Abstract: Provided herein relates to systems and methods for producing and using a body having a central channel separated by one or more membranes. The membrane(s) are configured to divide the central channel into at least one mesochannel and at least one microchannel. The height of the mesochannel is substantially greater than the height of the microchannel. A gaseous fluid can be applied through the mesochannel while a liquid fluid flowing through the microchannel. The systems and methods described herein can be used for various applications, including, e.g., growth and differentiation of primary cells such as human lung cells, as well as any other cells requiring low shear and/also stratified structures, or simulation of a microenvironment in living tissues and/or organs (to model physiology or disease states, and/or to identify therapeutic agents and/or vaccines). The systems and methods can also permit co-culture with one or more different cell types.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: In an approach to mapping marketing triggers across geographies, a computer receives one or more variables associated with one or more rulesets. A computer retrieves data corresponding to the one or more variables. A computer sorts the retrieved data by season. A computer computes a seasonal average for each variable by associated postal code. A computer trains a self-organizing map to arrange the data associated with the source geography postal codes into one or more source clusters. A computer maps the retrieved data and the computed data associated with the target geography to the one or more source clusters, thereby creating target counterpart clusters that correspond with at least one of the one or more source clusters. A computer applies one or more cluster rulesets associated with the one or more source clusters to the corresponding one or more target counterpart clusters. A computer outputs one or more bucket sheets.

Abstract: A liquid distribution system for an evaporative heat rejection system that includes a heat transfer surface is disclosed. The liquid distribution system includes a plurality of liquid conduits adapted to transport liquid for distribution over the heat transfer surface, and each liquid conduit having at least one orifice. At least a first orifice in a first conduit and a second orifice in a second conduit are positioned such that when the liquid is transported under a predetermined pressure thought the conduits, the liquid is emitted from the first and second orifices in first and second streams, respectively, that collide at a collision site, thus causing liquid to be scattered from the collision site and distributed over the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: An additional door face designed to cover over an original door face side that has been damaged or defaced. Manufactured with low density plastic which is thin enough on it's edges to be cut to match any door face size, and after installation allows the door to shut properly. With it's plastic composition, an existing door upgraded or repaired with the present invention becomes virtually indestructable and impervious to scratching and damaging forces.

Abstract: A non-contact imaging apparatus for examining an object having complex surfaces or shape deformations. The imaging apparatus includes at least one imaging device for obtaining a scanned image of the exterior surfaces of the object being examined. A predetermined reference image) of an ideal model for the object is stored in a memory. An image register is coupled to the imaging device and to the memory containing the reference image of the ideal model for the object. A transformation estimator compares the scanned image to the reference image and provides a transform which maps the scanned image to the reference image and provides a set of registered object data points. One or more filter modules process the registered object data points with a priori information to reduce noise and to further enhance the accuracy and precision of the registration. A gauge estimator is coupled to the filter module.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having a first and second bank of cylinder bores arranged in a generally V-shaped configuration. The internal combustion engine includes a first and second intake manifold each having a plenum and at least one intake runner. The first and second intake manifolds are mounted to the internal combustion engine in an outboard position. An inlet air duct communicates inlet air to each of the first and second intake manifolds. A first and second inlet air heater is disposed substantially adjacent to the respective plenums of the first and second intake manifold. The first and second inlet air heaters operate to selectively heat the inlet air prior to entering the respective plenums of the first and second intake manifold. The first and second inlet air heaters may include at least one of driver circuitry and diagnostic circuitry.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an object using a structured light measurement system that includes a light source and an imaging sensor includes illuminating each of a plurality of different areas of the object with different wavelengths of light using the light source, filtering light reflected from the object into a first wavelength of the different wavelengths, and receiving the first wavelength of light reflected from the object with the imaging sensor.

Abstract: A method for generating a mask for use with a light measurement system that includes a light source for projecting light onto an object, and an imaging sensor for receiving light reflected from the object. The method includes determining a profile of the object to be inspected, and generating an electronic mask based on the determined object profile. The electronic mask has an electronic opening having a profile defined to substantially match the determined object profile as viewed from one of the light source and the imaging sensor.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an object includes emitting light from at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device, phase-shifting light emitted from at least one of the LCD device and the LCOS device, projecting the phase-shifted light onto a surface of an object, receiving light reflected from the object surface with an imaging sensor, and analyzing the light received by the imaging sensor to facilitate inspecting at least a portion of the object.

Abstract: A non-contact imaging apparatus for examining an object having complex surfaces or shape deformations. The imaging apparatus includes at least one imaging device for obtaining a scanned image of the exterior surfaces of the object being examined. A predetermined reference image) of an ideal model for the object is stored in a memory. An image register is coupled to the imaging device and to the memory containing the reference image of the ideal model for the object. A transformation estimator compares the scanned image to the reference image and provides a transform which maps the scanned image to the reference image and provides a set of registered object data points. One or more filter modules process the registered object data points with a priori information to reduce noise and to further enhance the accuracy and precision of the registration. A gauge estimator is coupled to the filter module.