Abstract: A computer-implemented method for authenticating a user device via a device credential scoped to a common domain shared among a plurality of payment networks may be provided. The method may include receiving, by a server of a payment network, a first request redirected from a sub-domain assigned to the payment network to a domain name associated with the payment network, responsive to the first request, transmitting, to the user device, an authentication request comprising a challenge, a user identifier that identifies the user, and the common domain to which the device credential is scoped, receiving, from the user device, a response, accessing the device credential, the device credential having been stored by the payment network, validating the response based on the device credential, and causing, by the server, the user identifier and the device credential to be federated to the other ones of the plurality of payment networks based on the validating.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for authenticating a user device via a device credential scoped to a common domain shared among a plurality of payment networks may be provided. The method may include receiving, by a server of a payment network, a first request redirected from a sub-domain assigned to the payment network to a domain name associated with the payment network, responsive to the first request, transmitting, to the user device, an authentication request comprising a challenge, a user identifier that identifies the user, and the common domain to which the device credential is scoped, receiving, from the user device, a response, accessing the device credential, the device credential having been stored by the payment network, validating the response based on the device credential, and causing, by the server, the user identifier and the device credential to be federated to the other ones of the plurality of payment networks based on the validating.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accomplishing a mission using a plurality of unmanned vehicles can include graphically describing the mission tasks at a graphical user interface (GUI) using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), and translating the graphical description into extensible machine language (XML) formatted robot operating system (ROS) instructions, which can be understood by each of the plurality of unmanned vehicles with a translator. An execution engine transmits the XML ROS instructions to a respective local controller on the respective unmanned vehicle. The BPMN graphical descriptor symbols can allow for planning of a mission by an end user that does not have expertise in the ROS domain, and that does not have an understanding of the ROS construct. The execution engine can provide feedback back to the GUI regarding mission execution. Based on the feedback, the graphical description can be modified while the mission is being accomplished.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for authenticating a user device via a device credential scoped to a common domain shared among a plurality of payment networks may be provided. The method may include receiving, by a server of a payment network, a first request redirected from a sub-domain assigned to the payment network to a domain name associated with the payment network, responsive to the first request, transmitting, to the user device, an authentication request comprising a challenge, a user identifier that identifies the user, and the common domain to which the device credential is scoped, receiving, from the user device, a response, accessing the device credential, the device credential having been stored by the payment network, validating the response based on the device credential, and causing, by the server, the user identifier and the device credential to be federated to the other ones of the plurality of payment networks based on the validating.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accomplishing a mission using a plurality of unmanned vehicles can include graphically describing the mission tasks at a graphical user interface (GUI) using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), and translating the graphical description into extensible machine language (XML) formatted robot operating system (ROS) instructions, which can be understood by each of the plurality of unmanned vehicles with a translator. An execution engine transmits the XML ROS instructions to a respective local controller on the respective unmanned vehicle. The BPMN graphical descriptor symbols can allow for planning of a mission by an end user that does not have expertise in the ROS domain, and that does not have an understanding of the ROS construct. The execution engine can provide feedback back to the GUI regarding mission execution. Based on the feedback, the graphical description can be modified while the mission is being accomplished.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for preparing matrices for controlled delivery of at least one therapeutic or biological agent to a target site in a subject. This is accomplished using nanoparticles coupled to the therapeutic or biological agent that are incorporated within the matrix or reacted on the surface of the matrix.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for preparing electrospun matrices comprising at least one natural biological material component and at least one synthetic polymer material. The natural component makes the matrices highly biocompatible while the molecular weight polymer component can impart additional strength mechanical strength to the scaffold and/or improve ease of manufacture by increasing viscosity and spinning characteristics of the solution during electrospining.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for preparing matrices for controlled delivery of at least one therapeutic or biological agent to a target site in a subject. This is accomplished using nanoparticles coupled to the therapeutic or biological agent that are incorporated within the matrix or reacted on the surface of the matrix.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for monitoring remodeling of an artificial tissue construct using image or contrast enhancing agents. The invention allows the growth, development, and remodeling of the artificial tissue to be monitored.

Abstract: A silicon coating on an air bearing surface for magnetic thin film heads. A thick silicon layer is provided to replace metallic layers such as TiW as an overcoat for thin film heads. The silicon layer will provide a durable head-disk interface and act as a reflective surface for fly height measurement. The silicon layer can be planarized with the pole tips to avoid any magnetic spacing loss. The thickness of the silicon coating is preferably between 125 and 6500 angstroms thick. The slider body may be fabricated from silicon such that the silicon coating is substantially identical to the silicon slider body, thereby preventing thermal mismatch therebetween. The silicon coating is preferably applied using a magnetron sputtering technique which provides a high rate of deposition of silicon to form a dense, low stress silicon layer.

Abstract: A method for protecting magnetic read/write head assembly against electrostatic discharge during disk drive manufacturing are disclosed. The magnetic head assembly is supported on a substrate having a magnetoresistive sensor element disposed in spaced relationship between several magnetic shield elements. Before a focused ion beam fabrication operation, at least a portion of an air bearing surface of the magnetic head assembly is coated with a thin and transparent layer of conductive material. This layer of conductive material is subsequent removed after the focused ion beam fabrication operation.

Abstract: A silicon coating on an air bearing surface for magnetic thin film heads. A thick silicon layer is provided to replace metallic layers such as TiW as an overcoat for thin film heads. The silicon layer will provide a durable head-disk interface and act as a reflective surface for fly height measurement. The silicon layer can be planarized with the pole tips to avoid any magnetic spacing loss. The thickness of the silicon coating is preferably between 125 and 6500 Angstroms thick. The slider body may be fabricated from silicon such that the silicon coating is substantially identical to the silicon slider body, thereby preventing thermal mismatch therebetween. The silicon coating is preferably applied using a magnetron sputtering technique which provides a high rate of deposition of silicon to form a dense, low stress silicon layer.

Abstract: A single layer wear coating is provided for a magnetic head assembly. The single layer is silicon or silicon-based material with a thickness in the range of 30-75 .ANG.. The single layer may be formed by a single step of deposition employing a DC magnetron. The single layer wear coating improves the wear performance of the magnetic head assembly and protects one or more sensitive elements of a magnetic head without significant reduction of spacing loss.

Abstract: A single layer wear coating is provided for a magnetic head assembly. The single layer is silicon or silicon-based material with a thickness in the range of 30-75 .ANG.. The single layer may be formed by a single step of deposition employing a DC magnetron. The single layer wear coating improves the wear performance of the magnetic head assembly and protects one or more sensitive elements of a magnetic head without significant reduction of spacing loss.