Abstract: Magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, populations of magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres, and methods for forming magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core particle and a monolayer of magnetic particles coupled to a substantial portion of a surface of a core particle. About 60% to about 90% of a surface of a core particle is covered by the monolayer of magnetic particles. The microsphere also includes an outer polymer layer surrounding or encapsulating both the monolayer of magnetic particles and the core particle. One population of magnetic or non-magnetic microspheres is configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of magnetic fluorescent microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and visual cue located on the surface of a basketball court to assist a basketball player gauge his or her position relative to substantially the exact lateral position of the basket and, optionally, the backboard overhead.

Abstract: The conjugate addition of hydrocarbon equivalents to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using a series of novel catalysts is described. The catalysts comprise copper(I) complexes with ligand systems comprising either tropocoronand macrocycles or N,N'-dialkylsubstituted aminotroponeimines.

Abstract: The conjugate addition of hydrocarbon equivalents to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using a series of novel catalysts is described. The catalysts comprise copper(I) complexes with ligand systems comprising either tropocoronand macrocycles or N,N'-dialkylsubstituted aminotroponeimines.

Abstract: The conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using a series of novel catalysts is described. The catalysts comprise copper(I) complexes with ligand systems comprising either tropocoronand macrocycles or N,N'-dialkylsubstituted aminotroponeimines.

Abstract: The present invention relates a simple, inexpensive clamp comprised of a flexible "C"-shaped, fixed-diameter clamping means, a rigid support member, and a "C"-shaped anchoring means whose overall design and construction allows the user to fasten, secure, and release objects quickly and easily with a minimum level of dexterity.