colorants, indicators, superabsorbents, agricultural additives, and healing agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for fabricating printable semiconductor elements and assembling printable semiconductor elements onto substrate surfaces. Methods, devices and device components of the present invention are capable of generating a wide range of flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices and arrays of devices on substrates comprising polymeric materials. The present invention also provides stretchable semiconductor structures and stretchable electronic devices capable of good performance in stretched configurations.