Abstract: Systems and methods for focusing optics are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, methods are disclosed for focusing an optical device, wherein the methods can include: collecting light from a region of an object to be imaged with an objective lens, said region having a feature with a known geometric characteristic; splitting the collected light into a first portion and a second portion, and directing said first portion through a weak cylindrical lens to a focusing sensor, and directing said second portion to an imager; observing, with said focusing sensor, a shape of the feature; focusing the optical device by moving at least one of the objective lens and the object to be imaged until the observed shape of the feature has a predetermined relationship to the known geometric characteristic. In some embodiments, the feature can be a fluorescent bead. In some embodiments, the splitting step can be accomplished with a dichroic mirror.

Abstract: A sensor has a sensor substance, an electromagnetic energy source, and a detector. The sensor substance may be able to emit electromagnetic energy different than that provided by the energy source when an analyte of interest is in contact with the sensor substance and electromagnetic energy is received by the sensor substance. The energy source and the detector may be provided on the same side of the sensor substance. In a method according to the invention, a determination may be made as to whether an analyte is present in a sample. Such a method may provide a sensor, such as that described above. Electromagnetic energy may be provided to the sensor substance using the energy source, and the sensor substance may be contacted with a sample. Electromagnetic energy may be emitted from the sensor substance and received at the detector. The detector may provide a signal indicating the type of electromagnetic energy emitted from the sensor substance.

Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.

Abstract: A gravity feed shelving system is provided in which specially configured tiers contain necked-down channels for the receiving, storing and dispensing of series of flexible packages such as flex bags. Each channel is configured with relatively wide receiving and dispensing portions at the rear and front of the tier, respectively, and a narrowed intermediate portion that partially compresses the flex bags and restrains them against their removal from the channel until the flex bag passes from the intermediate portion into the dispensing portion. The tier has an operatively sloped orientation so that, once placed within the receiving portion of the channel, each flex bag is urged along the channel and into the intermediate portion by the force of its own weight.

Abstract: An improved, economical alternative method to supply steam and methane to a steam methane reformer (SMR) is accomplished by a combination of procedures, wherein product gas from a steam hydro-gasification reactor (SHR) is used as the feedstock for the SMR by removing impurities from the product stream from the SHR with a gas cleanup unit that operates substantially at process pressures and at a temperature above the boiling point of water at the process pressure, is located between the SHR and SMR.

Abstract: Compositions of purified and biologically active ellagitannins are provided by separation from pomegranate husk using a method of extraction and purification using a solid polymeric adsorbent and the uses of the said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a passive vehicle suspension system providing optimal camber gain and avoiding the “bump camber” problem. This vehicle suspension system utilizes a conventional sway bar and a kinematic system to rotate the tire(s) of a vehicle in a direction opposite the roll of the vehicle during turning or cornering, for example. The kinematic design allows for adjustability and optimization, providing optimal camber gain. Although an automotive vehicle suspension system is illustrated and described, and, specifically, a racing or everyday automotive vehicle suspension system, the concepts of the present invention are capable of much broader applicability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of changing the seed productivity of a plant by controlling the level of AtSPF3 in the plant. More specifically, disclosed is a method of changing the seed productivity of a plant by controlling the intracellular level of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1. The AtSPF3 gene has the effect of changing the seed productivity of a plant through an increase or decrease in the expression thereof in the plant. Accordingly, the AtSPF3 gene will be useful for increasing the production of plants and breeding plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wheat plants having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. More particularly, the present invention includes wheat plants containing one or more IMI nucleic acids such as a Teal IMI cultivar. The nucleic acids are preferably located on or derived from different genomes. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these wheat plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these wheat plants.

Abstract: A variety of lenses, lens assemblies, imaging devices, applications for such lenses, assemblies and devices, and related methods of operation and manufacturing are disclosed. At least some embodiments of the invention relate to a lens that includes first and second inward-facing surfaces that are each at least partly reflective. The lens further includes a first aperture that is positioned around at least a portion of an outer periphery of one of the first and second inward-facing surfaces, and a second aperture existing proximate a central region of the lens. The light proceeding within the lens between the first and second inward-facing surfaces is reflected at least twice on at least one of the first and second inward-facing surfaces as it travels between the first aperture and the second aperture.

Abstract: There is provided a method for predicting a clinical state of a subject based on image data obtained from a Volume Of Interest in the subject. The method comprise the establishment of a predictive model that relates image features and the future evolution of a clinical state.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ultradispersed catalyst compositions and methods for preparing such catalysts. In particular, the invention provides catalyst composition of the general formula: BxMyS[(1.1 to 4.6)y+(0.5 to 4)x] where B is a group VIIIB non-noble metal and M is a group VI B metal and 0.05?y/x?15.

Abstract: An antenna feed coupling structure of a duplexer is disclosed to include a base defining a detoured resonance cavity and a T-shaped feed-in cavity perpendicularly intersecting the resonance cavity and a signal input port in connection with the head of the feed-in cavity, a cover closing the base, and adjustment rods mounted in the base and suspending in the resonance cavity and the feed-in cavity. The adjustment rods include two feed-in adjustment rods and two coupling structure adjustment rods suspending in the intersected area between the resonance cavity and the feed-in cavity and respectively kept in horizontal and in vertical relative to the resonance cavity and rotatable inwards and outwards to adjust the feed-in amount and coupling structure amount of the antenna feed coupling structure respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid adsorbent-membrane reactor in which the chemical reaction, membrane separation, and product adsorption are coupled. Also disclosed are a dual-reactor apparatus and a process using the reactor or the apparatus.

Abstract: A system when installed in-line with a pollution source provides reduction and/or complete combustion of harmful emissions generated there from. Such emissions including (but not limited to) compounds such as oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, odors, organic and inorganic particulates. The pollution source can be of any type, such as smoke from a smokestack, engine exhaust, etc. The re-burner system is of very simple construction, is extremely energy efficient and does not require any moving parts or maintenance, respectively.

Abstract: Compositions including composites of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles are disclosed. A wood-polymer composite using the PVC-nanoparticle composite as a matrix also is disclosed. The nanoparticle filler is dispersed throughout the PVC matrix by blending the nanoparticles with a mixture of PVC particles that have been pre-heated to a temperature at or above a fusion point of the PVC, thereby fusing the PVC particles prior to the addition of the nanoparticles to the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of forming the composite compositions. The composite compositions can be used to replace wood boards.

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: The present invention pertains to an ergonomic steering wheel rim designed to promote a neutral position to the forearm, reducing stress and fatigue by discouraging fixed wrist positions, i.e., flexion and ulnar deviation. The steering wheel rim of the invention provides a more comfortable driving position, reduces injury associated with airbag deployment, and reduces stress on hands and wrists. The steering wheel rim has one or more hand grip portions that deviate from the XY plane away from the driver. The present invention further concerns steering wheels comprising the rim of the invention and vehicles comprising the steering wheel of the invention.

Abstract: Nanofluidic devices incorporating inorganic nanotubes fluidly coupled to channels or nanopores for supplying a fluid containing chemical or bio-chemical species are described. In one aspect, two channels are fluidly interconnected with a nanotube. Electrodes on opposing sides of the nanotube establish electrical contact with the fluid therein. A bias current is passed between the electrodes through the fluid, and current changes are detected to ascertain the passage of select molecules, such as DNA, through the nanotube. In another aspect, a gate electrode is located proximal the nanotube between the two electrodes thus forming a nanofluidic transistor. The voltage applied to the gate controls the passage of ionic species through the nanotube selected as either or both ionic polarities. In either of these aspects the nanotube can be modified, or functionalized, to control the selectivity of detection or passage.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.