Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a buffer layer comprising a dielectric material above a layer of conductive material and providing a layer of mask material above the buffer layer. The mask material comprises amorphous carbon. The method also includes removing a portion of the buffer layer and the layer of mask material to form a mask. A feature is formed in the layer of conductive material according to the mask.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are described for providing a reduced or modulated gravity environment in a land-based facility. The system includes the evaluation of terrain and man-made structures to support a vertical vehicle guide, the construction of a vehicle guide, the provision of a vehicle and a control system adapted to control a motion of the vehicle up and down along the vehicle guide with a specific velocity profile so as to produce a selected modulated gravity environment. The same apparatus can also be used as a vehicle launching method.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes applying a first feature detector to a portion of an image to detect a first set of features. The first set of features is used to locate a region of interest, and a boundary corresponding to the region of interest is determined. The method also includes displaying the boundary at a display. In response to receiving user input to accept the displayed boundary, a second feature detector is applied to an area of the image encapsulated by the boundary.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing or one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The microsphere compositions release an effective amount of the one or more active agents for a period greater than 14 days in vivo, preferably greater than 60 days in vivo, more preferably up to 73 days in vivo, more preferably greater than 90 days in vivo, even more preferably over 100 days in vivo, and most preferably greater than 107 days in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents such as AG1478 to induce nerve regeneration, specifically regeneration of the optic nerve useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (TOP) in the eye.

Abstract: A method for improving drilling performance of a drilling tool assembly is disclosed. The method includes identifying a drilling performance parameter to be improved. One or more potential solutions are defined to improve the drilling performance parameter. A drilling simulation is performed to determine the dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly during a drilling operation. Determining the dynamic response includes determining the interaction of a cutting element of a drill bit with an earth formation. Improvement in the drilling performance parameter is determined based upon the drilling simulation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the detection of conditions indicative of a wind pressure pulsation within the passenger cabin of a vehicle, and for the reduction of the intensity of the pressure pulsation via automatic window repositioning. The apparatus comprises vehicle sensors for detection of a pressure pulsation condition, controllers to process sensor data and issue commands, and power-operated vehicle windows.

Abstract: A lens device includes a substrate having a channel and a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The first and second fluid flow paths at least partially in communication with the channel. A light emitting device is positioned adjacent to the channel. At least one first fluid source is in communication with the first fluid path such that a first fluid is moveable along the first fluid path and at least one second fluid source in communication with the second fluid path such that a second fluid is moveable along the second fluid path. The first second fluid paths are configured so the first fluid and second fluid move through the channel to define an adjustable liquid gradient refractive index distribution in the channel. Adjustment of the liquid gradient refractive index distribution permits a change of liquid lens focal distance or an angular adjustment of light emitted by the light emitting device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for proximity detection between electronic devices are disclosed. One or more electronic devices transmit signals to a proximity server, which determines whether the first electronic device may be proximate the second electronic device. The proximity server transmits a signal to the first electronic device and the second device, and in response to the signal, the first and second electronic devices activate an environmental sensor, collect at least one sample of environmental data, extract at least one feature set of the environmental data, generate a first obscured feature from the feature set, transmit the first and second obscured feature sets to the proximity server. The proximity server uses the first obscured feature set and the second obscured feature set to determine whether the first electronic device and the second electronic device are proximate.

Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.

Abstract: Secretogranin II and VGF peptides are biomarkers for major depressive disorder. They are useful in methods of diagnosing, monitoring and screening.

Abstract: An enhanced head-and-neck restraint system is provided for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment with a seat assembly and a safety belt assembly mounted therein. The restraint system includes first and second collar straps each having an inflatable cushion integrated thereto. A first end of each collar strap is attached to a headrest portion of the seat assembly to transition between a retracted position, in which the collar straps are substantially inside the headrest portion, and a use position, in which each collar strap attaches to a belt webbing of the safety belt system. A fluid dispensing apparatus is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushions, and operable to selectively transition the inflatable cushions from a non-expanded state to an expanded state when the collar straps are in the use position.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a fixed cutter bit drilling an earth formation. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a drill bit and an earth formation to be represented as drilled, simulating the bit drilling the earth formation, displaying the simulating, and adjusting at least one parameter affecting the performance. The method of design is used to make a fixed cutter drill bit. In another embodiment the method includes numerically rotating the bit, calculating bit interaction with the earth formation during the rotating, and determining the forces on the cutters during the rotation based on the calculated interaction with earth formation and empirical data.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes receiving inputs typed by a user of a keyboard and analyzing the inputs to identify typing errors made by the user. The method also includes customizing a layout of the keyboard to reduce the identified typing errors.

Abstract: An enhanced head-and-neck restraint system is provided for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment with a seat assembly and a safety belt assembly mounted therein. The restraint system includes first and second collar straps each having an inflatable cushion integrated thereto. A first end of each collar strap is attached to a headrest portion of the seat assembly to transition between a retracted position, in which the collar straps are substantially inside the headrest portion, and a use position, in which each collar strap attaches to a belt webbing of the safety belt system. A fluid dispensing apparatus is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushions, and operable to selectively transition the inflatable cushions from a non-expanded state to an expanded state when the collar straps are in the use position.

Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.

Abstract: A method for designing a drill bit that involves simulating a drill bit having cutting elements disposed thereon is provided. In particular, the method involves determining at least one drilling performance parameter while simulating drilling in a selected earth formation.

Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of diagnosing or monitoring a psychotic disorder in a subject comprising providing a test biological sample from the subject, performing spectral analysis on said test biological sample to provide one or more spectra, and, comparing the one or more spectra with one or more control spectra. The invention also relates to methods for diagnosing or monitoring psychotic disorders such as schizophrenic or bipolar disorders, comprising measuring the level of one or more biomarkers present in a biological sample taken from a test subject, said biomarkers being selected from the group consisting of transthyretin, ApoA1: VLDL, LDL and aromatic species such as plasma proteins. The invention also relates to sensors, biosensors, multi-analyte panels, arrays, assays and kits for performing methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a buffer layer comprising a dielectric material above a layer of conductive material and providing a layer of mask material above the buffer layer. The mask material comprises amorphous carbon. The method also includes removing a portion of the buffer layer and the layer of mask material to form a mask. A feature is formed in the layer of conductive material according to the mask.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the detection of conditions indicative of a wind pressure pulsation within the passenger cabin of a vehicle, and for the reduction of the intensity of the pressure pulsation via automatic window repositioning. The apparatus comprises vehicle sensors for detection of a pressure pulsation condition, controllers to process sensor data and issue commands, and power-operated vehicle windows.