Abstract: This invention is directed to sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitory compounds of the formula I, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing those compounds and methods of treating or preventing diabetic complications, particularly diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic macroangiopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy by administering such compounds to a mammal suffering from diabetes and therefore at risk for developing such complications. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a compound of formula I of this invention with an aldose reductase inhibitor and to methods of treating or preventing diabetic complications therewith.

Abstract: A precursor composition of TiO2 doped with erbium (Er) and yttrium (Y) for forming a film used in a planar optical waveguide amplifier. The precursor composition includes 100 mol % TiO2 precursor compound, about 0.1-10 mol % erbium ion (Er3+) precursor compound, and about 1-50 mol % yttrium ion (Y3+) precursor compound, thereby forming a doped TiO2 film co-doped with erbium and yttrium an amorphous structure to achieve the enhancing effect on photoluminescence properties.

Abstract: An article that is particularly well suited for use as a gas turbine engine component has a metallic substrate and a ceramic thermal barrier layer including a mixed metal oxide system comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of (i) a lanthanum aluminate and (ii) a calcium zirconate, the calcium in which is partially replaced by at least one calcium-substitute element, such as strontium (Sr) or barium (Ba). In addition, the lanthanum in the lanthanum aluminate can be partially replaced by a lanthanum-substitute element from the lanthanide group, particularly gadolinium (Gd). A process for producing such an article comprises providing a pre-reacted mixed metal oxide system as described above and applying it to the substrate by plasma spraying or an evaporation coating process.

Abstract: An optical switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus includes first and second multi-mode interference (MMI) splitting devices in a semiconductor substrate. First and second outputs of the first MMI splitting device are optically coupled to first and second inputs, respectively, of the second MMI splitting device. First and second phase control devices are included in the semiconductor substrate. The first input of the second MMI splitting device is optically coupled to the first output of the first MMI splitting device through the first phase control device. The second input of the second MMI splitting device is optically coupled to the second output of the first MMI splitting device through the second phase control device. The first input of the first MMI splitting device is selectively optically coupled to the first and second outputs of the second MMI splitting device in response to the first and second phase control devices.

Abstract: The effective introduction of foreign genes and other biologically active molecules into targeted mammalian cells is a challenge still facing those skilled in the art. Gene therapy, for example, requires successful transfection of target cells in a patient. The present invention relates to novel micellar complexes of cationic amphiphilic compounds that facilitate delivery of biologically active molecules to the targeted cells of a mammal. The novel micellar complexes are comprised of a cationic amphiphile, a biologically active molecule, a derivative of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and optionally, a co-lipid. A further aspect of the invention is the use of targeting agents in any of the methods that effectuate the delivery of biologically active molecules into the cells of mammals. A targeting agent is usually any molecule, peptide sequence, or large protein that preferentially targets or binds to specific mammalian celis.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device, particularly a mask ROM. A sacrificial oxide layer is formed on a silicon substrate and then a photoresist layer is formed on the sacrificial oxide layer. The photoresist layer is patterned to form a plurality of openings where bit lines are to extend respectively. Taking the patterned photoresist layer as a mask, arsenic ions are implanted into the silicon substrate through the openings and then boron ions are implanted into the silicon substrate through the openings. The implantation depth of boron ions are deeper than arsenic ions. The photoresist layer and the sacrificial oxide layer are removed after implantation. A gate oxide and a field oxide are grown simultaneously on the non-implanted and the implanted regions of the semiconductor layers respectively and a gate conductive layer is deposited on the silicon substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a servo drive type automatic mold-adjusting control method. When a toggle of a mold-clamping unit of a servo drive type injection molding machine stretches straight, if a mobile moldboard exactly contacts a static moldboard, the mold-clamping force will be near zero at this time. Assume the toggle recedes a distance and a mold-adjusting board and the mobile moldboard move forwards another distance and are then fixed, if the toggle stretches straight at this time, the mobile moldboard cannot move forwards continually because it already contacts the static moldboard. Therefore, advance of the motor will result in deformation of tie bars, hence building the mold-locking force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polyketides, host cells that produce the novel compounds, and methods fort their use.

Abstract: A building material is composed of a co- or ter-polymer of (i) a material selected from carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, a amide form thereof or mixtures thereof and (ii) at least one polyethylene glycol monoallyl ether sulfate and a binding material of cement or gypsum. This building material can be used throughout the construction industry in many applications because the superplasticizer provides improved fluidity and yet is economical and efficient.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly for controlling an electrical appliance, which assembly comprises first and second electrical elements. The first element is an on/off switch for initially switching on the appliance. The second element is a pressure-sensitive variable resistor for subsequently adjusting the operating condition of the appliance. The variable resistor comprises a first part having a resilient deformable and electrically conducting resistive surface, and a second part having a surface including two contacts and a resistive element connecting the two contacts. One of the parts is movable to press against the other part such that their surfaces bear against one another, thereby causing the resistive surface to deform against the surface of the second part over an area of contact and causing electrical connection between the resistive surface and element.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating non-linearity of the high-velocity type manifested in heterodyne interferometer position data includes receiving a plurality of groups of digital position values. A plurality of groups of digital phase values from a measurement channel are received. A first group of the digital position values and digital phase values are digitally processed to generate a plurality of block data values. The plurality of block data values are digitally processed to generate at least one quasi-static non-linearity parameter. A second group of the digital position values are compensated based on the at least one quasi-static non-linearity parameter.

Abstract: A panel for a flat panel display device is disclosed, which includes a substrate having signal wires and terminals respectively connected to the signal wires, each terminal having first, second and third conducting layer, an insulating layer, a protection layer, contact holes connected between the first conducting layer and the third conducting layer, and contact holes connected between the second conducting layer and the third conducting layer, the insulating layer being sandwiched in between the second conducting layer and the substrate, the first conducting layer being sandwiched in between the protection layer and the insulating layer, the protection layer being sandwiched in between the first conducting layer and the third conducting layer or the second conducting layer and the third conducting layer, the first conducting layer being isolated from the second conducting layer.

Abstract: Substituted 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)phthalimides and 1-oxo-2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)isoindolines reduce the levels of TNF&agr; in a mammal. Typical embodiments are 1-oxo-2-(2,6-dioxo-3-methylpiperidin-3-yl)-4,5,6,7-tetrafuoroisoindoline and 1,3-dioxo-2-(2,6-dioxo-3-methylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-aminoisoindoline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wavelength-division multiplexed passive optical network. In particular, it relates to a technology for minimizing the optical loss at a wavelength-division multiplexed passive optical network based on wavelength-locked light source Thereby it improves the transmission quality and increases the transmission distance.

Abstract: A FAX-through data network includes a receiver side LAN end station and a sender side LAN end station. A first converter receives a FAX communication from the sender FAX and generates a FAX packet. The FAX packet includes a predefined session port number and a receiver FAX-network ID. A FAX-network server receives the FAX packet, extract the receiver FAX-network ID, performs a lookup of a destination IP address in a mapping table and forwards the FAX packet to the destination IP address. A second converter intercepts and identifies the FAX packet, extracts the FAX communication from the FAX packet, establish a communication with the receiver FAX without routing a signal through the PSTN and transmits the FAX communication to the receiver FAX machine. A remote access appliance control apparatus includes an appliance side LAN end station. An appliance control packet is generated by the remote network user and includes a predefined session port number, an appliance network ID and the control command.

Abstract: An integrated circuit test system and method therefor is provided having a semiconductor substrate with an electrical ground and a source of electrical potential. A dielectric layer with first and second openings is formed on the semiconductor substrate. First and second barrier layers are deposited on the dielectric layer to line the openings. A first conductor core is deposited over the first barrier layer to fill the first opening and is connected to a source of electrical potential. A second conductor core is deposited over the second barrier layer to fill the second opening and is connected to the electrical ground. A current measuring device is provided to measure leakage current flow between the first and second conductor cores.

Abstract: Peptides that selectively stimulate melanocortin-4 (MC-4) receptor activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable cart apparatus includes a first, second and third U-shaped frames pivotally joined and functionally movable between a folded attitude and an unfolded attitude. Its primary function is for carrying articles such a beach related items. In the folded attitude the frames are positioned adjacently. In the unfolded attitude the first and second frames diverge upwardly and the second and third frames diverge downwardly as viewed from the side. The first frame is engaged with a bottom strut supported on spaced apart wheels for moving the apparatus on a surface. A flexible sling is engaged with the first and the third of the frames, so that in the unfolded attitude, a vertical rear containment wall and a horizontal bottom shelf are formed. A flexible fabric bag is fastened between the first and second of the frames and forms an open topped container for receiving the items for transport. The bottom shelf can be used to support an ice chest or other bulky article.