Abstract:
The invention provides electromagnet arrays (28) which can provide selected field patterns in either two or three dimensions, and in particular, which can provide single-sided field patterns in two or three dimensions. These features are achieved by providing arrays which have current densities that vary in the windings both parallel to the array and in the direction of array thickness.
Abstract:
There are disclosed protein condensation inhibitors which are useful in the treatment of phase transition disease states associated with the phase transition of proteins from a soluble to a condensed state. Methods of identifying compounds for their ability to function as protein condensation inhibitors, as well as the use of such protein condensation inhibitors to treat phase transition disease states, are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of identifying compounds comprises assaying the compound in an aqueous protein solution to determine whether the sign of delta E is positive. In this method, the assaying may include the steps of measuring a change in phase separation temperature and determining whether protein condensation occurs upon raising or lowering the temperature of the aqueous protein solution. Preferably, the aqueous protein solution comprises a protein associated with a phase transition disease state, such as sickle hemoglobin. In another embodiment, a method of identifying compounds involves assaying the compound in at least two distinct aqueous protein solutions for its ability to prevent or delay a temperature dependent phase transition to a condensed state in each of the distinct aqueous protein solutions. Examples of suitable proteins for the distinct aqueous protein solutions include lysozyme and sickle hemoglobin.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for acquiring an at least one dimensional digital image of a region of an object (28) using an optical source (12) which outputs a first optical beam having a short coherence length. A splitter (22) splits the first optical beam into a reference beam (30) and an object beam (40). The reference beam travels to a reference scatterer (32) and the object beam (26) is directed toward the region of the object. An array detector (54) such as a charge coupled device receives a portion of the object beam (18a') and a portion of the reference beam (18b') and detects the resulting incident intensity over the at least one dimension and outputs a signal (823). Since the coherence length of the source is short, the signal output from the detector array corresponds to one or more dimensional slice of the object which represents the above region.
Abstract:
A device and a method for interrupting the continuity of a conductor and linking a pair of conductors are disclosed. The device is a three-terminal fuse having first and second terminals initially connected by a conductor and a third terminal separated from the conductor at a breakpoint of the conductor by an insulator. By applying a voltage across the third terminal or control terminal and the conductor, a transient conductive link is formed between the conductor and the control terminal. If sufficient current is provided through the transient link, heating of the link causes the metal of the conductor to melt and boil away, thus interrupting the continuity of the conductor.
Abstract:
Conductive links are provided between conductive materials, e.g., metals, separated by a non-conductive material, e.g., a silicon-based glass material. In a preferred embodiment, a single pulse of laser energy is applied to at least one of the conductive materials to produce mechanical strain therein which strain initiates a fracturing of the non-conductive material so as to provide at least one fissure therein extending between the conductive materials. The laser energy pulse further causes at least one of the conductive materials to flow in such fissure to provide a conductive link between the conductive materials. Preferably, the non-conductive material is formed in layers such that an interface between the layers controls the fissures.
Abstract:
Optical apparatus for dispensing a visible light spectrum into primary color bands and directing each color band into a specific pixelated cell of a passive display. The apparatus includes an array of refractive microlenses arranged parallel to the plane of the passive display such as a liquid crystal display and a diffraction grating arranged parallel and in close proximity to the lens array. The microlenses focus visible light onto the display while the diffraction grating separates the visible light into primary color bands in different diffraction orders such that the colors are directed to and transmitted through the corresponding specific pixelated cells.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods for producing semi-permanent casting tooling, as well as semi-permanent casting tooling apparatus. Casting tooling including a blend of high char resin and refractory powder; casting tooling prepared from a blend of sol-gel ceramic precursor and refractory powder; and a preform including a leachable core as well as methods for their production are provided. The casting tooling of the invention can be used in casting processes including die casting, permanent mold casting and pressure infiltration casting. Also provided is an investment mold casting technique compatible with a pressure infiltration process.
Abstract:
A process of forming a profiled edge lamination die is disclosed. An apparatus for use in the process and the die produced thereby are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A pattern recognition system is described. During training, multiple training input patterns from multiple classes of subjects are grouped into clusters within categories by computing correlations between the training patterns and present category definitions. After training, each category is labeled in accordance with the peak class of patterns received within the cluster of the category. If the domination of the peak class over the other classes in the category exceeds a preset threshold, then the peak class defines the category. If the contrast does not exceed the threshold, then the category is defined as unknown. The class statistics for each category are stored in the form of a training class histogram for the category. During testing, frames of test data are received from a subject and are correlated with the category definitions. Each frame is associated with the training class histogram for the closest correlated category. For multiple-frame processing, the histograms are combined into a single observation class histogram which identifies the subject with its peak class within a predefined degree of confidence. In a multiple-channel configuration, the training patterns and testing patterns are divided into multiple features.
Abstract:
A method for evaluating the ability of a treatment to adversely affect the growth or viability of a cell is described. A cell having reduced susceptibility to apoptosis is provided, a treatment is administered to this cell, and a determination is made as to whether the treament affects the value of a parameter related to the growth or viability of the cell. Also described are diagnostic and anticancer therapies. Cells and cell lines used in these methods are also provided.