Abstract: A monolithically-integrated SRAM cell is described for reducing the cell size, i.e., at least two of a plurality of transistors comprising the SRAM cell are monolithically integrated to define a first transistor and a second transistor, wherein the drain of the first transistor functions as the gate of the second transistor and the drain of the second transistor functions as the gate of the first transistor. This integration eliminates the need for gate-to-drain connections of previous devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mechanically imaging the prostate with a prostate examination device. In the method, position data and pressure response data are acquired along predetermined trajectories overlaying the prostate by periodic pressing or sliding of a pressure sensor assembly attached to a probe against the prostate. In a preferred embodiment, the prostate examination device comprises a probe sized to fit within the rectum and having a head connected by a shaft to a handle. A support is connected to the probe for providing a point of rest for the shaft during the prostate examination. As the pressure sensor assembly is pressed against and moved over the prostate, it generates signals in response to forces imposed on the pressure sensor assembly. A positioning system is coupled to the support and probe for determining position data of the pressure sensor assembly during prostate examination.

Abstract: A corrugated board packaging box including an opening portion which is formed on a front surface portion of a box body, through which goods are taken in and out. On both sides of the front surface portion, a cut-off portion is formed to cut off by a cutting line, defined by a vertical supporting member disposed on the intermediate portion of the front surface, and on an edge of the one side of the cut-off portion, a cut-off protrusion is disposed by forming an inclined cutting line.

Abstract: A process for device fabrication is disclosed in which two substrates having different crystal lattices are bound together. In the process the substrate surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and placed in physical contact with each other. The duration of the contact and the pressure of the contact are selected to facilitate a bond between the two substrate surfaces that results from attractive Van der Waals' forces between the two surfaces. The bonded substrates are heated to a moderate temperature to effect escape of gases which may be entrapped by the substrates. The bulk of one of the substrates is then typically removed. The substrates can be heated again to a moderate temperature to effect removal of any gases remaining entrapped on the substrates. Thereafter, the bonded surfaces are heated to a high temperature to effect a permanent bond.

Abstract: A multilayer industrial stretch film is provided with at least one cling layer and is formed by coextruding a film-formable polymer with a tackifier. The invention provides a multilayer film having at least two skin layers and at least one core layer in which at least one of the skin layers is derived from a mixture of the tackifier and the film-formable polymer. At least one of the core layers can include a vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI). Beneficial results are obtained by also including a lubricating composition in at least one, if not both, skin layers when at least one of the core layers contains a VCI. The lubricant in the skin layer effectively reduces the extrusion temperature (for blown and cast films), and tends to avoid degrading or igniting the VCI.

Abstract: 2-Aminopropane is used as the amine donor in the stereoselective synthesis of a chiral amine from a ketone with a transaminase. In a typical embodiment, (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane is prepared by bringing methoxyacetone into contact with a transaminase in the presence of 2-aminopropane as an amine donor until a substantial amount of methoxyacetone is converted to (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane and 2-aminopropane is converted to acetone. In a second embodiment, L-alanine is prepared by bringing pyruvic acid into contact with a transaminase in the presence of 2-aminopropane as an amine donor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for identifying tested path-delay faults in integrated circuits. A path status graph is generated to represent the detected status of simulated path-delay faults. The path status graph includes vertices representing primary inputs, primary outputs and elements of the circuit. Detected status path-delay faults can be dynamically distributed to edges of the path status graph. Tested path-delay faults can be identified from traversal of the edges of the path status graph.

Abstract: Cyano and carboxy derivatives of substituted styrenes are inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor .alpha., nuclear factor .kappa.B, and phosphodiesterase and can be used to combat cachexia, endotoxic shock, retrovirus replication, asthma, and inflammatory conditions. A typical embodiment is 3,3-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile.

Abstract: The invention discloses digitally tunable optical grating device using force between switchable and nonswitchable magnets to reconfigure the mechanical strain, preferably a tensile strain, or gratings so that a pulse or short-duration current can induce a latchable change in grating periodicity. Preferred embodiments include fiber gratings with magnet gaps dimensioned for limiting the maximum strain applied to the grating and guides for providing strain without rotation or twisting. The magnets provide an accurately predetermined amount of strain and hence provide a latchable wavelength shift in the grating with a minimal amount of electrical power. The device is especially useful in WDM communication systems, particularly for adding or dropping channels and for dynamically equalizing amplifier gain.

Abstract: A system and method for binding documents wherein the binder is reusable and is easy to use, the binding system comprising interlocking pieces that combined form a secure and reusable document binder.

Abstract: A method of encrypting and decrypting digital data such as text, numeric, images, pictures, especially tailored for optical compact discs; said method comprising of ciphering/deciphering and error detection and correction using algebraic method, namely Reed-Solomon code.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an SPE extraction apparatus is provided with a new SPE disk which eliminates radial wicking and weeping and new disk holding apparatus which minimizes the indirect flow region and minimizes the number of sample transfers required. The new SPE disk encapsulates the sorbent/fiber matrix between two porous outer layers which can be filters, united into an essentially non-porous rim around the disk perimeter. The disk holder and ring seal against this disk rim so that the active central portion of the disk is held entirely within the direct flow path. Thus weeping and indirect flow loss are virtually eliminated. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus eliminates the need to manually disassemble the apparatus while in use. Advantageously a flow control mechanism is incorporated into the disk holder to further minimize the amount of solvent needed for extraction.

Abstract: New ACC synthase genes from pineapple, papaya and mango are disclosed which have utility as targets for the generation of transgenic plants in which the expression of ACC synthase is substantially controlled to effect the regulation of plant development, and in particular, fruit ripening.

Abstract: A programmable and latchable device for wavelength shifting and chromatic dispersion compensating is disclosed. An optical grating such as a Bragg grating, a nonchirped grating, or a linearly or non-linearly chirped grating, is magnetostrictively strained to alter the dispersion compensator characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a gradient magnetostrictive body is bonded along its length to the fiber grating. In yet another preferred embodiment, a magnetostrictive body is bonded onto the length of the fiber grating, and a gradient generating, programmable and latchable magnet component is placed adjacent the magnetostrictive body. The body is then latchably strained to a desired level by controlling the extent of magnetization in the magnetostrictive material and the magnet so as to induce or enhance chirping characteristics in the grating. Various optical applications using such are disclosed.