Abstract: In an optical fiber monitoring system which detects physical disturbance or other parameters such as temperature or strain of a fiber where a monitor signal is transmitted along the optical fiber and analyzed to detect changes which are indicative of an event, a method is provided for periodically checking proper operation of the optical fiber monitoring system. :A fiber disturbance actuator periodically causes a pattern of disturbances of a portion of the fiber at a predetermined location thereon where the disturbance is characteristic of the event to be monitored. The monitor signal is analyzed to detect the pattern of changes and in the event that expected changes are not detected, a warning is issued that the intrusion detection system is not properly operating.

Abstract: In an optical fiber monitoring system which detects physical disturbance or other parameters such as temperature or strain of a fiber where a monitor signal is transmitted along the optical fiber and analyzed to detect changes which are indicative of an event, a method is provided for periodically checking proper operation of the optical fiber monitoring system. A fiber disturbance actuator periodically causes a pattern of disturbances of a portion of the fiber at a predetermined location thereon where the disturbance is characteristic of the event to be monitored. The monitor signal is analyzed to detect the pattern of changes and in the event that expected changes are not detected, a warning is issued that the intrusion detection system is not properly operating.

Abstract: In an optical fiber monitoring system which detects physical disturbance or other parameters such as temperature or strain of a fiber where a monitor signal is transmitted along the optical fiber and analyzed to detect changes which are indicative of an event, a method is provided for periodically checking proper operation of the optical fiber monitoring system. A fiber disturbance actuator periodically causes a pattern of disturbances of a portion of the fiber at a predetermined location thereon where the disturbance is characteristic of the event to be monitored. The monitor signal is analyzed to detect the pattern of changes and in the event that expected changes are not detected, a warning is issued that the intrusion detection system is not properly operating.

Abstract: In an optical fiber monitoring system which detects physical disturbance or other parameters such as temperature or strain of a fiber where a monitor signal is transmitted along the optical fiber and analyzed to detect changes which are indicative of an event, a method is provided for periodically checking proper operation of the optical fiber monitoring system. A fiber disturbance actuator periodically causes a pattern of disturbances of a portion of the fiber at a predetermined location thereon where the disturbance is characteristic of the event to be monitored. The monitor signal is analyzed to detect the pattern of changes and in the event that expected changes are not detected, a warning is issued that the intrusion detection system is not properly operating.

Abstract: In an optical fiber monitoring system which detects physical disturbance or other parameters such as temperature or strain of a fiber where a monitor signal is transmitted along the optical fiber and analyzed to detect changes which are indicative of an event, a method is provided for periodically checking proper operation of the optical fiber monitoring system. A fiber disturbance actuator periodically causes a pattern of disturbances of a portion of the fiber at a predetermined location thereon where the disturbance is characteristic of the event to be monitored. The monitor signal is analyzed to detect the pattern of changes and in the event that expected changes are not detected, a warning is issued that the intrusion detection system is not properly operating.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of treating or preventing cancer in a subject comprising administering to a subject having cancer or prone of getting cancer a first agent that depletes the subject's regulatory T cells (Tregs); followed by administering to the subject a second agent comprising a checkpoint inhibitor.

Abstract: A disinfecting cover for use in disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support includes a thin barrier membrane drapable on top of the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient support, and a peripherally-extending edge terminating between the peripherally-extending side of the resilient support between the weight bearing upper surface and the bottom surface of the support. The thin barrier membrane comprises an anti-microbial disinfectant, and being non-fibrous, and impervious to the transfer of fluid from the first main surface to the second main surface. The thin barrier membrane comprises a thickness operable to maintain the weight distribution of a patient on the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support substantially the same compared to the weight distribution without the thin barrier membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a DNA expression vector comprising: a toxP; a mutant toxO that blocks Fe-mediated regulation of gene expression; and a DNA sequence encoding a protein, wherein the toxP and the mutant toxO regulate expression of the DNA segment encoding the protein. It is preferred that DNA expression vectors of the present invention include DNA sequences encoding a signal peptide so that a protein expressed is attached to the signal peptide prior to processing. Novel proteins are produced off of the DNA expression vector of the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible conduit dispenser case is disclosed. An outer body defines an inner chamber where flexible conduit can be coiled. The flexible conduit is coiled around a rotating hub, which makes the flexible conduit easier to dispense. The flexible conduit dispenser case can be locked to help to retain the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit emerges from an exit port on the handle of the flexible conduit dispenser case for ease of access and control. Also disclosed is a planar base which holds the flexible conduit dispenser case in position for increased ease of dispensing the flexible conduit and engagement members on the rotating hub increase the retention of the flexible conduit.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a neuromodulation system comprising a transcranially mounted neuromodulation device and a stimulation control computing environment. The disclosed neuromodulation device comprising at least one ultrasound transducer and at least one EEG electrode and the disclosed stimulation control computing environment comprises a stimulation control unit and offline computing device, the disclosed stimulation control unit including associated systems and methods for controlling the neuromodulation device functionality using acoustic simulations performed on brain image data as well as methods and uses of such neuromodulation systems in modulating brain activity using focused ultrasound stimulation of the thalamus and thalamic sub regions during certain phases of slow wave brain oscillations in order to treat various neural-based disorders or conditions including sleep disorders.

Abstract: In a monitoring system using optical fibers, an area to be monitored is divided into zones where each zone has fibers which create a change in a signal transmitted by the fiber in response to an event to be monitored. The fibers all communicate to a common monitoring system having a channel for each zone. The fiber of a second one of the zones communicates to the respective channel of the common monitoring system through a fiber passing through a first one of the zones so that the fiber and thus the second channel is also responsive to an event in the first zone zones. The invention provides a method of distinguishing between the separate zones where events have occurred by a Boolean analysis of the signals in the different channels.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fence or other containments barrier for climbing events by an intruder comprises providing a first and second sensors at different heights on the fence, detecting from each of the sensors signals which are indicative of vibration of the fence, and comparing the signals from the first and second sensors to determine vibration events which change in relation to a height of the intruder on the fence indicative of climbing so as to distinguish climbing events from incidental events and to provide a signal in response thereto.

Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses that contain mutations that make the disclosed viruses attractive vaccine candidates. The viruses disclosed contain attenuating mutations designed to have increased genetic and phenotypic stability. Desired combinations of these mutations can be made to achieve desired levels of attenation. Exemplary vaccine candidates are described. Also provided are polynucleotides capable of encoding the described viruses, as wells as methods for producing the viruses and methods of use.

Abstract: A disinfecting cover for use in disinfecting a weight bearing upper surface of a resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support includes a thin barrier membrane drapable on top of the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient support, and a peripherally-extending edge terminating between the peripherally-extending side of the resilient support between the weight bearing upper surface and the bottom surface of the support. The thin barrier membrane comprises an anti-microbial disinfectant, and being non-fibrous, and impervious to the transfer of fluid from the first main surface to the second main surface. The thin barrier membrane comprises a thickness operable to maintain the weight distribution of a patient on the weight bearing upper surface of the resilient medical patient pressure redistribution support substantially the same compared to the weight distribution without the thin barrier membrane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing hand tools, such as wrenches. The method generally includes the steps of providing a flat stock, cutting the flat stock into the desired two-dimension blank using a laser, and three-dimensionally machining the laser-cut 2D blank into the desired three-dimensional workpiece. The tool may undergo a heating treatment process and a surface treatment process. In the context of a wrench, the blank may be laser cut with a laser beam oriented to cut generally perpendicularly to the plane of the flat stock. After laser cutting, the handle and interface region between the handle and jaw(s) are machined to provide the desired three-dimensional shape. For example, the three-dimensional shape may be selected to provide a comfortable grip even when applying a high level of force. The wrench jaw may have an optimized geometry calculated so that there is no excess material or “over-designed” regions of the jaw. The wrench jaw has internal corners with optimized radii.

Abstract: Knitted fire barrier fabrics for use in forming a flame retardant articles having a core, include for example, a unitarily knitted form comprising a plurality of yarns. The plurality of yarns define the unitarily knitted form having a longitudinal knitted direction, and the unitarily knitted form includes a plurality of differential zones of knitted material extending side-by-side in the longitudinal knitted direction. The knitted fire barrier fabric is disposable on the core so that at least one of the plurality of differential zones of knitted material of the knitted fire barrier fabric provides a differential protective capacity to at least one selected portion of the flame retardant article.

Abstract: A moisture sensor includes a circuit board and a plurality of circuits monitoring a plurality of moisture probes, wherein at least two sets of a plurality of probes are on the bottom of the sensor, one set in direct contact with the floor, a second set separated from the floor; a set of conductive pins that enable the body of the circuit board to be spaced from the floor to help any moisture accumulation beneath the sensor to evaporate, preventing mold growth; two sets of a plurality of probes along the edge of the sensor, such that when the sensor is installed edge on, these edge sensors will be in direct contact with the floor. The sensor transmits data periodically when sensed resistance is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of detecting intrusion events including at least two different event types which have different characteristics of frequency and time comprises providing a sensor responsive changes in a medium generated by a potential intrusion event with the sensor generating an output signal indicative of the changes in the medium, analyzing the signal to determine changes in amplitude so as to detect the change in amplitude of the detection signal as a function of time, and performing at least one of: (i) in the frequency domain, carrying out a frequency analysis of the signal from the sensor and dividing the frequency analysis into separate sections which are selected so as to correspond to the characteristic frequencies for each event type, or (ii) the algorithm requiring the presence or absence of a time domain step function.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing hand tools, such as wrenches. The method generally includes the steps of providing a flat stock, cutting the flat stock into the desired two-dimension blank using a laser, and three-dimensionally machining the laser-cut 2D blank into the desired three-dimensional workpiece. The tool may undergo a heating treatment process and a surface treatment process. In the context of a wrench, the blank may be laser cut with a laser beam oriented to cut generally perpendicularly to the plane of the flat stock. After laser cutting, the handle and interface region between the handle and jaw(s) are machined to provide the desired three-dimensional shape. For example, the three-dimensional shape may be selected to provide a comfortable grip even when applying a high level of force. The wrench jaw may have an optimized geometry calculated so that there is no excess material or “over-designed” regions of the jaw. The wrench jaw has internal corners with optimized radii.

Abstract: A system for detecting an intrusion of at least one of a monitoring fiber and a detector comprises a sensor having a closure monitor and an intrusion monitor, the closure monitor including a signal generator and at least one detector attached to the monitoring fiber. The signal generator transmits signal light such that the monitoring fiber receives the transmitted signal light and reflects a portion of the signal light via the at least one detector to the closure monitor and transmits a non-reflected portion of the signal light. The intrusion monitor receives the transmitted non-reflected portion of the signal light, and monitors the non-reflected portion of the signal light to detect transient changes in the non-reflected portion of the signal light indicative of at least one of a vibration, a motion and a handling of at least one of the monitoring fiber and the at least one detector.