Abstract: New compositions and methods for treating patients suffering from hepatitis-C, AIDS, aberrant apoptosis which include N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl(&bgr;-1-4)-N-Acetyl-muramyl-L-ananyl-D-isoglutamine (GMDP) of at least 98% purity and provided either alone, as an active ingredient of blastolysine, or in combination with an aminosugar such as N-acetyl-glucosamine(NAG). The high purity GMDP has a decreased amount immunogenic impurities and demonstrates cell protection as opposed to solely immunostimulatory effects, while a synergistic cell protective effect is exhibited when GMDP in combined with NAG. The new compositions modulate FasL mediated apoptosis while simultaneously stimulating TNF-&agr; production and further selectively inhibiting TNF-&agr; receptor p55 (TNFR1), providing a treatment for patients suffering from hepatitis-C, AIDS or aberrant apoptosis.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongated body member, an ultrasound transducer located on the elongated body member, and dampening means for forming an ultrasound dampening region adjacent to a portion of the ultrasound transducer, is disclosed. The ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit or receive an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound dampening region is configured to improve uniformity of said ultrasound signal in three-dimensional space. Preferably, the dampening means includes air or a material containing air.

Abstract: A software modeling environment is presented that supports the development and execution of software that can be dynamically configured. This is achieved by introducing a design-time object modeling construct called a dynamically configurable type (DCT) that supports the subdivision of an object into a plurality of subsets of semantics and allows dynamic merging of these semantic subsets together in different combinations in order to allow the resultant object to exhibit different semantics over time to serve different purposes. Specific process modeling constructs are included which take advantage of this semantic merging capability. Also included are other supporting design-time and run-time constructs and services. One embodiment of the present invention allows this software modeling environment to be integrated into a standard software development environment, enhancing the modeling capabilities already present.

Abstract: An anastomosis is performed using a mounting structure mounted on the outside of at least one vessel. The mounting structure includes a flexible mounting structure that is attached to the vessel by a special instrument. A graft vessel is attached to the mounting structure either directly or by means of another mounting structure attached to the graft vessel. Tools for attaching a mounting structure to a vessel are disclosed, and a tool for attaching two mounting structures together is also disclosed. Methods for carrying out the anastomosis according to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Agents for enhancing the contrast in a diagnostic ultrasound procedure comprise colloidal dispersions of the liquid-in-liquid type, i.e., emulsions or microemulsions, in which the dispersed liquid phase is a liquid having a boiling point below the temperature of the animal to be imaged and which therefore undergoes a phase change from a dispersed liquid to a highly echogenic dispersed gaseous foam or kugelschaum following administration to the animal. The liquid state of the dispersed phase allows one to manufacture extremely stable, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions with particle sizes typically below 1000 nm. The gaseous state at body temperature yields highly echogenic microbubbles, typically below 10,000 nm in diameter, which are effective as ultrasound contrast agents. Intravenous, intraarterial, oral, intraperitoneal, and intrauterine dosage forms, methods of administration, and imaging techniques are described.

Abstract: An anastomosis is performed using a mounting structure mounted on the outside of at least one vessel. The mounting structure includes a flexible mounting structure that is attached to the vessel by a special instrument. A graft vessel is attached to the mounting structure either directly or by means of another mounting structure attached to the graft vessel. Tools for attaching a mounting structure to a vessel are disclosed, and a tool for attaching two mounting structures together is also disclosed. Methods for carrying out the anastomosis according to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of communicating signals between a 2.5 volt internal circuit and both 3.3 and 5 volt external circuits using a P-well. The apparatus includes a circuit having a P-well control circuit and a number of NMOS transistors. The P-well control circuit is configured to receive a P-well control signal and an external signal, and in accordance therewith selectively generate a P-well voltage. The NMOS transistors are coupled to the P-well control circuit. At least one of the NMOS transistors has a bulk region configured to receive the P-well voltage. The NMOS transistors are further configured to receive a 5 volt signal and in accordance therewith selectively generate a 2.5 volt signal. The NMOS transistors are still further configured to receive a 3.3 volt signal and in accordance therewith selectively generate a 2.5 volt signal.

Abstract: A dilation catheter having a catheter shaft with an inner lumen for receiving a guidewire and an inflatable balloon member located at the distal portion of the shaft in fluid communication with the inner lumen. The catheter includes a distal seal disposed within the inner lumen of the shaft. The distal seal allows for movement of the guidewire relative to the inner lumen, while also providing for a fluid tight seal around the guidewire, independent of fluid pressure within the lumen, thereby both restricting a patient's blood from passing into the inner lumen and restricting media from the inner lumen from passing into the patient's bloodstream. A valve is located along the catheter shaft and adapted to engage the guidewire and provide for a fluid tight seal around the guidewire when fluid under pressure is applied to the interior of the balloon member.

Abstract: A surgical clamp having an elongate cavity to receive a replaceable pad. The pad includes a draw cord to draw the pad into place on the jaw. The pad is formed with an attachment member engagable in the elongate cavity of the jaw. The draw cord is preferably an extension of the attachment member.

Abstract: A programmable logic array (PLA) AND plane receives data input signals from input registers and generates corresponding minterms. The minterms are OR-ed together to form a sum of products, which are provided to output latches and clocked out before the end of each clock cycle by an internal self-timed signal as PLA output data. The OR plane (or the AND plane, or both) includes NOR gates that include a plurality of NMOS transistors. Each NMOS transistor in a gate has its drain connected to a common NOR gate output node, its source connected to ground and its gate connected to receive a corresponding minterm from the AND plane.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus is constructed by: an input unit for receiving first and second digital data in which a ratio of sector sizes is not equal to an integer ratio; a block segmenting unit for inserting first data nA and second data mB (n and m are integers of 2 or more and n≠m) when it is assumed that a sector size of first data is set to A and a sector size of second data is set to B and for forming data of a block structure; a recording processing unit for performing an error correction encoding and a digital modulation to the data of the block structure; and a recording unit for recording the recording data from the recording processing unit to a data recording medium.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of a distal perfusion device are disclosed, which device facilitates anastomosis constructions by maintaining a dry anastomosis site while simultaneously maintaining blood flow distally in the blood vessel to prevent ischemia and reduce overall patient trauma. The perfusion device is configured for installation into a blood vessel such as a left anterior descending coronary artery through an incision therein, to which is to be grafted a distal end of a blood vessel such as an internal mammary artery. The device includes a central member of selected configuration and material, terminating at either end thereof in respective selectively tapered end members. A lumen extending through the central member and end members, and selected perforations in the end members, maintain blood flow through the perfusion device.

Abstract: A convertible connector arrangement for a video camera includes first and second connector portions. One of the connectors is configured for analog signals and the other for digital signals. The first and second connectors are joined along one side thereof to be pivotally mounted by a mounting member in an installation body, or frame. The mounting member and the joined connectors are configured such that the two connectors are disposed at a predetermined angle in relation to one another. According to pivotal movement of the mounting member, one of the two connectors may be operably disposed in an opening provided in the installation body. The other connection is thus inoperably stored within the video camera or VTR body. A locking mechanism is further provided to assure secure mounting and operability. A video camera utilizing the convertible connector arrangement may thus be selectably converted for analog or digital operation in a secure and efficient manner.

Abstract: A radio communication apparatus is disclosed, that comprises a receiving portion for receiving a radio signal transmitted from a base station, the radio signal including character codes, a display portion for displaying a character string corresponding to character codes received by the receiving portion on a plurality of lines, a detecting portion for detecting a particular character from the character string displayed on the display portion, and a display controlling portion for displaying a word just after the particular character at the beginning of the next line. According to the present radio communication apparatus , a word in a message composed of a character string is prevented from being displayed in a plurality of lines. Thus, a character string is displayed on the screen of the display portion in such a manner that the user can easily read the character string.

Abstract: A collapsible wire whisk including a handle and wire basket. The wire basket comprises a plurality of wires that are coupled to a wire holder slidably and twistably mounted within the handle. The handle is hollow and has a proximal end with two arcuate apertures through which the wires may be inserted. The wire holder is a hollow cylinder that has a plurality of holes circumferentially positioned on each end. Each end of each wire of the wire basket is threaded through one of the holes on each end of the wire holder. The wires are crimped both above and below the wire holder to keep the wire basket coupled to the wire holder, but the wires remain free to be twisted.

Abstract: An evacuatable storage unit that includes a substantially rigid container having an open upper end, a flexible air tight liner attached to the inside of the container, and a port installed in a surface of the liner that allows air to pass out of the liner and prevents air from entering the liner. The liner has an upper portion that extends out beyond the open upper end of the container. The liner upper portion terminates in an opening for inserting compressible articles into the liner. The opening is closable to form an air tight seal. As air inside the liner is evacuated from the liner through the port (typically by using a household vacuum cleaner), the liner upper portion and compressible articles stored therein collapse into the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a control transfer on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device. A USB device includes a memory space for reading and writing data transmitted over a USB network. The memory space is shared between a plurality of endpoints. A host initiates a control transfer by transmitting a SETUP token to a first endpoint. The endpoint must accept the SETUP token. If the first endpoint does not expect the SETUP token, or if another endpoint is active, the device stores the token until a buffer is allocated and the first endpoint is made active.

Abstract: A movable sheet overlying a wing is disclosed that creates laminar flow over its exposed surface. The movable sheet serves as an integral, retractable shield for protecting a suction support structure of a wing against contamination, and also serves as a movable, conductive substrate for deicing by means of electrical resistance or hot-gas heating. The invention includes a movable sheet that is mounted scroll-like on two motor-driven rollers. The sheet has a solid area without perforations that protects the suction support structure from contamination, and a porous area with perforations therethrough that allows boundary layer suction. The motor-driven rollers scroll the sheet to cover the suction support structure with either the solid area or the perforations of the sheet. Contact rollers at the edge of the sheet supply electrical current to resistively heat the sheet and melt any accumulated ice. The movable sheet can also be moved back and forth to dislodge the ice.

Abstract: Capacitance between interconnects lines of a semiconductor device is reduced by providing air voids between the interconnects. The air voids are produced by depositing a dielectric over and partially between the pairs of interconnects and the substrate between them, and etching (preferably by sputter etch) in a controlled and coordinated manner so as to produce air voids in the dielectric between the interconnects. The tops of the air voids are below the level to which the uppermost surfaces of the interconnect is then exposed during subsequent processing so that the air voids remain intact during such subsequent processing.

Abstract: A strap tensioning device that uses ratchet means to wind up and secure a tension strap in a tensioned condition for securing loads for hauling or transport. The device is adapted to be moveable along the length of a tension strap prior to tensioning the strap and includes a slotted member having a guide slot through which the strap is threaded for facilitating movement of the device along the strap and to prevent the device from cocking or twisting away from the device when the device is actuated to tension the strap. A slidable hook for a tensioning strap is also provided for use with the tensioning device. The hook includes a guide clip that provides for a receiving slot through which the strap is also threaded. The receiving slot maintains the strap in alignment with the guide slot.