Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for initializing one or more components of a system, the system comprising an integrated circuit that comprises at least one processor, are disclosed. A method includes initializing at least one component of the system, determining a temperature of the integrated circuit using a temperature sensing device embedded on the integrated circuit, comparing the determined temperature to a predetermined suitable temperature operating range of at least one additional component to yield a comparison result, and initializing the at least one additional component based on the comparison result. The at least one additional component may be initialized on the condition that the determined temperature of the integrated circuit is within the predetermined suitable temperature operating range of the at least one additional component.

Abstract: A dual host system and method with back to back non-transparent bridges and a proxy packet generating mechanism. The proxy packet generating mechanism enables the hosts to send interrupt generating packets to each other.

Abstract: A method for reducing cellular senescence in a subject, in particular a subject exposed to or at risk of being exposed to a DNA damaging agents, e.g., radiation, by inhibiting PAI-1 activity in the subject with a truncated PAI-1 agent, rPAI-123.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for initializing one or more components of a system, the system comprising an integrated circuit that comprises at least one processor, are disclosed. A method includes initializing at least one component of the system, determining a temperature of the integrated circuit using a temperature sensing device embedded on the integrated circuit, comparing the determined temperature to a predetermined suitable temperature operating range of at least one additional component to yield a comparison result, and initializing the at least one additional component based on the comparison result. The at least one additional component may be initialized on the condition that the determined temperature of the integrated circuit is within the predetermined suitable temperature operating range of the at least one additional component.

Abstract: A system for controlling user access to a room, the system includes a database for associating users with predetermined periods of time and a local user device mounted proximate to the room and electronically coupled to a lock mechanism of a door to the room. The system is configured to determine using the database, in response to first user input provided to the local device, that the room is scheduled for use by that user, to unlock the door to the room based on the determination and to lock the door after the scheduled period has elapsed. The system is further configured to display, via the local device, available periods of time during which the room is available for use, receive, at the local device, a selection from a local user to select an available period of time to use the room, and associate, in the database, the local user with the predetermined period of time based on the selection.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel bundle may include a first end face and a second end face axially spaced apart from the first end face and a plurality of elongate nuclear fuel elements supported by at least one spacer. The plurality of fuel elements and spacer being sized to be removably received within the fuel channel assembly. A coolant tube passage may extend axially through the fuel bundle between a first aperture in the first end face and a second aperture in the second end face. The coolant tube passage sized to removably receive a coolant fluid downflow tube provided in the fuel channel assembly. The tube passage extending from the first end face to the second end face to enable the coolant fluid downflow tube to pass through the fuel bundle.

Abstract: A fuel channel assembly for a nuclear reactor may include an inner conduit received within an outer conduit that has an outer upper end connectable to a coolant outlet and an outer lower end. The inner conduit may have an inner upper end connectable to a coolant source and an inner lower end axially spaced apart from the inner upper end and disposed within the outer conduit to enable coolant to circulate from the coolant source to the coolant outlet through both the inner and outer conduits. A fuel bundle chamber may be between an inner surface of the outer conduit and an outer surface of the inner conduit and may at least partially laterally surround the inner conduit. The fuel bundle chamber fluidly connecting the inner lower end and the outer upper end to enable the coolant to flow upward through the fuel bundle chamber.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present invention provide a device, systems and methods for capturing sounds, generating a sound model (or “sound pack”) for each captured sound, and identifying a detected sound using the sound model(s). Preferably, a single device is used to capture a sound, store sound models, and to identify a detected sound using the stored sound models.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells includes a proton conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. The membrane electrode assembly further includes an anode disposed over the first side of the proton conducting layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed over the second side of the proton conducting layer. One or both of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer includes a first polymer which has cyclic polyether groups. An ink composition for forming a fuel cell catalyst layer is also provided.

Abstract: A digital sound identification system for storing a Markov model is disclosed. A processor is coupled to a sound data input, working memory, and a stored program memory for executing processor control code to input sound data for a sound to be identified. The sample sound data defines a sample frequency domain data energy in a range of frequency. Mean and variance values for a Markov model of the sample sound are generated. The Markov model is stored in the non-volatile memory. Interference sound data defining interference frequency domain data is inputted. The mean and variance values of the Markov model using the interference frequency domain data are adjusted. Sound data defining other sound frequency domain data are inputted. A probability of the other sound frequency domain data fitting the Markov model is determined. Finally, sound identification data dependent on the probability is outputted.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque member lining at least a portion of the outer member inner surface, and a lumen defined by the outer member inner surface or the radiopaque member inner surface. A substance is disposed in the lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member to the lumen. The radiopaque member may be substantially continuous along the length of the wire or disposed only along portions of the wire such as crowns. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, a radiopaque intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the core member and optionally portions of the radiopaque intermediate member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a continuous transdermal monitoring system comprises a sensor package. The sensor package may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a plurality of light detectors arranged as an array. One exemplary method for continuous transdermal monitoring begins by positioning a pulse oximetry sensor system, similar to the system described immediately above, adjacent to a target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by detecting a light reflected by the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by transmitting a pulse oximetry reading(s), based at least in part on the light reflected by the target tissue segment, of the target tissue segment. Then, the method continues by analyzing the pulse oximetry reading(s).

Abstract: A lithium ion battery separator includes a porous film of a polymeric chelating agent. The polymeric chelating agent includes a poly(undecylenyl-macrocycle), where the macrocycle is a chelating agent. A positive electrode includes a structure and a coating formed on a surface of the structure. The structure includes a lithium transition metal based active material, a binder, and a conductive carbon; and the coating includes a poly(undecylenyl-macrocycle), where the macrocycle is a chelating agent. The separator and/or positive electrode are suitable for use in a lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A dual host system and method with back to back non-transparent bridges and a proxy packet generating mechanism. The proxy packet generating mechanism enables the hosts to send interrupt generating packets to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a structure and an energy harvesting device. The structure is configured to have a first portion and a second. The energy harvesting device is formed as part of the structure. The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying wireless devices. Information is received from a wireless device that is unidentified. An object associated with the wireless device is identified using a number of types of information in the information and the information.

Abstract: A cover is provided for a portable electronic device having a device wireless antenna. The cover includes a housing configured to accommodate the portable electronic device, as well as a cover wireless antenna located within the housing. The cover also includes a shield surrounding the cover wireless antenna, and configured to surround the device wireless antenna when the portable electronic device is placed in the cover. In addition, the cover includes wireless access point (WAP) electronics in communication with the cover wireless antenna, as well as a wired Ethernet connector in communication with the WAP electronics.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone and an A/D converter for provision of a digital input signal in response to a sound signal received at the microphone in a sound environment, a processor that is configured to process the digital input signal in accordance with a signal processing algorithm to generate a processed output signal, a sound environment detector for determination of the sound environment based at least in part on the digital input signal, and for providing an output for selection of the signal processing algorithm, the sound environment detector including (1) a feature extractor for determination of histogram values of the digital input signal in a plurality of frequency bands, (2) an environment classifier configured for classifying the sound environment into a number of environmental classes based at least in part on the determined histogram values from at least two of the plurality of frequency bands, and (3) a parameter map for the provision of the output for the selection of the signal proc

Abstract: A latching device secures a strap to a piece of sports equipment. The latching device includes a buckle and a base. The buckle has a main body portion. The main body portion has an integrally formed collet and has a first slot and a second slot. The first and second slots each having a plurality of teeth shaped members that are configured to secure the strap to the buckle. The base is attached to the piece of sports equipment. The base has a first shaft and an annular ring. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. A ball shaped member is attached to the first end of the first shaft. The annular ring is formed on a periphery of the base surrounding the first shaft. The ball shaped member is releasably received in the collet to releasably engage the buckle with the base.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for continuous transdermal monitoring (“CTM”) are disclosed. One exemplary method for CTM begins by monitoring an output signal from an accelerometer. The accelerometer output signal may indicate acceleration and deceleration of a body part of a user, such as the user's wrist. Based on the accelerometer output signal, it may be determined that the body part of the user has decelerated to a minimum, e.g., substantially zero. With a determination that the body part has decelerated to the minimum, e.g., substantially zero, or has not accelerated beyond the minimum, e.g., substantially zero, the method may determine a reading from a pulse oximeter associated with the accelerometer. Advantageously, the pulse oximetry reading, or a reading from other sensors associated with the accelerometer, may be optimally accurate as motion artifact may be minimized. The pulse oximetry reading may be recorded for later query and/or rendered for the benefit of the user.