Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch formed on a substrate (e.g., a CMOS substrate). The RF MEMS switch includes a micromechanical member including a flexible switch membrane configured to move between an on state and an off state of the RF MEMS switch. The flexible switch membrane includes a first set of fingers on a sidewall thereof to be vertically coupled with a second set of fingers formed at an output of the RF MEMS switch on the substrate, and an actuation member in operable communication with the micromechanical member and configured to thermally actuate the micromechanical member such that the first set of fingers electrically couple with the second set of fingers upon thermal actuation of the micromechanical member to enable transmission of an RF signal.

Abstract: A system and method of obtaining information concerning the structure-function relationship of biological networks can be studied holistically through the ensemble characterization of all the networks that realize a given biological function. A logic-based approach enables significant advances in computability and concept development (minimality and reducibility). The approach is applied to a biologically relevant trajectory and reveals some interesting properties. By using the approach, a cell cycle network is decomposed into three components with the functioning of each component explained.

Abstract: A new method of making self-assembled nanoparticle wires involves: (1) at about ambient temperature and at or near atmospheric pressure, immersing a hydrophilic solid substrate at a non-horizontal angle (e.g.

Abstract: A laser scattering based imaging technique is utilized in order to visualize the aerosol droplets in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch from an aerosol source to the site of analytical measurements. The resulting snapshots provide key information about the spatial distribution of the aerosol introduced by direct and indirect injection devices: 1) a direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (DIHEN); 2) a large-bore DIHEN (LB-DIHEN); and 3) a PFA microflow nebulizer with a PFA Scott-type spray chamber. Moreover, particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to study the in-situ behavior of the aerosol before interaction with, for example, plasma, while the individual surviving droplets are explored by particle tracking velocimetry (PTV). Further, the velocity distribution of the surviving droplets demonstrates the importance of the initial droplet velocities in complete desolvation of the aerosol for optimum analytical performance in ICP spectrometries.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and imaging a sample containing molecules of interest combines modified MALDI mass spectrometer and SNOM devices and techniques, and includes: (A) an atmospheric-pressure or near-atmospheric-pressure ionization region; (B) a sample holder for holding the sample; (C) a laser for illuminating said sample; (D) a mass spectrometer having at least one evacuated vacuum chamber; (E) an atmospheric pressure interface connecting said ionization region and said mass spectrometer; (F) a scanning near-field optical microscopy instrument comprising a near-field probe for scanning the sample; a vacuum capillary nozzle for sucking in particles which are desorbed by said laser, the nozzle being connected to an inlet orifice of said atmospheric pressure interface; a scanner platform connected to the sample holder, the platform being movable to a distance within a near-field distance of the probe; and a controller for maintaining distance information about a current distance between said probe

Abstract: A process for the production of energetically rich compounds comprising: using externally supplied thermal energy to heat an electrolyzable compound to a temperature greater than the ambient temperature; generating electricity from a solar electrical photovoltaic component; subjecting the heated electrolyzable compound to electrolysis with the solar generated electricity to generate an energetically rich electrolytic product.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and imaging a sample containing molecules of interest combines modified MALDI mass spectrometer and SNOM devices and techniques, and includes: (A) an atmospheric-pressure or near-atmospheric-pressure ionization region; (B) a sample holder for holding the sample; (C) a laser for illuminating said sample; (D) a mass spectrometer having at least one evacuated vacuum chamber; (E) an atmospheric pressure interface connecting said ionization region and said mass spectrometer; (F) a scanning near-field optical microscopy instrument comprising a near-field probe for scanning the sample; a vacuum capillary nozzle for sucking in particles which are desorbed by said laser, the nozzle being connected to an inlet orifice of said atmospheric pressure interface; a scanner platform connected to the sample holder, the platform being movable to a distance within a near-field distance of the probe; and a controller for maintaining distance information about a current distance between said probe

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases by blocking CD147 interaction with extracellular cyclophilin. Specifically, the methods and compositions of this invention regulate recruitment of leukocyte to the infection site by specifically blocking the CD147 domain involved with the chemotactic function without blocking the CD147 domain involved with EMMPRIN function.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.

Abstract: A sign language recognition apparatus and method is provided for translating hand gestures into speech or written text. The apparatus includes a number of sensors on the hand, arm and shoulder to measure dynamic and static gestures. The sensors are connected to a microprocessor to search a library of gestures and generate output signals that can then be used to produce a synthesized voice or written text. The apparatus includes sensors such as accelerometers on the fingers and thumb and two accelerometers on the back of the hand to detect motion and orientation of the hand. Sensors are also provided on the back of the hand or wrist to detect forearm rotation, an angle sensor to detect flexing of the elbow, two sensors on the upper arm to detect arm elevation and rotation, and a sensor on the upper arm to detect arm twist. The sensors transmit the data to the microprocessor to determine the shape, position and orientation of the hand relative to the body of the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.

Abstract: A composition for forming an electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery includes a carbonaceous material combined with a fullerene material including fullerene species having a carbon content of Cn, where n?100. The composition is heated to a temperature of 100° C. or greater to facilitate reaction and/or diffusion of the fullerene material with the carbonaceous material, and also to remove lower molecular weight (C<100) fullerenes from the composition. In addition, other extraction techniques may be utilized in combination with heat treatment to selectively remove fullerene species from the fullerene material. The composition enhances the electrochemical performance of the electrode in the lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A novel pressure-exchange ejector is disclosed whereby a high energy primary fluid transports and pressurizes a lower energy secondary fluid through direct fluid-fluid momentum exchange. The pressure-exchange ejector utilizes non-steady flow principles and both supersonic flow and subsonic flow embodiments are disclosed. The invention provides an ejector-compressor/pump which can attain substantially higher adiabatic efficiencies than conventional ejectors while retaining much of the simplicity of construction and the low manufacturing cost of a conventional ejector. Embodiments are shown which are appropriate for gas compression applications such as are found in ejector refrigeration, fuel cell pressurization, water desalinization, and power generation topping cycles, and for liquid pumping applications such as marine jet propulsion and slurry pumping.

Abstract: Nozzles and nebulizers able to produce aerosol with optimum and reproducible quality based on feedback information obtained using laser imaging techniques. Two laser-based imaging techniques based on particle image velocimetry (PTV) and optical patternation map and contrast size and velocity distributions for indirect and direct pneumatic nebulizations in plasma spectrometry. Two pulses from thin laser sheet with known time difference illuminate droplets flow field. Charge coupled device (CCL)) captures scattering of laser light from droplets, providing two instantaneous particle images. Pointwise cross-correlation of corresponding images yields two-dimensional velocity map of aerosol velocity field. For droplet size distribution studies, solution is doped with fluorescent dye and both laser induced florescence (LIF) and Mie scattering images are captured simultaneously by two CCDs with the same field of view.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated glutamate receptor associated nucleic acids and their encoded proteins for modulating nitrogen utilization efficiency in plants. The invention includes methods and compositions relating to altering nitrogen utilization and/or uptake in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing direct liquid sample introduction using a nebulizer are provided. The apparatus and method include a short torch having an inner tube and an outer tube, and an elongated adapter having a cavity for receiving the nebulizer and positioning a nozzle tip of the nebulizer a predetermined distance from a tip of the outer tube of the short torch. The predetermined distance is preferably about 2-5 mm.

Abstract: Preparations which elicit an immune response to hookworm antigens and which may be utilized as hookworm vaccines are provided. In addition, a method of increasing the effectiveness of vaccinations against infectious diseases in patients infected with hookworm is provided. The method involves chemically treating the hookworm infestation prior to administering the vaccine.

Abstract: An isolated DNA of SEQ ID NO:1 is provided that encodes the transcription factor BP1, which is believed to be a repressor of the ?-globin gene. A host cell that is transformed with a vector that contains the DNA may be used to produce BP1. Vectors having a controllable promoter operably connected to the BP1 open reading frame may be used to transform ?-globin producing cells of patients with sickle cell anemia, thereby providing a treatment. Because BP1 is overexpressed in leukemia and breast cancer cells, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and breast cancer can be screened for and diagnosed by determining whether BP1 is overexpressed in cell samples of patients who may have these conditions. An antisense DNA or RNA to the DNA encoding BP1 may be used as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and breast cancer.