Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating calcium channels. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating (e.g., disrupting) Cav1.3a calcium channels for research and therapeutic methods (e.g., treating dopaminergic diseases and conditions).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that activates a muscle to produce a functional movement in a subject through electrical stimulation. During operation, the system first obtains a non isometric model which defines a functional movement associated with the muscle in response to electrical stimulation of the muscle. Next, the system uses the non isometric model to compute an electrical stimulation which produces a desired functional movement in the subject. The system then applies the computed electrical stimulation to the muscle to produce the desired functional movement in the subject.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow measuring apparatus comprises a sheath having an interior surface and a protective exterior surface. A liquid material having a thermal conductivity greater than about 12 w/(m·° C.) is disposed within the sheath in contact with the interior surface of the sheath. A sensor element, such as a thin-film thermoresistive element or a wire-wound thermoresistive element is at least partially submerged in the liquid material. The liquid material, which is preferably liquid metal, decreases the overall thermal resistance between the outer surface of the sheath and the sensor element.

Abstract: of a communication network. A message sender can attach a user-selected profile to a publicly-broadcasted message. A message viewer can read the publicly-broadcasted message only if the viewer's profile matches the sender's profile attached to the message. When a sender profile and viewer profile match, a communication channel is established between the sender and viewer. The sender's and viewer's profiles are registered on an open directory to which all parties, even parties unknown to each other, have access. The open directory structure is used in creating a header file, also referred to herein as a “stamp,” that is attached to messages or requests generated by the users. The selection of categories to be included in the header file is a procedure that is independent from the creation of the message. The header file can be combined dynamically at the point of sending the message by a message sender or at the point of searching messages by a message viewer.

Abstract: A dental flosser is moveable between a stored, non-use position where the flosser is substantially planar, and an engaged or in-use position where a portion of the flosser is angled relative to the handle to aid in reaching back teeth. The dental flosser preferably includes a holder (which may be a U-shaped holder) that is movable between the non-use and in-use position; a handle; a living hinge between the holder and the handle, and a locking arm designed to secure the holder in the in-use position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating calcium channels. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating (e.g., disrupting) Cav1.3a calcium channels for research and therapeutic methods (e.g., treating dopaminergic diseases and conditions).

Abstract: A video compression scheme enables the user to select one of many video compression formats, including the widely-used standard video formats such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and H.263. In one embodiment, the scheme is implemented as a hardware-software combination, with the hardware portion, preferably implemented as an ASIC chip, performing the core compression and the software portion dealing with the detailed formatting. In another embodiment, a 32-bit aligned transitional data format is used.

Abstract: A video compression scheme enables the user to select one of many video compression formats, including the widely-used standard video formats such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and H.263. In one embodiment, the scheme is implemented as a hardware-software combination, with the hardware portion, preferably implemented as an ASIC chip, performing the core compression and the software portion dealing with the detailed formatting. In another embodiment, a 32-bit aligned transitional data format is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a probe head that has reduced voltage droop and improved transient response. One embodiment a cable providing a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of power conductors including a first power conductor and a second power conductor, a probe head wired to the cable, a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein each one of the plurality of electrical contacts is fixed to the probe head and wherein the first power conductor is connected to the first electrical contact, and a first regulatory device physically residing in the probe head and wired between the second power conductor and the first electrical contact. In some embodiments, the first regulatory device includes an active transient control device that senses an output voltage and sources or sinks an appropriate supplemental amount of current to improve transient response.

Abstract: A dental flosser is moveable between a stored, non-use position where the flosser is substantially planar, and an engaged or in-use position where a portion of the flosser is angled relative to the handle to aid in reaching back teeth. The dental flosser preferably includes a holder (which may be a U-shaped holder) that is movable between the non-use and in-use position; a handle; a living hinge between the holder and the handle, and a locking arm designed to secure the holder in the in-use position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a probe head that has reduced voltage droop and improved transient response. One embodiment a cable providing a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of power conductors including a first power conductor and a second power conductor, a probe head wired to the cable, a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein each one of the plurality of electrical contacts is fixed to the probe head and wherein the first power conductor is connected to the first electrical contact, and a first regulatory device physically residing in the probe head and wired between the second power conductor and the first electrical contact. In some embodiments, the first regulatory device includes an active transient control device that senses an output voltage and sources or sinks an appropriate supplemental amount of current to improve transient response.

Abstract: A probe burn resistant interface apparatus and method for testing an electronic device use a probe made of a shape memory alloy which upon overheating of the probe during functionality testing of an electronic device contracts the probe to disengage the probe from a contact electrically connected to the electronic device and stop current flow through the probe. Upon cooling of the probe, engagement of the probe with the contact is reestablished. The probe in an example embodiment is a wire which has a core made of a shape memory alloy and a layer of a highly elastic metal, for example copper, on an outer surface of the core to aid return of the probe from its contracted state to its initial state upon cooling an overheated probe for reestablishing electrical connection of the probe with the electronic device being tested.

Abstract: A probe burn resistant interface apparatus and method for testing an electronic device use a probe made of a shape memory alloy which upon overheating of the probe during functionality testing of an electronic device contracts the probe to disengage the probe from a contact electrically connected to the electronic device and stop current flow through the probe. Upon cooling of the probe, engagement of the probe with the contact is reestablished. The probe in an example embodiment is a wire which has a core made of a shape memory alloy and a layer of a highly elastic metal, for example copper, on an outer surface of the core to aid return of the probe from its contracted state to its initial state upon cooling an overheated probe for reestablishing electrical connection of the probe with the electronic device being tested.

Abstract: A new, cost effective process for the production of ultrafine particles which is based on mechanically activated chemical reaction of a metal compound with a suitable reagent. The process involves subjecting a mixture of a metal compound and a suitable reagent to mechanical activation to increase the chemical reactivity of the reactants and/or reaction kinetics such that a chemical reaction can occur which produces a solid nano-phase substance. Concomitantly, a by-product phase is also formed. This by-product phase is removed so that the solid nano-phase substance is left behind in the form of ultrafine particles. During mechanical activation a composite structure is formed which consists of an intimate mixture of nano-sized grains of the nano-phase substance and the reaction by-product phase.