Abstract: Salts of 3-O-(3?,3?-dimethylsuccinyl)Betulinic acid (DSB) are disclosed. Particularly, the preparation, pharmaceutical evaluation, and in vivo bioavailability evaluation of N-methyl-D-glucamine and alkali metal salt forms of DSB are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including these salt forms are used in methods of treating HIV and related diseases. Methods of making the salts of DSB and the pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical waveguide fiber that includes the steps of providing a cylindrical glass optical fiber preform having a longitudinally extending centerline hole, and closing the hole under conditions suitable to result in uniform and symmetric hole closure. The method may include first plugging a first end and a second end of the centerline hole to prevent gas flow therethrough. The method preferably involves closing the centerline hole of the preform by drawing the preform down into an optical waveguide fiber.

Abstract: The invention catches and stores pucks and balls. The frame consists of two U-shaped members. The two U-shaped frame members are joined by a plurality of members. Members attach the top and bottom of the two U-shaped members together. Further members join the two legs of each U-shaped members. The attaching members support a floor for the device. The device is covered with a flexible mesh covering. The device also has a carrying strap attached to the top of the two U-shaped members. The device has a ramp with elevated sides and with slots at one end of the elevated sides. The ramp is attached to one of the U-shaped members by pins through the slots. When opened, the the ramp or lid descends to the surface at an angle. When the ramp or lid is closed, it is parallel to the U-shaped member to which it is attached and is locked in place.

Abstract: Optical waveguide fiber having low water peak as well as optical waveguide fiber preforms and methods of making optical waveguide fiber preforms from which low water peak and/or low hydrogen aged attenuation optical waveguide fibers are formed, including optical waveguide fiber and preforms made via OVD. The fibers may be hydrogen resistant, i.e. exhibit low hydrogen aged attenuation. A low water peak, hydrogen resistant optical waveguide fiber is disclosed which exhibits an optical attenuation at a wavelength of about 1383 nm which is less than or equal to an optical attenuation exhibited at a wavelength of about 1310 nm.

Abstract: An isotopically-altered, silica based optical fiber is provided having lower losses, broader bandwidth, and broader Raman gain spectrum characteristics than conventional silica-based fiber. A heavier, less naturally abundant isotope of silicon or oxygen is substituted for a lighter, more naturally abundant isotope to shift the infrared absorption to a slightly longer wavelength. In one embodiment, oxygen-18 is substituted for the much more naturally abundant oxygen-16 at least in the core region of the fiber. The resulting isotopically-altered fiber has a minimum loss of 0.044 dB/km less than conventional fiber, and a bandwidth that is 17 percent broader for a loss range between 0.044-0.034 dB/km. The fiber may be easily manufactured with conventional fiber manufacturing equipment by way of a plasma chemical vapor deposition technique. When a 50 percent substitution of oxygen-18 for oxygen-16 is made in the core region of the fiber, the Raman gain spectrum is substantially broadened.

Abstract: The invention catches and stores pucks and balls. The frame consists of two U-shaped members. The two U-shaped frame members are joined by a plurality of members. Members attach the top and bottom of the two U-shaped members together. Further embers join the two legs of each U-shaped members. The attaching members support a floor for the device. The device is covered with a flexible mesh covering. The device also has a carrying strap attached to the top of the two U-shaped members. The device has a ramp with elevated sides and with slots at one end of the elevated sides. The ramp is attached to one of the U-shaped members by pins through the slots. When opened, the lid descends to the surface at an angle. When the lid is closed, it is parallel to the U-shaped member to which it is attached and is locked in place.