Abstract: An ambient environment modification mechanism such as a scent dispenser (which could also act as a filter) which may comprise a piston and a piston cylinder, receiving the piston, and forming a piston cylinder chamber volume when the piston is moved from an inserted position in the piston cylinder to a withdrawn position in the piston cylinder. The piston may have a hollow interior receiving an ambient air modification material holder, such as a cartridge, containing ambient air modification material. The hollow interior may be in fluid communication with the piston cylinder chamber volume at a first end of the hollow interior. A ventilation opening may be in fluid communication with the hollow interior at a second end of the hollow interior. A piston cylinder chamber volume forming mechanism, such as spring may move the piston relative to the piston cylinder from the inserted position to the withdrawn position.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions and methods for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and in particular immunostimulatory compositions comprising muramyl dipeptide microparticles for use, e.g., in the treatment of MS.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of immunizing a vertebrate, comprising introducing into the vertebrate a DNA transcription unit which comprises DNA encoding a desired antigen or antigens. The uptake of the DNA transcription unit by a host vertebrate results in the expression of the desired antigen or antigens, thereby eliciting humoral or cell-mediated immune responses or both humoral and cell-mediated responses. The elicited humoral and cell-mediated immune response can provide protection against infection by pathogenic agents, provide an anti-tumor response, or provide contraception. The host can be any vertebrate, avian or mammal, including humans.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.

Abstract: An environmental sensing device includes an interferometric modulator which permanently actuates, in a visually-detectable manner, in response to being exposed to a predetermined environmental threshold or condition. The device can include a reactive layer, coating, or proof mass disposed on a movable member of the interferometric modulator. The reactive layer, coating, or proof mass can expand, contract, bend, or otherwise move when exposed to a predefined chemical, level of humidity, temperature threshold, type of radiation, and/or level of mechanical shock, causing the interferometric modulator to collapse and permanently indicate such exposure.

Abstract: A handheld microwave waveguide provides a planar microwave beam for rapid coagulation of a strip of tissue in an organ providing a barrier against blood loss during resection operations.

Abstract: A compression sleeve (10) has twelve inflatable cells (13) to be wrapped around a limb. The cells (13) are inflated to set pressures and duration by a fluid source. The cells (13) are numbered (1) to (12), with (1) being at the toe, or the wrist, and (12) being at the thigh, or the shoulder. In use, the inflation sequence begins with a peristaltic wave at cell (1) and finishes at cell (12). Then cell (12) is inflated and deflated 5 times, then cell (11) is inflated and deflated 5 times in the same way as cell (12), followed by a single peristaltic wave beginning at cell (12) to cell (11). This compression regime is repeated along the compression sleeve until cell (1) is inflated and deflated (5) times followed by a peristaltic wave from cell (1) to cell (12). The described compression sequence is particularly useful for lymphatic drainage.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for a PCR reaction includes an array (41) of reaction vessels (42) is mounted on a thermal mount (43). The thermal mount (43) is positioned on a on a heater/cooler (45), such as a Peltier module. The array (41) is covered by a sealing film (44), which is sealed to the upper rims (49) of the vessels (42) to keep the reagents and reaction products within each vessel (42). A heated lid (50) is used to heat the underside of the sealing film to reduce condensation thereon of reagents vaporised during the reaction. The reaction vessels (42) are formed of an upper, thermally insulating part (25) and a lower, thermally conducting part (21) so as to facilitate accurate temperature control within the vessels but so as to reduce the amount of thermal energy conducted from the heated lid to the vessels, which would reduce the accuracy of the temperature control.

Abstract: A method for joining components comprises locating a region, such as an end region 24, of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material component 10 adjacent to a further component 12, and generating localized plastic deformation of the aforesaid region to create a joint between the components 10, 12. The localized plastic deformation of the shape memory alloy material component 10 is preferably generated by applying a shock load to the shape memory alloy material component 10.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an electrocoating composition comprising a cyclic guanidine.

Abstract: Methods for processing and storing genomic information in a secure manner are described. In particular, methods for processing, splitting and storing genomic information or portions thereof are disclosed. An individual's genomic information is digitized and a splitting algorithm applied to fragment and randomise the digitized genomic information into at least two separate datasets. Access to at least one dataset is retained by the individual and the second dataset is stored on a central server as a secure database record. Each dataset in isolation presents uninformative data and it is only when all datasets are combined that the data is capable of being presented into a useable and informative format.

Abstract: A modeling tool for determining the impact that a data warehouse solution will have upon a business organization considering implementing a data warehouse solution. The modeling tool is implemented on a server computer with restricted access through a client computer. A server computer includes: a business impact model comprising a mathematical representation of a data warehouse solution, and an assessment questionnaire; and a modeling application for calculating a value of a data warehouse solution to a business organization from the business impact model and assessment questionnaire answers. A client computer is connectable to the server computer for receiving a copy of the business impact model, and providing offline collection of answers to the assessment questions, and offline calculation of a value of the data warehouse solution to the business organization. An application residing on the server computer keeps a record of the business impact model received by the client computer.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a base plate for supporting an electrical coil and includes two or more legs that are substantially L-shaped. Each leg has a first end and a second end and the first end is secured to the base plate and the second end is in a direction away from the base plate. A contact pin extends through the second end of each leg and the legs are capable of resilient movement relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A composition for promoting tissue growth which includes a material for placing in contact with animal tissue.

Abstract: A method for distributing geographical restriction data in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system is disclosed. The method includes accepting at an IPTV server, a request from an IPTV client for the geographical restriction data related to geographically restricted video data, determining at the server, a plurality of geographic restriction zones for the geographically restricted video data and sending from the server to the client a message containing the restriction data related to at least one of the restriction zones.

Abstract: A portable location device for use in a location system, the device comprising a transmitter for transmitting ultra-wideband signals, a receiver for receiving non-ultra-wideband signals and a control unit coupled to the receiver for controlling the operation of the device in dependence on the received non-ultra-wideband signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for occulting light. The occulter shape suppresses diffraction at any given size or angle and is practical to build because it can be made binary to avoid scatter. Binary structures may be fully opaque or fully transmitting at specific points. The diffraction suppression is spectrally broad so that it may be used with incoherent white light. An occulter may also include substantially opaque inner portion and an at least partially transparent outer portion. Such occulters may be used on the ground to create a deep shadow in a short distance, or may be used in space to suppress starlight and reveal exoplanets.

Abstract: Stringed instruments, game controllers, and related structures and methods are described. A game controller having one or more strings is described for a computer gaming application. Output signals may be sent from the controller to the gaming application indicative of fingering of the game controller and the time at which the strings of the game controller are struck. Multi-mode apparatus are also described. A stringed apparatus may be used as both a game controller and an instrument. Bracing structures and methods are also described for bracing stringed apparatus, such as stringed game controllers and instruments.

Abstract: A polymeric material, prepared by reacting a mixture comprising a polyorganosiloxane having one or more isocyanate-reactive functional groups, polyisocyanate, and polyol, is provided. The isocyanate-reactive functional groups, typically one or two, are attached to only a single end of the polyorganosiloxane chains. The polymeric material may be used to form coatings on a substrate and to inhibit fouling on surfaces exposed to aqueous conditions.

Abstract: A composition for use as a prosthetic biomaterial and associated method. The biomaterial exhibits cytocompatibility, mechanical functionality and osteoblast adhesion between the implant and interfacing surface. The biomaterial is metallic, has a grain size less than about 500 nanometers and has a surface roughness of less than about 800 nm rms.