Abstract: A method and system for decoding low density parity check (“LDPC”) codes. An LDPC decoder includes a control unit that controls decoder processing, the control unit causing the decoder to process the blocks of a low density parity check (“LDPC”) matrix out of order. A decoder embodiment may process the layers of the LDPC matrix out of order and/or perform partial state processing on out of order blocks of the LDPC matrix and/or generate R messages out of order.

Abstract: A novel method for high quality crystal growth of intermetallic clathrates is presented. The synthesis of high quality pure phase crystals has been complicated by the simultaneous formation of both clathrate type-I and clathrate type-II structures. It was found that selective, phase pure, single-crystal growth of type-I and type-II clathrates can be achieved by maintaining sufficient partial pressure of a chemical constituent during slow, controlled deprivation of the chemical constituent from the primary reactant. The chemical constituent is slowly removed from the primary reactant by the reaction of the chemical constituent vapor with a secondary reactant, spatially separated from the primary reactant, in a closed volume under uniaxial pressure and heat to form the single phase pure crystals.

Abstract: The multiple paint roller holder includes a roller frame and a handle connected to the roller frame. The handle is preferably connected to the frame by a bent or angled neck to place the handle in a raised position. The roller frame includes an upper cross member having corresponding upper roller holding pins, a lower cross member having corresponding lower roller holding pins, and an center beam interconnecting the upper and lower cross members. Each pair of upper roller holding pin and lower roller holding pin rotatably holds a paint roller therebetween. The upper cross member includes members pivotally joined end-to-end in a U-shaped saddle at the upper end of the center beam by a setscrew.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing graphene is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: putting graphite material and an organic solvent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof in a reaction tank and introducing a supercritical fluid in the reaction tank to allow the organic solvent, the surfactant, or the combination thereof to dissolve in the supercritical fluid and to permeate into the graphite material; and removing the supercritical fluid by depressurization to form graphene. The method of the present invention has simple steps and reduced consumption of manufacturing time, and also can promote the quality of the resultant graphene in large-scale manufacturing.

Abstract: We describe methods of characterizing a set of images to determine their respective illumination, for example for recovering the 3D shape of an illuminated object. The method comprises: inputting a first set of images of the object captured from different positions; determining frontier point data from the images, this defining a plurality of frontier points on the object and for each said frontier point a direction of a normal to the surface of the object at the frontier point, and determining data defining the image capture positions; inputting a second set of images of said object, having substantially the same viewpoint and different illumination conditions; and characterizing the second set of images said frontier point data to determine data comprising object reflectance parameter data (?) and, for each image of said second set, illumination data (L) comprising data defining an illumination direction and illumination intensity for the image.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: We found that FIZZ1/RELM? is inducible by hypoxia in lung. The hypoxia-upregulated expression of FIZZ1/RELM? was located in the pulmonary vasculature, bronchial epithelial cells, and type II pneumocytes. Recombinant FIZZ1/RELM? protein stimulates rat pulmonary microvascular smooth muscle cell (RPSM) proliferation dose-dependently. Therefore, we renamed this gene as hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor (HIMF). HIMF strongly activated Akt phosphorylation. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 inhibits HIMF-activated Akt phosphorylation. It also inhibits HIMF-stimulated RPSM proliferation. Thus, the PI3K/Akt pathway, at least in part, mediates the proliferative effect of HIMF. HIMF also has angiogenic and vasoconstrictive activity. Notably, HIMF increases pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance more potently than either endothelin-1 or angiotensin II.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to establish a cell transplantation method which can markedly improve the survival of grafted pluripotent stem cells and the efficiency of cardiomyocyte regeneration in cell therapy using pluripotent stem cells derived from heart tissue and can treat heart disease further effectively. Specifically, according to the present invention, enhancement in the survival of grafted pluripotent stem cells and significant improvement in the efficiency of cardiomyocyte regeneration are achieved by using, in combination, pluripotent stem cells derived from heart tissue and a hydrogel containing a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in cell therapy for heart disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of gram-negative bacterial mutants that are defective in intestinal colonization capacity and sensitive to infection by bacteriophage P1. Thus the present invention provides immunogenic compositions for the prevention or attenuation of food- and water-borne illnesses associated with ingestion of bacteria such as enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

Abstract: A catalyst composition/system can include: a platinum catalyst metal (Pt) and/or rhenium catalyst metal (Re) on a first support; and a ruthenium catalyst metal (Ru) and/or rhenium catalyst metal (Re) on a second support or a platinum catalyst metal (Pt) and a ruthenium catalyst metal (Ru) and/or a rhenium catalyst metal (Re) on the same support. The Pt:Ru, Re:Pt and/or Re:Ru weight ratio can be between about 1:4 and about 4:1. The support can be alumina, carbon, silica, a zeolite, TiO2, ZrO2 or another suitable material. The first and second support can be on the same support structure or on different support structures. In one option, the first and second supports can be positioned such that the Pt and/or Re are capable of catalyzing a dehydrogenation and/or reforming reaction that produces hydrogen and the Ru and/or Re are capable of catalyzing a hydrogenolysis reaction.

Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: Compounds comprising an aza-dibenzo moiety and a condensed aromatic moiety having at least three benzene rings are provided. In particular, the compounds may comprise an azadibenzofuran, azadibenzothiophene, or azadibenzoselenophene joined directly or indirectly to an anthracene. The compounds may be used in the electron transport layer of organic light emitting devices to provide devices with improved properties.

Abstract: A photosensitive optoelectronic device having an improved hybrid planar bulk heterojunction includes a plurality of photoconductive materials disposed between the anode and the cathode. The photoconductive materials include a first continuous layer of donor material and a second continuous layer of acceptor material. A first network of donor material or materials extends from the first continuous layer toward the second continuous layer, providing continuous pathways for conduction of holes to the first continuous layer. A second network of acceptor material or materials extends from the second continuous layer toward the first continuous layer, providing continuous pathways for conduction of electrons to the second continuous layer. The first network and the second network are interlaced with each other. At least one other photoconductive material is interspersed between the interlaced networks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biosensor comprising an electrically conductive substrate, with a first layer comprising Ruthenium Purple formed on the substrate, a second layer comprising polyaniline or a derivative thereof comprising one or more non-polar substituents formed on the first layer, and a third layer comprising one or more enzymes trapped within a matrix formed on the second layer. The biosensor is for use in the detection of analytes such as purines and derivatives thereof, particularly in the detection of hypoxanthine.

Abstract: A blue phase liquid crystal composition includes a chiral dopant, a positive liquid crystal component and a negative liquid crystal component. The positive liquid crystal component includes at least one positive liquid crystal material, has a positive dielectric anisotropy and has no blue phase properties with respect to the chiral dopant. In addition, the negative liquid crystal component includes at least one negative liquid crystal material, has a negative dielectric anisotropy and has no blue phase properties with respect to the chiral dopant, so that the blue phase liquid crystal composition has a dielectric anisotropy between 0.5 and 14 and a blue phase temperature range larger than 3° C.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, rugged, easy-to-operate biosensor useful for rapidly detecting cells, viruses, antibodies, and other proteins. A capillary tube has a capture antibody immobilized on its interior surface. The specific capture antibody is selected based upon a desired target analyte to be detected. A sample potentially containing the target antigen is introduced into the capillary tube. Thereafter, a second antibody labeled with a fluorescent dye is introduced. Upon excitation by electromagnetic energy, typically supplied by a laser, the fluorescence of the sample is captured and analyzed. The apparatus is extremely compact and rugged making it ideal for field use. In addition, accurate results may be obtained by relatively unskilled operators directly from a self-contained readout. Optionally, an external device (e.g., a computer) may be connected to the apparatus via an optional interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems to implement and operate software-defined radios (SDRs). An SDR may be configured to perform a combination of fractional and integer frequency synthesis and direct digital synthesis under control of a digital signal processor, which may provide a set of relatively agile, flexible, low-noise, and low spurious, timing and frequency conversion signals, and which may be used to maintain a transmit path coherent with a receive path. Frequency synthesis may include dithering to provide additional precision. The SDR may include task-specific software-configurable systems to perform tasks in accordance with software-defined parameters or personalities. The SDR may include a hardware interface system to control hardware components, and a host interface system to provide an interface to the SDR with respect to a host system. The SDR may be configured for one or more of communications, navigation, radio science, and sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for ambulatory, real-time detection of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) providing an overall accuracy that refers to detection of AF, irrespective of the duration of AF and beat-to-beat classification.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique to widely spread the frequency spectrum of switching noise generated by a switching action and to reduce the noise level at a particular frequency. A switching regulator (6A) includes a computing unit with computing function. First, in the computing unit, a pulse-width-modulation processing unit (PWM) (2a) performs pulse-width-modulation processing of receiving a feedback signal corresponding to the output of a detector 1 to determine an on-duty cycle of a pulse signal. Subsequently, for the signal and data obtained by the PWM (2a) to be subjected to further modulation processing for spectrum spreading, a branching processing is performed by making changing-over unit (2d) randomly select asynchronous-modulation processing unit (ASM) (2e) or pulse-position-modulation processing unit (PPM). When the PPM is selected, another branching processing is performed by making the changing-over unit (2d) select a first PPM (2f) or a second PPM (2g) depending on the on-duty cycle.