Abstract: SAPO membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with an aged synthesis gel. A layer of SAPO crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: Contrast Imaging apparatus and methods with Wavefront Coding aspheric optics and post processing increase depth of field and reduce misfocus effects in imaging Phase Objects. The general Interference Contrast imaging system is modified with a special purpose optical element and image processing of the detected image to form the final image. The Wavefront Coding optical element can be fabricated as a separate component, can be constructed as an integral component of the imaging objective, tube lens, beam splitter, polarizer or any combination of such.

Abstract: Zeolite membranes that can be used to continuously separate components of mixtures are disclosed. The zeolite membranes are prepared by isomorphous substitution, which allows systematic modification of the zeolite surface and pore structure. Through proper selection of the basic zeolite framework structure and compensating cations, isomorphous substitution permits high separation selectivity without many of the problems associated with zeolite post-synthesis treatments. The inventive method for preparing zeolite membranes is alkali-free and is much simpler than prior methods for making acid hydrogen zeolite membranes, which can be used as catalysts in membrane reactors.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to mixed-library parallel gene trait mapping. In particular embodiments, the methods concern quantitative microarray hybridization techniques for genome-wide identification of trait conferring genes. In other embodiments, the compositions concern genetic elements that confer or are associated with a trait. In an exemplary embodiment, the trait is enhanced growth rate. In another exemplary embodiment, genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate comprise part or all of the sequences of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:5. In other embodiments, the genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate correspond to the YliF, adrA, yeaP, yddV or ydeH genes of E. coli.

Abstract: A composite of nanoscale oxide ceramic phases is dispersed in a non-oxide ceramic matrix material. The non-oxide ceramic phase may be silicon-carbon-nitrogen-based, and imparts resistance to mechanical degradation, resistance to chemical degradation, and resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 1800° C. The nanodispersed oxide phase is selected according to desired functional properties, including coefficient of thermal expansion, rheology, ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic properties, superdielectric properties, and superpiezolectric and electrostrictive properties. A method is provided for making a nanocomposite ceramic fiber having a nanodispersion of zirconia in a silicon-carbon-nitrogen ceramic phase. A method is provided for making a soft ferromagnetic ceramic having a nanodispersion of ferrite in a zirconia in a silicon-carbon-nitrogen ceramic phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a controlled output voltage for a switching power converter under current control using pulse width modulation, the switching power converter including a predictive digital current-mode controller and a digital pulse width modulator. The current control results in an unstable output voltage, and the pulse width modulation method is selected to eliminate the instability of the output voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring or converting voltage, the method comprising: applying an input voltage to a primary delay line; applying a reference voltage to a timer delay line; propagating a delay signal through the primary delay line; propagating a timer signal through the timer delay line; establishing a sampling period based on the timer signal propagation; and measuring an extent of delay signal propagation along the primary delay line during the established sampling period, the measured signal propagation extent being indicative of a difference between the input voltage and the reference voltage.

Abstract: Black hole flight simulator software, which simulates interactively the visual experience of flying around, inside, or through a black hole. A black hole flight simulator includes: a memory for storing information for generating a relativistically correct scene depicting a visual experience selected from the group consisting of: a view of a black hole as it is being approached; a view from the inside of a black hole; a view as a black hole is being entered; a view as a black hole is being exited; and a view from a wormhole or white hole or other piece of spacetime that may be attached to a black hole; a processor communicating with the memory for generating electronic signals representing the scene; and a display communicating with the processor for displaying the scene. There is also an input device for changing the simulated position, for changing the field of view of the scene, and for changing the direction of view.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and liver diseases associated with or characterized by these conditions. The composition consists essentially of defined amounts of soluble vitamin E, mixed carotenoids and selenium and in one aspect, can include at least one additional agent for the treatment of these conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently supplying energy to a device in a circuit, the apparatus comprising a powered device having a critical path delay; delay line operative to model said critical path delay; control logic responsive to output from said delay line and operative to generate control output; and a power converter operative to adjust supply voltage to said powered device in response to said generated control output, wherein the delay line, the control logic, and the power converter cooperate to provide first order bang-bang control of said critical path delay.

Abstract: Phosphoramidite oligonucleotide synthesis is facilitated by the use of fluoride-labile 5' silyl protecting groups. RNA synthesis is improved by the use of 2' orthoester protecting groups. Reactions are conducted on a solid phase support, and acidic deprotection conditions are avoided, as is the necessity of oxidizing the phosphite linkage between each coupling reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and starting materials for forming molecular-sized grids or nets, or other structures based on such grids and nets, by creating molecular links between elementary molecular modules constrained to move in only two directions on an interface or surface by adhesion or bonding to that interface or surface. In the methods of this invention, monomers are employed as the building blocks of grids and more complex structures. Monomers are introduced onto and allowed to adhere or bond to an interface. The connector groups of adjacent adhered monomers are then polymerized with each other to form a regular grid in two dimensions above the interface. Modules that are not bound or adhered to the interface are removed prior to reaction of the connector groups to avoid undesired three-dimensional cross-linking and the formation of non-grid structures.

Abstract: A new protein is described, prostaglandin F.sub.2.alpha. receptor regulatory protein (FPRP), which is able to inhibit the binding of prostaglandin F.sub.2.alpha. (PGF.sub.2.alpha.) to its receptor (FP). Included are pharmaceutical compositions of FPRP and FPRP variants for treatment of PGF.sub.2.alpha. -mediated disorders, and assays for detecting FP in a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are new anthracyclines which are derived from conjugation with glutathione, for example from conjugation of adriamycin, daunomycin and menogaril with glutathione: compounds 7 I, 7 II, 8 I, 8 II, 9 I and 9II, are obtained by reduction of the anthracycline followed by reaction of the reduced product with glutathione in aqueous (H.sub.2 O or D.sub.2 O) or organic solvent. The invention also provides salts of these glutathione derivatives, particularly salts formed from anthracycline glutathione anions with anthracycline cations. These anthracycline derivatives are useful as antibiotics, as antitumor agents, and in the treatment of AIDS. These derivatives are particularly useful in the treatment of cancer when multiple drug resistance is present.

Abstract: The her-1 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans has been isolated and sequenced. The her-1 gene encodes an amino acid sequence which induces male differentiation. Methods for recombinantly producing the her-1 protein and for transforming plants, bacteria and fungi with the her-1 gene to express the her-1 protein are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a multipass Solc filter which utilizes liquid crystal variable retarders to provide high resolution and tunability. The Solc polarization-interference effects are used synergistically with the Fabry-Perot cavity resonances. The cavity comprises a central retarder, two quarter wave plates, and an optional isotropic spacer. The central retarder or the isotropic spacer can include liquid crystal cells to provide tuning of the Solc envelope or the cavity resonances respectively. In one embodiment the variable retarder is a three element quarter-half-quarter device with a liquid crystal electro-optically rotatable half-wave plate. Reflection mode configurations are introduced wherein, because of the bilateral symmetry of the Solc filter, it is possible to use only half of the intracavity elements. Criteria for designing filter parameters to meet resolution, out-of-band discrimination, and tuning range requirements are provided.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing cobalamin deficiency in warm-blooded animals is described. In one embodiment, this method comprises the measurement of methylmalonic acid levels in cerebral spinal fluid to determine if such levels exceed normal range. A finding of elevated levels indicates a cobalamin deficiency. In another embodiment, the method comprises the measurement of methylmalonic acid levels in cerebral spinal fluid and serum. A finding that the ratio of methylmalonic acid in cerebral spinal fluid to that in serum is above normal is indicative of a cobalamin deficiency. Additionally, a method for assessing the effectiveness of cobalamin therapy is described. The effectiveness of therapy is assessed by determining whether cerebral spinal fluid levels of methylmalonic acid have returned to normal, or by determining whether the ratio of methylmalonic acid in cerebral spinal fluid to that in serum has returned to normal range.

Abstract: Improved methods for the GC/MS analysis of sulfhydryl amino acids and methylmalonic acids in samples of body fluids are provided. Additionally a method for combined assay of sulfhydryl amino acids particularly total homocysteine and combined creatine/creatinine levels in samples of body fluids provided. The information provided by the methods described is useful in the detection of the presence of cobalamin or folate deficiencies in individuals and in distinguishing between the two deficiencies.

Abstract: Derivatized molybdenum-sulfide dimers of the general formula [(C.sub.5 R.sub.5 Mo).sub.2 (.mu.-S).sub.4-x (.mu.-SR).sub.x ].sup.n are utilized in the solid state, incorporated in permselective membranes and in aqueous solution as chemical specific complexing agents in various separation processes.

Abstract: The present invention describes a perfluorinated ionomer membrane having a improved transport characteristics. A surfactant species is added to a polymer mixture prior to film casting. The resulting membranes have a measurably altered membrane microstructure and improved transport characteristics over prior art membranes. The present invention describes the method of producing the improved membranes. The membranes of the present invention are useful in a number of separation processes, including the separation of NH.sub.3 from gaseous and liquid mixtures, in the production of NaOH and Cl.sub.2 gas from the electrolytic dissolution of NaCl, in the separation of toxic and radioactive metals from aqueous streams, and in solid polymer electrolyte H.sub.2 /O.sub.2 fuel cells.