Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes the following steps. A layout used in a lithographic mask development process is accessed. For example, the layout may be the layout of the mask itself, or it may be the layout of the resulting printed pattern on the wafer. The layout includes a number of disjoint shapes. Skeleton representations for at least some of the disjoint shapes in the layout are determined. The skeleton representation of an individual shape has elements of two or more nodes connected by edges. It also includes size parameters for at least some of the elements. The skeleton representations of the shapes are used in the mask development process.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes the following steps. A layout used in a lithographic mask development process is accessed. For example, the layout may be the layout of the mask itself, or it may be the layout of the resulting printed pattern on the wafer. The layout includes a number of disjoint shapes. Skeleton representations for at least some of the disjoint shapes in the layout are determined. The skeleton representation of an individual shape has elements of two or more nodes connected by edges. It also includes size parameters for at least some of the elements. The skeleton representations of the shapes are used in the mask development process.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by administration of antagonists to plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). Suitable atagonists include antibodies, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, small organic molecules and polymers.

Abstract: A plurality of signal generators and a probe are used to identify, locate and trace a large number of wires in a multiple wire electrical system. Each wire to be traced is electronically marked with a signal generated by a signal generator coupled to the wire in which the signal is unique among a plurality of signal generators. Generated signals are uniquely distinguishable based upon their unique physical characteristics, inclusion of a unique identifier and/or inclusion of a unique voice message. Unique voice messages can be dynamically recorded by the user or synthetically generated. A non-contact signal receiver, or probe, detects and traces the signals emitted from the electronically marked wires. Based upon the unique characteristics of a generated signal or upon a unique identifier within the signal, the signal is identified by the probe and the wire is located.

Abstract: Activation of smooth muscle cells bearing CD40 on their cell surface by CD40 ligand is inhibited by contacting the smooth muscle cells with an anti-T-BAM (CD40L) antibody capable of inhibiting the interactions between CD40 ligand and the CD40-bearing smooth muscle cells, in an amount effective to inhibit activation of the smooth muscle cells. Activation of smooth muscle cells bearing CD40 on their surface by CD40 ligand in a subject is inhibited by administering to the subject an anti-T-BAM (CD40L) antibody capable of inhibiting the interaction between CD40 ligand and the smooth muscle cells, in an amount effective to inhibit activation of the cells. Conditions dependent on CD40 ligand-induced activation of CD40-bearing cells smooth muscle cells are treated, in particular inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Activation of cells bearing CD40 on their cell surface by CD40 ligand is inhibited by contacting the cells with an agent capable of inhibiting interaction between CD40 ligand and the cells, in an amount effective to inhibit activation of the cells. Activation of cells bearing CD40 on their surface by CD40 ligand in a subject is inhibited by administering to the subject an agent capable of inhibiting interaction between CD40 ligand and the cells, in an amount effective to inhibit activation of the cells. Conditions dependent on CD40 ligand-induced activation of CD40-bearing cells are treated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting rejection of insulin-producing tissue in a graft recipient, as well as methods and compositions for prolonging graft survival or function; for reversing graft rejection or restoring function of an impaired graft; and, for inducing immunological tolerance to grafted, insulin-producing tissue. The present methods and compositions are suitable for treatment or prophylaxis of defects in metabolic control of blood glucose homeostasis, including defects manifested as diabetes mellitus (DM).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treatment of nephritis associated with immune complex disease using anti-CD40L compounds. According to one embodiment of this invention, anti-CD40L compounds are administered to a patient with immune complex disease who has received a kidney allograft, to inhibit the development of immune complex glomerulonephritis within the grafted kidney.

Abstract: Compositions and methods disclosed herein capitalize on the discovery that rejection of a tissue graft can be inhibited using a CD40:CD154 binding interrupter, either alone or in combination with another immunomodulator or immunosuppressor. An advantageous, synergistic combination includes a CD40:CD154 binding interrupter and a CD28 signaling interrupter. An exemplary CD40:CD154 binding interrupter is an anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody, such as an antibody having the antigen-specific binding characteristics of the 5c8 monoclonal antibody. An exemplary CD28 signaling interrupter is a CTLA4-Ig fusion protein. The disclosed compositions and methods unexpectedly can be used to prolong survival of grafted tissue in a recipient host, to reverse acute graft rejection, and to attenuate immunological consequences of the failure of grafted tissue.

Abstract: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antagonists can be used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to regimens for therapeutically administering anti-CD40L compounds to patients. Immune-related disorders can be effectively treated by administering anti-CD40L compounds at intervals of three weeks or more.

Abstract: A hydrostatic power steering system comprising a fluid motor (19) which receives pressurized fluid from a controller (17) in response to the rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (W). As the motor (19) or the steered wheels reach the stops, control logic (31) receives signals (37,77) representing steered wheel and steering wheel position, respectively, and generates appropriate command signals (33,27) to a pressure reducing/relieving valve (15) and to a proportional electromagnetic valve (23), respectively, closing the valve (15) somewhat, and opening the valve (23). A pressure differential is built between an additional fluid path (21) and the high pressure conduit (15c) between the controller (17) and the fluid motor (19). Pressure is communicated through the valve (23) into the conduit (51c), and back into the fluid meter (43) of the controller, preventing any further rotation thereof in response to an attempt to turn the steering wheel, thus eliminating travel limit slip.

Abstract: Anti-CD4 antibody homologs, DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules encoding them, prophylactic, immunotherapeutic and diagnostic compositions comprising those antibody homologs, and methods for preventing or treating diseases in mammals, including humans, caused by infective agents whose primary targets are CD4.sup.+ lymphocytes. Such diseases include acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("AIDS"), AIDS related complex, and human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abstract: To assist electric submersible pumps in producing highly viscous crudes from oil wells, injection water is conveyed to the pump assembly, injected into the crude, and mixed with it to form an oil-in-water emulsion. This effectively decreases the viscosity of the produced fluid and helps to control pump operating temperatures. The water injection is done in a shroud at the base of the submersible pump.

Abstract: A speed drill apparatus has a seed storage box SB with seed inlet manifold 2 to convey seeds to a rotatable collector wheel 5 having a number of peripheral seed receiving cavities 6. The seeds are ejected singly, assisted by a blade edge 11 running in a groove 5a joining the centers of the cavities, through an aperture B in casing 1 to fall into a groove 8 around the periphery of a distributor wheel 7. The groove 8 is subdivided by stops 9 into arcuate sectors each of which receives a seed. A retardation device 12 catches a seed in the groove 8 and holds same until carried on by a stop 9. The seed falls to the ground through outlet 13. The wheel 7 has a peripheral speed equal to the linear speed of motion over the ground and wheel 5 rotates more slowly with a reduction dependent on the ratio between the number of cavities 6 and number of stops 9. The retardation device 12 ensures accuracy of spacing by providing for discharge of each seed only when in abutment with a stop 9.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming glass filaments are provided by (a) a plurality of spaced apart forming sections wherein each section is comprised of (i) a feeder adapted to supply a plurality of streams of glass to be attenuated into continuous filaments, a zone being defined by the paths of the free-falling streams, (ii) applicator means laterally spaced from said zone adapted to apply a coating to the advancing filaments, (iii) first guide means laterally spaced from said zone adapted to gather the filaments into a strand, the guide means and applicator being positioned such that the coating is applied to the filaments at a region external to said zone and intermediate the feeder and the first guide means along the path of advancement of the filaments, (iv) secondary attenuation means laterally spaced from the zone adapted to advance the filaments as waste, (b) a single primary attenuation means adapted to simultaneously attenuate the streams from each section into filaments; and (c) second guide means po

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming discrete segments of fibrous glass comprises supplying a plurality of streams of molten glass; attenuating the streams into filaments and cutting the continuous filaments into discrete segments by a forming means; positioning a delivery means having a first collection zone and a second collection zone spaced from the first zone to receive said discrete segments; controlling said forming means to operate at a first speed or a second speed slower than the first speed; directing the discrete segments to said first zone when said forming means is operated at said first speed and to said second zone when said forming means is operated at said second speed.

Abstract: An amplitude modulated transmitter is disclosed for use in the frequency range generally below 50 mega-hertz. The transmitter is provided with a series diode modulator which is provided with a corrected modulating signal which biases the diode in proportion to the modulating signal. The modulating signal is derived from comparison in a difference amplifier between the desired audio input signal and a signal derived from the output of the output amplifier by means of a directional coupler. The directional coupler samples the magnitude and phase of the current and voltage at the output and feeds a signal proportional to the inciden as contrasted to any reflected component, of the output signal.