Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a vitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally directed to ionizing a vitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more vitamin D metabolites in a single assay.

Abstract: A computer implemented method employs software on a system for generating a logical representation of an electronic circuit undergoing a design. A predetermined grid for the circuit being designed is selected through interaction with the user through a graphical user interface. An input file defines objects to be plotted to the grid, and is read into a computer system. Objection locations relative to the grid, and connections between objects are checked and adjustments made by moving objects as necessary to align with the grid and to ensure connections between the objects. A design file of the adjusted logical representation is written for use in completing a circuit design.

Abstract: A computer implemented method employs software on a system for generating a logical representation of an electronic circuit undergoing a design. A predetermined grid for the circuit being designed is selected through interaction with the user through a graphical user interface. An input file defines objects to be plotted to the grid, and is read into a computer system. Objection locations relative to the grid, and connections between objects are checked and adjustments made by moving objects as necessary to align with the grid and to ensure connections between the objects. A design file of the adjusted logical representation is written for use in completing a circuit design.

Abstract: Implementing spread spectrum using digital signal processing techniques. An incoming clock signal is received and sampled using a programmable sampling mechanism to generate a plurality of signal data points included in a sampled signal. The sampled signal is conditioned using a programmable signal conditioning mechanism capable of performing at least one of: reducing a cycle to cycle jitter of the sampled signal; or adjusting the sampled signal to a base frequency. The signal data points are processed and spread across a band of frequencies using a programmable digital signal processor to adjust at least one of: (a) an amplitude, (b) a phase shift, or (c) a frequency shift; for each of a plurality of respective signal data points at a plurality of corresponding frequencies in the band of frequencies. An output waveform is constructed from the processed and spread signal data points, wherein the output waveform constitutes a clock output signal.

Abstract: To accurately position cargo above a surface, the present invention utilizes a pair of lasers positioned on a cargo pick-up unit that are aligned to produce beam lines that intersect at a known height, h, below the bottom surface of the cargo. As the cargo is lowered onto the surface, the laser lines appear to move towards each other. When the laser lines overlap, an operator knows the cargo is positioned at the height, h, above the surface. To provide an indication of the distance between the cargo and a bulkhead, a laser is positioned at either end of the pick up unit. The laser is aligned to create a diagonal laser line ahead of the cargo. As the pick-up unit approaches the bulkhead, the laser line appears to climb vertically on the bulkhead. When the laser line is shown completely on the bulkhead with no component on the surface below the cargo, the operator knows that the cargo is at a predefined distance, d, away from the bulkhead.