Abstract: DC—DC converters have high side and rectifier circuits, and output capacitor. High side circuit connects between input voltage and output voltage, and has primary winding and auxiliary section that operate transformer properly. Auxiliary may have switches or combination of switches and capacitors. High side circuit converts electrical into magnetic energy through transformer primary, which is then transferred to output through rectifier circuit. It also transfers energy directly to output voltage. Converters have high efficiency, fast dynamic response and high current output. Converters can have large duty cycle and large input voltage and output voltage conversion ratio. High side circuit can be half-bridge, full-bridge or forward converter. Rectifier uses inductors on either side of the secondary, and diodes or synchronous rectifiers, to rectify output voltage. Multi-phase interleaved circuits utilize shared switches to reduce size.

Abstract: The perinuclear theca 32 (PT32) protein is disclosed and shown to interact with tyrosine kinase c-Yes. PT32, c-Yes, fragments thereof, and molecules that bind thereto can be used in methods of enhancing fertility, treating or diagnosing diminished fertility and abnormal spermiogenesis, in providing contraception, and in identifying contraceptive and fertility-enhancing agents. Transgenic, non-human animals also are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compounds, such as ?-heterocyclic-?-amino acids, useful for the inhibition of epileptogenesis are disclosed. Methods for preparing and using the ?-heterocyclic-?-amino acids of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention exploits the discovery that amounts of uracil and thymine metabolites, especially ?-aminoisobutyric acid, in various bodily fluids, especially urine, are correlated with the occurrence of epilepsy when compared to matched control subjects. Analytical and diagnostic protocols, including a novel high performance liquid chromatography system, for use in the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally crosslinked and photo-crosslinked biodegradable and biocompatible elastomeric polymers. The elastomers can be used for biomedical devices such as needles, stents, catheters, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and implantable drug delivery devices. The photo-crosslinked elastomers are particularly useful for delivery devices for proteins and peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions which modulate the interaction of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor with neurotrophic receptors. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions of the invention, including methods of administration.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer array for non-destructive imaging and inspection of materials, suitable for applications such as bio-medical imaging. According to the invention, the transducer has at least one electrode comprising an array of electrode elements, wherein the elements are not separated by a grooves or kerfs. The grooveless transducer design simplifies transducer construction and permits very high operating frequencies, and hence very high resolution. In one embodiment suitable for producing real-time high resolution 3-dimension images, the invention provides a hybrid transducer comprising two opposed electrodes, one electrode being a grooveless linear array and the second electrode being a grooved linear phased array.

Abstract: Methods for treating vascular conditions associated with localized imbalance in vascular tone, which are hypothesized to be largely due to elevated endothelin (ET) are provided. The methods involve administration of nitric oxide (NO), agents which are able to provide NO, such as NO donors, agents which activate guanyl cyclase, such as YC-1, or agents which prolong the actions of endogenous NO or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP; a 2nd messenger molecule), such as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. According to the invention, such agents are administered in minimal doses or microdoses by any route known in the art, so as to provide dosages which are about one half to about one twentieth (½ to 1/20) of those known to induce vasodilation in “normal” circulations.

Abstract: Methods and compounds useful for the inhibition of convulsive disorders, including epilepsy, are disclosed. The methods and compounds of the invention inhibit or prevent ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. Methods for preparing the compounds of the invention are also described.

Abstract: Amino acid sequences and corresponding nucleic acid sequence of retinoid metabolizing protein found in human, mouse and zebrafish are described, as well as methods of using same.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits are described for treating or preventing amyloid- +related disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to surgical bone cement compositions and more particularly to bone cement compositions having anaesthetic properties, and to methods for producing analgesia.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of enhancing plant growth or yield, comprising exposing soil to hydrogen gas (H2), and growing plants in the soil. The H2 gas employed can be generated by electrolysis of water, produced by H2 evolving microorganisms, and/or produced by legumes. In accordance with the invention, soil can be exposed to H2 and plants then grown in it, or H2 can be applied directly to soil in which plants are already growing. In one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining an aqueous extract from H2-treated soil, and applying the extract to soil, seeds, and or plant roots.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring one or more optical properties of a test medium, comprising providing an optical waveguide loop comprising a test medium, illuminating the optical waveguide loop with a plurality of light pulses, and detecting roundtrips of the light pulses at one or more locations along the loop, wherein the detected light pulses are indicative of one or more optical properties of the test medium. Preferably, ring-down time of said light pulses is determined. The invention provides measures of optical properties such as absorbance and refractive index of a test medium such as a gas, a liquid, and a solid material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refiner force sensor for refiners used in the pulp and paper industry, to a refining apparatus, and to a method of measuring force acting on a refiner bar in a refiner.

Abstract: Amino acid sequences and corresponding nucleic acid sequence of retinoid metabolizing protein found in human, mouse and zebrafish are described, as well as methods of using same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which are useful in the treatment of amyloidosis. In particular, methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting, preventing and treating amyloid deposition, e.g., in pancreatic islets, wherein the amyloidotic deposits are islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP)-associated amyloid deposition or deposits. The methods of the invention involve administering to a subject a therapeutic compound which inhibits IAPP-associated amyloid deposits. Accordingly, the compositions and methods of the invention are useful for inhibiting IAPP-associated amyloidosis in disorders in which such amyloid deposition occurs, such as diabetes.

Abstract: A thermal energy system including a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale, and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.

Abstract: Amino acid sequences and corresponding nucleic acid sequence of retinoid metabolizing protein found in human, mouse and zebrafish are described, as well as methods of using same.

Abstract: Therapeutic compounds and methods for inhibiting amyloid deposition in a subject, whatever its clinical setting, are described. Amyloid deposition is inhibited by the administration to a subject of an effective amount of a therapeutic compound comprising an anionic group and a carrier molecule, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such that an interaction between an amyloidogenic protein and a basement membrane constituent is inhibited. Preferred anionic groups are sulfonates and sulfates. Preferred carrier molecules include carbohydrates, polymers, peptides, peptide derivatives, aliphatic groups, alicyclic groups, heterocyclic groups, aromatic groups and combinations thereof.