Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a primary electrode, a secondary electrode overlapping at least a portion of the primary electrode, and an electroactive polymer layer disposed between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode, where the electroactive polymer layer includes a non-vertical (e.g., sloped) sidewall with respect to a major surface of at least one of the electrodes. The electroactive polymer layer may be characterized by a non-axisymmetric shape with respect to an axis that is oriented orthogonal to an electrode major surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds of the Formula I, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods for using such compounds as agents or drugs for inhibiting perforin activity and for treating a subject at risk of or susceptible to a disease or disorder, or having a disease or disorder associated with undesirable perforin activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting the rotation of the tires of a vehicle comprising a housing comprising a ramp for oncoming vehicular traffic, the ramp also having a cavity adapted to releasably contain a net having spikes arranged at a leading edge of the net to engage the tires, the net further comprising a trailing edge that is attached to a releasable restraining element; a platform within the housing upon which the spikes are supported and that is moveable between spikes exposed and spikes unexposed positions; and an actuator that transmits an electronic command to expose the spikes to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting the motion of a vehicle comprising a housing having a cavity, the cavity adapted to contain a net so that the net may be made available for release on command; tire engagement spikes supported by the housing, the spikes being movable to a first position to engage the tires of an oncoming vehicle, the spikes also being movable to a second position to avoid tire engagement, the spikes being positioned to grasp the net when in the first position; and an actuator for moving the spikes between the first and the second positions on command, wherein the spikes comprise at least two barbs adapted to penetrate a pneumatic tire, the spikes also having a hook for grasping a loop of the leading edge of the net.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroviral vectors capable of driving the expression of perforin in a cell and a method of expressing recombinant perforin in a cell. The present invention also relates to recombinant perforin polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules derived therefrom and uses thereof. Also encompassed are screening assays employing such recombinant perforin molecules, compounds identified by the screening assays and uses thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting the motion of a vehicle comprising a housing having a cavity, the cavity adapted to contain a net so that the net may be made available for release on command; tire engagement spikes supported by the housing, the spikes being movable to a first position to engage the tires of an oncoming vehicle, the spikes also being movable to a second position to avoid tire engagement, the spikes being positioned to grasp the net when in the first position; and an actuator for moving the spikes between the first and the second positions on command.

Abstract: Methods, system and program product for determining network resource availability in order to avoid time delays caused by querying unavailable resources are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention queries the network resource to determine network resource availability and response time, and indicates the network resource is available only if the network resource is determined to be available within a specified response time.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing metrology sampling rates in an advanced process control (APC) application. A method is provided for processing a run of workpieces, the method comprising the steps of: providing a database comprising subgroups of data representing characteristics from previously processed workpieces; selecting a first subgroup of data having characteristics that satisfy a predetermined criteria; determining processing conditions for a processing tool corresponding to said first subgroup of data; processing the run of workpieces with the process tool using the determined processing conditions; and measuring the run of workpieces according to a sampling rate determined from the first subgroup of data.

Abstract: The invention relates to fitting a curve to a plurality of data points. A “seed curve” is determined from a first set of data points selected from the plurality of data points. From the remaining data points, data points are individually selected and a determination is made for each selected data point as to whether the data point is acceptable to be included with the first set of data points. When a data point is determined to be acceptable, the data point is included with the first set of data points to form another set of data points. After each of the other data points are evaluated for inclusion with the first set of data points, a best fit curve is determined from a final set of data points.

Abstract: A transmitter (20,21), that may be hand-held, transmits radio frequency signals to a receiver within a low-voltage controller device (31, 32, 33, 34, 35). This controller device is installed in-line with the low-voltage power source (22, 23, 24, 25), and the low-voltage load (26, 27, 28, 29, 30). The system allows the user to remotely switch on and off individual controller devices, or a plurality of controller devices depending the address assigned at the transmitter and receiver. One aspect of the device is that it is installed in the low-voltage line, and therefore allows the user a more versatile control system than other devices.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for limiting the bending radius of a flexible duct comprising at least a bend stiffener arranged around one length of the flexible duct and fixed by a rear part on a fixed end support, characterized in that it further comprises an element for maintaining the bend stiffener arranged between the flexible duct and the bend stiffener and comprising at least a portion capable of flexural bending extending over one length of the flexible duct located at least between the rear part and the end of the bend stiffener.

Abstract: Immunoglobulin conjugates, comprising idarubicin (Ida) conjugated to a monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprising at least one of the antigen binding sites of the antigen, are useful for treating a human or other animal suffering from a cancer or for depleting a subset of T lymphocytes from a population of cells.