Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calibrating an analog to digital converter (ADC) using one or more feedback mechanisms. In an embodiment, a capture memory module captures a portion of ADC data and post-processes the captured data using a microprocessor to perform calibration. Using the microprocessor, the capture memory module calibrates the ADC until the output of the ADC is within a desired range. In an embodiment, the capture memory module also captures a portion of data output from a digital correction module and post-processes this captured data using the microprocessor.

Abstract: The current thickness limitations of battery electrodes are addressed. An electrode includes an electrically conductive porous foam layer, an energy-storage material in contact with the porous foam layer, and electrically conductive porous foam protrusions extending from the porous foam layer into the energy-storage material. The energy-storage material is not contained within the pores of the foam layer or the foam protrusions. These electrodes allow lithium ions (and other metal ions, if desired) to diffuse deeper into a thick energy-storage material layer, compared to conventional planar electrodes. In particular methods, fluidic foam precursors can be templated in a mold, followed by conversion into a solid conductive foam that includes the electrically conductive porous foam protrusions. The result is batteries with surprisingly high energy densities.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is described for storing high-pressure fluids such as hydrogen. An inner tank and pre-stressed concrete pressure vessel share the structural and/or pressure load on the inner tank. The system and apparatus provide a high performance and low cost container while mitigating hydrogen embrittlement of the metal tank. System is useful for distributing hydrogen to a power grid or to a vehicle refueling station.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems providing improvements enhancing speed and accuracy in interpreting the electrocardiogram (ECG) for ischemia identification using a graphical presentation. An ischemia criteria and ST segment measurements to be tested are graphically presented simultaneously. The graphical presentation allows the violation of the ischemia criteria to be visualized without any ambiguity. To further ensure that such a condition will not be overlooked, additional graphical highlighting is provided. This graphical approach can be used to improve the detection of conditions that fulfill the specified ischemia criteria and reduce the variation of individual interpretation for patients with border-line ST segment changes.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery structure with a third electrode as reference electrode is disclosed. The reference electrode may be fabricated from lithium metal, lithiated carbon, or a variety of other lithium-containing electrode materials. A porous current collector allows permeation of reference lithium ions from the reference electrode to the cathode or anode, enabling voltage monitoring under actual operation of a lithium-ion battery. The reference electrode therefore does not need to be spatially between the battery anode and cathode, thus avoiding a shielding effect. The battery structure includes an external reference circuit to dynamically display the anode and cathode voltage. The battery structure can result in improved battery monitoring, enhanced battery safety, and extended battery life.

Abstract: The internal temperature of an electrochemical device may be probed without a thermocouple, infrared detector, or other auxiliary device to measure temperature. Some methods include exciting an electrochemical device with a driving profile; acquiring voltage and current data from the electrochemical device, in response to the driving profile; calculating an impulse response from the current and voltage data; calculating an impedance spectrum of the electrochemical device from the impulse response; calculating a state-of-charge of the electrochemical device; and then estimating internal temperature of the electrochemical device based on a temperature-impedance-state-of-charge relationship. The electrochemical device may be a battery, fuel cell, electrolytic cell, or capacitor, for example. The procedure is useful for on-line applications which benefit from real-time temperature sensing capabilities during operations. These methods may be readily implemented as part of a device management and safety system.

Abstract: A key management system includes secured data stored on a first system secured by a control key stored securely on a key server. The secured data is secured against attacks such as unauthorized use, modification or access, where authorization to access the secured data is determined by knowledge of an access private key of an access key pair. When an authorized user is to access the secured data, the first system generates a request to the key server, signed with the access private key, wherein the request is for a decryption control key and the request includes a one-time public key of a key pair generated by the first system for the request. The first system can decrypt the decryption control key from the response, using a one-time private key. The first system can then decrypt the secured data with the decryption control key remaining secured in transport.

Abstract: Embodiments for improving the Signal to Noise and Distortion (SINAD) ratio in Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM)-M optical intensity modulation systems, to enable higher data rate communications, are provided. Embodiments can be used to improve the linearity and reduce the distortion of electrical and electro-optics components (including optical modulators) in optical intensity modulation systems. Embodiments are well suited for use with PAM-M optical intensity modulators, such as segmented Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (WSEL) and segmented Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM), for example.

Abstract: Embodiments for apparatuses for testing reversal bending fatigue in an elongated beam are disclosed. Embodiments are configured to be coupled to first and second end portions of the beam and to apply a bending moment to the beam and create a pure bending condition in an intermediate portion of the beam. Embodiments are further configured to cyclically alternate the direction of the bending moment applied to the beam such that the intermediate portion of the beam cyclically bends in opposite directions in a pure bending condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical multi-path interference (MPI) compensation are provided. In an embodiment, a mean MPI signal representing a mean amplitude of the MPI in an input signal is generated and subtracted from a first estimate of transmitted amplitude of the input signal to generate a mean MPI compensated estimate of transmitted amplitude. The mean MPI compensated estimate of transmitted amplitude is sliced to generate a decision of transmitted amplitude of the input signal. The mean MPI signal can be generated using a mean MPI feedback loop or using an iterative feed-forward process. In another embodiment, mean MPI levels corresponding to respective transmitted intensity levels are generated and used to control slice levels of a slicer in order to compensate for MPI.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing aggregation and inhibiting flocculation of a macromolecule, such as a protein, under physiological conditions, by the addition of 5% to 20% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with a molecular weight range of 2000 to 54,000 daltons. The invention further provides a method to minimize inflammation at the injection site during subcutaneous administration of a macromolecule. In further aspects, the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations for subcutaneous administration of a macromolecule, and methods of treating a CD20 positive cancer or an autoimmune disease, comprising administering a humanized anti-CD20 antibody in a pharmaceutical formulation of the invention. The invention further provides an in vitro dialysis method to evaluate the ability of an excipient to reduce aggregation of an antibody or other macromolecule under physiological conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing fouling of ultrafiltration membranes in processes wherein virus particles are removed from aqueous solutions comprising virus particles and at least one protein by adding a surfactant or non-surfactant, non-ionic agent to the aqueous solution prior to filtration. The invention also provides methods to dissociate protein aggregates or to reduce the formation of protein aggregates by adding a surfactant or non-surfactant, non-ionic agent to the protein solution.

Abstract: A mesoporous, nanocrystalline, metal oxide construct particularly suited for capacitive energy storage that has an architecture with short diffusion path lengths and large surface areas and a method for production are provided. Energy density is substantially increased without compromising the capacitive charge storage kinetics and electrode demonstrates long term cycling stability. Charge storage devices with electrodes using the construct can use three different charge storage mechanisms immersed in an electrolyte: (1) cations can be stored in a thin double layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface (non-faradaic mechanism); (2) cations can interact with the bulk of an electroactive material which then undergoes a redox reaction or phase change, as in conventional batteries (faradaic mechanism); or (3) cations can electrochemically adsorb onto the surface of a material through charge transfer processes (faradaic mechanism).

Abstract: The MULTIPLE MERCHANT PAYMENT PROCESSOR PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“MID-PLATFORM”) enable merchants to customize the way payments made to them are processed. For example, a computer-implemented MID-Platform receives a payment request associated with a site (e.g., a website) and identifies a site profile associated with the site. The site profile is associated with one or more account processors and one or more transaction preference rules for selecting one of the account processors. The MID-Platform processes information associated with the payment request according to one or more transaction preference rules to select one of the account processors. Then, the MID-Platform sends a payment processing request to the selected account processor.

Abstract: A system for determining the Q and J points of an electrocardiogram (ECG) combines a WLT-based Q, J detection algorithm with signal quality assessment for lead selection. A Q, J detector (24) receives a beat-cycle waveform for the beat under consideration from each of a plurality (N) of ECG leads, and assesses signal quality for each lead using signal quality assessor (SQA) components 261, 262 . . . 26N. The leads with “good” signal qualities are employed for a multichannel waveform length transform (WLT), which yields a combined waveform length signal (CWLS). The Q and J points are then determined from the CWLS.

Abstract: This invention provides metal-foam electrodes for batteries and fuel cells. In some variations, an electrode includes a first metal layer disposed on a second metal layer, wherein the first metal layer comprises an electrically conductive, open-cell metal foam with an average cell diameter of about 25 ?m or less. The structure also includes smaller pores between the cells. The electrode forms a one piece monolithic structure and allows thicker electrodes than are possible with current electrode-fabrication techniques. These electrodes are formed from an all-fluidic plating solution. The disclosed structures increase energy density in batteries and power density in fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing aggregation and inhibiting flocculation of a macromolecule, such as a protein, under physiological conditions, by the addition of certain cyclodextrins (CDs). The invention also provides a method to minimize inflammation at the injection site during subcutaneous administration of a macromolecule and pharmaceutical formulations for such administration. Further the invention provides methods of treating a CD20 positive cancer or an autoimmune disease, comprising administering a humanized anti-CD20 antibody in a pharmaceutical formulation of the invention. The invention further provides an in vitro dialysis method to evaluate the ability of an excipient to reduce aggregation of an antibody or other macromolecule under physiological conditions.

Abstract: A mesoporous, nanocrystalline, metal oxide construct particularly suited for capacitive energy storage that has an architecture with short diffusion path lengths and large surface areas and a method for production are provided. Energy density is substantially increased without compromising the capacitive charge storage kinetics and electrode demonstrates long term cycling stability. Charge storage devices with electrodes using the construct can use three different charge storage mechanisms immersed in an electrolyte: (1) cations can be stored in a thin double layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface (non-faradaic mechanism); (2) cations can interact with the bulk of an electroactive material which then undergoes a redox reaction or phase change, as in conventional batteries (faradaic mechanism); or (3) cations can electrochemically adsorb onto the surface of a material through charge transfer processes (faradaic mechanism).

Abstract: Techniques for identifying and organizing electronic messages are described. With some embodiments, a method receives a user interaction update from a messaging client associated with a first user. The user interaction update has data indicating that the first user interacted with an electronic message. The method may then determine that the first user is associated with a classification attribute that defines a relationship in a social network. Using the user interaction update, the a social classification rule corresponding to the classification attribute associated with the first user is then updated. The social classification rule may include data usable to organize a plurality of electronic messages. Finally, the method may optionally send the updated social classification rule to a messaging client associated with a second user, where the updated social classification rule can be used to organize electronic messages displayed by the messaging client associated with the second user.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate on-chip testing are provided. An integrated circuit can include a transmitter configured to transmit a communications signal via a communications channel. The integrated circuit can also include a receiver configured to receive the communications signal via the communications channel. A jitter creation module also can form part of the integrated circuit and can introduce jitter into the system thereby allowing for on-chip jitter testing. The jitter creation module can form either part of the transmitter or receiver and can introduce the jitter by phase interpolation.