Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering and injecting an agent into a target site within the body without penetrating the tissue of the target site with anything other than the agent. The system comprises a nozzle assembly and a propulsion mechanism. The nozzle assembly comprises an ampule with a reservoir, having a reservoir orifice, for containing the agent; a dispersion fixture that has a dispersion orifice; and a channel in fluid communication between the reservoir orifice and the dispersion orifice. The propulsion mechanism is operatively coupled to the reservoir for propelling the agent from within the reservoir, through the reservoir orifice and the channel and the dispersion orifice, at a pressure sufficient to cause the agent to penetrate the target site without penetration of the target site with the dispersion fixture. Methods of using and making the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for use in semiconductor processing equipment includes elements that permit reticle expansion and assembly misalignment without additional reticle deformation. Reticle expansion is allowed by flexible support elements that are positioned to move in the direction of expansion, but that also combine to provide the control necessary for processing. Misalignment is allowed by connections that attach the reticle securely and uniquely to the support elements despite some amount of imperfection in the reticle, or the connections themselves. Accounting in this way for expansion and misalignment prevents additional reticle distortion and thus improves the accuracy of the product.

Abstract: Conditionally-immortalized human CNS progenitor cell lines are provided. Such cell lines, which may be clonal, may be used to generate neurons and/or astrocytes. Such cell lines and/or differentiated cells may be used for the development of therapeutic agents to prevent and treat a variety of CNS-related diseases. Such cell lines and/or differentiated cells may also be used in assays and for the general study of CNS cell development, death and abnormalities.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first substrate having a set of semiconductor devices formed within it. The apparatus also includes a second substrate. A third substrate has a data conductor coupled between first and second connections to the second substrate. The data conductor is coupled to the set of semiconductor devices at respective connection points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ether compounds, compositions comprising ether compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, dysproteinemias, and glucose metabolism disorders comprising administering a composition comprising an ether compound. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are also useful for treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease, Syndrome X, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-related disorders, septicemia, thrombotic disorders, obesity, pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease, cancer, inflammation, and impotence. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.

Abstract: Described is a micro-structured paper or paper-like material having a self-cleaning and/or non-adhesive effect whereby the paper or paper-like material is hydrophobic across the entire cross-section of the material and which is micro-structured in such a way that the surface is provided with elevations and depressions whereby the distance between the elevations ranges from 0.04 to 100 microns and the height of the elevations ranges from 0.04 to 100 microns, and whereby the paper or paper-like material is characterized in that it contains particles having the size of 0.04 to 50 microns that are bound to the paper or paper-like material by means of a binder, and whereby the paper or paper-like material is hydrophobic across the entire cross section of the material, as well as a method for the production thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a stereoscopic map displaying method beneficial for a navigation system in which map information is selected from a database according to a current location of a mobile object. The map database for storing map information comprises a plurality of types of information regarding a first map mesh provided with height information and a second map mesh with no height information wherein there is provided information for identifying that the second map mesh has no height information. A mode of a mark representing the moving display device is switched in accordance with a result whether first map data or second map data is utilized and displayed on the display apparatus superposing graphics data.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems (e.g., computer systems and computer program products) for identifying and characterizing genes using microarrays. In particular, the invention provides for improved, robust methods for detecting genes through the use of microarrays to analyze the expression state of the genome. Genes which are expressed can be mapped to their respective positions in the genome, and the structure of such genes can be determined.

Abstract: A current steering-type gain control circuit provides a non-zero minimum gain in response to readily reproducible control signal conditions and without requiring sophisticated control-signal-generating circuitry. The gain control circuit is adapted from a conventional differential pair of current-steering transistors, biased by first and second control signals respectively. To provide a well-defined non-zero minimum gain, the gain control circuit includes at least one additional current steering transistor that further steers current to the output when conducting in the minimum gain state. By further including one or more additional pairs of current steering transistors, the gain control circuit also provides a plurality of well-defined states with gains between the maximum and minimum gain values of the circuit. The minimum and intermediate gain values, may be selected by varying the physical characteristics of the current steering transistors which may be BJTs or FETs.

Abstract: A session protection system for an ATM packet switching network enables real-time data to be protected from unauthorised access. The usual rules for transmission/reception ensure ATM cells are delivered in the order transmitted, and with a consistent VP or VP/VC value. ATM defines an adaptation layer for transmitting packets through a VC, whereby adaptation layer endpoints break packets into cells and packet transmission relies on both rules for correct operation. The session protection system disrupts this control and employs at least one pseudo random number generator (PRG1,PRG2), located in a transmitting network element (A) to break at least one of the rules by either delivering cells in a different order or delivering ATM cells with a non-consistent VP or VP/VC value. At least one pseudo random number generator (PRG1,PRG2) at a receiving network element (B) either reassembles cells in the order of transmission, or with a consistent VP or VP/VC value respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for immobilizing ion exchange particles, and to the products of those process. One embodiment of the invention encompasses a process of immobilizing ion exchange particles within a porous polyolefinic material. A second embodiment encompasses a process of immobilizing ion exchange particles within a hydrogel. Preferred hydrogels are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an information providing method and system. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of searching for information on the basis of a user's level of interest in at least one primary document transmitted from a server to a client computer accessible by the user. Therefore, the present system and method are operable without receive a specific search string from the user. Depending on a an interest level response received by the server, the system searches for documents either similar or dissimilar to the primary document. Subsequently, the found documents are transmitted to client computer.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a silicon-controlled rectifier includes a high breakdown voltage metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) connected to drive the gate of the silicon-controlled rectifier. The high breakdown voltage MOSFET is itself controlled by a gate voltage. The power requirements for the gate trigger circuit of a series string silicon-controlled rectifier are greatly reduced by using the high breakdown voltage MOSFET as a gate triggering circuit for the silicon-controlled rectifier. Because the MOSFET consumes little power, a limited power source, such as a snubber capacitor voltage that is developed during the OFF-state of the silicon-controlled rectifier, can be used to power the gate trigger circuit.

Abstract: A bone anchoring assembly includes at least one fixation plate and at least one bone anchoring element. Each bone anchoring element includes a circular-cylindrical hollow body with an upper end and a lower end, a connecting element that is pivotably mounted to a fixation plate or longitudinal support, an external thread that extends partially along the outer surface of the circular-cylindrical body for anchoring the bone anchoring element into the cortical portion of the bone, and a series of teeth located on the lower end of the circular-cylindrical body for cutting into bone.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a conjugate comprising an active substance and a native protein which is not recognized as foreign protein for the production of a pharmaceutical preparation for treating and/or diagnosing inflammatory, infectious and/or skin diseases.

Abstract: A high-speed memory system is disclosed in which a single command effects control over either a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices depending on a present mode of operation. Such control may effect data transfer between the one or more memory devices and a memory controller, as well as operating state transitions or power mode transitions for the memory devices. Similarly, various configurations of relatively low bandwidth memory devices respond as a selectively controllable group to transmit or receive high bandwidth data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a verifier for use in conjunction with programs utilizing data type specific bytecodes for verifying the proper operation of the executable program prior to actual execution by a host processor. A verifier is provided which includes a virtual stack for temporarily storing stack information which parallels the typical stack operations required during the execution a bytecode program. The verifier also includes a stack snapshot storage structure having a snapshot directory and stack snapshot storage area for storing the state of the virtual stack at various points during program verification so as to assure proper stack manipulations by the source program. A two step source program verification process is provided for in which the source program is initially loaded into the verifier and a first pass source program evaluation is performed.

Abstract: An improved magnet for use in voice coil actuators is disclosed. The improved magnet includes first and second ends and a top surface, which includes one or more reversed slope notches. Each reversed slope notch may be located in proximity to the ends of the magnet, and may be located such that the magnet is shaped symmetrically about its center. The reversed slope notch is generally characterized in that it includes a notch surface which slopes downward towards the associated end of the magnet. The reversed slope notch or notches minimize the drop-off of force of the voice coil actuator near the ends of the actuator's stroke. In one embodiment, the magnet is part of a linear voice coil actuator that includes a return structure enclosing a magnet and an air gap. In this embodiment, the top surface of the magnet is located adjacent the air gap, and a current-carrying coil travels through the air gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named ‘Driscoll Sonoma’. The new cultivar is distinguished from other blackberry cultivars by its fruit of excellent fruit flavor and shipping quality. ‘Driscoll Sonoma’ is a thornless mid-late season cultivar. The new cultivar is distinguished from its seed parent by its larger fruit and greater plant vigor. The new cultivar is distinguished from its pollen parent by its larger, better flavored fruit.