Abstract: The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for operating moveable architectural elements (e.g., furniture) are described. The method includes performing a first part of a movement of the moveable architectural element along a portion of a length of actuation using a motor. The method includes performing a second part of the movement of the moveable architectural element with a desired movement profile and, based thereon, measuring an operation parameter. The method includes comparing the measured operation parameter to a profile of the operation parameter. The method includes incrementing a first counter if a first differential between the measured operation parameter and the profile of the operation parameter exceeds a differential threshold, incrementing a first counter. The method includes adjusting the second part of the movement of the moveable architectural element if the first counter exceeds a counter threshold. Many other improvements and features are contemplated and described.

Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films which may be useful for protecting the leading edges of aircraft from rain and sand erosion are presented. Typical surface protection films comprising two or more layers of a first material alternating with one or more layers of a second material, wherein the first and second materials are different materials, wherein the first and second materials comprise first and second polymers, wherein the first and second materials have a first and second Shore hardness, and wherein the first Shore hardness is greater than the second Shore hardness by more than 5 A or more typically more than 10 A.

Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films which may be useful for protecting the leading edges of aircraft from rain and sand erosion are presented. Typical surface protection films comprising two or more layers of a first material alternating with one or more layers of a second material, wherein the first and second materials are different materials, wherein the first and second materials comprise first and second polymers, wherein the first and second materials have a first and second Shore hardness, and wherein the first Shore hardness is greater than the second Shore hardness by more than 5 A or more typically more than 10 A.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement agent comprising an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and one or more paramagnetic metal ions is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing ELP MRI contrast enhancement agents, formulations comprising ELP MRI contrast enhancement agents, and methods of using ELP MRI contrast enhancement agents to image biological samples and to image and deliver therapeutic agents to targeted sites in vivo. In some embodiments, the ELP MRI agents can be used in methods related to blood volume determination, in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and in vascular transport determinations. The ELP MRI contrast agents can also provide information on the expression of various proteins through affinity targeting or enzymatic crosslinking in order to aid in diagnosis and in the spatial definition of pathologic tissue.

Abstract: A nanostructure includes a nanoparticle core (110) and a ligand (120) bonded to the nanoparticle core (110). The ligand includes a linking group (130) having a first end bonded to a polyethylene imine (PEI) polymer (140) and a second end bonded to the nanoparticle core (110) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer (150) grafted to the PEI polymer (140). Methods for making these nanostructures and their use in magnetic resonance imaging and management of inflammatory conditions are provided.

Abstract: A thermoforming method and objects prepared using the thermoforming method are described. Non-self-supporting, polymeric films are initially formed into a three-dimensional shaped film on a male mold and then transferred to a female mold while being supported by the male mold. The three-dimensional shaped film can be further thermoformed, reinforced, or a combination thereof on the female mold. The resulting object has a substantially uniform thickness across a major surface. The method can preserve the surface quality of the polymeric film used to prepare the three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: A thermoforming method and objects prepared using the thermoforming method are described. Non-self-supporting, polymeric films are initially formed into a three-dimensional shaped film on a male mold and then transferred to a female mold while being supported by the male mold. The three-dimensional shaped film can be further thermoformed, reinforced, or a combination thereof on the female mold. The resulting object has a substantially uniform thickness across a major surface. The method can preserve the surface quality of the polymeric film used to prepare the three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: Electret filter media comprising a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers having trapped charge, said charge provided by (1) subjecting the nonwoven web to a corona treatment, followed by (2) impingement of jets of water or a stream of water droplets on the web at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and (3) drying the web. This electret filter media may be used in a respiratory mask to provide extraordinarily good filtration properties.

Abstract: An electret filter media, and mask, that is made of a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers. The thermoplastic microfibers are of substantially the same composition, are nonconductive, and have an effective fiber diameter less than about 15 micrometers. The nonwoven web also has sufficient unpolarized trapped charge to exhibit an initial filtration quality factor of at least 0.31 when measured under the DOP Penetration and Pressure Drop Test.

Abstract: Oriented microfibers and processes for making them are disclosed, together with blends of such microfibers with other fibers such as crimped staple fibers and non-oriented microfibers.

Abstract: A method of making a microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The method includes the steps of a) extruding molten thermoplastic fiber forming polymer from multiple orifices in a fiber-forming die, said orifices being aligned along the face of the die; b) attenuating the fibers in a stream of hot air to form a fiber stream of microfibers; and c) collecting said microfibers on a collector having a forming surface, said surface being aligned with said die and substantially parallel to and equidistant from said die such that the fibers form a spirally wound microfibrous sorbent article which is supported on its exterior surface by said forming surface and which is drawn across said forming surface substantially parallel to said die. Also provided is a microfibrous sorbent article prepared according to the method.

Abstract: A method of charging a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers to provide electret filter media is provided. The method includes impinging on a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers capable of having a high quantity of trapped charge jets of water or a stream of water droplets at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and drying said web.

Abstract: A microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The microfibrous sorbent article comprises an elongate boom having a substantially oval cross-section. The boom is formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers, the layers being bonded to each other by entanglement of fibers between adjacent layers. Also provided is a method for making the microfibrous sorbent article.

Abstract: Irradiated polypropylene articles of non-crystalline mesomorphous polypropylene and a method for preparing the articles are provided. The articles are irradiated with a sterilizing dosage of ionizing radiation. The irradiated articles such as films and blown microfiber webs are substantially undegraded after storage periods of as long as six months.