Abstract: A computer-implemented tool having a collection of content management subsystems allows the content creator to construct a web-based behavioral modification site without the need for computer programming skills. The content delivery system constructed with this tool employs a lesson manager that delivers lesson content based on a tree structure; a virtual educator manager that presents different graphical images of an educator character, complete with different facial expressions and gestures designed to facilitate learning; a link manager that supplements lesson content with links to supplemental material and automatically suppresses dead links; and an impact manager that automatically administers a stage-of-change questionnaire a predefined time interval after the lesson was completed.

Abstract: A method of selectively extracting anions from an aqueous solution using an anion encapsulating aggregate formed upon the addition of a solvent, a copper contributor, a hydroxide contributor, an optional counterion contributor, and at least one encapsulating anion to an aqueous solution containing the anions, or upon the addition of a solvent, a polymeric chain of [CuII(?-OH)(?-ea)]? and optionally, a counterion contributor to the aqueous solution. The aggregates include compounds of the formula cis-CuIIx(OR1)y(R2ea)z, where R1 is H or an alkyl group, R2 is H, or an alkyl group or a charged group, ea is an encapsulating anion, and each of x, y, and z is equal to an integer between about 1 and 40, inclusive. In addition, anion encapsulating aggregates can be formed by synthesis with alternate encapsulating anions by substituting alternate encapsulating anions for the encapsulating anion incorporated in the aggregate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition of a chitosan coated paper wherein the chitosan may be derived from a variety of sources. Methods of using chitosan as a surface coating or pulp additive to tune the properties of paper and paperboard products are also described. The chitosan applied is a bio-based and environmentally friendly barrier coating and/or additive material for the manufacture of functional paper and paperboard products, specifically as evaporative cooling media requiring wet strength and structural integrity, wicking, and moisture resistance as an alternative to conventional phenolic-based resins. The solid-state fermentation method to produce chitosan and its derivatives offer renewable bio-based materials towards the manufacture of functional paper products that are eco-friendly but also offer uncompromized performance levels.

Abstract: A method of testing a computer program implementation according to a predefined design model, the program implementation having at least one method under test, employs a computer to generate a post-method corresponding to the method under test. A computer is further used to automatically generate a set of test cases. Then, using the automatically generated set of test cases, the computer explores different execution paths of the computer program implementation, by applying those test cases to both the method under test and the generated post-method, to reveal behavior that is not consistent with the behavior specified by the design model.

Abstract: A colored special effect ink includes a special effect pigment and a colored pigment. The colored pigment is more hydrophobic than the special effect pigment, and the colored pigment is miscible in a solvent chosen from the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, and water. The colored pigment optionally has a surface energy of less than 35 dynes/cm. A method for preparing the colored special effect ink and treating the colored pigment to form the colored special effect ink are also described.

Abstract: A dual pressure respiratory assistance device including a gas source which supplies a flow of gas into an air tube having a bubbler branch and a patient branch. A first tube that is connected to the bubbler branch is at least partially submerged in a fluid. An oscillatory relief valve cycles between first and second configurations. The relief valve includes an oscillating member which captures gas released through at least one hole in the first tube when the oscillating member is in a first position. The gas in the oscillating member causes the oscillating member to rise to a second position, wherein gas is released from the oscillating member and the at least one hole is blocked when the oscillating member reaches the second position.

Abstract: A method of forming a self-supported electronic device, including depositing a sacrificial layer on a first surface substrate, wherein the sacrificial layer is substantially soluble in a first solvent. At least one device layer is deposited in a desired pattern on top of the sacrificial layer. The at least one device layer is substantially insoluble in the at least one device layer. The sacrificial layer is at least partially dissolved in the first solvent to release at least a portion of the first device layer from the substrate. The at least one device layer removed from the substrate forms a self-supported electronic device, which is a thin film electronic device having at least a portion thereof that is not supported by a material carrier.

Abstract: A composition for treating cancerous cells in a subject having an immune system includes a virus in the Yatapoxvirus genus having at least one mutation. In one embodiment, the mutation results in suppressed expression of a TNF binding protein by the virus. In another embodiment, the mutation results in suppressed expression of thymidine kinase (“TK”) by the virus. In another embodiment, the mutation arms the virus with a transgene to express a bacterial flagellin. The mutations can be present singly or in combination. Additional aspects include a method of treating cancerous cells with a composition as described herein, and a method of delivering at least one gene to cancerous cells in a subject.

Abstract: A 3D metal printing machine or apparatus includes a welder that deposits one or more layers of metal, and a powered cutting tool that may be utilized to remove a portion of the metal deposited by the welder after the metal has solidified. Numerous layers of metal can be deposited and machined to form complex 3D metal parts. During fabrication, a part may be formed on a support whereby the part can be fabricated by welding and machining operations without removing the part from the support. A 3D CAD model of a part may be utilized to generate code that controls the 3D metal printing apparatus. A measuring device such as a probe or laser scanner may be utilized to measure the shape/size of parts in the 3D metal printing machine.

Abstract: A method of testing a computer program implementation according to a predefined design model, the program implementation having at least one method under test, employs a computer to generate a post-method corresponding to the method under test. A computer is further used to automatically generate a set of test cases. Then, using the automatically generated set of test cases, the computer explores different execution paths of the computer program implementation, by applying those test cases to both the method under test and the generated post-method, to reveal behavior that is not consistent with the behavior specified by the design model.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition of a chitosan coated paper wherein the chitosan may be derived from a variety of sources. Methods of using chitosan as a surface coating or pulp additive to tune the properties of paper and paperboard products are also described. The chitosan applied is a bio-based and environmentally friendly barrier coating and/or additive material for the manufacture of functional paper and paperboard products, specifically as evaporative cooling media requiring wet strength and structural integrity, wicking, and moisture resistance as an alternative to conventional phenolic-based resins. The solid-state fermentation method to produce chitosan and its derivatives offer renewable bio-based materials towards the manufacture of functional paper products that are eco-friendly but also offer uncompromised performance levels.

Abstract: A tissue cassette includes a body having a first floor and a first perimeter wall encircling and extending from the first floor so that the first floor and first perimeter wall at least partially bound a body cavity, the first floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings extending therethrough. A mold has a second floor and a second perimeter wall encircling and extending from the second floor so that the second floor and second perimeter wall at least partially bound a mold cavity, the second floor having at least one micropore extending therethrough, the at least one micropore having a maximum diameter less than 0.040 inches. A hinge couples the body to the mold so that the body and mold can move between a closed position wherein the first floor overlies the second floor so as to form a tissue compartment therebetween and an open position.

Abstract: A fluid flow-powered generator and a method for using the same are described herein. The generator has a rotatable frame, with a first wing and a second wing. The first wing and second wing are pivotally mounted to the frame to allow the angle of attack to be adjusted. A controller is also provided to direct adjustment of the angle of attack of the first wing and the second wing in a coordinated manner while the fluid flow-powered generator is in use. In certain embodiments, the fluid flow-powered generator is operable as an oscillating generator and in other embodiments, the fluid flow-powered generator is operable as a rotating generator. The rotating generator can be arranged along a horizontal axis or a vertical axis. Additionally, certain horizontally oriented generators may be operated as either oscillating generators or rotating generators.

Abstract: A computer-implemented tool having a collection of content management subsystems allows the content creator to construct a web-based behavioral modification site without the need for computer programming skills. The content delivery system constructed with this tool employs a lesson manager that delivers lesson content based on a tree structure; a virtual educator manager that presents different graphical images of an educator character, complete with different facial expressions and gestures designed to facilitate learning; a link manager that supplements lesson content with links to supplemental material and automatically suppresses dead links; and an impact manager that automatically administers a stage-of-change questionnaire a predefined time interval after the lesson was completed.

Abstract: A method of creating a sand mold for rapid casting, including the steps of determining a mold shape, providing a generally uniform thickness layer of sand, curing at least a portion of the layer of sand, machining the cured portions of the layer of sand based on the desired mold shape, and repeating the layer-forming, curing and machining steps until the sand mold is complete. Another aspect includes a machine for creating the sand mold having a build envelope defined by side walls, a movable build platform and at least one movable tool assembly, the movable tool assembly having a single or plurality of tools chosen from the group consisting of a sand dispenser, a sand leveling device, a curing device, and a machining device.

Abstract: A thermal erosion tester, comprising a rotating heated element, which is adapted to contact a sand specimen placed in the thermal erosion tester, a heating element to heat the rotating heated element, and a motor to drive rotation of the rotating heated element, wherein the rotating heated element is adapted to contact the sand specimen while the rotating heated element is rotating, causing erosion of the sand specimen, and a method of testing thermal erosion, and a method of testing erosion of a sand specimen when it is in contact with a heated element.

Abstract: A thermal distortion tester for testing thermal distortion of a sand specimen, comprising a gimbal to support the sand specimen, an actuator to raise and lower the sand specimen, and a hot surface, wherein the sand specimen is brought into contact with the hot surface at a pre-determined pressure or pressure profile. The temperature of the hot surface is maintained at a pre-determined temperature or temperature profile. The distortion of the sand specimen while applied to the hot surface is directly measured through measurement of the longitudinal movement of the gimbal, and radial distortion is measured by a micrometer camera. The temperature gradient of the sand specimen is also measured throughout the duration of the test. A method of using the same is also described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for machining a semiconductor or ceramic workpiece (32) causes a portion of the workpiece to undergo high pressure phase transformation to form a high pressure phase transformation portion which has altered optical properties from the remainder of the workpiece. A laser is irradiated on the high pressure transformation portion to heat the high pressure transformation portion and cause it to soften and then the workpiece is plastically deformed, at smaller loads and forces, along the softened portion in order to accomplish the machining of the workpiece with a machining tool (21).

Abstract: The method of testing for presence of a bug a multithreaded computer program under verification combines the efficiency of testing with the reasoning power of satisfiability modulo theory (SMT) solvers for the verification of multithreaded programs under a user specified test vector. The method performs dynamic executions to obtain both under- and over-approximations of the program, represented as quantifier-free first order logic formulas. The formulas are then analyzed by an SMT solver which implicitly considers all possible thread interleavings. The symbolic analysis may return the following results: (1) it reports a real bug, (2) it proves that the program has no bug under the given input, or (3) it remains inconclusive because the analysis is based on abstractions. In the last case, a refinement procedure is presented that uses symbolic analysis to guide further executions.

Abstract: A device for collecting material from a solid surface, and optionally concentrating the collected material, for subsequent analysis includes a nebulizer that generates and discharges a fluid stream, and a collector positioned to intercept material caused by the fluid stream after it is deflected from the solid surface. The device is usable in a sample collection process having steps of spraying a fluid stream of gas containing nebulized solvent as the solid surface, positioning a collector to intercept material carried by the fluid. The process may be repeated to concentrate the material being sampled.