Abstract: A system for creating a decorative edible item from a selected image. The system includes at least one image source, such as a scanner and/or a library of stored images, a controller unit and a printer. An edible media is inserted into the printer. The user then selects the image source, such as the scanner for scanning in a photograph reminiscence of a person or event being honored. The size of the printed image is then selected as well as the number of copies to be printed from the image. The print sequence is then activated. The controller unit applies color correction to the digital image and converts the digital image into printer control signals to operate the printer. The printer then prints a rendition of the image with edible inks as the edible media travels through the printer. A high-quality pictorial rendition of the image is thus created. The printed edible media can then be applied onto a product, shipped to a separate location or eaten as is.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting tumor cell growth, causing tumor regression or eliminating tumor cells in a mammal afflicted with a tumor by administering to a TRAIL-sensitive cell a vector having a DNA expression cassette containing a promoter and a DNA sequence encoding TRAIL, wherein the expression of TRAIL results in tumor inhibition, regression or elimination.

Abstract: A disc drive assembly includes a magnetic disc mounted on a hub of a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a base portion supporting the hub for rotation about a spindle axis. A bottom surface of the base portion extends outside of an internal disc drive environment, and a damper affixed to the bottom surface of the base portion attenuates vibrations within the base portion of the spindle motor. A constrain layer of the damper is secured to the bottom surface of the base portion by an adhesive, and the constrain layer is sufficiently stiff to dampen resonant vibrations such as rocking mode vibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating a patient having a tumor in order to reduce tumor size, comprising administering to the patient a replication-competent Paramyxoviridae virus comprising two or more of a) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide, wherein upon administration the heterologous polypeptide is detectable in a biological fluid of the patient, and detection of the heterologous polypeptide is indicative of Paramyxoviridae virus growth in the patient and reduction in tumor size; b) a recombinant F protein, H protein, or M protein of Paramyxoviridae virus that increases fusogenicity of virus with cells; c) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cytokine; and d) a Paramyxoviridae virus that is specific for cells of the tumor.

Abstract: A procedure for estimating bit error rate (BER) for disc media in a disc drive is disclosed. Initially, the BER estimation procedure writes random data to specified tracks on the disc media. The procedure then reads the specified tracks over predefined time intervals to determine a BER for the disc media at the termination of each interval. Using the determined bit error rates, the procedure extrapolates the BER values to generate a decay graph representative of a BER slope over the time period comprising the time intervals. The decay graph is then used to estimate BER for the disc media at a predetermined time, such as the end of the expected life of the disc drive.

Abstract: An electro-optic waveguide device, comprising (a) a first polymer buffer clad having a refractive index of about 1.445 to about 1.505 and a thickness of about 2.2 ?m to about 3.2 ?m; (b) a first polymer clad having a refractive index of about 1.53 to about 1.61 and a thickness of about 1.0 ?m to about 3.0 ?m; (c) an electro-optic polymer core having a refractive index of about 1.54 to about 1.62 and a thickness of about 1.0 ?m to about 3.0 ?m; and (d) a second polymer buffer clad having a refractive index of about 1.445 to about 1.505 and a thickness of about 2.2 ?m to about 3.2 ?m.

Abstract: A digital sine/cosine wave generator generates discrete values representative of either a sine wave or a cosine wave. The digital sine/cosine wave generator generates sine and/or cosine waves by implementing a difference equation of the form y(n)=b*y(n?2)?y(n?1). One of the initial conditions of the difference equation is selected from a series of values generated by a coefficient generator. The frequency of the sine and/or cosine wave generated by the sine/cosine wave generator is dependent on, and may be selected according to, which of the series of values generated by a coefficient generator is chosen as an initial condition of the difference equation.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying, isolating, and producing htrB mutants of gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The method comprises mutating the htrB gene of a gram-negative bacterial pathogen so that there is a lack of a functional HtrB protein, resulting in a mutant that lacks one or more secondary acyl chains and displays substantially reduced toxicity as compared to the wild type strain. Also, the present invention provides methods for using a vaccine formulation containing the htrB mutant, or the endotoxin isolated therefrom, to immunize an individual against infections caused by gram-negative bacterial pathogens by administering a prophylactically effective amount of the vaccine formulation.

Abstract: A disc clamp having centering features, and a method for centering a disc clamp on a spindle hub within a disc drive utilizes a disc clamp having a series of alignment tabs extending into an inner edge for centering the disc clamp on a motor spindle hub. Each alignment tab has an engagement face that defines a curved or chamfered surface, where the curved surface reduces disc clamp/motor spindle hub interaction when the disc clamp is installed on the spindle hub.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described. The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter membrane capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. The device further includes a debris filter positioned either at the first end or between the first end and the filter providing outflow resistance. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: In a data storage device, a system of method of optimizing cache management. A method includes selecting a set of cache management algorithms associated with a predetermined pattern in a sequence of commands. Statistics based on a sequence of commands are gathered and a pattern is detected from the statistics. The pattern is associated with predetermined known patterns to identify a set of cache management algorithms that are optimized for the known pattern. A system includes usage statistics that are correlated among a set of known usage patterns. A switch chooses the set of cache management algorithms associated with the known pattern that most closely matches the usage statistics.

Abstract: An improved display system may include an integral hook and bracket system which can be mounted to both wire grid and hanger bar fixture systems. An adapter unit may also be provided, wherein the adaptor configures the system to be mounted to pegboard and slot wall fixture systems. In such embodiments, the system is universally compatible with a wide variety of different fixture systems. The system may also include a product information display member opposite the adaptor member.

Abstract: Improved panels suitable for use in bulkhead and partition systems. In one embodiment of the invention, the panels are seamless, one-piece members integrally formed from a single resinous material. In other embodiments, the panels include depressions that obviate the need to fill the panels with foam or other supportive filler material. In still other embodiments, the panels have no fasteners extending through panel so the panels are substantially impervious to moisture. Other embodiments have grooves or similar mounting means disposed around their peripheral edges to which edging such as supports or flexible seals may be mounted. In yet other embodiments, the grooves are arranged so as to permit worn out seals to be quickly and easily replaced without the need to remove mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A nucleic acid construct is described which provides cell type-specific expression of a therapeutic transgene. The construct utilizes a cell type-specific promoter which drives expression of the transgene. A positive feedback loop is introduced through the addition of a amplification promoter element operably linked to the therapeutic transgene and by providing, either as part of the same construct, or in a different construct, a transcription activator for activating the amplification promoter element. In one embodiment, the amplification promoter element is a heat shock response element (HSE) and the transcription activator is HSF-1. The construct enables functional targeting of a therapeutic gene while avoiding undesirable effects in non-targeted cells, by combining sufficiently high-level expression to promote a desirable therapeutic outcome with exceptional tissue specificity.

Abstract: The invention provides sequence specific polynucleotide analogues and methods for determining the function of a nucleic acid of known sequence.

Abstract: A disc drive mounting system includes a first elongated thermally conductive mounting member having spaced apart first and second mounting areas that can be secured to the frame and a mid portion between the mounting areas. The mid portion of the first mounting member can extend along a first side of a disc drive. A first set of thermally conductive fins extend from the first mounting member away from a disc drive when the disc drive is fastened to the mid portion. First and second mechanical vibration isolators are secured to the first and second mounting areas, respectively.

Abstract: An image detection apparatus comprises a light source and a holding apparatus adapted to hold a substrate on which a biological sample may be mounted. Light from the light source impinges on the biological sample and causes light that is representative of the sample to be emitted from the sample. A light detector is positioned in the path of the emitted light and is scanned across the emitted light. The emitted light may be focused on the light detector with an optical assembly. The emitted light may be generated by chromophores on probes in the biological sample.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods for the detection of multiple myeloma (MM) and the identification of high-risk patients with multiple myeloma-related plasma proliferative disorders, such as MGUS or SMM, likely to progress to active MM are described. The diagnosis is based on the determination of concentrations of bioactive IL-1? produced by the bone marrow plasma cells of these patients. Also described are therapeutic methods for the treatment of MM and for the chemoprevention of the progression from disorders such as MGUS and SMM to active MM, involving the administration of inhibitors of IL-1?.

Abstract: A procedure for reading data stored on a data storage disc in a disc drive is disclosed. The procedure involves reading data from one or more sectors on the data storage disc after an error occurred while initially reading the sector(s) pursuant to a read command issued by a host computer. During the initial read, the procedure logs information pertaining to the sector(s) on the disc where an error occurred. The logged information is then used during the procedure to retrieve data from the sector(s) in a single revolution of the disc. The procedure uses a skip mask, a vector buffer management list and a data throttling mechanism to administer a transfer of data from a disc to a host computer via a data buffer.