Abstract: A rheometric system includes an optical encoder coupled to a rotating shaft and configured to detect a rotational position of the shaft with respect to a reference. The rotational information is forwarded to a program or memory. An optical rotation plate is mechanically fastenable to the rotating shaft. A laser is provided to probe optical properties of a fluid sample proximate to the optical rotation plate. The system includes a detector system for measuring laser light scattered or transmitted through the sample chamber. The detector system is coupled to a memory that stores optical data collected after light impinges on the optical plate. Experimental fluid sample optical data and background optical data are each stored as a data structure that creates a point by point map of rotational position of the sample plate with the optical data collected thereat.

Abstract: Implantable devices for adhering eukaryotic cells and devices providing a substrate for eukaryotic cell growth and/or differentiation in vitro are described. Each device comprises a scaffold that is coated with a protein comprising an adhesive polypeptide that has at least 90% sequence identity to a specific peptide sequence within domain IV of perlecan. The devices adhere epithelial cells, epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and osteoblasts.

Abstract: A method for delivering ?-sheet peptide hydrogels to a target surface by shear-thinning and spraying the peptide hydrogel on the surface is provided. The ?-sheet peptide hydrogels can be applied over a range of thicknesses and can cover broad surface areas. The ?-sheet peptide hydrogels may also include a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing system energy flow. The apparatus includes an energy storage unit to store energy to be used by a system and a power conversion unit configured to be coupled between the energy storage unit and a utility grid. The apparatus also includes a controller to selectively control the power conversion unit to transfer energy between the utility grid and the energy storage unit based at least in part on an anticipated use of the system.

Abstract: A method of making a cobalt-boron alloy includes contacting an aqueous suspension of an oxide of cobalt, particularly a highly crystalline cobalt oxide, with a borohydride such as sodium borohydride. The resulting alloy may be used as a catalyst to produce gaseous hydrogen by hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride.

Abstract: A method for storing data in a magnetic memory element of an array of elements which avoids inadvertent switching of other elements is disclosed. First and second magnetic fields are applied to a selected magnetic element for a first time interval to switch the element into an intermediate state where minor domains are created. A second value of magnetic fields are then applied large enough to switch the magnetization of the minor domains, but not large enough to switch the magnetization of an adjacent memory cell. Once the minor domain is switched, the magnetization of the magnetic element assumes the state where the major domain has a magnetization direction representing the value of the stored data bit. Reducing the grain size of crystallites contained in a bit reduces the intrinsic anisotropy of the magnetic memory element thus improving bit selectivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst-coated nickel template including a) an open-cell nickel foam having within it pores defined by an internal nickel surface, the foam also having an external nickel surface not within the pores; and b) a layer of catalyst including Co and B on at least a portion of the internal nickel surface and at least a portion of the external nickel surface. The invention also provides a method of making a catalyst-coated nickel template that includes contacting a nickel template with a solution including a cobalt salt, a complexing agent, and a boron source selected from organoboranes and organoamine boranes under conditions sufficient to deposit boron and cobalt on a surface of the nickel template. Methods of generating H2 at a predetermined rate include contacting a NaBH4 solution with the catalyst-coated nickel template.

Abstract: The invention is directed to oligonucleotide-mediated repair or alteration of genetic information, such as nucleic acid sequence alteration, and methods, compositions and kits for enhancing the efficiency of such alteration. Specifically, the invention incorporates the use of factors such as Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor (HDAC), Lambda phage beta protein, or hydroxyurea to achieve such enhanced efficiency.

Abstract: A method of determining a subsurface temperature in a body of water is disclosed. The method includes obtaining surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data of the body of water for a region of interest, and also obtaining subsurface temperature anomaly data for the region of interest at a plurality of depths. The method further includes regressing the obtained surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data for the region of interest with the obtained subsurface temperature anomaly data for the plurality of depths to generate regression coefficients, estimating a subsurface temperature at one or more other depths for the region of interest based on the generated regression coefficients and outputting the estimated subsurface temperature at the one or more other depths. Using the estimated subsurface temperature, signal propagation times and trajectories of marine life in the body of water are determined.

Abstract: The invention provides a film having a composition AgwCu1-wInrGaxKySe2(1-z)Q2z; wherein K is Al or Tl or a combination of these; Q is S or Te or a combination of these; w is in a range from 0.01 to 0.75; x is in a range from 0.1 to 0.8; and r, y and z are each independently in a range from 0 to 1, provided that r+x+y=1. Methods of making the film can include processing temperatures not exceeding 500° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel antagonists of the androgen receptor and androgen receptor mutations associated with clinical failure of currently prescribed anti-androgens and use of said antagonists in the treatment of conditions associated with inappropriate activation of the androgen receptor.

Abstract: Passive gravity balancing orthosis apparatus for assisting and training patients suffering from muscle weakness by relieving the patients afflicted member of its weight using a plurality of articulated supporting members. Relief is obtained by identifying and fixing the center of mass of the combined articulated equipment members and supported weight of the patient's member in space using a defined parallelogram mechanism and once so identified making the total potential energy for any configuration of the articulated members of the system constant. At least one zero free length spring is used to connect the center of mass to a support outside the articulated members. Additional springs connect the center of mass to the articulated members.

Abstract: A powered mobility device for advancing cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities of a child lacking natural mobility is disclosed. The device includes a seat sized for the child to be secured therein and a motorized drive assembly coupled to the seat. A local operating instrument is operably coupled to the drive assembly for operating and steering the drive assembly. The local operating instrument is positioned to allow manipulation by the child seated in the seat. A processor is operatively coupled to the motorized drive assembly and to a local steering instrument. The processor is adapted to transmit a signal to the motorized drive assembly and the local steering instrument to control the mobility device. A method for advancing cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities of a child by using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the in vitro transfer of the Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM 1) to spermatozoa. The SPAM1 protein can be obtained from the epididmys or the uterus and should have an intact lipid anchor. The SPAM 1 protein attaches to the surface of mammalian spermatozoa via it's lipid anchor in an in vitro environment in order to increase the sperm's capability of fertilizing an egg.

Abstract: A method for detecting disease in a patient includes providing infrared (IR) light and coupling the IR light through direct lens coupling or through a first group of one or more optical fibers. IR light is reflected from a portion of the patient and collected by a lens arrangement or a second group of one or more optical fibers. The reflected IR light is dispersed into its spectrum which is detected and analyzed. An apparatus suitable for diagnosing a disease in a patient includes an IR light source and optical fiber or direct lens coupling of IR light onto a body part or fluid of the patient. Reflected light from the patient is optically dispersed using a prism or grating. An IR focal plane array receives the optically dispersed light. The spectrum of the reflected IR light is used to provide a diagnosis of disease in the patient by identifying various disease markers or chemical fingerprints. The method and apparatus are capable of non-invasively detecting disease markers in a patient.

Abstract: An active head restraint system includes a fluid driver assembly coupled to a vehicle seat assembly. The fluid driver assembly is actuatable in response to a predetermined movement of the vehicle seat assembly. A fluid driven assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid driver assembly. The fluid driven assembly is actuated in response to actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A headrest is pivotable about an axis. The headrest is coupled to the fluid driven assembly such that the fluid driven assembly pivots the headrest about the axis during actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A seat assembly incorporating the active head restraint system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waveguide-based and free space based optical interconnection in integrated circuits that includes an input optical waveguide with etched end-facets, an output optical waveguide with an end-facets and modulators and detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an interface for transmitting high speed data between circuits. A driver circuit produces first and second differential currents from a digital signal that drive first and second transmission lines. A receiver is connected through first and second terminating resistors to said transmission lines. The resistive elements are in turn connected to first and second common base amplifiers where the differential currents are converted to a differential voltage. The input impedance to the first and second common-base amplifiers is further lowered by a differential amplifier having inputs connected to the inputs of the common-base amplifiers, and an output connected to the bases of said common-base amplifiers. As a result, voltage conversion of the differential signals takes place in the common-base amplifiers and not in the terminating resistors, reducing the level of the differential currents and permitting an increase in the digital data rate.

Abstract: A thermal evaporation source includes: a crucible configured to contain a volume of evaporant and a vapor space above the evaporant; a manifold body having within it a hollow expansion chamber that is flowably connected to the vapor space via one or more restriction orifices; one or more effusion nozzles flowably connected to the expansion chamber and exiting an outer surface of the thermal evaporation source, the nozzle(s) oriented to direct an evaporant vapor flow out of the source vertically downward, in one or more horizontal directions, or in one or more directions intermediate between horizontal and vertically downward; and a heater capable of heating some or all of the thermal evaporation source to a temperature sufficient to produce the one or more evaporant vapor flows when a vacuum is applied to the thermal evaporation source.

Abstract: A mold system (1000) includes a gate control system (150) that selectively deforms a deformable member (140) to selectively close one or more injection gates (127, 227) and/or vent gates (128, 228) in a mold platen (160, 260). The injection gates (127, 227) are selectively opened and closed by engaging the deformable member (140) with the injection gates (127, 227). The deformable member (140) is located between the gate control system (150) and the curing fluid, and curing fluid entering the mold platen (160, 260) therefore does not contact the gate control system (150).