Abstract: A semiconductor laser device has a pair of cladding layers with an active layer interposed therebetween. At least one of the cladding layers is of the same composition through the entire region of the cladding layer, excluding a dopant in the cladding layer, and has a stripe portion different in conductivity type from adjacent portions.

Abstract: Tomato raisins (dried grape tomatoes) and methods of producing raisin tomatoes are described. The method involves (a) removing the skin from a grape tomato to produce a skinless grape tomato; and (b) drying the skinless grape tomato to produce a tomato raisin. The dried, skinless grape tomato has from 8% to about 16% water content.

Abstract: An in vitro model system for viral infection and for immune response is comprised of a tissue block from adult tonsil or lymph node supported on a matrix which is flexible and porous and wherein the supported tissue block is cultured in a medium whose surface is congruent with the tissue block/matrix interface. The histoculture system can be used to screen for antiviral drugs, to monitor the course of viral diseases, and to monitor an immune response to antigen stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides barley thioredoxin h nucleic acids and proteins. The barley thioredoxin h nucleic acid may be isolated or it may be an expression vector. The expression vector may be operably linked to a transcriptional regulatory sequence. The invention also provides for transgenic plants comprising recombinant barley thioredoxin h. The invention also provides methods of expressing and purifying barley thioredoxin h.

Abstract: A test system of the present invention is suitable especially for a reliability test. A reader (23) for reading a wafer identification code attached to a wafer (W) and a reader (24) for reading a shell identification code (14) attached to a test shell (1), are provided for an aligner (2). A reader (36) for reading the shell identification code (14) is provided for a rest apparatus. A transmission system (41) is provided, through which information read by the readers (24, 36) are exchanged between the aligner (2) and the test apparatus (3). A storage devices (25b, 34b, 35b) are used for storing the information. Owing to the use of these structural elements, the IC chips formed on a semiconductor wafer can be accurately tested with high efficiency. The test shell used in the test can be disassembled accurately and reliably.

Abstract: This is a method for treating ophthalmic disorders associated with an excess of IGF-I or IGF-II. The method comprises administering individuals with an IGF excess insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP). The preferred form is IGFBP-3.

Abstract: This is a device for bridging the necks of wide-necked or narrow-necked aneurysms in the vasculature. It is a device which may be used by itself to bridge the neck of an aneurysm or used to stabilize the presence of other vaso-occlusive devices such as helically wound coils in that aneurysm. The included vaso-occlusive devices may be delivered to the aneurysm in a variety of different ways, e.g., by a core wire which is linked to the coils by an electrolytically severable or mechanically detachable joint. The vaso-occlusive devices may also be simply pushed into the aneurysm. The aneurysm neck bridge may also be delivered in a variety of ways, but preferably is attached to an electrolytically severable joint for its deployment. The inventive neck bridge may contain one or two sections: a first or inner section to be placed within the aneurysm and an optional second or outer section suitably placed outside the aneurysm.

Abstract: An improved immunomodulatory agent, the dimaleate salt of N,N-dimethyl-8,8-dipropyl-2-azaspiro?4.5!decane-2-propanamine.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having braided layer which extends generally from the proximal end of the catheter to a location distal of the balloon. In particular, it is desirable that the shaft of the catheter proximal of the balloon be stiffest at the proximal section and least stiff just proximal of the balloon. Although the catheter may be a single lumen catheter using some type of a core wire to act as a valve for inflation and deflation of the balloon, it is within the scope of the invention to include either a separate inflation/deflation lumen or one incorporated into the various concentric polymeric layers used to make up the proximal shaft. Particularly preferred is the use of an elastic, compliant balloon.

Abstract: This is an assembly for controllably delivering vaso-occlusive devices to a selected site within the vasculature or other lumen of the human body by the use of a catheter. In particular, the device includes a holding member which is at least generally tubular and has an opening through the tubular wall. The vaso-occlusive device to be delivered has on one end a mating member which may be at least partially pressed into the opening in the wall of the holding member. The mating member attached to the vaso-occlusive member is held in the opening with an interference wire. The interference wire is axially movable within the holding member and has a diameter sufficient to hold the mating member within the wall opening. Upon proximal movement of the interference wire, the mating member becomes free to leave the holding member. The interference wire may be tapered or not. The vaso-occlusive member may be a helically wound coil or a braid or other appropriate form.

Abstract: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors may have utility for gene therapy but heretofore a significant obstacle has been the inability to generate sufficient quantifies of such recombinant vectors in amounts that would be clinically useful for human gene therapy application. Stable, helper-free AAV packaging cell lines have been elusive, mainly due to the activities of Rep protein, which down-regulates its own expression and reverses cellular immortalization. This invention provides packaging systems and processes for packaging AAV vectors that efficiently circumvent these problems by replacing the AAV p5 promoter with a heterologous promoter and that allow for substantially increased packaging efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a new and distinct selection of Olea europaea L. (popularly known as the olive tree) hereinafter referred to as Olea europaea cultivar Don Carlo. Olea europaea cultivar Don Carlo exhibits medium plant vigor, erect on average branch structure, greyish green fruit and superior olive oil.