Abstract: A power and signal distribution system is adaptable to existing building areas and provides a shielded, low resistance and low inductance grounding structure. The distribution system comprises two or more electrically conductive enclosed channels; one for lower current signals and power distribution and one for high current signals and power distribution. The enclosed channels are electrically coupled and are configured as crosses or spokes with branches extending substantially over the length and width of the building area. The earth ground for the building has a direct connection to one of the enclosures. The ground of each device in the building area is directly connected to the enclosed channels by a low impedance connection. Cables are routed through the enclosures and extended to the devices. The walls of the enclosed channels have a thickness that is greater than the skin depth of a predetermined low frequency.

Abstract: An AC power source is coupled to a step-up transformer that provides a rectified DC output voltage to charge an intermediate capacitor. A high voltage electronic switch is turned ON and OFF by a control signal to couple and decouple the intermediate capacitor to the input of an inductor that supplies current to a capacitor bank. A switching regulator controller generates a control signal to vary the turn ON and OFF times of the electronic switch to generate a controlled current through the inductor while the voltage across the capacitor bank varies over a positive and negative voltage range during charging and discharging of the capacitor bank. The controlled current through the inductor is maintained while the capacitor bank is discharged. The value of the controlled current may be constant or varied in response to input and output voltage and current parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for keeping a probe accurately positioned relative to a device to be tested. The apparatus having a probe and movable probe station element for positioning the probe at a predetermined test position on the device to be tested. The probe station element being driven by a drive to position the probe at the test position, and having a controller connected thereto for substantially keeping the probe at the test position and inhibiting the probe shifting therefrom. In one form the controller is capable of determining the variance between the current probe position and the desired or predetermined test position, and actuating the drive after the variance has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention describes a dissociated cell culture system comprising cells of the hippocampus, one of the brain areas affected by Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or amyloid beta-related diseases. This culture system comprises hippocampal neuronal and glial cells from animal models of AD, particularly, but not limited to, double transgenic mice expressing both the human APP mutation (K670N:M671L) (mAPP), and the human PS1 mutation (M146L) (mPS1), and serves as a powerful tool for the screening and testing of compounds and substances, e.g., drugs, for their ability to affect, treat, or prevent AD or ?-amyloid-related diseases. The effects of a test substance on the cells in this culture system can be quantitatively assessed to determine if the test substance affects the cells biochemically and/or electrophysiologically, and/or optically, and/or immunocytochemically. The present in vitro culture system is advantageous for AD drug screening, because it is rapid and efficient.

Abstract: A nanopowder synthesis system having an autofuser device which obviates the need for external power switches, and which accommodates repeated discharges (of the order of 107) between ablating electrodes of precursor material at a high repetition rate (?1 Hz).