Abstract: Provided are novel cross-linked polymers and their use in various materials, including packaging films and injection molded articles. These polymers, which comprise certain hydroxyl-containing crosslinking compounds, as well as optionally adjuvants, show improved creep resistance when compared to conventional ethylene acrylic or methacrylic acid copolymers and their ionomers.

Abstract: A power fingerprinting system is adopted for assessing integrity of a target computer-based system. In one implementation, the power fingerprinting system may receive, at a first module, side-channel information of a first target component of a system, the first module being collocated with the first target component; obtain a power fingerprint for the first target component based on the side-channel information for the first target component, the power fingerprint for the first target component representing a plurality of execution statuses of the first target component; receive, at a second module, side-channel information of a second target component of the system, the second module being collocated with the second target component, the power fingerprint for the second target component representing a plurality of execution statuses of the second target component; and obtain a power fingerprint for the second target component based on the side-channel information for the second target component.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compositions and methods for treating or preventing kidney disease in a companion animal, wherein the compositions and methods include feeding the companion animal an edible composition including at least one pyruvate or salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable stent comprising circumferentially adjacent modules. The modules comprise longitudinally adjacent slide-and-lock radial elements which permit one-way sliding of the radial elements from a collapsed diameter to an expanded/deployed diameter, but inhibit radial recoil from the expanded diameter.

Abstract: A system that calibrates timing relationships between signals involved in performing write operations is described. This system includes a memory controller which is coupled to a set of memory chips, wherein each memory chip includes a phase detector configured to calibrate a phase relationship between a data-strobe signal and a clock signal received at the memory chip from the memory controller during a write operation. Furthermore, the memory controller is configured to perform one or more write-read-validate operations to calibrate a clock-cycle relationship between the data-strobe signal and the clock signal, wherein the write-read-validate operations involve varying a delay on the data-strobe signal relative to the clock signal by a multiple of a clock period.

Abstract: A pendant fixture comprising a first body portion having a threaded stud formed thereon, wherein the threaded stud is configured to receive a spider fitting of a lampshade when the lampshade is installed on the pendant fixture. A second body portion having a first half defining a threaded bore therein and a second half defining a second bore therethrough is rotatably coupled to the first body portion by the threaded stud and bore. A power cord having a first end for mounting to a structure, and a second end that is received through the second body portion second bore provides power to the first body portion. A length of power cord adjacent to the power cord second end defines a flexible and adjustable C-shaped cord portion intermediate the first body portion and the second body portion.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for reducing electrical component stress from power cycling is provided. The method may include receiving an indication associated with power cycling an electronic apparatus. The method may also include identifying, based on the received indication, a first one or more groups of electrical components that will not be powered off during the power cycling of the electronic apparatus. The method may further include identifying, based on the received indication, a second one or more groups of electrical components that will be powered off during the power cycling of the electronic apparatus. The method may finally include powering off the second one or more groups of electrical components.

Abstract: Transaction and identification cards formed from raw bamboo assemblies including one or more raw bamboo layers optionally adhered to a paper backer. In one embodiment, a single raw bamboo assembly is adhered to a base or core substrate. Optionally, a second bamboo assembly is coupled to the first bamboo assembly, with or without a core layer sandwiched in between the bamboo assemblies, such that the card's top face includes a first bamboo layer and the card's bottom face includes a second bamboo layer. One or more image or graphic layers are then either printed directly onto the raw bamboo layer or laminated thereto. Optional protective substrates, films, or coatings are applied to or over the bamboo assembly to protect by sandwiching the one or more ink or printed layers between the protective layer and the raw bamboo layers.

Abstract: Recombinant constructs and methods useful for improvement of plants are provided. In particular, recombinant constructs comprising promoters functional in plant cells positioned for expression of polynucleotides encoding polypeptides from microbial sources are provided. The disclosed constructs and methods find use in production of transgenic plants to provide plants, particularly crop plants, having improved properties.

Abstract: A curing apparatus for thermally processing thin films on low-temperature substrates at high speeds is disclosed. The curing apparatus includes a strobe head, a strobe control module and a conveyor control module. The strobe control module controls the power, duration and repetition rate of a set of pulses generated by a flash lamp on the strobe head. The conveyor control module along with the strobe control module provide real-time synchronization between the repetition rate of the set of pulses and the speed at which the substrate is being moved under the strobe head, according to the speed information.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating a flame effect. An embodiment includes a nozzle assembly with an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle. At least a portion of the inner nozzle is nested within at least a portion of the outer nozzle. The system also includes a fuel source with two or more separate types of fuel.

Abstract: A system that calibrates timing relationships between signals involved in performing write operations is described. This system includes a memory controller which is coupled to a set of memory chips, wherein each memory chip includes a phase detector configured to calibrate a phase relationship between a data-strobe signal and a clock signal received at the memory chip from the memory controller during a write operation. Furthermore, the memory controller is configured to perform one or more write-read-validate operations to calibrate a clock-cycle relationship between the data-strobe signal and the clock signal, wherein the write-read-validate operations involve varying a delay on the data-strobe signal relative to the clock signal by a multiple of a clock period.

Abstract: A test sensor includes a body, a first conductive trace, a second conductive trace, and a third conductive trace. The body includes a first region that has a fluid-receiving area, a second region separate from the first region, and a first temperature sensing interface disposed at or adjacent to the fluid-receiving area. The fluid-receiving area receives a sample. The first trace is disposed on the body, and at least a portion of the first trace is disposed in the first region. The second and third traces are disposed on the body. The third trace extends from the first to the second regions. The third trace is connected to the first trace at the first temperature sensing interface. The third trace includes a different material than the first trace. A first thermocouple is formed at the first temperature sensing interface. The thermocouple provides temperature data to determine an analyte concentration.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic connector mounted at the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a stub fiber supported within a ferrule. The stub fiber is fusion spliced to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A printed circuit board may include an aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate that includes an AlN thin film and a layer of high-frequency polymer as a carrier substrate of the AlN thin film. The AlN substrate forms a first layer of the printed circuit board. The AlN substrate comprises a heat spreader that laterally spreads out heat from a heat sink on the printed circuit board to form a thermal dissipation path parallel with a signal path on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may include a main substrate aligned to and bonded with the AlN substrate. The main substrate may include one or more additional layers of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to precast cantilevered retaining walls and methods of using and forming precast cantilevered retaining walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cantilevered concrete retaining wall having a base shear key and blockouts for receiving a material that substantially impedes the wing wall from sliding or other inadvertent movement, to a method of retaining a soil embankment with a cantilevered concrete retaining wall, and to a method of manufacturing a precast concrete cantilevered retaining wall.

Abstract: A test and measurement instrument including a plurality of input ports; an acquisition system coupled to the input ports and configured to acquire frequency domain data from the input ports; a user interface configured to present frequency domain controls for at least two of the input ports; and a controller configured to adjust frequency domain acquisition parameters of the acquisition system in response to the frequency domain controls such that frequency domain acquisition parameters associated with a first input port can be different from frequency domain acquisition parameters associated with a second input port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.

Abstract: A hybrid printed circuit board is described. The hybrid printed circuit board may include a top layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of internal layers stacked up between the top layer and the bottom layer. The plurality of internal layers may include a first internal layer below the top layer and a second internal layer above the bottom layer. The hybrid printed circuit board may include first unreinforced laminate placed between the top layer and the first internal layer. The hybrid circuit board may additionally include second unreinforced laminate placed between the second internal layer and the bottom layer. The hybrid printed circuit board may include third laminate placed between adjacent internal layers of the plurality of internal layers.