Abstract: A method for making a sputtering target including steps of encapsulating and hot isostatically pressing at least one mass of metal powder (e.g., tantalum), having a particle size ranging from about 10 to about 1000 ?m, with at least about 10 percent by weight of particles having a particle size greater than about 150 ?m (for example, about 29 to about 56 percent (e.g., about 35 to about 47 percent) by weight of the particles in the at least one mass of metal powder having a particle size that is larger than 150 microns, but below about 250 ?m), for defining at least a portion of a sputtering target body, having an essentially theoretical random and substantially uniform crystallographic texture.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a microreactor features a corrosion-resistant microchannel network encased within a thermally conductive matrix material that may define therewithin one or more hollow heat-exchange conduits.

Abstract: In various embodiments, etchants featuring (i) mixtures of hydrochloric acid, methanesulfonic acid, and nitric acid, or (ii) mixtures of phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, and nitric acid, are utilized to etch metallic bilayers while minimizing resulting etch discontinuities between the layers of the bilayer.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed in which an algorithm that updates or rewrites one or more formulas when a table is transposed in an application. In certain embodiments the formula is rewritten so as to preserve the functionality of the formula with respect to the transposed table. In certain embodiments, a notification may be provided that a formula is changed or not changed in response to the table transposition event.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for determining a condition of an electronic lock that may include a keypad, determining at least one of a plurality of keys of the keypad to illuminate based on the condition, and illuminating at least one of the keys on the keypad to indicate the condition and/or provide an audible feedback.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a microreactor features a corrosion-resistant microchannel network encased within a thermally conductive matrix material that may define therewithin one or more hollow heat-exchange conduits.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electronic message management platform that enables management and execution of electronic message campaigns while appropriately managing challenges presented by spam filters, black lists, and domain blocking technologies, and that includes elements for managing an electronic message campaign based on dynamic conditions, quality measures, engagement factors, and other measures, factors and conditions.

Abstract: A method for making a sputtering target including steps of encapsulating and hot isostatically pressing at least one mass of metal powder (e.g., tantalum), having a particle size ranging from about 10 to about 1000 ?m, with at least about 10 percent by weight of particles having a particle size greater than about 150 ?m (for example, about 29 to about 56 percent (e.g., about 35 to about 47 percent) by weight of the particles in the at least one mass of metal powder having a particle size that is larger than 150 microns, but below about 250 ?m), for defining at least a portion of a sputtering target body, having an essentially theoretical random and substantially uniform crystallographic texture.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. One such method comprises contacting at least one test agent with a recombinant cell comprising at least one NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, assessing the effect of the test agent on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, and identifying the test agent that has an effect on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, whereby the identified test agent is characterized as an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pepper plants exhibiting resistance to Phytophthora capsici. Such plants may comprise novel introgressed chromosomal regions associated with disease resistance. In certain aspects, compositions, including novel polymorphic markers and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with a disease resistance phenotype are provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, electronic devices such as touch-panel displays incorporate interconnects featuring a conductor layer and, disposed above the conductor layer, a capping layer comprising an alloy of Cu and one or more refractory metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Mo, W, Zr, Hf, Re, Os, Ru, Rh, Ti, V, Cr, and Ni.

Abstract: A lap desk includes within its planar work surface a mouse pad and a slotted port for securing an electronic device such as a tablet, e-reader or cellular telephone in an upright and useable position. The mouse pad is substantially flush with the work surface and disposed in a right hand or left hand position for right- or left-handed users. The slotted port is inclined slightly so that the user can view and engage the device's screen while working with other objects on the lap desk. The slotted port may vary in width for electronic devices of various sizes; its depth and thickness accommodating most hand-held electronic devices without obscuring their screens. In one embodiment, the mouse pad and slotted port are molded into a module bearing a flange which can be inserted into a congruently sized aperture in any surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. One such method comprises contacting at least one test agent with a recombinant cell comprising at least one NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, assessing the effect of the test agent on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, and identifying the test agent that has an effect on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, whereby the identified test agent is characterized as an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein.

Abstract: In various embodiments, electronic devices such as touch-panel displays incorporate interconnects featuring a conductor layer and, disposed above the conductor layer, a capping layer comprising an alloy of Cu and one or more refractory metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Mo, W, Zr, Hf, Re, Os, Ru, Rh, Ti, V, Cr, and Ni.

Abstract: A tri-chamber nutating pump is disclosed which includes two pump chambers disposed within a pump housing that accommodates a nutating piston. A reciprocating compensating piston is also provided with its own compensating housing that is connected to the outlet. As a cumulative output from the first two pump chambers reaches its maximum level, the compensating piston is pushed into the outlet or through a passage to reduce the output of the first two chambers and avoid splashing. As the output from the first two chambers reaches its minimum level, the compensating piston is withdrawn from the outlet or through a passage thereby increasing the output of the third chamber to its maximum level when the output from the first two pump chambers reaches its minimum level.

Abstract: An actuator system having a stationary circular array of mechanical devices. The actuator system includes two stationary motors: one motor to rotate the actuator implement around the circular array of mechanical devices until the desired mechanical device is reached; and a second motor to rotate the actuator implement into engagement with an actuator pin of the mechanical device. A nozzle includes a three-sided or U-shaped stationary enclosure, together with a movable gate that completes the enclosure and forms an adjustable size nozzle outlet. As the gate closes after a dispense is complete, a controlled flow of residual liquid exits the nozzle outlet to avoid any additional displacement, thus preventing the undesirable effect of liquid being squeezed out of the nozzle outlet as the gate closes. Conversely, when the gate opens, this sniff back action operates in reverse, thereby filling the nozzle outlet and preventing air from filling the nozzle.

Abstract: In various embodiments, metallic wires are fabricated by combining one or more powders of substantially spherical metal particles with one or more powders of non-spherical particles within one or more optional metallic tubes. The metal elements within the powders (and the one or more tubes, if present) collectively define a high entropy alloy of five or more metallic elements or a multi-principal element alloy of four or more metallic elements.

Abstract: In various embodiments, additive manufacturing is utilized to fabricate three-dimensional metallic parts using metallic alloy wire as a feedstock material.