Abstract: A method for analyzing the reliability of optoelectronic elements rapidly is described. A plurality of optoelectronic elements are tested and measured by a spectrum analyzer to obtain noise equivalent power (NEP) and peak of noise power spectrum of each optoelectronic element at a frequency. An electrical cycle test is performed by alternately imposing forward bias and reverse bias on the optoelectronic elements with cycles. Then, the spectrum analyzer tests and measures the optoelectronic elements with the electrical cycle test at the frequency to determine whether the NEP and peak of noise power spectrum of the optoelectronic elements with the electrical cycle test are higher than those of optoelectronic elements without the electrical cycle test. Furthermore, the NEP and peak of noise power spectrum of the optoelectronic elements with the electrical cycle test are compared with the statistic standard deviation to obtain the optoelectronic elements having reliability problems.

Abstract: A pump assembly 1, 33, 200 adapted for continuous flow pumping of blood. In a particular form the pump 1, 200 is a centrifugal pump wherein the impeller 100, 204 is entirely sealed within the pump housing 2, 201 and is exclusively hydrodynamically suspended therein as the impeller rotates within the fluid 105 urged by electromagnetic means external to the pump cavity 106, 203. Hydrodynamic suspension is assisted by the impeller 100, 204 having deformities therein such as blades 8 with surfaces tapered from the leading edges 102, 223 to the trailing edges 103, 224 of bottom and top edges 221, 222 thereof.

Abstract: To obtain an optical component having excellent secondary optical nonlinear properties by irradiating a surface and/or inside of glass having at least one member selected from Ni, Fe, V, Cu, Cr and Mn as a heat source material for absorbing and converting a laser beam to heat, incorporated to a glass matrix comprising at least one glass-forming oxide-selected from SiO2, GeO2, B2O3, P2O5, TeO2, Ga2O3, V2O5, MoO3 and WO3 and at least one member selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earth elements and transition elements, with a laser beam with a wavelength to be absorbed by the heat source material, to convert the irradiated portion to a single crystal or a group of crystal grains comprising components contained in the glass matrix and not containing the heat source material, thereby to form a pattern.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a gallium containing zinc oxide with an improved heat ray shielding function while keeping high transparency to visible light rays. The present invention is directed to a gallium containing zinc oxide, which has a heat ray shielding function, a gallium content of in the range of 0.25 to 25% by weight, and a carrier electron density ne of 2×1020/cm3 or higher.

Abstract: Novel compounds designed to allow interactions with binding sites of GSK-3 and hence are capable of inhibiting GSK-3 activity, via inhibition of substrate binding are disclosed. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including same and methods of using same in the treatment of GSK-3 mediated conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a 250 kDa polypeptide from Sporozoites/Merozoites of Eimeria maxima, or encoding a homolog of the polypeptide, or a complement of the nucleic acid and a method of producing a recombinant 250 kDa polypeptide of the same. The present invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunodominant portion of a 250 kDa polypeptide from Sporozoites/Merozoites of Eimeria maxima having the amino acid sequence described herein, or encoding a homolog of the polypeptide, or a complement of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A biological or chemical optical sensing device comprises at least one planar micro-resonator structure included in a light emitting waveguide, and at least one biological or chemical probe bound to at least a part of the micro-resonator structure, the probe operative to bind specifically and selectively to a respective target substance, whereby the specific and selective binding results in a parameter change in light emitted from the waveguide. In one embodiment, the micro-resonator is linear. In some embodiments, the sensing device is active, the waveguide including at least one photoluminescent material operative to be remotely pumped by a remote optical source, and the parameter change, which may include a spectral change or a quality-factor change, may be remotely read by an optical reader.

Abstract: Novel conjugates that are capable of inhibiting GSK-3 activity, a process of producing same, pharmaceutical compositions including same and methods of using same in the treatment of GSK-3 mediated conditions are disclosed. Methods of treating affective disorders using GSK-3 inhibitors are further disclosed.

Abstract: A software controlled electronic dimming ballast for preheating, striking, and varying the dimming level of a lamp. In one embodiment, the ballast includes an EMI filter circuit, an AC/DC converter circuit, a PFC circuit, an inverter circuit, and a software controlled microcontroller circuit. The microcontroller circuit includes a microcontroller and software for generating inverter control signals that cause the inverter circuit to preheat, strike, and varying the dimming level of the lamp. The inverter control signals are generated based on dimming control and lamp dimming level feedback signals. The ballast also includes a lamp dimming level feedback signal conditioning circuit for generating the lamp dimming level feedback signals. Alternative embodiments of the ballast are also described.

Abstract: A patient immobilization frame is provided that can be secured to a patient table in a radiation therapy facility. The frame includes fiducials integrated into the bottom panel of the frame. The frame is provided with a removable locking mechanism for locking the frame to the patient table. Each side walls of the frame defines a forward cut-out and a mid-side cut-out to accommodate larger girth patients. A panel insert is provided to close the mid-side cut-outs when the additional space is not required for the patient. The frame further includes an abdomen compression device supported by a cross bar that is movably mountable to the frame. The device includes a compression plate configured to contact the patient and a compression mechanism between the cross bar and the compression plate. A pressure transducer may be incorporated between the compression plate and the cross bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a simple, low cost ballast for fluorescent lamps that incorporates an integrated circuit and a number of ballast protection functions to cost effectively enhance its reliability. End of lamp life circuitry is provided to shut down the ballast when rectification currents due to lamp aging exceed a predetermined level. This circuitry also functions to stop the ballast operation when the lamp's voltage exceeds a predetermined cutoff level for a set period of time. Re-ignition circuitry is provided that restarts the ballast when new lamps are installed without shutting off the ballast. Multiple striking attempt circuitry is provided that initiates a predetermined number of striking attempts such that cold or old lamps are quickly ignited without the introduction of excessive flickering.

Abstract: Electronic ballast power supply/control circuits and methods that can be used to supply starting power to PFC control chips and that can be used to control ballasts so that PFC and inverter power supply circuits supply stable power to control circuitry even when the ballasts are performing advanced ballast functions. The circuits and methods supply starting power more quickly and efficiently than prior art starting circuits and control ballasts by either loading PFC circuits or inverter circuits included in the ballasts. The circuits load PFC circuits by connecting load resistors to the PFC circuits or by operating the inverter circuits at high frequencies that generate switching losses in the inverter transistors that load the PFC circuits. Inverter circuits are loaded by operating the inverter at frequencies that are much higher than preheating, igniting, and normal operating frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved, low-cost fuel cells having reduced fuel crossover, reduced sensitivity to metal ion impurities and ability to operate under a broad range of temperatures. The invention further provides improved methods for catalyst preparation and a new integrated flow field system for use in H2/O2 fuel cells.

Abstract: Indole derivatives, compositions including same, and methods utilizing same for the treatment of amyloid associated diseases, such as type II diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's dementia or diseases, systemic and localized amyloidosis, and prion-related encephalopathies are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and devices including these materials which have three-dimensional optical data storage capabilities, as well as to related methods and apparatus for storage, reading and erasing optical data. In particular, the invention relates to a three-dimensional optical data storage device comprising a data storage material which comprises a polymer matrix and nematic liquid crystal droplets wherein the nematic liquid crystal droplets are dispersed through the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a zero crossing or desired phase angle of a power line signal having a variable amplitude uses a ratio between a peak amplitude of the power line signal and the amplitude of the power line signal at a desired phase angle for a known amplitude version of the power line signal to detect when a variable amplitude version of the power line signal is at the desired phase angle or zero crossing. The detection of the phase angle is used to determine if a notch is present in the power line signal. A substantially constant width pulse is generated if a notch is detected regardless of the amplitude of the power line voltage or current. The invention is particularly useful in a lighting system for generating and detecting pulses used to communicate information from a power line communication controller to a series of electronic ballasts over a power line used to power the ballasts. The information can be used to control a dimming function of the ballasts.

Abstract: A system for establishing communications between a central lighting controller and a series of electronic dimming ballasts uses an AC power supply line as a communication medium. A MOSFET switched by a control circuit selectively shorts the AC power lines when a rectified version of the power line signal indicates that the power line signal is nearing a zero crossing to create notches in the AC power signal. A simple receiver in each of the ballasts detects the presence or absence of notches in the power signal and interprets the results as digital data indicating a desired dimming level for each of the ballast. The ballasts then adjust their light output accordingly.

Abstract: Novel compounds designed to allow interactions with binding sites of GSK-3 and hence are capable of inhibiting GSK-3 activity, via inhibition of substrate binding are disclosed. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions including same and methods of using same in the treatment of GSK-3 mediated conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neospora caninum isolate from Nowra and extracts thereof. The strain is useful in the development of diagnostic assays for the detection of parasites in animals. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, using live or killed organisms or extracts thereof, for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neospora caninum isolate from Nowra and extracts thereof. The strain is useful in the development of diagnostic assays for the detection of parasites in animals. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, using live or killed organisms or extracts thereof, for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in animals.