Abstract: A method of constructing a voided drilled shaft concrete structure is provided. Drilled shafts are large-diameter cast-in-place concrete structures that can generate extremely high temperatures during the concrete hydration/curing phase. The method includes creating an excavation, inserting a cage or an inner casing into the excavation, and filling with concrete the space between the outer surface of the cage or inner surface and the inner surface of the excavation.

Abstract: A spindle motor is disclosed, whereby a bearing is fixed at a support portion of a base to dispense with a bearing housing, thereby reducing the number of parts, shortening an assembly process and reducing the manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the bearing is fixedly inserted into the support portion integrally formed with the base to allow the bearing to maintain a perpendicularity relative to the base, whereby a rotation shaft supported by the bearing can maintain a perpendicularity, thereby reducing noise and vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning the frequency and matching the impedance of an RF coil, or probe, used for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are provided. In NMR/MRI, the RF coils used to acquire the data are tuned and impedance matched for enhanced performance. An embodiment of the subject invention allows for enhanced frequency and impedance adjustments to be made remotely when, for example, space for accessing the mechanical matching components is limited or not available. Applications in which embodiments of the invention can be beneficial include, but are not limited to, medical systems, very high field research magnets and research or commercial MRI/NMR systems.

Abstract: This invention concerns the treatment of cartilage disorder and osteoarthritis in particular. More specifically, it relates to the use of FGF-18 in treatment regimens of patients having a cartilage disorder such as osteoarthritis, such as for example knee osteoarthritis or secondary hip osteoarthritis. Specifically provided is a preferred treatment scheme comprising once weekly administration of an FGF-18 compound per treatment cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, Ra, Rb, W, Q and S have the meanings given in claim 16. The compounds are useful e.g. in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A semiconductor device package is provided. The semiconductor device package includes a package body, a plurality of electrodes, a paste member, and a semiconductor device. The electrodes includes a first electrode disposed on the package body. The paste member is disposed on the first electrode and includes at least one of an inorganic filler and metal powder. The semiconductor device is die-bonded on the paste member.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a modular six-degrees-of-freedom spatial mechanism for spinal disc prosthesis, with up to three rotational and up to three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). The prosthetic disc mechanism consists of up to three independent cylindrical joints, each joint providing one linear and one rotational degree of freedom. The superior and inferior vertebral plates of the device anchor to the superior and inferior vertebrae of an FSU and the device maintains an inseparable mechanical linkage between those vertebrae for all normal motions and positions of the FSU. The device utilizes resilient spring elements, components that self-adjust in position and orientation, in conjunction with a fiber reinforced boot and toroidal belt, as well as a unique hydraulic damping system to accommodate dynamic and static forces and sudden shocks on the FSU.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2,Ra, Rb, X have the meanings given in claim 16. The compounds are useful e.g. in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compounds of formula (1): including monomers and multimers thereof that are inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) activity and are useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions in which HNE plays a part.

Abstract: A spindle motor is disclosed, wherein a coupling protruder of a stopper is penetrated into a rotor yoke by caulking. Therefore, no foreign objects that are generated from welding process are produced to inhibit the spindle motor from generating defects caused by the foreign objects and to improve the product reliability. Furthermore, the coupled protruder of the stopper is coupled to the rotor yoke by caulking, to make an assembly process simple. Still furthermore, the spindle motor according to the present invention is economical in that, in a case the coupled stopper is to be separated from the rotor yoke, the coupled stopper and the rotor yoke can be simply separated by cutting off a caulked portion of the coupled protruder, thereby allowing the rotor yoke to be re-used.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid genes of glucanase and dextransucrase, recombinant vectors comprising said hybrid genes, microorganisms which are transformed with said recombinant vectors, hybrid enzymes which are expressed from said hybrid genes, and processes for preparing isomalto-oligosaccharides or dextran using said microorganisms or enzymes. Expensive isomalto-oligosaccharides and low molecular weight dextran for clinical use can be produced simply and effectively from cheap substrate-sucrose, using a single bacterial strain or enzyme.

Abstract: A back side illumination image sensor according to an embodiment includes: a photosensitive device and a readout circuit on the front side of a first substrate; an interlayer dielectric layer on the front side of the first substrate; a metal line on the interlayer dielectric layer; a pad having a step on the interlayer dielectric layer; and a second substrate bonded with the front side of the first substrate over the interlayer dielectric layer, metal line, and pad.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to novel biologically active TACI-Fc fusion proteins that bind to BLyS and/or APRIL and uses thereof. The invention also relates to methods for recombinant production of homogeneous TACI-Fc fusion proteins on a large scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flash memory device and a method of manufacturing the same. The flash memory device includes a floating gate formed on a semiconductor substrate, a select gate self-aligned on one sidewall of the floating gate, and an ONO pattern interposed between the floating gate and the select gate. A self-aligned split gate structure is formed for an EEPROM tunnel oxide cell flash memory device employing a split gate structure, so that a cell current is constant and the erasing characteristic between cells is uniform, thereby improving the reliability.

Abstract: Provided are a photomask, an image sensor, and a method of manufacturing the image sensor. The image sensor can include photodiode structures, color filters, a planarization layer, and microlenses. The photodiode structures can be disposed on a semiconductor substrate according to unit pixel. The color filters can be disposed on the semiconductor substrate in a matrix arrangement above the photodiode structures. The planarization layer can cover the entire semiconductor substrate and includes cavities in regions of the planarization layer corresponding to boundaries between the color filters. The cavities may be arranged at boundaries between unit pixels. The microlenses can be disposed on the planarization layer such that portions of the microlenses are arranged in the cavities of the planarization layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic knee appliance having upper and lower leg elements with a single-axis, articulating joint therebetween controllable with an electric knee-lock mechanism. A tilt-switch located within the prosthetic knee can facilitate activation of the electric knee-lock to lock or unlock the joint when the lower leg element is in a pre-determined position. A remote control can provide external locking control of the articulating joint. A pressure switch can ensure that the free-knee is locked only when the lower leg element is sufficiently extended relative to the upper leg element. The mobility of a free-knee system combined with the stability of a straight-leg prosthesis can be advantageous for pre-ambulatory pediatric patients.

Abstract: Provided is a porous humidity-control tile including about 40% to about 95% by weight of diatomite, and one or more of ochre, red clay, kaolin, zeolite, illite, vermiculite, feldspar, pottery stone, and pyrophyllite. The porous humidity-control tile has about 10 vol % to 80 vol % of cellular spherical pores having a size corresponding to a size of hollow pore forming material that is removable by heat treatment. The porous humidity-control tile has a rate of moisture adsorption/desorption per unit weight in a range from about 20 g/kg to about 60 g/kg and a rate of moisture adsorption/adsorption per unit area in a range from about 150 g/m2 to about 450 g/m2. Therefore, the porous humidity-control tile can be light, and the amount of adsorption/desorption per unit weight of the porous humidity-control tile can be improved.

Abstract: The application describes several mutant amyloid beta peptides and specific regions which are useful in the therapeutic and diagnostic of neurological diseases. The application further describes methods of using these mutant peptides as treatment and reagents for diagnosis of diseases. The application further describes diagnostic kits and pharmaceutical compositions for use in therapy to treat neurological diseases including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease and various forms of mild cognitive impairments.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for treating diabetes in patients. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides compositions methods for treating diabetes and/or preventing or alleviating complications associated with diabetes. Specifically exemplified herein is the concurrent administration of a cysteamine compound with at least one additional therapeutic agent to prevent and/or treat diabetes as well as prevent and/or treat complications associated with diabetes. In a preferred embodiment, oral administration of cysteamine hydrochloride with Metformin to a patient diagnosed with diabetes can substantially regulate the patient's glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: A high intensity lighting apparatus (400) includes an outer housing (402); a curved support disk (414) having an array of diode or laser-based integrated light sources (410) attached thereto disposed within the housing. Each of the light sources (110) include a tube (112) having a laser or diode chip (111) at one end of the tube. The tubes each have at least one concave shaped exit surface (113) on an end opposite the chip, wherein the concave exit surface converges light emitted from each of the light sources to focal points within the housing (402). A shape of the curved support disk (414) converges the respective focal points into a light beam having a common focal plane (441). Adjustable secondary optics (431) are disposed in the housing after the focal plane (441) for creating various angles of transmission of the light beam. The laser can be a diode laser, while the diode can be a light-emitting diode (LED).