Abstract: The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of A? in the brain of a patient. Preferred agents include humanized antibodies.

Abstract: Parallel data processing systems and methods use cooperative thread arrays (CTAs), i.e., groups of multiple threads that concurrently execute the same program on an input data set to produce an output data set. Each thread in a CTA has a unique identifier (thread ID) that can be assigned at thread launch time and that controls various aspects of the thread's processing behavior, such as the portion of the input data set to be processed by each thread, the portion of the output data set to be produced by each thread, and/or sharing of intermediate results among threads. Where groups of threads are executed in SIMD parallelism, thread IDs for threads in the same SIMD group are generated and assigned in parallel, allowing different SIMD groups to be launched in rapid succession.

Abstract: A compact slider has a reduced area of bearing surfaces, thus substantially decreasing a lifting force obtained through an air bearing characteristic. In one embodiment, a shallowly grooved surface and air bearing surfaces are disposed on an inflow side of a bearing surface of a slider. The air bearing surfaces are connected to each other through a connection air bearing surface. Side shallowly grooved surfaces are respectively disposed rearward of the air bearing surfaces. The side shallowly grooved surface extends up to a point near an outflow end. A center air bearing surface is disposed on the outflow end of the slider. A magnetic head is mounted on the center air bearing surface. A center shallowly grooved surface is disposed on an inflow side of the center air bearing surface. A deeply grooved surface is disposed at a center of the bearing surface. No cutting margins are provided on both sides of the slider.

Abstract: A potentially dangerous machine is secured to protect against injuries and has first and second tool parts that define an opening gap between them. At least the first tool part is movable relative to the second tool part in a movement direction during an operating cycle for deforming a workpiece between them by reducing a size of the opening gap in the movement direction. The protected zone precedes the first tool part and extends over at least a portion of the opening gap in the direction of relative movement. The protected zone is monitored with an optoelectronic sensor, and a danger signal is generated in response to a breach of the protected zone. When the size of the opening gap in the movement direction becomes smaller than the protected zone, the size of the protected zone is correspondingly reduced until during subsequent closing movements of the first tool part substantially the entire opening gap is within the protected zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for thermal spraying (1) including a spray gun (2) with a burner (3), wherein an operating media (5) can be supplied to the spray gun (2) via a feed line (4), and a base part (6) which is in communication with a supply unit (8) for the operating medium (5) via a supply line (7). A releasable coupling device (9) is provided, with the feed line (4) including an adapter part (10) such that the adapter part (10) can be connected to the base part (6) by means of the releasable coupling device (9).

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a surface region. The surface region includes one or more layers overlying the semiconductor substrate. In addition, the method includes depositing a dielectric layer overlying the surface region. The dielectric layer is formed by a CVD process. Furthermore, the method includes forming a diffusion barrier layer overlying the dielectric layer. In addition, the method includes forming a conductive layer overlying the diffusion barrier layer. Additionally, the method includes reducing the thickness of the conductive layer using a chemical-mechanical polishing process. The CVD process utilizes fluorine as a reactant to form the dielectric layer. In addition, the dielectric layer is associated with a dielectric constant equal or less than 3.3.

Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.

Abstract: A personal audio set formed that includes an ear-clip mounting portion pivotally secured to a frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the frame of the personal audio set includes a sliding portion to define a first axis of rotation, and the ear hook is pivotally secured to the sliding portion to define a second axis of rotation so that the headset may be properly worn on either the wearer's left or right ear by moving the sliding portion and ear hook about their respective axes. The ear hook is preferably substantially c-shaped and dual molded.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.

Abstract: In a satellite or other relayed communication system having a plurality of subscriber terminals that communicate through an elevated wireless relay (typically a satellite operating in bent pipe mode), a technique for subscriber terminal power control is provided whereby the power level is controlled via leader-follower operation relying on sharing control factors determined at a single calibrated subscriber terminal transmitter (the leader terminal) to create traffic to be compared to the received traffic of the other subscriber terminals. The power level of the subscriber terminals is then adjusted based on the relationship of their received energy to the received energy of the leader terminal.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a reference voltage in a memory device includes a switching section, a first voltage generator, a second voltage generator and a comparator. The switching section controls a supply of a power supply voltage in response to a control signal. The first voltage generator generates a reference voltage and a first voltage by dividing the power supply voltage provided through the switching section, and has a negative temperature coefficient characteristic. The second voltage generator generates the reference voltage and a second voltage having a positive temperature coefficient characteristic. The comparator compares the first voltage with the second voltage, and controls the switching section in accordance with the comparison result.

Abstract: Functionalized pyridazine derivatives having a low molecular weight and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful as alpha-helix mimetics and for treating conditions and/or disorders mediated by alpha-helix-binding receptors and proteins.

Abstract: Improved techniques to recognize a power source on a peripheral bus and/or determine power available from the power source via the peripheral bus are disclosed. Typically, the peripheral bus is supported by a cable connected between a host device and an electronic device. In this case, the host device is a power source (e.g., power adapter or battery pack) and the cable is used to provide power from the power source to the electronic device. Hence, by understanding the power available from the power source, the electronic device can manage its power utilization so as to operate in a stable and reliable manner. The electronic device is, for example, a portable computing device. Examples of portable computing devices include a Portable Digital Assistant (PDA) and a portable media player.

Abstract: A global server load balancing (GSLB) switch serves as a proxy to an authoritative DNS communicates with numerous site switches which are coupled to host servers serving specific applications. The GSLB switch receives from site switches operational information regarding host servers within the site switches neighborhood. When a client program requests a resolution of a host name, the GSLB switch, acting as a proxy of an authoritative DNS, returns one or more ordered IP addresses for the host name. The IP addresses are ordered using metrics that include the information collected from the site switches. In one instance, the GSLB switch places the address that is deemed “best” at the top of the list.

Abstract: Methods and systems coordinate an Internet-based financial transaction between an Internet merchant and a customer. A first information packet is received with a payment network from the Internet merchant. The first information packet has a credential assigned to the customer and transaction information specifying at least a cost of the Internet-based financial transaction. With the payment network, account information is determined that identifies a financial account maintained by the customer at a financial institution and authorization information that allows debit access to the identified financial account. A second information packet that includes the transaction information, the account information, and the authorization information is generated with the payment network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enrolling customers in loyalty programs include receiving, at a loyalty program host, transaction information for a transaction initiated by a customer and determining whether the transaction information includes a customer loyalty number associated with a loyalty program. If the transaction information does not include the customer loyalty number, a loyalty enrollment process is initiated to automatically enroll the customer in the loyalty program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new 18-residue homodimerized peptide, designated PIP [59-67] dimer (SEQ ID NO: 1), which is a mutant of the optimized anti-inflammatory peptide P-NT.II, the patent for which has recently been filed [1]. P-NT.II has the potential to modulate both the inflammatory and bone damaging components of rheumatoid arthritis, and was originally designed on the basis of the primary structure of the anti-inflammatory protein termed ‘Phospholipase Inhibitor from Python (PIP)’ [2]. Using solid phase chemistry, variants of P-NT.II were designed and examined for inhibitory activity against secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), a key enzyme involved in the inflammatory pathway, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are involved in the remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cancer. Among the family of mutants tested, the dimerized peptide was found to be the most potent inhibitor against sPLA2 as well as the human recombinant MMP-1.

Abstract: A pro-inflammatory T cell response is specifically suppressed by the injection into a recipient of DNA encoding an autoantigen associated with autoimmune disease. The recipient may be further treating by co-vaccination with a DNA encoding a Th2 cytokine, particularly encoding IL4. In response to the vaccination, the proliferation of autoantigen-reactive T cells and the secretion of Th1 cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-? and IL-15, are reduced.

Abstract: A recording media drive is to be provided in which, when even a voltage capable of being provided in the interior can be provided from the exterior, e.g., the voltage of 3.3V defined in Serial ATA Standard, the voltage can be supplied from the exterior. In one embodiment, a circuit board which controls positioning of a head of an HDD includes a connector connected to an external voltage 5V supply segment and also to an external voltage 12V supply segment, a regulator which generates 3.3V from an external voltage of 5V supplied through the connector, an electronic part capable of being supplied with the 3.3V from the regulator, and a switching control circuit for switching to a voltage supply segment for the supply of 3.3V to the electronic part. In the case where the connector is constructed so as to be connectable to an external voltage 3.3V supply segment for the supply of an external voltage of 3.3V and when it is connected to the external voltage 3.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for defining workflows based on a template. The template defines a set of parameters for actions available to various workflow types. In one embodiment, the template is an XML document that is used to determine a set of options to provide a user via a graphical user interface. The user selects the options desired and the resulting workflow definition is stored for later use. Any entity with sufficient access privileges can start and/or participate in a workflow that operates according to the stored workflow definition.