Abstract: Panels, kits, and methods for diagnosing or predicting the likelihood of occurrence of preterm birth (PTB) in a subject are disclosed. An exemplary panel includes at least one of a first marker from a first group of markers and a second marker from a second group of markers. A significant decrease in the first marker and a significant increase in the second marker measured in a sample taken from a subject during the second trimester of pregnancy are diagnostic or predictive of an increased risk of preterm birth for the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lens surfacing. The apparatus includes a voice coil, piezo stack and cutter connected by a connection mechanism and regulated by a hierarchical sliding mode control system. The invention allows for both coarse and fine movements of the cutter during surfacing.

Abstract: A device used to facilitate the accurate shooting of an archery bow. The device includes horizontally and vertically adjustable support structure for attaching the device to a bow. Moreover, the device includes a base, a guard and sight pins. The base includes arcuate channels sized for receipt of sight pins and arched to ensure that the sight pins are aimed at the archer's eye regardless of vertical spacing. The sight pins include an offset-Y-shaped fiber support and a light-gathering fiber. The light-gathering fiber comprises a length of fiber optic material with a sighting point on each distal end thereof. The offset-Y-shaped fiber support is an offset-Y-shaped member whose offset allows for placement in either of two spaced arcuate channels while maintaining the targeting axis position of the sighting points. The guard, which encircles the sight pins, includes three fiber optic fibers spaced about its diameter to allow for low-light alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holding device, which includes a volumetrically controllable material and a volume controller in operable communication with that material. The volume controller is configured to subject the material to a condition that causes a physical change in volume of the material without a change in mass of the material. The volumetric change causes the holding power. Further disclosed herein is a method for creating a lower than atmospheric pressure between a volumetrically controllable fixed mass material and a separate object. The method includes introducing to the material an increase condition calculated to volumetrically increase the material without changing the mass of the material. The separate object is then brought to contact the material following which a decrease condition calculated to volumetrically decrease the material without changing the mass of the material is introduced to the material.

Abstract: A device used to facilitate the accurate shooting of an archery bow. The device includes horizontally and vertically adjustable support structure for attaching the device to a bow. Moreover, the device includes a base, a guard and sight pins. The base includes arcuate channels sized for receipt of sight pins and arched to ensure that the sight pins are aimed at the archer's eye regardless of vertical spacing. The sight pins include an offset-Y-shaped fiber support and a light-gathering fiber. The light-gathering fiber comprises a length of fiber optic material with a sighting point on each distal end thereof. The offset-Y-shaped fiber support is an offset-Y-shaped member whose offset allows for placement in either of two spaced arcuate channels while maintaining the targeting axis position of the sighting points. The guard, which encircles the sight pins, includes three fiber optic fibers spaced about its diameter to allow for low-light alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holding device, which includes a volumetrically controllable material and a volume controller in operable communication with that material. The volume controller is configured to subject the material to a condition that causes a physical change in volume of the material without a change in mass of the material. The volumetric change causes the holding power. Further disclosed herein is a method for creating a lower than atmospheric pressure between a volumetrically controllable fixed mass material and a separate object. The method includes introducing to the material an increase condition calculated to volumetrically increase the material without changing the mass of the material. The separate object is then brought to contact the material following which a decrease condition calculated to volumetrically decrease the material without changing the mass of the material is introduced to the material.

Abstract: A spherical bearing includes a spherical member connected to another member where the spherical member is further received in a retainer configured to retain the spherical member and allow movement thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for eliminating the differences in the curvatures of a facing lens blank and an abrasive pad mounted on a formable lap includes a drivable track portion, a compensation plate disposed on the drivable track portion, and a compensation member removably disposed on the compensation plate. The compensation member is removable from the compensation plate by a carriage supporting the lens blank and is disposable between the lens blank and the formable lap. The method for compensating for the differences in curvatures of the formable lap and the lens blank includes inserting the compensation material onto the formable lap, softening the formable lap, placing the lens blank over the compensation material to cause the formable lap to conform to a shape of the lens blank, allowing the formable lap to cure, removing the lens blank, and removing the compensation material.