Abstract: A light generating apparatus that is capable of being coupled to a connector that supports the proximal end of a light diffusing fiber. According to one implementation the light generating apparatus includes a laser having a housing and a focus lens through which light generated by the laser is emitted. The apparatus also includes a heat removing metallic receptacle that has a first end that is thermally connected to the laser housing and a second end that is connectable to the light diffusing fiber connector. The metallic receptacle has an internal cavity that provides a direct line of sight between the focus lens of the laser and the proximal end of the light diffusing fiber when the connector is coupled to the second end of the metallic receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a collection of miRNAs and genes whose expression is altered in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Accordingly, these miRNAs and genes, singly or in combination, are useful as molecular markers for diagnosis or prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The miRNAs and genes disclosed can also be therapeutic targets for cardiac hypertrophy. For example, agents such as miRNA mimics, miRNA inhibitors or siRNAs for a given miRNA or gene can be used to modulate the level of these molecules thereby inhibiting or preventing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: An optical interconnection device has a passive control mechanism for substantially eliminating thermal effects on optical properties of the apparatus Specifically, the interconnection apparatus includes a control material coupled to an optical circuit substrate, wherein the control material has a thermal expansion coefficient that is different than a substrate thermal expansion coefficient. In response to an increase or decrease an ambient temperature, the control material thermally expands or contracts at a different rate than the substrate to create a non-planar substrate distortion transmitted to the core portion, thereby creating a temperature independent optical path length within the optical core portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing absolute Moire distance measurements of a diffusely reflective surface from a reference position. More particularly, a first grating is located, formed, or printed on the diffusely reflective surface. An image of the first grating is formed on a second grating or detector array by imaging means for generating a Moire pattern that is detected by a detector means. At the reference position of the diffusely reflective surface relative to the imaging means, the periods of the image of the first grating and the second grating match. Movement of the diffusely reflective surface from the reference position in a direction normal thereto, produces a spatially varying intensity pattern at the detector means which results from the shifting and magnification mismatch between the pattern of the image of the first grating and the pattern of the second grating.