Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of treating and/or preventing scarring that would otherwise result from an incision to an area of skin. The methods comprise administering a composition comprising tropoelastin to an area of skin that is to receive an incision and/or after the incision. It is also contemplated that the compositions may reduce scar discoloration. Methods of preventing or reducing keloid re-occurrence are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of treating and/or preventing scarring that would otherwise result from an incision to an area of skin. The methods comprise administering a composition comprising tropoelastin to an area of skin that is to receive an incision and/or after the incision. It is also contemplated that the compositions may reduce scar discoloration. Methods of preventing or reducing keloid re-occurrence are also provided.

Abstract: Soft tissue conditions can be treated by administering a composition comprising tropoelastin including, for example, a composition comprising tropoelastin crosslinked to hyaluronic acid to increase moisture content in the soft tissue. Further, soft tissue conditions can be treated by administering a composition of tropoelastin crosslinked to hyaluronic acid in a ratio of 2:1 or greater that increase moisture content in the soft tissue relative to an otherwise identical composition where the ratio of tropoelastin crosslinked to hyaluronic acid is less than 2:1.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for the treatment of an acne scar to improve color and/or appearance, and/or reduce depth, affected area, and/or volume of the acne scar. Such methods may comprise comprise administering a composition that comprises tropoelastin to an area of skin having the acne scar and optionally disrupting the fibrotic strands underneath the acne scar and administering the composition underneath the acne scar.

Abstract: A smart molten metal pump system and method automatically controls the operating speed of the pump rather than requiring an operator to control the speed. The system includes a pump, a controller for controlling the speed of the pump, and one or more of a temperature sensor (such as a thermocouple), one or more of a device (such as a laser or float) to measure the depth of the molten metal, and one or more of a vibration sensor (such as an accelerometer) to measure vibration. The controller receives input about the temperature of the molten metal, and/or about the depth of the molten metal, and/or about the vibration of the pump or one or more pump components, and possibly other data. The controller analyzes the one or more inputs to vary the speed of the pump, turn the pump off, and/or send a communication to an operator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of treating and/or preventing scarring that would otherwise result from an incision to an area of skin. The methods comprise administering a composition comprising tropoelastin to an area of skin that is to receive an incision and/or after the incision. It is also contemplated that the compositions may reduce scar discoloration. Methods of preventing or reducing keloid re-occurrence are also provided.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for computing a target distance estimate using a wireless device. A waveform is transmitted to an object (e.g., automobile) by a wireless device. Reflections of the waveform are then received, such as on two forward directional antennas. A channel impulse response (e.g., a frequency-domain channel impulse response) is then obtained from the reflections. A parameterized function is applied to the channel impulse response. Parameters of the parameterized function are fitted to measure the channel impulse response. A distance to the object is then estimated based on the fitted parameters. In this manner, by operating wireless devices as radar devices, a higher accuracy in target range estimates can be achieved with less spectrum bandwidth when compared to standard radar waveforms with standard radar processing. Furthermore, by utilizing wireless devices as opposed to radar devices, the cost problem associated with radar is addressed.

Abstract: A portable millimeter-wave wireless communications device relies on millimeter-wave spectrum for wireless communications. The millimeter-wave device may be a smart-phone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer. The millimeter-wave device may be a module that is added to an existing portable device such as a smart-phone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer to provide millimeter-wave communications capability. The module may be incorporated into a protective encapsulating case of such portable devices.

Abstract: A portable millimeter-wave wireless communications device relies on millimeter-wave spectrum for wireless communications. The millimeter-wave device may be a smart-phone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer. The millimeter-wave device may be a module that is added to an existing portable device such as a smart-phone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer to provide millimeter-wave communications capability. The module may be incorporated into a protective encapsulating case of such portable devices.

Abstract: A portable millimeter-wave wireless communications device relies on millimeter-wave spectrum for wireless communications. The millimeter-wave device may be a smart-phone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer. The millimeter-wave device may be a module that is added to an existing portable device such as a smart-phone, a laptop computer or a tablet computer to provide millimeter-wave communications capability. The module may be incorporated into a protective encapsulating case of such portable devices.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for computing a target distance estimate using a wireless device. A waveform is transmitted to an object (e.g., automobile) by a wireless device. Reflections of the waveform are then received, such as on two forward directional antennas. A channel impulse response (e.g., a frequency-domain channel impulse response) is then obtained from the reflections. A parameterized function is applied to the channel impulse response. Parameters of the parameterized function are fitted to measure the channel impulse response. A distance to the object is then estimated based on the fitted parameters. In this manner, by operating wireless devices as radar devices, a higher accuracy in target range estimates can be achieved with less spectrum bandwidth when compared to standard radar waveforms with standard radar processing. Furthermore, by utilizing wireless devices as opposed to radar devices, the cost problem associated with radar is addressed.

Abstract: An actuated castellation plate can be arranged across a length of a currency passageway of a currency acceptor assembly and configured in an open state. Pressure from an attempted string fraud, such as pulling in reverse a bill across the castellation plate, can actuate the castellation plate to a closed state, obstructing the currency passageway so that the bait bill cannot be retrieved. Embodiments can include a currency acceptor including a currency passageway, mounting assembly, currency storage assembly having an entrance, the currency passageway being arranged to guide a currency denomination to the entrance of the currency storage assembly, and an actuated castellation plate including an array of teeth coupled to a baseplate including a receptacle and two opposing mounting ends, the castellation plate being configured at the entrance of the cashbox assembly to transfer between an open and closed state. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An actuated castellation plate can be arranged across a length of a currency passageway of a currency acceptor assembly and configured in an open state. Pressure from an attempted string fraud, such as pulling in reverse a bill across the castellation plate, can actuate the castellation plate to a closed state, obstructing the currency passageway so that the bait bill cannot be retrieved. Embodiments can include a currency acceptor including a currency passageway, mounting assembly, currency storage assembly having an entrance, the currency passageway being arranged to guide a currency denomination to the entrance of the currency storage assembly, and an actuated castellation plate including an array of teeth coupled to a baseplate including a receptacle and two opposing mounting ends, the castellation plate being configured at the entrance of the cashbox assembly to transfer between an open and closed state. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material comprising lactoferrin and a bioactive glass. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the composite material. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of the composite material of the for treating a wound, treating or preventing bacterial or viral infections in a wound, preventing viral transmission, regenerating bone, treating osteoporosis, preventing or alleviating bleeding in a wound, sterilising a wound and/or controlling haemorrhaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material comprising fibrinogen or fibrin, or a mixture thereof, and a bioactive glass. The invention also relates to wound dressings and pharmaceutical compositions containing the composite material. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of the composite material of the for treating a wound, treating or preventing bacterial infections in a wound, preventing or alleviating bleeding in a wound, sterilising a wound, controlling haemorrhaging, increasing the rate of coagulation of blood and/or activating a coagulation system in a wound.

Abstract: A method of operating a scanning probe microscope includes using a probe having a cantilever, and oscillating the probe at a torsional resonance frequency thereof. In addition, the method includes substantially increasing torsional drive efficiency with dual actuators disposed on the probe or the probe base. First and second actuators may be driven by corresponding first and second drive signals, the first and second drive signals being about 180° out of phase. The maximizing step includes altering at least one of the amplitudes of the first and second drive signals to maximize torsional oscillation. Torsional and flexural oscillation of the cantilever probe can be excited concurrently, sequentially or independently by adjusting the phase of the corresponding drive signals. A pair of cantilever components can be used to form a nanotweezer by rotating the respective arms having corresponding tip portions at the distal ends.

Abstract: A retention assembly is for retaining a panel in a window or a door. The assembly includes a surround, a frame, and a locking latch. The surround includes a first and a second pair of spaced segments which extend to define an opening. The frame includes a pair of first spaced sides and the panel is supported between the sides. The pair of first spaced sides are disposed between the first and second pair of segments. One of the first sides includes a floor and a catch which extends from the floor. The locking latch is movably supported by the surround and defines a retention recess for permitting locking engagement between the locking latch and the catch as the locking latch is moved relative to one of the first segments.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates, as well as methods and uses for such substrates.

Abstract: Immunochromatographic test strip assays which employ semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels are disclosed, as are methods for detecting and quantifying one or more analytes of interest in a test sample using those assays. The test strips of the present invention permit detection and quantitation of one or more analytes of interest present in a test sample suspected of containing them, by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits exhibits a unique emission peak.

Abstract: Vertical enterprise systems and methods for integrating applications from one or more enterprises into a single interface for presentation to a user are disclosed. A vertical enterprise system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may include one or more client enterprises, one or more partner enterprises, and an active integration enterprise in communication with the one or more client and partner enterprises. The active integration enterprise may include a central integration platform operating on an application integration network adapted to host a number of core components including a portal system, a collaboration system, a database system, and/or a business system. In certain embodiments, the active integration enterprise can be configured to host a number of user-specific applications that provide specific functionality for a particular client.