Abstract: The embodiments described herein include porous scaffolds formed from a stimuli-responsive polymer. The stimuli-responsive polymer of the scaffold creates a “smart” scaffold that changes properties in response to an effective stimulus applied to the stimuli-responsive polymer. In a preferred embodiment, an effective stimulus applied to the scaffold initiates a phase transition event in the stimuli-responsive polymer that results in a change in the volume of the pores of the scaffold. The scaffolds can be used to capture appropriately sized objects (e.g., cells) by using the volume-change properties of the pores. Relatedly, the scaffolds can be used as tissue-engineering scaffolds by capturing cells in the pores and introducing the cell-loaded scaffold into a cell-growth environment (e.g., in vivo).

Abstract: A latch assembly is disclosed herein. The latch assembly has a fork bolt movably secured thereto for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. A detent lever is also provided. The detent lever is capable of movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the detent lever retains the fork bolt in the latched position when the detent lever is in the engaged position. The detent lever has a stop member and a guide member each protruding away from a surface of the detent lever and the stop member is in a spaced relationship with respect to the guide member. The latch assembly also includes an actuator for moving the detent lever from the engaged position to the disengaged position by contacting the guide member while the stop member is positioned so that the actuator will contact the stop member and prevent further movement of the actuator when the fork bolt is in the unlatched position and the detent lever is in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A control rod having a lower tip absorber material which exhibits substantially lower irradiation induced swelling than a second absorber material which extends above the lower tip absorber material. The lower tip absorber material having a substantially lower reactivity worth than the second absorber material, extends from a lower end plug of the control rod to an elevation just above a dashpot in a thimble guide tube in a nuclear fuel assembly when the control rod is fully inserted within the thimble guide tube.

Abstract: A communication is received that includes information regarding a quiet period on a wireless logical channel. During the quiet period, transmissions are refrained from occurring on the wireless logical channel. At least one device performs a process to detect wireless devices, if any, on the wireless logical channel during at least part of the quiet period.

Abstract: Modifying a scheduled beacon transmission is disclosed. It is determined whether to modify the scheduled beacon transmission. An intent to modify the scheduled beacon transmission is announced, where the intent includes information associated with when modification of the scheduled beacon transmission occurs. The scheduled beacon transmission is modified.

Abstract: This patent application covers a nutshell media filter with an external, horizontally mounted media retention screen, a concentric flow inlet distributor, a vessel false bottom, the use of an eductor to circulate filter media, use of a jackshaft/pillow block bearing to drive the circulation pump, and a plug flow displacement step in the media cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A system and methodology for the acquisition of medical data from multiple, at-home patient measurement devices transfers the data via telephone communications to a remotely accessed data management and display system such as a Web-based data management system. The measurement device, which supports two-way communications between the patient and the database system, is extensible to support multiple plug-in medical devices and devices for patient input or identification. Collection of data is mediated through an interface device that is connected via a digital link (serial, network, or digital RF link) to single or multiple patient measurement devices. This interface device is connected to a network via wide area network means including standard phone lines. In the preferred embodiment, data transfer is mediated through pervasive DTMF phone networks. Although DTMF is the preferred format, alternative analog or digital audio tone formats may be used.

Abstract: A system and methodology for the acquisition of medical data from multiple, at-home patient measurement devices transfers the data via telephone communications to a remotely accessed data management and display system such as a Web-based data management system. The measurement device, which supports two-way communications between the patient and the database system, is extensible to support multiple plug-in medical devices and devices for patient input or identification. Collection of data is mediated through an interface device that is connected via a digital link (serial, network, or digital RF link) to single or multiple patient measurement devices. This interface device is connected to a network via wide area network means including standard phone lines. In the preferred embodiment, data transfer is mediated through pervasive DTMF phone networks. Although DTMF is the preferred format, alternative analog or digital audio tone formats may be used.

Abstract: The administration of &agr;-lipoic acid (&agr;LA) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHL) both as a preventive measure before exposure to conditions which may cause damage, such as rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, and as a means of preventing or ameliorating damage arising from such injury provides benefits not currently available. The active agents may be administered systemically or to the injured tissue. For example, when there is spinal cord injury, the active agents may be administered intrathecally.

Abstract: A remote transaction station for the automated vending of goods and services sell products, and additionally dispenses at random special products, packaged in the size and shape of vended products but containing promotional prizes. When a special product is dispensed, the selected product is additionally dispensed, without the need to engage in a separate transaction. In one embodiment, special products are interspersed with products in the remote transaction station's inventory, and the dispensing of a special product is detected by an optical, RF, or other detector, prompting the subsequent dispensing of the selected product. In another embodiment, the products and special products are stored in separate inventories, and a special product is dispensed on command based on a pseudo-random number generator in an associated controller. In another embodiment, the remote transaction station is an information kiosk vending digital products.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for managing work in process is provided. An initial transaction records case specific information. The case specific information is automatically linked with a work source index which includes basic client information. An electronic file is created for each case arising out of the initial transaction record. As work is performed on the case, the system tracks its progress and providces a variety of support functions. An electronic activity log function maintains a record of key activities involved in the processing of work items. An electronic diary function provides a means for prioritizing work and for scheduling various tasks. A staff table function provides a facility for storing information relevant to office personnel. Most of the system functions are integrated with the staff table function which provides a number of security and function parameters.

Abstract: Paper sheets, such as for use as the cover sheet of gypsum wallboard and the like, are rendered mildew-resistant by adding to the paper at the calende calender rolls an aqueous dispersion containing a heavy metal salt of quinolinolate, a paper coating binder and a colloidal suspending agent. A particularly preferred aqueous dispersion contains about 5-40% of a 30% active copper-8-quinolinolate paste concentrate; about 3-30% of a wax binder, preferably about 5-60% of an about 50% active wax emulsion such as of PARACOL 404 R; and a small amount of a generally non-thickening colloidal suspending agent preferably a xanthan gum.