Abstract: Two hitherto unreported novel triterpene saponins were isolated in substantially pure form from the root of Ilex pubescens. The chemical structures and some properties of the triterpene saponin fraction have been elucidated to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. These two novel triterpene saponins and the triterpene saponin fraction may be used as pharmaceutical compositions in humans and mammals in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention improves a frequency divider circuit so that the frequency divider further obtains a capability of operating an injection-locking frequency division without changing or adding any component; and, the frequency divider operates under low voltage and low power consumption yet in high frequency, where the present invention can be use in related fields of radio frequency and optoelectronic communication.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for modifying an appearance of an anatomical structure in a medical image, e.g., rib suppression in a chest radiograph. The method includes: acquiring, using a first imaging modality, a first medical image that includes the anatomical structure; applying the first medical image to a trained image processing device to obtain a second medical image, corresponding to the first medical image, in which the appearance of the anatomical structure is modified; and outputting the second medical image. Further, the image processing device is trained using plural teacher images obtained from a second imaging modality that is different from the first imaging modality.

Abstract: Novel chemical conjugates of psychotropic drugs and organic acids, uses thereof in the treatment of psychotic and/or proliferative disorders and diseases and as chemosensitizing agents, and their syntheses are disclosed. The organic acids are selected to reduce side effects induced by the psychotropic drugs and/or to exert an anti-proliferative activity.

Abstract: A method for control of chemical mechanical polishing of a pattern dependant non-uniform wafer surfaces in a die scale wherein the die in the wafer surface have a plurality of zones of different heights and different pattern densities is provided. The method provides for varying pressure applied to the die both spatially and temporally to reduce both local and global step height variations. In one embodiment, pressure is varied both spatially and temporally using a look ahead algorithm. The algorithm looks ahead and recalculates/modifies the pressure values by identifying the step heights that could be formed after a specified time step. The final surface predictions have improved uniformity on the upper surface as well as on the step heights across the entire die.

Abstract: The present invention discloses surface plasmon resonance phenomenon measuring equipment comprising: (1) a prism, (2) a sensor wherein a plurality of measuring cells are formed in m rows and n columns on the bottom face of the prism, (3) a light source for radiating a laser beam, (4) a first optical system wherein m optical units each having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having a translucent film formed along the diagonal surface of the rectangular parallelepiped are arranged continuously, (5) a second optical system wherein mn optical units are arranged continuously and a reflected lights group is radiated toward the measuring cells, (6) a photodiode array detectors group of m rows and n columns, arranged on the extensions of reflected lights group, and (7) a polarizer interposed between the first optical system and the prism, and/or between the prism and the photodiode array detectors.

Abstract: There is provided a rigid hinged substrate, which forms a diaphragm for miniature microphones. A series of fingers disposed radially around the perimeter of the diaphragm interacts with mating fingers disposed adjacent the diaphragm with a small gap in between. The fingers are interdigitated. The movement of the diaphragm fingers relative to the fixed fingers varies the capacitance, thereby allowing creation of an electrical signal responsive to varying sound pressure at the diaphragm. Because the fingers may be formed with great stiffness, the classic problem in typical capacitive microphones of attraction of the diaphragm to the back plate is effectively overcome. The multiple fingers allow the creation of a microphone having a high output voltage relative to conventional microphones. This yields a very low noise microphone. The diaphragm may be readily formed using well known silicon microfabrication techniques so as to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a bone growth factor, and more particularly to compositions including NELL1, articles of manufacture including NELL1 and methods of using NELL1 to induce bone formation. This invention also provides methods for the expression and purification of NELL1 and NELL2 peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain gauge having a conductive fluid made of a glycerin/aqueous salt mixture, and methods of making the strain gauge. The strain gauge is capable of measuring large displacement of around 30% true strain.

Abstract: [Object] Various electric wave absorbers for the GHz band have been developed. However, parameters for obtaining the optimal electric wave absorption characteristic are only the shape and the content of a dielectric material or a conductive material, and the degree of freedom of the parameters has been small. Furthermore, in a recent wireless LAN, electric wave absorbers that can be used for absorbing potentially dangerous electric waves in a plurality of bands, for example, in two frequency bands of 2.45 GHz band and 5.2 GHz band, have also been desired.

Abstract: A voltage control oscillator (VCO) includes a VCO circuit and a back-gate coupling circuit, wherein the VCO circuit includes at least a first transistor, a second transistor and a resonant cavity formed by an inductor and a capacitor. The back-gate coupling circuit is formed by a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of resistors. In the embodiments of the present invention, the capacitors are coupled to the back-gate terminals of the first transistor and the second transistor, so as to reduce the power consumption and the phase noise of the VCO.

Abstract: A method and system for full-field fringe-projection for 3-D surface-geometry measurement, referred to as “triangular-pattern phase-shifting” is disclosed. A triangular grey-scale-level-coded fringe pattern is computer generated, projected along a first direction onto an object or scene surface and distorted according to the surface geometry. The 3-D coordinates of points on the surface are calculated by triangulation from distorted triangular fringe-pattern images acquired by a CCD camera along a second direction and a triangular-shape intensity-ratio distribution is obtained from calculation of the captured distorted triangular fringe-pattern images. Removal of the triangular shape of the intensity ratio over each pattern pitch generates a wrapped intensity-ratio distribution obtained by removing the discontinuity of the wrapped image with a modified unwrapping method. Intensity ratio-to-height conversion is used to reconstruct the 3-D surface coordinates of the object.

Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising antagonists of ?v?6 are provided for the treatment of acute lung injury fibrosis.

Abstract: This invention provides surgical devices and methods to apply bioactive agents to surgical sites. The devices include, e.g., a body for attachment of a pressurized fluid vessel and a reservoir of bioactive agent for controlled spraying of an aerosol of bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal intubation device and method for placing an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. More particularly, the endotracheal tube includes primary and secondary cuffs, in the form of inflatable balloons. A stillette is positioned within the endotracheal tube. The tracheal intubation device includes a guiding mechanism for guiding the stillette and the endotracheal tube within a patent's body. The guiding mechanism is positioned external to a patient and sized and shaped so as to transmit a signal and to receive a signal indicating the location of the stillette in a patient's body. After the endotracheal tube is positioned in the oropharynx, inflating the secondary cuff urges the endotracheal tube toward the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in localized transfer of genetic material or proteins. Moreover, the present invention provides methods and compositions for improving and/or controlling wound healing by applying a wound care device comprising HoxD3 and/or HoxA3 and/or HoxB3. In addition, the present invention provides methods and compositions for improved wound healing in subjects having impaired healing capabilities, such as diabetic and aged subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant triple helical proteins or collagen-like proteins comprising a prokaryotic protein or one or more domains of a prokaryotic protein comprising a collagen-like peptide sequence of repeated Gly-Xaa-Yaa triplets and, optionally, one or more domains from a mammalian collagen. Also provided are expression vectors and host cells containing the expression vectors to produce these recombinant proteins and methods of production for the same. Additionally, antibodies are provided that are directed against a recombinant collagen-like protein that, preferably, binds an integrin. Furthermore, a method of screening for potential therapeutic compounds that inhibit the integrin-binding or -interacting activities of recombinant collagen-like proteins.

Abstract: Lipidated glycosaminoglycan particles are prepared by reacting a glycosaminoglycan with at least one lipid to cross-link the carboxylic acid groups in the glycosaiminoglycan with a primary amine in the lipid. These particles can be used to encapsulate active ingredients, such as drugs for use in the treatment of pathological conditions in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing self-assembled silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) by a hydrothermal method. A method for preparing self-assembled SiNTs comprises forming a mixture of silicon oxide and water in a sealed container, wherein the mixture has a silicon oxide to water ratio of no more than 10% by weight. The mixture is maintained at a constant temperature and a constant pressure, and the mixture is stirred for a period of time. Self-assembled SiNTs may be formed with an average inner diameter of less than 5 nm and an average outer diameter of around 15 nm. The present invention completely utilizes non-toxic raw materials, and the materials and process do not pollute the environment, so the method satisfies the development trends of the modern industry.

Abstract: (?)-EGCG, the most abundant catechin, was found to be chemopreventive and anticancer agent. However, (?)-EGCG has at least one limitation: it gives poor bioavailability. This invention provides compounds of generally formula 10, wherein R1 is selected from the group of —H and C1 to C6 acyl group; R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group of —H, —OH, and C1 to C6 acyloxyl group; and at least one of R2, R3, or R4 is —H. The derivatives of (?)-EGCG that is at least as potent as (?)-EGCG. The carboxylate protected forms of (?)-EGCG and its derivatives are found to be more stable than the unprotected forms, which can be used as proteasome inhibitors to reduce tumor cell growth.