Abstract: Presented are methods and compositions for targeted chromosomal genomic alterations using modified single-stranded oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotides of the invention have at least one modified nuclease-resistant terminal region comprising phosphorothioate linkages, LNA analogs or 2?-O-Me base analogs.

Abstract: A precoded orthogonal frequency division multiplexer (OFDM) system that improves the preformance of OFDM systems for spectral null channels, and size K×1 vector OFDM systems that reduce the cyclic prefix length by K times compared to conventional OFDM systems. The precoding scheme comprises inserting one or more zeros between each of the two sets of K consecutive information symbols, although it can be generalized to a general form. This precoding scheme removes the spectral nulls of an ISI channel without knowing the ISI channel. When no zero is inserts between each of the two sets of K consecutive information symbols and only K consecutive symbols are blocked together, vector OFDM systems are obtained. The bit error rate performance of the vector OFDM systems of the present invention is much improved over conventional OFDM systems.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation of a molded compound. The molded compound is made by the process which contains the steps of (1) mixing a. an unsaturated polymer resin which has been synthesized from a natural triglyceride oil containing an effective amount of acid groups in order to thicken with metal ions b. a polymerizable monomer, c. a thickening agent to form a polymerizable material, (2) polymerizing said polymerizable material in a mold to form a molded compound. The invention further relates to a molded compound.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, compliant, and flexible multi-touch surface. The surface consists of compressible cushion dielectric, electrode, and circuitry layers. A simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity. Such distributed transduction circuitry is economical for large surfaces when implemented with thin-film transistor techniques. Scanning and signal offset removal on an electrode array produces low-noise proximity images. Segmentation processing of each proximity image constructs a group of electrodes corresponding to each distinguishable contact and extracts shape, position and surface proximity features for each group.

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-channel wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device including a two-dimensional photonic crystal. The photonic crystal consists of two primary components: (1) a waveguiding element created by line defects formed in the photonic crystal, and (2) frequency-selective elements created by high Q-value microcavities formed in the crystal. The multi-channel WDM system offers a flexible design and high channel density.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing. compliant, and flexible multi-touch surface. The surface consists of compressible cushion, dielectric, electrode, and circuitry layers. A simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity. Such distributed transduction circuitry is economical for large surfaces when implemented with thin-film transistor techniques. Scanning and signal offset removal on an electrode array produces low-noise proximity images. Segmentation processing of each proximity image constructs a group of electrodes corresponding to each distinguishable contact and extracts shape, position and surface proximity features for each group.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting mosquitoes to an electronic insect killing machine (i.e., bug zapper) is provided. The apparatus includes a converter device that fits over a fluorescent or ultraviolet light bulb of the bug zapper. The converter device controls radiant light and heat emitted by the light bulb to produce a desired level of heat to create a warm mass, or host simulator that simulates a blood host meal for biting insects. Mosquitoes and other biting insects, which have infrared vision, are attracted to the host simulator. When used with a scented lure that lures the mosquitoes and biting insects near the insect killer, the host simulator lures the mosquitoes and other insects to the killing device of the insect killer. The mosquitoes and biting insects are destroyed once lured to the killing device. The converter device also blocks most of the visible light emitted by the light bulb, and therefore does not lure beneficial insects, which are attracted to visible light, into the insect killer.

Abstract: A two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal includes a first rectangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided on a portion of an air background, and a second rectangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided on another portion of the air background. The two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal provides the advantages of both the rectangular and triangular lattice arrays for application with optical beam splitters and combiners, and achieves a transmission efficiency greater than 90% in comparison to the transmission efficiency of 50% for the conventional uni-structure photonic crystals.

Abstract: A system and method for chemically analyzing single particles in a high velocity gas flow. The system comprises an ion source chamber having a gas inlet and outlet, and a high-energy, pulsed, ultraviolet laser for ablating the single particles in the high velocity gas flow entering the ion source chamber through the gas inlet to produce positively- and negatively-charged ions. The system further includes a first extraction plate for extracting the positively-charged ions provided in the ion source chamber, and a second extraction plate for extracting the negatively-charged ions provided in the ion source chamber. The positively-charged ions are injected into a first ion mobility spectrometer where they are detected and characterized. The negatively-charged ions are injected into a second ion mobility spectrometer where they are detected and characterized.

Abstract: Interband tunnel diodes which are compatible with Si-based processes such as, but not limited to, CMOS and SiGe HBT fabrication. Interband tunnel diodes are disclosed (i) with spacer layers surrounding a tunnel barrier; (ii) with a quantum well adjacent to, but not necessarily in contact with, one of the injectors, and (iii) with a first quantum well adjacent to, but not necessarily in contact with, the bottom injector and a second quantum well adjacent to, but not necessarily in contact with, the top injector. Process parameters include temperature process for growth, deposition or conversion of the tunnel diode and subsequent thermal cycling which to improve device benchmarks such as peak current density and the peak-to-valley current ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed are two novel techniques for digital color halftoning with green-noise stochastic dither patterns generated by homogeneously distributing minority pixel clusters. The first technique employs error diffusion with output-dependent feedback such that the overlapping of pixels of different colors can be regulated for increased color control. The second technique uses a green-noise mask which is a dither array designed to create green-noise halftone patterns. The green-noise mask is constructed to also regulate the overlapping of different colored pixels. As is the case with monochrome image halftoning, both techniques are tunable, allowing for large clusters in printers with high dot-gain characteristics, and small clusters in printers with low dot-gain characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus to visually and electronically observe the transient temperature changes in a heat-conducting body, and a method for teaching heat conduction to students incorporating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat-conducting body, and a pair of electric strip heaters attached to adjacent sides of the heat-conducting body for conducting heat therethrough. A pair of heat exchangers are attached to sides of the heat-conducting body that are opposite to the sides the electric strip heaters are attached to. A thermochromic liquid crystal sheet is provided on a top surface of the heat-conducting body and displays the transient heat conduction through the heat-conducting body. An insulating plate is located above the top surface of the heat-conducting body to create a gap between the thermochromic liquid crystal sheet and the insulating plate.

Abstract: In an optical coupling system, an optical coupler having a dielectric mirror or Gaussian beam mirror is used to efficiently couple optical signals to photonic crystal waveguides. Dielectric mirrors offer the advantage of optical coupling between dielectric waveguides and single mode photonic crystal waveguides. Various types of optical couplers may be implemented with or without a dielectric waveguide in the system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a dynamic interphase-loading apparatus and method for testing the interfacial shear strength, stress-strain response, energy absorbing capability and durability of an interphase region of a fiber/matrix composite under quasi-static to high strain rates. The apparatus provides a load to the fiber/matrix interphase under high loading rates. The apparatus includes means for continuously monitoring the load applied to the fiber/matrix composite and providing a signal representative thereof, and means for monitoring the displacement of the interphase and providing a signal representative thereof. The apparatus further includes a computer that receives the load signal and the displacement signal, and generates chemical properties of the interphase of the fiber/matrix composite.

Abstract: A novel supported mesoporous carbon ultrafiltration membrane and process for producing the same. The membranes comprise a mesoporous carbon layer that exists both within and external to the porous support. A liquid polymer precursor composition comprising both carbonizing and noncarbonizing templating polymers is deposited on the porous metal support. The coated support is then heated in an inert-gas atmosphere to pyrolyze the polymeric precursor and form a mesoporous carbon layer on and within the support. The pore-size of the membranes is dependent on the molecular weight of the noncarbonizing templating polymer precursor. The mesoporous carbon layer is stable and can withstand high temperatures and exposure to organic chemicals. Additionally, the porous metal support provides excellent strength properties. The composite structure of the membrane provides novel structural properties and allows for increased operating pressures allowing for greater membrane flow rates.

Abstract: Thin films are produced by a method wherein a material is heated in a furnace placed inside a vacuum system. An inert gas is flown over/through the heated material. The vapors of the material are entrained in the carrier gas which is then directed onto a substrate heated to a temperature below that of the furnace temperature and placed in close proximity to the exit of the furnace.

Abstract: Presented are methods and compositions for targeted chromosomal genomic alterations using modified single-stranded oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotides of the invention have at least one modified nuclease-resistant terminal region comprising phosphorothioate linkages, LNA analogs or 2′-0-Me base analogs.

Abstract: A Pressure Sensitive Adhesive composition having low volatile organics content and low odor that is suitable for forming pressure sensitive adhesives containing an aqueous dispersion containing a blended mixture of: (a) a polymer obtained by the polymerization of (i) an internally plasticizing and cross-linkable long chain methyl ester having at least one double bond in said methyl ester chain; and (ii) one or more unsaturated monomers copolymerizable therewith; and (b) a surface-active agent.

Abstract: The invention is a compact optical gyroscope based on the Sagnac effect that combines a micro-ring cavity laser comprising a magneto-optical material and a magnetic field to circumvent the lock-in phenomenon at low rates of rotation. The invention also embodies novel processes for breaking lock-in using a transverse Faraday effect.

Abstract: A method for making a metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistor (MISFET) having an oxidized aluminum nitride gate insulator formed on a silicon or gallium nitride substrate. The method of making the MISFET comprises the steps of depositing an aluminum nitride layer on the entire upper surface of the silicon or gallium nitride substrate. Subsequently, the aluminum nitride layer is oxidized to convert it into an oxidized aluminum nitride layer which acts as a gate insulator of the MISFET. Portions of the oxidized aluminum nitride layer are etched to form a plurality of openings that expose regions to become the source and drain regions of the substrate. The source and drain regions are formed in the plurality of openings by conventional techniques including diffusion and ion-implantation. Finally, a metal layer is formed in the plurality of openings of the oxidized aluminum nitride layer, wherein the metal layer contacts the source and drain regions of the substrate.