Abstract: Methods and products for suppressing a class II MHC-restricted immune response in a mammal, or in mammalian cells, are described. The methods depend upon inhibiting invariant chain proteolysis by cathepsin S from class II MHC/invariant chain complexes, thereby reducing the competency of Class II MHC molecules for binding antigenic peptides, reducing presentation of antigenic peptides by class II MHC molecules, and suppressing immune responses. The methods may be employed in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, and organ or tissue graft rejection. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic compositions which are peptide-based inhibitors of cathepsin S are also described.

Abstract: A polarization-preserving optical fiber with a high pump-radiation absorption efficiency including a core, a primary cladding surrounding the core, stress members disposed within the primary cladding, and a secondary cladding surrounding the core, primary cladding and stress members. The stress members and the primary cladding have different thermal responses, thereby inducing birefringence within the fiber. The cladding and stress members cooperate to direct light, propagating through the fiber, into the core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an osteogenic device capable of inducing the formation of endochondral bone in a shape conforming substantially to the shape of the device when implanted in a mammalian host. The device includes an osteogenic protein dispersed within a porous matrix comprising a polymer of collagen and glycosaminoglycan cross-linked to an MC value of about 800 to about 60,000. Also disclosed are a method of inducing mammalian bone growth, and a method of inducing conductive bone growth from viable mammalian bone.

Abstract: This invention deals with several aspects in relation to training of retriever dogs and conducting field trials and hunt tests. In one aspect, this invention provides a catapult assembly including a launching pouch, tensioning bands for the pouch, and a carriage movable between first and second positions. The pouch and carriage are connected at or near the first position. A machine screw is used for drawing the connected pouch and carriage to or near the second position while tensioning the tensioning bands. A drum is used for automatically feeding a retrieving object into the pouch when at or near the second position. A crossbow release mechanism is used to catapult the retrieving object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guide wire having a coil surrounding a core of the guide wire and a stiffness transition element. The stiffness transition element is configured to provide a smooth stiffness transition from the distal end of the guide wire to the coil and/or the core of the guide wire. The stiffness transition element may be formed of any medical grade polymer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure including a first substrate, and an epitaxial layer bonded to the substrate. The epitaxial layer has a threading dislocation density of less than 107 cm−2 and an in-plane lattice constant that is different from that of the first substrate and a second substrate on which the epitaxial layer is fabricated. In another embodiment, there is provided a method of processing a semiconductor structure including providing a first substrate; providing a layered structure including a second substrate having an epitaxial layer provided thereon, the epitaxial layer having an in-plane lattice constant that is different from that of the first substrate and a threading dislocation density of less than 107 cm−2; bonding the first substrate to the layered structure; and removing the second substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing plate comprising a support substrate having disposed thereon an ablative-absorbing layer and, optionally, a durable, ink-accepting surface layer that is not ablative-absorbing. The ablative-absorbing layer may contain a high weight percent of an organic sulfonic acid component. The printing plate may further comprise a hydrophilic polymeric layer interposed between the ablative-absorbing layer and the substrate. The printing plate also comprises a primer layer underlying the ablative-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent, such as a zirconium compound, present in the primer layer. Also provided are methods of preparing such lithographic printing plates, and methods of preparing imaged lithographic printing plates from such lithographic printing plates by imagewise exposure to a laser and a subsequent cleaning step with water or with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: An electroabsorption modulated laser (EML) is formed to include a Fabry-Perot lasing section, in place of the conventional DFB lasing section. When operated at a wavelength of 1310 nm, the wider spectral bandwidth of the FP device (containing several longitudinal modes) is of no concern, since 1310 nm is the zero dispersion wavelength of most conventional transmission fibers. A selective area growth process is used to simultaneously form the MQW active regions of both the FP and EA sections of the EML device, and an isolation trench may be formed between the sections to reduce the effects of electrical crosstalk.

Abstract: As advances continue to be made in the area of high density data storage devices, the storage of such data as music (as is presently stored on audio CD-ROM's), books on tape, videos, movies and the like will become more common. However, when this type of information is stored digitally, the risk of data piracy will increase. What is needed is an integrated copy deterring mechanism for stored digitized information such as audio recordings and the like. The present invention is a digital data storage device which comprises one or more Digital to Analog Converters (DAC's). By incorporating Digital to Analog Converters on the chip or within the chip's packaging (a hybrid device), data being output could be made available in an analog form only (although some portion of the stored information could still be made available in a digital format). A device employing the analog output means disclosed could comprise read only data storage means or writable or one time programmable data storage means.

Abstract: A method of caching information between work sessions for future use is described. The method efficiently determines those blocks of information least likely to be required for future use and preferentially discards such blocks from the cache when additional cache storage space is needed. The method also provides for the dynamic allocation of cache space between work sessions of different content.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for non-invasive pipe inspection. According to one embodiment, the system includes a processor, an analyzer, and a wave launcher. The wave launcher is adapted to transmit an input wideband waveform having a selected input energy into the pipe along a longitudinal axis, and to receive from the pipe a reflected component of the input waveform having a reflected energy. The analyzer is adapted to generate the input waveform, and to receive the reflected component of the input waveform from the wave launcher. The processor is adapted to compare the input waveform with the reflected component of the input waveform to determine characteristics.

Abstract: A separation column for use in a separation process such as chromatography, electrochromatography and electrophoresis is described. The separation column includes multiple collocated monolith support structures and interconnected channels defined by the support structures. The monolith support structures and interconnected channels are created on a substrate using an isotropic etching. The separation column also includes a cover plate disposed on the etched surface of the substrate, creating an enclosed separation column.

Abstract: Autostereoscopic image displays provide highly realistic three-dimensional images to one or a plurality of viewers without the need for wearable appliances. In some embodiments, the images are viewed through a beamsplitter, while in other embodiments the viewer observes the images on a display screen. A viewer-tracking system monitors the viewer's movements and directs each image of a stereopair to the proper eye of the viewer. In some embodiments, the stereoimages are kept independent and separately directed through differential polarization. In other embodiments, this is accomplished through selective intensity modulation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a buried channel FET including providing a relaxed SiGe layer on a substrate, providing a channel layer on the relaxed SiGe layer, providing a SiGe cap layer on the channel layer, and ion implanting a dopant supply. The dopant supply can be ion implanted in either the SiGe cap layer or the relaxed SiGe layer. In another embodiment, there is provided a method of fabricating a circuit including providing at least one strained channel, enhancement mode FET, and at least one strained channel, depletion mode FET on a substrate, and ion implanting a dopant supply in the depletion mode FET.

Abstract: A circuit to power multiple load elements is presented. Fewer discrete components and fewer output terminals are required to power multiple devices. A single high-power DC boost circuit powers multiple AC devices. An end-user can selectively power a subset of the AC devices electrically connected to the present invention. The circuit includes a first and second reference voltage terminal, and a first, second, and third switch. The circuit also includes a first control switch and a second control switch in electrical communication with the first switch and the second switch, respectively. The first control switch provides either a first control signal or a second control signal to a control terminal of the first switch. Similarly, the second control switch provides either the first control signal or the second control signal to a control terminal of the third switch.

Abstract: A method of processing semiconductor materials and a corresponding semiconductor structure, including providing a virtual substrate of a GaAs epitaxial film on a Si substrate, and epitaxailly growing a relaxed graded layer of InxGal-xAs at a temperature ranging upwards from about 600° C. with a subsequent process for planarization of the InGaAs alloy.

Abstract: Structures and methods for fabricating high speed digital, analog, and combined digital/analog systems using planarized relaxed SiGe as the materials platform. The relaxed SiGe allows for a plethora of strained Si layers that possess enhanced electronic properties. By allowing the MOSFET channel to be either at the surface or buried, one can create high-speed digital and/or analog circuits. The planarization before the device epitaxial layers are deposited ensures a flat surface for state-of-the-art lithography.