Abstract: Anion exchange membranes and materials including silica-based ceramics, and associated methods, are provided. In some aspects, anion exchange membranes that include a silica-based ceramic that forms a coating on and/or within a porous support membrane are described. The anion exchange membranes and materials may have certain structural or chemical attributes (e.g., pore size/distribution, chemical functionalization) that, alone or in combination, can result in advantageous performance characteristics in any of a variety of applications for which selective transport of positively charged ions through membranes/materials is desired. In some embodiments, the silica-based ceramic contains relatively small pores (e.g., substantially spherical nanopores) that may contribute to some such advantageous properties. In some embodiments, the anion exchange membrane or material includes quaternary ammonium groups covalently bound to the silica-based ceramic.

Abstract: Cation exchange membranes and materials including silica-based ceramics, and associated methods, are provided. In some aspects, cation exchange membranes that include a silica-based ceramic that forms a coating on and/or within a porous support membrane are described. The cation exchange membranes and materials may have certain structural or chemical attributes (e.g., pore size/distribution, chemical functionalization) that, alone or in combination, can result in advantageous performance characteristics in any of a variety of applications for which selective transport of positively charged ions through membranes/materials is desired. In some embodiments, the silica-based ceramic contains relatively small pores (e.g., substantially spherical nanopores) that may contribute to some such advantageous properties. In some embodiments, the cation exchange membrane or material includes sulfonate and/or sulfonic acid groups covalently bound to the silica-based ceramic.

Abstract: A stator vane includes an airfoil having an airfoil shape. The airfoil shape has a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in one of Table I, Table II, Table III, Table IV, Table V, Table VI, Table VII, or Table VIII. The Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances expressed in a unit of distance by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a scaling factor of the airfoil in the unit of distance. The X and Y values, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z value. The airfoil profile sections at Z values are joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.

Abstract: Artificially selected strains of insects from the genus Spodoptera exhibiting resistance to a Bacillus thuringiensis derived Vip3A protein are described. Methods for various uses of these strains are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for spur mitigation for pulse signal drivers in radio frequency (RF) devices. An RF integrated circuit includes RF circuitry and analog-to-digital (ADC) circuitry. The RF circuitry operates using a local oscillator (LO) clock to receive and/or transmit RF signals, and the ADC circuitry samples one or more analog input signals and has internal timing based upon a raw digital clock. A retime circuit receives the raw digital clock and the LO clock and has a retimed clock as an output. The retimed clock represents the raw digital clock retimed with the LO clock. While other digital circuitry is timed using the raw digital clock, one or more drivers are timed by the retimed clock and provide pulse output signals to output pads. Having the drivers timed with the retimed clock and other digital circuitry timed with the raw digital clock improves overall performance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for spur mitigation for pulse signal drivers in radio frequency (RF) devices. An RF integrated circuit includes RF circuitry and analog-to-digital (ADC) circuitry. The RF circuitry operates using a local oscillator (LO) clock to receive and/or transmit RF signals, and the ADC circuitry samples one or more analog input signals and has internal timing based upon a raw digital clock. A retime circuit receives the raw digital clock and the LO clock and has a retimed clock as an output. The retimed clock represents the raw digital clock retimed with the LO clock. While other digital circuitry is timed using the raw digital clock, one or more drivers are timed by the retimed clock and provide pulse output signals to output pads. Having the drivers timed with the retimed clock and other digital circuitry timed with the raw digital clock improves overall performance.

Abstract: Artificially selected strains of insects from the genus Spodoptera exhibiting resistance to a Bacillus thuringiensis derived Vip3A protein are described. Methods for various uses of these strains are also described.

Abstract: Dynamic lumbar spine stabilization device implementations and methods are disclosed, which allow for dynamic fixation of both anterior and posterior vertebral columns simultaneously through the articulation of pairs of curved, overlapping rails for partial flexion and extension or up to full normal flexion and extension while stabilizing at least two vertebrae of the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A system for communicating information includes one device that communicates information via a communication link. The system also includes a second device to communicate information via the communication link. The second device includes a receiver to receive information from the communication link. The second device also includes an oscillator that provides at least one timing signal to the receiver. The oscillator is disabled when the communication link is in an idle state. The oscillator is enabled when the communication link is in a non-idle state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating messaging in an institutional setting by assigning a resident of an institution a control mechanism, providing the resident access to a messaging system via a telecommunications system, and providing one or more message options to the resident as a function of the resident's control mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a detector to detect an idle state of a communication link that communicates bursts or packets of information. The apparatus also includes an oscillator having low-power and normal modes of operation. The oscillator makes a transition to the low-power mode during the idle state of the communication link. The oscillator leaves the low-power mode of operation and enters the normal mode of operation when the communication link is in a non-idle state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automating messaging in an institutional setting by assigning a resident of an institution a control mechanism, providing the resident access to a messaging system via a telecommunications system, and providing one or more message options to the resident as a function of the resident's control mechanism.

Abstract: A firearm slide attachment that is used to rack the slide of a firearm. The firearm slide attachment includes an attachment body, a plurality of interface protrusions, a first grip, and a second grip. The attachment body includes a bridge, a first wing, and a second wing that together delineate a slide channel, for fitting the attachment body around the slide. The plurality of interface protrusions is positioned within the slide channel and connected to the first wing and the second wing; the plurality of interface protrusions engaging grooves in the slide, allowing the attachment body to rack the slide when force is applied to the attachment body. The first grip is connected to the first wing, while the second grip is connected to the second wing, both opposite the slide channel, wherein the first grip and the second grip provide protrusions for applying force to rack the slide.

Abstract: A system for communicating information includes one device that communicates information via a communication link. The system also includes a second device to communicate information via the communication link. The second device includes a receiver to receive information from the communication link. The second device also includes an oscillator that provides at least one timing signal to the receiver. The oscillator is disabled when the communication link is in an idle state. The oscillator is enabled when the communication link is in a non-idle state.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a detector to detect an idle state of a communication link that communicates bursts or packets of information. The apparatus also includes an oscillator having low-power and normal modes of operation. The oscillator makes a transition to the low-power mode during the idle state of the communication link. The oscillator leaves the low-power mode of operation and enters the normal mode of operation when the communication link is in a non-idle state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutated Francisella bacterium, wherein the ggt gene is silenced or deleted; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, in particular, vaccine compositions, and use of the bacterium and compositions for treatment and/or prophylaxis, and in particular, the treatment or prophylaxis of tularemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutated Francisella bacterium, wherein the ggt gene is silenced or deleted; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, in particular, vaccine compositions, and use of the bacterium and compositions for treatment and/or prophylaxis, and in particular, the treatment or prophylaxis of tularemia.

Abstract: A system and method of using an n-way cache are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes determining a first way of a first instruction stored in a cache and storing the first way in a list of ways. The method also includes determining a second way of a second instruction stored in the cache and storing the second way in the list of ways. In an embodiment, the first way may be used to access a first cache line containing the first instruction and the second way may be used to access a second cache line containing the second instruction.

Abstract: Flying apparatus includes a housing and rotary means associated with said housing capable of rotation in use. The rotary means includes two or more rotary blades. Each rotary blade has weighted means associated with at least a part of a leading edge thereof.

Abstract: Flying apparatus is provided including a housing with two or more rotor means associated therewith. The rotor means are arranged to rotate about substantially parallel axes in use. One or more vanes are provided with said apparatus to help stabilize the apparatus in use.