Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for forming glass sheets. Methods and systems are provided that comprise a refractory body configured to receive glass-based material and means for transmitting energy to selectively heat at least a portion of the refractory body through the glass-based material. In one aspect, the energy transmitted is of a selected frequency that is not fully absorbed by the glass-based material and is at least partially absorbed by the refractory body. The energy can be transmitted by a laser beam array, a scanning laser beam, a microwave generator, a radio frequency generator, or other means.

Abstract: Novel synthetic forms of etherified oxidized phospholipids and methods of utilizing same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders, as well as inflammatory disorders, immune mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases and proliferative disorders, are provided. In addition, methods of synthesizing etherified and esterified oxidized phospholipids and of using same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders are also provided.

Abstract: A microwave applicator assembly includes a microwave applicator that excites TE modes and provides a generally circular heating pattern in a lossy dielectric material. The microwave applicator has a processing chamber bounded by a circumferential wall in which a plurality of indents are formed. The microwave applicator assembly may further include a feed waveguide coupled to the microwave applicator for inputting microwaves into the processing chamber. The microwave applicator assembly may further include one or more choking sections in communication with the processing chamber to enhance heating efficiency and reduce microwave leakage.

Abstract: A radio-over-fiber (RoF) hybrid wired/wireless transponder is disclosed that is configured to provide both wireless and wired communication between a hybrid head-end and one or more client devices. The hybrid transponder includes optical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) conversion capability and is configured to frequency multiplex/demultiplex electrical “wired” signals and electrical “wireless” signals. The electrical wireless signals are wirelessly communicated to the client device(s) via a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system within a cellular coverage area. The electrical wired signals are communicated to the client device(s) via a wireline cable that plugs into a wireline cable port on the transponder. The hybrid RoF system includes a hybrid head-end capable of transmitting and receiving wired and wireless optical signals, and an optical fiber cable that is optically coupled to the hybrid head-end and to at least one hybrid transponder.

Abstract: Novel synthetic forms of etherified oxidized phospholipids and methods of utilizing same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders, as well as inflammatory disorders, immune mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases and proliferative disorders, are provided. In addition, methods of synthesizing etherified and esterified oxidized phospholipids and of using same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Electromagnetic (EM) drying of a plugged ware is provided that includes subjecting the ware to an axially non-uniform EM radiation field that causes more EM radiation to be dissipated in either of the plugged regions than in the unplugged region. The EM radiation field is provided by a configurable applicator system that includes a feed waveguide and a conveyor path. The feed waveguide includes configurable slots. The configurable applicator system can be set to selectively vary the amount of EM radiation dissipated by each ware along the longitudinal axis of each ware as a function of ware position along the conveying path, thereby enhancing the EM drying process.

Abstract: Novel synthetic oxidized lipids and methods utilizing oxidized lipids for treating and preventing an inflammation associated with an endogenous oxidized lipid are provided.

Abstract: Transponder systems and methods for radio-over-fiber (RoF) wireless picocellular system are disclosed. One type of transponder system includes a RoF transponder used in combination with at least one radiation-reflector assembly to provide for enhanced antenna directivity of the transponder. Another type of transponder system is a transponder node assembly, wherein two or more transponders are integrated into a single assembly, thereby reducing cost while facilitating RoF wireless picocellular system deployment. Another type of transponder system provides one or more transponders in a RoF wireless picocellular system with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and uses an RFID tag reader to locate and read information from the transponders, as well as to perform transponder mode selection. Another type of transponder system is directed to a tether cable assembly that includes a dispensible/retractable coiled tether cable housed in a protective housing for connecting the tether cable to a transponder.

Abstract: A radio-over-fiber (RoF) optical fiber cable system with transponder diversity for a RoF wireless picocellular system that includes at least one optical fiber cable. The at least one optical fiber cable supports one or more groups of two or more transponders, wherein the transponders in a given group are arranged to form substantially co-located picocells. The transponders in each transponder group may also have one of two orthogonal antenna polarizations. A diversity combiner optically coupled to each transponder determines respective signal strengths from each transponder in each transponder group. The transponder with the greatest signal strength in a given transponder group is selected to form the picocell for the given group. This allows for the optical fiber cable system to adjust to changes in the signal strength of each picocell, such as caused by a transponder obstruction or failure.

Abstract: The radio-over-fiber (RoF) transponder includes a converter unit adapted to convert RF electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, and an antenna system electrically coupled to the converter unit. The antenna system includes first and second Z-shaped patch antenna elements formed on an antenna substrate. These patches are adapted to respectively transmit and receive radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation at a first frequency fA (e.g., 2.4 GHz) over a first picocell. The antenna system also includes a square patch antenna element formed atop the antenna substrate surface between the first and second Z-shaped patch antenna elements. The square patch antenna is adapted to transmit and receive RF electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency fB (e.g., 5.2 GHz) over a second picocell substantially co-located with the first picocell. One or more spaced-apart transponders can be supported by one or more optical fibers to form an array of picocells.

Abstract: A method for drying a ceramic article comprises providing microwave radiation from a microwave generating source, providing a ceramic honeycomb structure having a middle portion and at least one end, and exposing the ceramic honeycomb structure to the microwave radiation while shielding the at least one end from directly receiving the microwave radiation, such that the radiation absorbed by the middle portion is equal to or greater than the radiation absorbed by the at least one end, and the proper drying of the entire honeycomb structure without heat-induced structural degradation is thus ensured.

Abstract: Methods and compositions employing plaque associated molecules effective in inducing mucosal tolerance and inhibiting inflammatory processes contributing to atheromatous vascular disease and sequalae are provided.

Abstract: Novel synthetic oxidized lipids and methods utilizing oxidized lipids for treating and preventing an inflammation associated with an endogenous oxidized lipid are provided.

Abstract: Novel synthetic forms of etherified oxidized phospholipids and methods of utilizing same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders, as well as inflammatory disorders, immune mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases and proliferative disorders, are provided. In addition, methods of synthesizing etherified and esterified oxidized phospholipids and of using same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stiffening an wet extruded ceramic body for improved handling prior to drying and firing. The ceramic body is formed from a plastically deformable material including inorganic raw materials, and organics, such as a binder having a thermal gel point. As the ceramic body log exits the extruder die it is passed through a microwave energy field to be heated to above the gelling point of the organic binder. The ceramic body then stiffens and can be easily handled without deformation.

Abstract: Novel synthetic forms of etherified oxidized phospholipids and methods of utilizing same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders, as well as inflammatory disorders, immune mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases and proliferative disorders, are provided. In addition, methods of synthesizing etherified and esterified oxidized phospholipids and of using same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions employing beta2-glycoprotein-1 (?2GPI) or derivatives of ?2GPI effective in inducing mucosal tolerance to atheroma related antigens, thus inhibiting inflammatory processes contributing to atheromatous vascular disease and sequalae, are provided. Also provided are articles of manufacture comprising mucosal tolerance inducing amounts of beta2-glycoprotein-1 46 (?2GPI) or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A method for prevention and/or treatment of atherosclerosis in a subject, in need thereof is disclosed. The method is effected by orally administering to the subject an immunological oral tolerance-inducing composition which comprises an immunological oral tolerance-inducing amount of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of beta2-glycoprotein-1 (?2GP-1) or a derivative of ?2GP-1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stiffening an wet extruded ceramic body for improved handling prior to drying and firing. The ceramic body is formed from a plastically deformable material including inorganic raw materials, and organics, such as a binder having a thermal gel point. As the ceramic body log exits the extruder die it is passed through a microwave energy field to be heated to above the gelling point of the organic binder. The ceramic body then stiffens and can be easily handled without deformation.

Abstract: Novel synthetic forms of etherified oxidized phospholipids and methods of utilizing same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders, as well as inflammatory disorders, immune mediated diseases, autoimmune diseases and proliferative disorders, are provided. In addition, methods of synthesizing etherified and esterified oxidized phospholipids and of using same for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and other related disorders are also provided.