Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking race participants via a Global Positioning System, providing feedback in substantially real time to the race participant, and optionally to other remote individuals via web publication at the user's preference. The feedback includes graphical and tabular presentation of such information as geographic position, race route, current race performance metrics, projection of future milestone and final race performance, projected position at a given time, projected time to a given position, relative performance to historical participants, to personal historical performance and to other members of the current race that are being tracked in aggregate or by demographic or otherwise subdivided.

Abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, may be caused or aggravated by insufficient venous draining from the central nervous system. Functional MRI measures the surge of blood flow into localized regions of cerebral cortex in response to activation of those regions by performing visual, auditory or executive tasks. These fMRI measurements are based on blood-oxygen-level dependence. The resulting fMRI/BOLD data is converted to hemodynamic response data and analyzed to determine any abnormality in the hemodynamic response data. Vascular drainage insufficiency is identified in the presence of abnormal hemodynamic response data. Abnormal hemodynamic response data can be determined by a negative trough in a graph of the HDR data or by the duration, depth, or area of the negative trough.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and method for producing hybrid seed. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for the high-throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In another embodiment, a high-throughput, nondestructive method for producing hybrid seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more genetic markers indicative of a male-sterile gene.

Abstract: Method of tracking race participants via the Global Positioning System, providing near real time feedback to the race participant, and optionally to others individuals or to publication on the web at the user's preference.

Abstract: A method includes containing a high-temperature alkali salt containing environment using a refractory containment liner containing MgAl2O4 spinel. A method, includes forming a refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel having an exterior chill zone defined by substantially columnar crystallization and an interior zone defined by substantially equiaxed crystallization; and removing at least a portion of the exterior chill zone from the refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel by scalping the refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel to define at least one outer surface having an area of substantially equiaxed crystallization. A product of manufacture includes a refractory brick containing MgAl2O4 spinel including an interior zone defined by substantially equiaxed crystallization; and at least one outer surface having an area of substantially equiaxed crystallization.

Abstract: Programmable logic devices (PLDs) that can be repeatedly erased and reprogrammed, e.g., during the testing and/or design phases, and then converted to one-time programmable (OTP) devices on a permanent basis, and methods of converting a PLD to an OTP device. In some embodiments, only the erase function is disabled in the device. Because programming data cannot then be erased from the device, the addition of new programming data is very unlikely to yield an operable design. Therefore, the programming function is also effectively disabled. The programming function can be directly disabled in addition to or instead of the erase function, if desired. The erase and/or programming functions can be disabled, for example, by blowing one or more fuses included in the erase and/or programming circuitry of the PLD.

Abstract: A computer based simulation system for virtual training for vehicle crews is disclosed. The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) simulates crew positions for different military ground and air vehicles. Two or more crewman modules are networked together to support a partial or full vehicle crew. The crewman modules are self-contained devices that are modular in hardware and software design, easily reconfigurable, and require minimal facility space, allowing use in restricted environments such as trailers. The VCTS is modular at the crew position level; crewman modules are added or deleted as required to meet a particular training need.

Abstract: The hand tool embodying this invention allows push nuts to be quickly and easily removed from axle rods and other shafts. The tool has a specialized head welded to a long handle. The tool head includes an end socket head and an extractor. The socket head has an open throat within which the caps of push nuts are seated. The sides of the socket head are cut down to form two axial cusps on either side of the socket head. The extractor is welded to the socket head and terminates in a flat claw, which extends downward in front and angles slightly toward the open mouth of the socket head.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, such as a programmable logic device, implements a single bit transition counter in logic. The counter preferably comprises a first stage receiving a clock signal having a first clock rate and generating a least significant bit in a count. A plurality of intermediate stages are coupled to the first stage, where each intermediate stage receives an output from the immediate previous stage and an inverted output of each other previous intermediate stage, and generates a next most significant bit in a count. Finally, a last stage of the counter receives an inverted output of each previous intermediate stage except the immediate intermediate previous stage and generating a most significant bit in a count.

Abstract: The determination and use of three dimensional structures of receptor protein tyrosine kinases and/or their ligands are described. One particular group of such structures includes three dimensional structures of the extracellular domain of RPTKs. The three dimensional structures of RPTKs can faciliate the design and identification of modulators of RPTK function. Other such structures can include of RPTK ligands, such as stem cell factor or a fragment thereof. Modulators of RPTK function can be used to treat diseases that are mediated by inappropriate RPTK activity.

Abstract: Programmable logic devices (PLDs) that can be repeatedly erased and reprogrammed, e.g., during the testing and/or design phases, and then converted to one-time programmable (OTP) devices on a permanent basis, and methods of converting a PLD to an OTP device. In some embodiments, only the erase function is disabled in the device. Because programming data cannot then be erased from the device, the addition of new programming data is very unlikely to yield an operable design. Therefore, the programming function is also effectively disabled. The programming function can be directly disabled in addition to or instead of the erase function, if desired. The erase and/or programming functions can be disabled, for example, by blowing one or more fuses included in the erase and/or programming circuitry of the PLD.

Abstract: The press tool includes a frame, an abutment part mounted to one end of the frame, and a lever actuated ram mounted to the other end of the frame. The ram includes a pair of interchangeable fittings (one for affixing the push nuts and one for removing the push nuts). Rocker plates pivotally connect the rams to a long lever, which extends and retracts the ram through a tubular sleeve mounted to the frame. The assembly fitting includes a magnet that holds a push nut to the ram. When the lever is depressed, the ram extends and the push nut is pressed axially onto the axle rod. The removal fitting has a two pronged head. When the lever is depressed, the prongs deform the push nut flange, which bends back the teeth that secure the push nut to the axle.

Abstract: Integrated circuits are disclosed that have interconnected programmable logic, and configuration memory. The interconnected programmable logic is connected by a logical interconnection network. The integrated circuits have a configurable function unit including a function unit component, such as a counter or shift register. The integrated circuits further include a configurable decoder, which decodes a value presented by the function unit component based on decoder configuration data. The integrated circuits also have at least one decoder output, which provides information about a comparison of the decoder configuration data with the value presented by the function unit component.

Abstract: An application specific processor for an application program is provided. First a software description, for example, a HDL description, of a processor is created. A user program is written using the processor's instruction set and compiled and/or assembled into object code. The software description of the processor and the object code are combined and synthesized into a logic gate circuit description, which may be implemented in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) or any other Integrated Circuit (IC) having programmable logic modules. Typically, the logic gate circuit description is optimized, hence reducing the number of logic gates and the resources needed.

Abstract: A modular interface connection system having a receiver and a test adapter. The receiver includes a non-circular torsion shaft for providing improved strength and ease of assembly and a cover for providing safety. The test adapter has a frame, a shield, and one or more bushings, which provides easy access to contacts, patchcords and modules in the test adapter for troubleshooting, repairs and maintenance.

Abstract: Crystals of the tyrosine kinase domain of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases and receptor tyrosine kinases that undergo ligand-mediated receptor dimerization are provided. In particular, crystals of a mutant of the tyrosine kinase domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FLGK), alone and in complex with a non-hydrolyzable adenosine triphosphate analogue, are provided. Also provided are the high resolution three dimensional structures of crystalline FLGK, both alone and in co-complex with the adenosine triphosphate analogue, as determined by X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for designing ligands capable of binding to the kinase domain of the insulin-like growth hormone-1 (IGF-1) receptor with high affinity. Upon binding, these ligands are capable of acting as modulators of IGF1 activity. IGF1 modulators designed or identified using the methods of the invention may serve to inhibit an IGF1 activity or may serve to increase or prolong an IGF1 activity. Further provided are screening methods for identifying small molecules capable of binding to the tyrosine kinase domain of the IGF-I receptor.

Abstract: Crystals of the tyrosine kinase domain of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases and receptor tyrosine kinases that undergo ligand-mediated receptor dimerization are provided. In particular, crystals of a mutant of the tyrosine kinase domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FLGK), alone and in complex with a non-hydrolyzable adenosine triphosphate analogue, are provided. Also provided are the high resolution three dimensional structures of crystalline FLGK, both alone and in co-complex with the adenosine triphosphate analogue, as determined by X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: A multi electrode and needle injection device for identifying and treating muscle pain using two simultaneous electrode EMG recordings to locate an active trigger point. The two electrodes are displaced so that one electrode detects EMG activity at the trigger point and the other detects EMG activity adjacent to the trigger point, within the same muscle. The combination of the electrodes with a drug delivery system allows the user to inject a medication locally at the trigger point to block the trigger point activity and reduce or eliminate muscle pain. The electrodes are on a hypodermic needle. The needle is used to both facilitate the location of the trigger points, and for treatment, by injecting a drug into the trigger points.

Abstract: Machines for treating or preventing neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patientcontrolled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.