Abstract: This disclosure describes a safe, effective, and novel method of preventing or treating atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, or a combination thereof using an initial intravenous sotalol dose followed by same day discharge and, in some cases, discharge following the administration of an intravenous dose of sotalol. This shortened time frame allows subjects to be discharged from the hospital less than 18 hours after sotalol initiation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with controlling batch jobs with plugins are described. In one embodiment, a method includes querying a batch definition database to retrieve a record identification plugin including a first declarative statement defining parameters of the record identification plugin and a database query statement used by the record identification plugin to select records within a database. The example method may also include querying the batch definition database to retrieve a process records plugin including a second declarative statement defining how the process records plugin is to process the selected records. The example method may also include interpreting the first declarative statement to control execution of a batch process to select the records within the database. The example method may also include interpreting the second declarative statement to control execution of the batch process to process the records to create a batch job result.

Abstract: Rotary switches and associated methods. A rotary switch can include one or more arcuate passages which are prone to ingress of particulate or liquid contaminants. A gasket, a rib, and/or a lubricant reservoir can be provided in the arcuate passages for blocking ingress of contaminants to an interior of the switch.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with controlling batch jobs with plugins are described. In one embodiment, a method includes querying a batch definition database to retrieve a record identification plugin including a first declarative statement defining parameters of the record identification plugin and a database query statement used by the record identification plugin to select records within a database. The example method may also include querying the batch definition database to retrieve a process records plugin including a second declarative statement defining how the process records plugin is to process the selected records. The example method may also include interpreting the first declarative statement to control execution of a batch process to select the records within the database. The example method may also include interpreting the second declarative statement to control execution of the batch process to process the records to create a batch job result.

Abstract: Rotary switches and associated methods. A rotary switch can include one or more arcuate passages which are prone to ingress of particulate or liquid contaminants. A gasket, a rib, and/or a lubricant reservoir can be provided in the arcuate passages for blocking ingress of contaminants to an interior of the switch.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed that are configured to verify the translation of a program from a first programming language to a second programming language. In one embodiment, a first program is executed within a first thread of a process in parallel with a second program within a second thread of the process. A first source code of the first program is written in the first programming language, and a second source code of the second program is a translation of the first source code of the first program to the second programming language based on a translation process. Statement flow and program variables are compared at equivalent lines of code between the first program and the second program, during execution of the two programs in parallel, to generate execution results. The translation process is transformed, based on the execution results, facilitating correcting of the second source code.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed that are configured to verify the translation of a program from a first programming language to a second programming language. In one embodiment, a first program is executed within a first thread of a process in parallel with a second program within a second thread of the process. A first source code of the first program is written in the first programming language, and a second source code of the second program is a translation of the first source code of the first program to the second programming language based on a translation process. Statement flow and program variables are compared at equivalent lines of code between the first program and the second program, during execution of the two programs in parallel, to generate execution results. The translation process is transformed, based on the execution results, facilitating correcting of the second source code.

Abstract: A remote control is provided for use in a high humidity environment. More particularly, the remote control includes a foam insert configured to at least substantially fill a space in an interior compartment of the remote control to prevent formation of condensate in the space. The foam insert is also configured to exert a force against a control board in the interior compartment, thereby fixing the control board within the remote control. The remote control housing comprises a pair of enclosures. A plurality of latch components and a polymer bead are provided to cooperatively secure the enclosures to each other, with the bead providing an at least substantially continuous seal between the interior compartment and the environment.

Abstract: A space-time division multiple-access (STDMA) laser communications (lasercom) system and related techniques. The STDMA system includes a plurality of remote nodes and an STDMA access node which uses precise electronic beam steering and beacons to provide access to each of a plurality of remote access nodes by means of both space and time-division multiple access.

Abstract: A transmissive beam steering aperture includes a common superstrate provided from an optical material and having first and second opposing surfaces with at least one of the first and second surfaces having an electrode coating provided thereon to provide the at least one surface as a common electrode surface and having a first plurality of electrically isolated common electrodes. One or more electrode containing substrates is disposed over respective ones of the first plurality of electrically isolated common electrodes to form one or more one liquid crystal (LC) cells. In one embodiment, the transmissive beam steering aperture is used as an aperture in an optical phased array.

Abstract: Described herein are structures and techniques for providing an LC cell having a hermetically sealed cover disposed over a fill hole provided in a superstrate. The superstrate and cover have adhesion layers disposed thereon. Solder is disposed or otherwise provided around the fill hole (e.g. either on the cover or the superstrate or as a separate piece). The cover is then disposed over the fill hole and the solder is reflowed to form the hermetic seal over the fill hole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cognitive assessment are provided that test a subject's cognitive capacity using a battery of tests that are selected with respect to a specific job that the subject is expected to perform. The test results are analyzed based upon the relative criticality of each cognitive ability that is required by the job to provide an overall assessment of the subject's cognitive capacity to perform the job. Predictions about the subject's future capacity to perform the job can also be made by analysis of expected workload and recovery schedules.

Abstract: A space-time division multiple-access (STDMA) laser communications (lasercom) system and related techniques. The STDMA system includes a plurality of remote nodes and an STDMA access node which uses precise electronic beam steering and beacons to provide access to each of a plurality of remote access nodes by means of both space and time-division multiple access.

Abstract: A process for generating a set of tests for a system includes identifying a plurality of factors to use in a design of experiments (DOE) test, using each of the plurality of factors in the DOE, identifying, through the DOE testing, one or more factors which have a significant effect an output of the system, including only the one or more factors in a Combinatorial design methodology (CDM) and generating a first test matrix based upon the CDM using the DOE inputs. The unique part of the process is then adding interactions of order greater than 2-way, as identified by the DOE, to the CDM matrix thus creating an optimized set of test cases. By using the sensitivity output of the DOE as an input to the final test matrix from the CDM, an affordable yet comprehensive test approach is provided.

Abstract: An artificial underwater habitat is disclosed comprising a structure with a downwardly opening cavity and an upwardly opening cavity including buoyancy means and ballast means. The habitat is preferably constructed in part by used tires. The habitat preferably maintains an upright orientation from the bottom of a body of water to provide an aquatic ecosytem and aquatic food chain at differing depths. The upright orientation of the habitat also minimizes the effect of silting on the habitat. The buoyancy means includes a novel structure for pressurized gas filled containers.

Abstract: A garage ventilation system for ventilating fumes from a garage. The garage ventilation system includes a garage door having a first side and a second side. A housing has a generally open front wall, a back wall and a peripheral wall extending between the front and back walls. The back wall has a plurality of openings therein. The front wall has a peripheral edge. The housing is positioned in an aperture in the garage door. A plurality of fans is mounted in the housing and each is directed toward the front wall such that the fans draw air into the housing through the back wall and expel air outward through the front wall. A power supply is operationally coupled to the fans. A control is operationally coupled to the fans. A plurality of switches is operationally coupled to the control for manually turning the fans on or off.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing human performance by measuring ability to employ job-related skills in an environment requiring skill switching in the presence of a forced attention shift. A human operator is tested by use of a monitor display upon which are presented an alternating sequence of primary tasks requiring utilization of different skills. A keyboard and a joy-stick are disclosed for use in performing the tasks. A danger indicating icon is presented along with the primary task, and the operator is forced to respond to danger indications thereof by operating a switch which is provided for that purpose.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing individuals to determine their capability of conducting predetermined tasks. A base line is generated which is unique to each individual to whom the test is to be presented. The individual's current response to the battery of tests is compared by using an algorithm with the individual's base line to determine impairment of the individual. The algorithm is statistically designed to pass individuals relative to their base line performance level while eliminating all false negatives. When an individual tests positive, the test is repeated one or more times and the results compared using an algorithm which is statistically designed to pass individuals relative to their individual base line performance levels while eliminating all false positives. Such is accomplished by providing a source of images randomly and non-repetitively to a screen for recognition and response by the individual being tested.

Abstract: Bismuth is added to molten steel in a ladle, and the molten steel is covered with a slag layer sufficiently thick to prevent a decrease in the bismuth content during the time the molten steel is in the ladle.

Abstract: Temperature control means for a deflectable shell roll having lengthwise passages and being mounted for rotation on a fixed beam received in the inner race of a triple race bearing. The middle race of the bearing rotates with the shell roll and provides conduits between the roll shell passages and a central axial bore communicating with a rotary joint providing an inlet and an outlet for circulation of temperature control fluid through the shell passages.