Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the distance of each pixel or a set of pixels in images acquired by cameras and thus imaging the three-dimensional profiles of objects in the images is described A source of illumination is projected through a mask of two-dimensional pattern onto the objects and images from predetermined and different view points are captured by a camera or cameras. A computer algorithm is used to identify a pixel or a set of pixels in each area of the pattern in each acquired image. The distance of the pixel or the set of pixels in the images is uniquely calculated by using the X, Y coordinates of the pixel or the set of pixels in the images of different view points and the positional relationship of the different view points. The three-dimensional profile of objects in the images is determined by collecting the distance information of each pixel or an area of pixels in the images.

Abstract: An extruded, coalesced foam strand propylene polymer material that is either open-celled and useful for sound insulation applications or close celled and useful for thermal insulation applications. An apparatus suitable for preparing such foams with an expanded cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention provides store operated calcium influx inhibitor compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use. The compounds are useful for treating an inflammatory disease or treating an inflammatory reaction. Preferably, compounds, compositions and methods of this invention are used for treatment of inflammatory skin, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as autoimmune disorders, transplantation treatment, and osteoporosis.

Abstract: This invention provides an expanded open-cell foam polymer composition comprising at least one linear or modified linear polyolefin, at least 50% of the cells being open, and the cells having an average size of at least 1 millimeter. It is desirable that the composition have a sound absorption coefficient as determined by ASTM D 1050 at 1,000 Hz which is greater than 0.15. In preferred foams the composition has an airflow resistivity of less than about 800,000 Rayls/m.

Abstract: Macrocellular polyolefin foams that can withstand temperatures above 110° C. are described for use in sound absorption and insulation applications, especially in elevated temperature and/or moist environments. These foams have a large cell size (≧1.5 mm), are open or closed-cell foams, and preferably have at least one perforation per square centimeter and/or a density less than 25 kg/m3. They are obtainable by extruding a high melt strength (HMS) polypropylene resin (PP), or preferably a blend of a HMS PP resin and a free radical polymerized ethylene polymer present in the blend in a weight ratio of at least 35:65, optionally another polymer such as a substantially random interpolymer, a cell size enlarging agent such a glycerol monostearate, an antioxidant, carbon black and/or flame retardant additives, using a volatile organic compound, e.g. isobutane, as blowing agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: This invention provides concentrated inflammation modifiers obtained from various plant, animal, and mineral sources, and methods for the preparation of such concentrated inflammation modifiers. Also provided are methods of preventing and treating inflammation using the concentrated inflammation modifiers. The invention also provides methods of treating inflammation of the skin and mucosal membranes by administering compositions that contain concentrated inflammation modifiers as active ingredients. The methods are useful for treating inflammatory diseases, as well as for reducing or eliminating inflammation that results from transdermal delivery of a drug, or from cosmetics and skin care products. The concentrated inflammation modifiers and methods are also useful for enhancing wound healing and skin aging.

Abstract: A toroidal plasma source (28) within a substrate processing chamber (10). The toroidal plasma source forms a poloidal plasma with theta symmetry. The poloidal plasma current is essentially parallel to a surface of the plasma generating structure, thus reducing sputtering erosion of the inner walls. The plasma current is similarly essentially parallel to a process surface (32) of a substrate (34) within the chamber. In a further embodiment, a shaped member (66) between the substrate and the plasma source controls the plasma density in a selected fashion to enhance plasma processing uniformity.

Abstract: Thermoplastic foams with an average cell size of greater than one and one-half millimeters and an average noise reduction coefficient in excess of 0.3 have improved sound attenuating properties when they include a Helmholtz resonator, a quarter-wave attenuator or both.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a composition and a process for preparing a closed cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam having enlarged cell size, comprising one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, one or more substantially random interpolymers, one or more blowing agents having zero ozone depletion potential and optionally one or more co-blowing agents, and optionally, one or more nucleating agents and optionally, one or more other additives.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.

Abstract: A toroidal plasma source (28) within a substrate processing chamber (10). The toroidal plasma source forms a poloidal plasma with theta symmetry. The poloidal plasma current is essentially parallel to a surface of the plasma generating structure, thus reducing sputtering erosion of the inner walls. The plasma current is similarly essentially parallel to a process surface (32) of a substrate (34) within the chamber. In a further embodiment, a shaped member (66) between the substrate and the plasma source controls the plasma density in a selected fashion to enhance plasma processing uniformity.

Abstract: Foams made from a ternary blend of a alkenyl aromatic polymer such as polystyrene, an &agr;-olefin polymer such as polyethylene, and a compatibilizer, are used as acoustical insulation in building constructions. These foams exhibit an unusual combination of low creep and low dynamic stiffness. They are especially useful in floating floor installations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of anorectal disorders are provided in which certain combinations of NO donors, PDE inhibitors, superoxide (O2−) scavengers, &bgr;-adrenergic agonists, cAMP-dependent protein kinase activators, &agr;1-adrenergic antagonists, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, estrogens, ATP-sensitive K+ channel activators and smooth muscle relaxants are used.

Abstract: A latex or fiber comprising a blend of polymeric materials consisting of one or more &agr;-olefin/ vinylidene monomer non-crosslinked substantially random interpolymers, wherein the distribution of the monomers of said interpolymers can be described by the Bernoulli statistical model or by a first or second order Markovian statistical model, and one or more homopolymers or copolymers of monomer components comprising aliphatic &agr;-olefins having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or aliphatic &agr;-olefins having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and containing polar groups.

Abstract: An acoustical insulation foam having, either with or without elastification, an Asker C hardness of less than about 65, a density of about 5 to about 150 kg/m3, a cell size of about 0.05 to about 15 mm, an open cell content of 0 to about 100 volume percent, a thickness of about 1 to about 200 mm, and a width of about 100 to about 3000 mm; comprising; (A) one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, (B) one or more substantially random interpolymers and (C) optionally, one or more nucleating agents and (D) optionally, one or more other additives; and (E) one or more blowing agents.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a composition and a process for preparing a closed cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam having enlarged cell size, comprising one or more alkenyl aromatic polymers, one or more substantially random interpolymers, one or more blowing agents having zero ozone depletion potential and optionally one or more co-blowing agents, and optionally, one or more nucleating agents and optionally, one or more other additives. This combination allows the manufacture of closed cell, low density alkenyl aromatic polymer foams of enlarged cell size, when blowing agents of relatively high nucleation potential are employed. When such blowing agents are used with alkenyl aromatic polymers in the absence of the substantially random interpolymers, small cell foams result.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating a variety of hyperproliferative and inflammatory mucocutaneous disorders, including, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as skin irritation and disorders associated with skin aging and skin photodamage using inhibitors of cholesterol metabolism. The present invention further relates to the discovery that the combined use of several inhibitors of cholesterol metabolism produces synergistic effects. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to the use of inhibitors of cholesterol metabolism as excipients to enhance the effects of antiinflammatory drugs.