Abstract: A direct digital synthesis (DDS) circuit utilizes high order delta-sigma interpolators to remove frequency, phase and amplitude domain quantization errors. The DDS employs an n-bit accumulator operative for receiving an input frequency word (FCW) representing the desired frequency output and converts the frequency word to phase information based upon the clock frequency of the DDS. A high-order delta-sigma interpolator is configured in frequency, phase or amplitude domain to noise-shape the quantization errors through a unit defined by the transfer function of 1-(1?z?1)k in either a feedforward or feedback manner. The delta-sigma interpolator of any order can be implemented using a single-stage pipelined topology with noise transfer function of (1?z?1)k. The DDS circuit also includes digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that convert the outputted sine and cosine amplitude words to analog sinusoidal quardrature signals; and deglitch analog low-pass filters that remove the small glitches due to data conversion.

Abstract: A return-to-zero current-steering DAC is presented. The presented return-to-zero technique can isolate the analog output nodes of the DAC from the coupling of the control signals of the DAC without sacrificing speed. The topology uses a bank of return-to-zero circuits, which employs return-to-zero and isolation transistors to implement the presented return-to-zero technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method to reduce perchlorate in wastewater utilizing perchlorate-reducing bacteria, sulfur as an electron donor and mollusk shells as alkalinity agent. Embodiments of the invention include a perchlorate-reduction system comprising a bioreactor unit having perchlorate-reducing media comprising elemental sulfur, oyster shells and a microbial community, and can further include an optional pretreatment unit, wastewater-catchment and/or post-treatment components. Embodiments of the method include multiple steps utilizing the system and additional process steps that achieve enhanced perchlorate reduction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device including: an electron beam generation device 10 which accelerates a pulse electron beam 1 to transmit the beam through a predetermined rectilinear orbit 2; a laser generation device 20 which generates a pulse laser light 3; a laser light introduction device 30 which introduces the pulse laser light 3 onto the rectilinear orbit 2 so as to collide with the pulse electron beam 1; a metal target 42 which generates a particular X-ray 5 by collision with the pulse electron beam 1: and a target moving device 40 capable of moving the metal target between a collision position 2a on the rectilinear orbit and a retreat position out of the orbit.

Abstract: A method of controlling acarine pests comprises applying to the locus of the acarine pests, an isolated polypeptide toxin, wherein the polypeptide toxin has acaricidal activity. In one embodiment, the polypeptide toxin comprises three intrachain disulfide bonds and/or is a component of a venom of an Australian funnel web spider of the genus Atrax or Hadronyche. The polypeptide toxins may be applied to the acarine pests themselves, to the environment of the acarine pests, to the hosts of the acarine pests, or to an animal vector of the acarine pests, for example.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the existence of two novel proteins UspA1 and UspA2, and their respective genes uspA1 and uspA2. Each protein encompasses a region that is conserved between the two proteins and comprises an epitope that is recognized by the MAb 17C7. One or more than one of these species may aggregate to form the very high molecular weight form (i.e. greater than 200 kDa) of the UspA antigen. Compositions and both diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the treatment and study of M. catarrhalis are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhibition of angiogenesis by neutrophil alpha-defensins. Further, the present invention relates to methods involving the inhibition of endothelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, endothelial cell apoptosis, and endothelial cell angiogenesis.mediated by alpha-defensins.

Abstract: A diffraction grating for which the intensity and/or direction of the diffracted light is electronically modulated using the electrophoresis of an index-modifying species. Index-modifying dye ions are dissolved in an electrophoretic medium maintained adjacent the diffraction grating. Application of a voltage across the medium moves many of the ions into the region adjacent the grating such that the ions absorb the incident light or otherwise modify the local index of refraction so as to change the optical characteristics of the diffracted light. Application of an opposite voltage across the medium moves many of the ions away from the grating, allowing light rays to diffract in a different manner when encountering the grating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of quantitatively separating tissue signals based on relaxation time differences. The method uses the transient signal decay in steady-state free precession (balanced SSFP) imaging to provide an alternative to standard CPMG methods of T2-relaxometry. The balanced SSFP technique allows 3-4 times the temporal resolution of CPMG, and also slows the short T2 decay so that it can be more accurately measured.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices, comprising the steps: producing a plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame; exposing the plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame to the medical devices for a predetermined period of time; and exposing the medical devices to the plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame at a predetermined distance; wherein the hydrogen surface mixed diffusion flame further produces free radicals for further sterilizing of the medical devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to provide the genes for diagnosing colorectal cancer, the gene sequences searching comprise the steps of: (1) deriving epithelium cells from normal intestines, polypus of intestines and colorectal cancer tissue; (2) collecting genes with highly differential gene expression by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH), and building library; (3) deriving colonies with relatively high signal intensities from cancer tissue; (4) collecting more clinically cancer tissues by Northern Hybridization, real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) combined with analysis of bioinformation to affirm variation between differential gene expression; and (5) selecting the most suitable genes from said library, and using the gene sequence as reagent provides the effects of early diagnosis, specificity, highly sensitivity and safety.

Abstract: Biosensors and methods to determine the activity of any and all nucleic acid binding factors, proteins, cellular events, nucleic acid binding protein coregulators, or fragments thereof, based upon the stabilization of the interaction of two nucleic acid components, which together comprise a complete nucleic acid binding element, by the binding of a nucleic acid binding factor are provided. Preferably, a fluorescence donor is attached to a nucleic acid comprising one portion or component of a complete nucleic acid binding element and a fluorescence acceptor is attached to a nucleic acid comprising the other portion or component of the same complete binding element. Alternatively, a solid substrate is attached to a nucleic acid comprising one portion of a binding element and a detectable label is attached to a nucleic acid comprising the other portion of the same binding element.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluorophore excited state lifetimes comprising initiating an excitation laser pulse at a dye to excite dye molecules of the dye from a ground state to an excited state and initiating a probing pulse at the dye molecules thereby generating a first set of photoacoustic waves at a first time delay resulting in a first intensity point. The process can be repeated, optionally introducing a second excitation laser pulse, to generate a second set of photoacoustic waves at a second time delay resulting in a second intensity point. The data can be analyzed to determine a slope between the first intensity point and the second intensity point.

Abstract: Simultaneous amplitude and phase control of ultrafast laser pulses using a single, linear (one-dimensional) liquid crystal spatial light modulator is described. Amplitude shaping is accomplished by writing a high-frequency phase grating having a spatial period much smaller than the spectral focus (over-sampling), onto the modulator, and diffracting away selected frequencies in a controllable manner, while spectral phase control is imparted by adding an appropriate slow phase bias to the modulator. The close pixel spacing, large number of pixels, and small footprint of the reflective spatial light modulator employed with an angular wavelength dispersive element in a folded Martinez stretcher, enables a simple and compact apparatus to be achieved. The high reflectivity of the spatial light modulator results in a highly efficient pulse shaper when either a prism or diffractive grating is used for the angular dispersive element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a finger using symbol-rate weighting in Smart Antenna System, and an apparatus and method for Demodulating signals using such a finger. The present invention is useful in a wireless communication network having a reverse pilot channel. Further, by using such a finger, the present invention provides a demodulation apparatus and method for making high-speed broadband communications available in a smart antenna system. In such 3-G wireless communications where both traffic signals and pilot signals are transmitted from a terminal, the present invention calculates optimized weight vectors using the pilot signal and the calculated weight vectors are adapted to each traffic signal with a symbol-rate weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents several embodiments for metering devices some of which also have pumping capability. The devices utilize one or more pistons located within a cylindrical rotor. As the cylindrical rotor is turned by a suitable torque/power source, a first face of each piston is exposed to an inlet supplying a fluid to be metered. The piston is then moved within the associated channel or bore within the rotor, allowing the volume of the channel to be filled with fluid. The continuing rotation of the rotor then removes the piston from the fluid supply and moves the channel through an angular displacement. The piston is then moved—either through applied power for active pistons or the force of the fluid supply for passive pistons—in the opposite direction, forcing the fluid out of the channel. In this way, a precise amount of fluid can be metered from each channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides for selection of bovine animals that will display phenotypes associated with increased rates of growth. These phenotypes include hot carcass weight, average daily gain, shipping weight, end of test rib eye area, and adjusted weaning weight which is a measure of post-natal growth, based on the knowledge of their CRH, POMC and MC4R genotypes. The predictive value comes from the discovery that certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes are linked to higher growth rate phenotypes. Specifically, the phenotypes that correlated with specific SNP's are end-of-test rib-eye area, adjusted weaning weight, average daily gain, shipping weight and hot carcass weight. The invention also provides novel kits that can be used in making the determination of these genotypes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology for polymer grafting by a polysaccharide synthase and, more particularly, polymer grafting using the hyaluronate synthase from Pasteurella multocida. The present invention also relates to coatings for biomaterials wherein the coatings provide protective properties to the biomaterial and/or act as a bioadhesive. Such coatings could be applied to electrical devices, sensors, catheters and any device which may be contemplated for use within a mammal. The present invention further relates to drug delivery matrices which are biocompatible and may comprise combinations of a biomaterial or a bioadhesive and a medicament or a medicament-containing liposome. The biomaterial and/or bioadhesive is a hyaluronic acid polymer produced by a hyaluronate synthase from Pasteurella multocida.

Abstract: The present invention provides ?4?1 integrin ligands that display high binding affinity, specificity, and stability. The ligands comprise a peptide having n independently selected amino acids, wherein at least one amino acid is an unnatural amino acid or a D-amino acid, and wherein n is an integer of from 3 to 20. Methods are provided for administering the ligands for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Also provided are methods for administering the ligands for imaging a tumor, organ, or tissue in a subject.

Abstract: A composition and method for the inhibition of microorganisms.