Abstract: A mercury emissions monitor includes a mercury sensor tape configured to be fed in a reel-to-reel manner between first and second tape reels, wherein the mercury sensor tape includes a thin metallic film configured to form an amalgam with detected mercury. A mercury collection unit is configured to receive into a chamber a sample of a gas containing mercury, wherein the mercury collection unit is further configured to permit passage of portions of the mercury sensor tape through the chamber containing the gas sample so that the amalgam is formed with the thin metallic film. A mercury analysis unit includes a total reflection x-ray fluorescence (“TXRF”) system configured to perform a TXRF analysis of the amalgam, wherein the mercury analysis unit is configured to permit passage of the mercury sensor tape within a proximity of an XRF detector of the TXRF system.

Abstract: A linear x-ray tube having one or more x-ray sources is configured for insertion into the soil in proximity to a root system of a plant for emission of an x-ray beam detected by a linear array of one or more x-ray detectors. The linear x-ray tube and detector array may be inserted into rhizotrons previously inserted into the soil. Various combinations of multiple x-ray tubes and/or detector arrays may be utilized to customize the x-ray imaging of the root system.

Abstract: A material sorting system sorts materials, such as scrap pieces composed of unknown metal alloys, as a function of their detected x-ray fluorescence. The x-ray fluorescence may be converted into an elemental composition signature that is then compared to an elemental composition signature of a reference material in order to identify and/or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification/classification. The material sorting system may include an in-line x-ray tube having a plurality of separate x-ray sources, each of which can irradiate a separate stream of materials to be sorted.

Abstract: A service allows client systems to register for push notifications from the service about changes to resources. The service monitors a resource for updates and then notifies the client system when the resource has an update. The client system registers a resource for monitoring and subscribes to receiving push notifications for resources that are monitored. The client system can provide a notification channel to the service over which the service can send push notifications. The service aggregates requests to monitor resources over multiple client systems. When the service detects a change to a monitored resource, the service broadcasts a push notification to the various client systems subscribed to receive notifications for that resource over their respective notification channels.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method for establishing proxy communications between users on a social network. An exemplary method includes creating an alias on a primary social network when a user logs in to the primary social network, wherein the alias comprises the user's identity on a secondary social network. The method further includes creating a cache comprising a map relating a second user's identity on the primary social network to the second user's identity on a secondary social network, wherein the creation of the map is based, at least in part, on the user and the second user being identified as friends in the secondary social network. Communications from the user to the second user are directed through the primary social network based, at least in part, on the map. The communications are formatted to appear as if they were sent from the user's account on the secondary social network.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a video chat source 102 may establish a video chat session with a video chat target 104 regardless of membership in a mutual video chat service. A processor 220 may enclose in a chat invitation message 300 a video chat establishment code 340 to initiate a video chat session. A communication interface 280 may send the chat invitation message 300 to a video chat target 104.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method for establishing proxy communications between users on a social network. An exemplary method includes creating an alias on a primary social network when a user logs in to the primary social network, wherein the alias comprises the user's identity on a secondary social network. The method further includes creating a cache comprising a map relating a second user's identity on the primary social network to the second user's identity on a secondary social network, wherein the creation of the map is based, at least in part, on the user and the second user being identified as friends in the secondary social network. Communications from the user to the second user are directed through the primary social network based, at least in part, on the map. The communications are formatted to appear as if they were sent from the user's account on the secondary social network.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of self-supporting, multilayer carbon films that include a layer of both a non-diamond-like carbon, for example, graphitic or amorphous carbon (or a-C), and a layer of diamond-like carbon (DLC). A wide range of multilayer configurations may be constructed depending on the particular combination of properties desired in the final product including, for example, a tri-layer construction including a single DLC layer sandwiched between two layers of amorphous carbon. Also disclosed are example embodiments of methods for producing such composite multilayer films that include preparing an appropriate substrate to include a deposition surface of sufficient smoothness, applying a parting or release agent to the deposition surface, depositing a plurality of layer carbon layers including both an amorphous carbon layer and a DLC layer to form the composite carbon film and removing the composite carbon film from the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a variety of self-supporting, multilayer carbon films that include a layer of both a non-diamond-like carbon, for example, graphitic or amorphous carbon (or a-C), and a layer of diamond-like carbon (DLC). A wide range of multilayer configurations may be constructed depending on the particular combination of properties desired in the final product including, for example, a tri-layer construction including a single DLC layer sandwiched between two layers of amorphous carbon. Also disclosed are example embodiments of methods for producing such composite multilayer films that include preparing an appropriate substrate to include a deposition surface of sufficient smoothness, applying a parting or release agent to the deposition surface, depositing a plurality of layer carbon layers including both an amorphous carbon layer and a DLC layer to form the composite carbon film and removing the composite carbon film from the substrate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to siRNA-based silencing of the type II receptor of TGF?. siRNAs that target this receptor abrogate the receptor protein and transcript, TGF?-mediated processes such as fibronectin assembly and cell migration also are inhibited and the molecules of the invention are efficacious in reducing the inflammatory response and matrix deposition. These findings show that siRNAs can be successfully delivered both in vitro and in vivo to regulate the TGF? type II receptor level and modulate wound response. Methods and compositions exploiting the findings of the present invention have a wide-ranging application, extending from treatment of disorders of the eye to other organs and tissues throughout the body.

Abstract: An optical device such as a radiation detector or an optically activated memory includes a barrier region located between two active regions. One or more quantum dots are provided such that a change in the charging state of the quantum dot or dots affects the flow of current through the barrier region. The charging states of the quantum dot is changed by an optical device.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel method for nanoscale detection, imaging, manipulation and characterization of living cells and biological molecules comprising the steps of: providing an array of one or more nanoelectrodes fabricated on a chip, where the nanoelectrodes extend from one side of the chip to the other; placing living cells and biological molecules on the nanoelectrodes on one side of the chip; applying a focused electron beam in a predetermined manner on one or more nanoelectrodes on the other side of the chip; determining the electrical voltage on each nanoelectrode by measuring the emitted electron current from each nanoelectrode.

Abstract: This invention describes novel architectures for enhancing the efficiency of thermoelectric devices by incorporating high thermal resistivity and high electrical conductivity sections based on field emission devices. The uses of such devices include coolers and electricity generators.

Abstract: An improved coating for optical fibers is described. The present invention is a dimensionally precise and uniform coating with low-porosity. The improved coating is applied via sputtering within a vacuum chamber. Environmental conditions are monitored within a cylindrical magnetron during sputtering. Sputtering is adjusted or temporarily ceased when environmental conditions approach a damage threshold. Sputtered particles within a plasma cloud are dimensionally similar and adhere to an optical fiber in a volume efficient arrangement forming a more precise, denser, and more adherent coating. Embodiments of the present invention provide improved pull strength by compressively constraining the optical fiber within the coating and by closing microcracks.

Abstract: An improved coating for optical fibers is described. The present invention is a dimensionally precise and uniform coating with low-porosity. The improved coating is applied via sputtering within a vacuum chamber. Environmental conditions are monitored within a cylindrical magnetron during sputtering. Sputtering is adjusted or temporarily ceased when environmental conditions approach a damage threshold. Sputtered particles within a plasma cloud are dimensionally similar and adhere to an optical fiber in a volume efficient arrangement forming a more precise, denser, and more adherent coating. Embodiments of the present invention provide improved pull strength by compressively constraining the optical fiber within the coating and by closing microcracks.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, a dry deposition apparatus for depositing grains on a substrate comprising: an electrostatic chuck having one or more collection zones, wherein the substrate is layered on the chuck for processing; a charged grain delivery apparatus for directing charged grains for electrostatic deposition on the substrate at the locations of the collection zones; and an optical detection device for quantifying the amount of grains deposited.

Abstract: An optical device such as a radiation detector or an optically activated memory comprises a barrier region (11) located between two active regions (9, 15). One or more quantum dots (21) are provided such that a change in the charging state of the quantum dot or dots (21) affects the flow of current through the barrier region (11). The charging states of the quantum dot is changed by optical means.

Abstract: A field emission cathode is provided which includes a substrate and a conductive layer desposed adjacent the substrate. An electrically resistive pillar is disposed adjacent the conductive layer, the resistive pillar having a substantially flat surface spaced from and substantially parallel to the substrate. A layer of diamond is disposed adjacent the surface of the resistive pillar.

Abstract: An improved coating for optical fibers and a method for applying the improved coating are described. The present invention is a dimensionally precise and uniform coating with low-porosity. The improved coating is applied via sputtering within a vacuum chamber. Environmental conditions are monitored within a cylindrical magnetron during sputtering. Sputtering is adjusted or temporarily ceased when environmental conditions approach a damage threshold. Sputtered particles within a plasma cloud are dimensionally similar and adhere to an optical fiber in a volume efficient arrangement forming a more precise, denser, and more adherent coating. Embodiments of the present invention provide improved pull strength by compressively constraining the optical fiber within the coating and by closing microcracks.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, a dry deposition apparatus for depositing grains on a substrate comprising: