Abstract: A piezoelectric device is provided that comprises a mechanical amplifier adapted to produce a displacement output and/or receive a force input, and first and second flexible platforms connected to the mechanical amplifier. The first flexible platform is connected to one side of the mechanical amplifier and piezoelectric material is mounted on the first flexible platform for controllably flexing the first flexible platform. The second flexible platform is connected to another side of the mechanical amplifier and piezoelectric material is mounted to the second flexible platform for controllably flexing the second flexible platform.

Abstract: Methods for preparing an herbal powder extract from a polysaccharide-peptide rich mushroom, including Coriolus versicolor (Yunzhi), are disclosed. A more effective, highly pure Yunzhi powder extract, methods of preparing and using the same in ameliorating cancerous cell proliferations and hepatitis and are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensor consists of an optical fiber having an active portion with high birefringence and two non-active portions located at each end of the active portion. A bragg grating is provided in the fiber. An ultrasound measurement device includes an ultrasound sensor with an excitation source for the fiber and an analysis unit connected to the fiber.

Abstract: Existing magnetoelectric materials relying on the use of metallic or ceramic magnetostrictive materials and ceramic piezoelectric materials as their constituent phases may have three problems. First, the operational frequency may be limited to a few kilohertz due to the presence of eddy-current losses in the metallic magnetostrictive phase. Secondly, it may be difficult to machine and fabricate devices due to the mechanical brittleness of the ceramic and some metallic magnetostrictive phases as well as of the ceramic piezoelectric phase. Thirdly, it may be difficult to tailor and optimize the properties (i.e., magnetoelectric voltage coefficient ?E, etc.) of the devices due to the limitation of the types of the constituent materials. This invention provides a magnetoelectric element including at least one set of alternative piezoelectric layer and magnetostrictive composite layer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer driver has a giant magnetostrictive element, a fastener for holding the giant magnetostrictive element under mechanical pressure, a first field generator for providing a magnetic bias field, a second field generator for providing a magnetic drive field and a magnetic circuit for channelling the magnetic fields in the magnetostrictive element. An ultrasonic transducer for a bonding apparatus has a horn having a bonding tool at its smaller end and a mounting barrel adjoined onto it. The driver coupled to the larger end of the horn.

Abstract: The instant invention provides aqueous soluble prodrugs of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R is —CH2OZ, —C(═O)OCH2OZ or Z, wherein Z is formula (a), —P(═O)(OH)2 or —C(═O)Q: n is an integer of from 0 to 3; m is an integer of from 0 to 1, of certain tachykinin antagonists (NK1 antagonists) useful in the treatment of emesis.