Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the prevention and/or treatment of muscle degeneration. In this method, a subject recognized as having muscle degeneration is treated with a composition effective to increase functional glycosylation of ?-dystroglycan in an affected tissue in the subject. Functional glycosylation is to be increased to an extent wherein the binding of ?-dystroglycan to its ligands in the affected tissue is rescued to levels substantially similar to those in an evenly matched tissue unaffected by degeneration. One effective means for increasing functional glycosylation of ?-dystroglycan in a subject includes increasing glycosyltransferase activity, such as LARGE or LARGE2 activity, in the muscle of the subject. Therapeutic glycosylated peptide compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adaptive method for training a source synchronous parallel receiver. The adaptive method for training, or aligning, parallel data channels permits a parallel communication receiver to adaptively adjust the timing of data channels to align the data channels with a frame channel and achieve a source synchronous signal for the parallel data channels. Further, portions of the frame channel training pattern may be used because possible time shift accuracy error is accounted for between the communication channels and a determination is made as to which portion of the frame pattern is currently being received. The data channels are then aligned appropriately.

Abstract: A high speed, two-way serial interface with a scrambler and de-scrambler may be tested by sending a single word repeatedly through the scrambler to create a pseudo-random sequence. The pseudo-random sequence is then passed through the transmitter and looped back through the receiver of the serial interface. The pseudo-random sequence is then descrambled and compared to the input word. Since the input sequence is only a single word rather than a series of words, the comparison is very simple and capable of being performed within the serial interface itself without the need for external test equipment.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided to limit the vertical fall experienced by a product transported along the conveyor and falling into a collection bin. A sensor in a fixed position relative to the product conveying plane of the conveyor measures product collection height in a collection bin to produce an output signal. A controller dynamically varies the angle between the conveyance plane and the collection bin base plane and the vertical displacement therebetween within a preselected range in order to minimize product damage associated with different fall trajectories from the conveyor into the bin for product. Either the conveyor or the collection bin is pivoted under the command of the controller to accomplish the desired function.

Abstract: Products and processes for forming structural assemblies for building systems, such as window and door assemblies, are described. One such product includes an apparatus comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first leg and a second leg are disposed between the first and second ends. A first receiving groove is disposed in the first leg and forms a first pathway. A second receiving groove is disposed in the second leg and forms a second pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that in order for polyester fibers to be used in a polyester/glass mat, which will have superior tear properties after being coated with bitumen, they need to have a single filament toughness of greater than about 140. Toughness being defined as the product of tenacity (in units of cN/tex) and the cube root of the breaking elongation (as a % of elongation). Specifically, the mat has polyester and glass fibers bound together with a binder, and the bound fibers are coated with asphalt. The invention also describes a process by which the web is dried and cured into a mat at a temperature of greater than about 200° C. The polyester is at least about 5 wt. % of the fibers in the coated mat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for automatically applying a tape, such as an adhesive, to a work-piece. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system and method for a robotic tape applicator that includes a computer apparatus, a tape applicator apparatus, and an apparatus for holding a work-piece in registration with the tape applicator apparatus for tape application in response to programming data from the computer apparatus. Other components, such as a tape cutting apparatus, a splicing apparatus, adhesion promoter apparatus, and/or optical system can be added to assist and enhance the tape application process.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for sliding panels, such as sliding windows and doors is disclosed. One embodiment comprises adjustable buttons that extend from a housing positioned in the sliding panel. The adjustable threaded buttons of the present invention provide a surface having reduced friction that extends from the bottom edge of a window or door and that can slide along a track supporting the window or door. In addition to providing a mechanism to facilitate horizontal sliding of a window or door, the adjustable buttons may be used to set the height of the sliding window or door as it sits in its frame.

Abstract: A logical gate and a comparator are used to detect page boundaries in a data stream. A current address and a predetermined page size, that is an integer power of 2, are compared using a Boolean logic gate such as AND or XOR to detect a page boundary in a data stream. The output from the Boolean logic gate is compared to a predetermined value to cause a signal to be generated, indicating the end of the page.

Abstract: A high speed, two-way serial interface with a scrambler and de-scrambler may be tested by sending a single word repeatedly through the scrambler to create a pseudo-random sequence. The pseudo-random sequence is then passed through the transmitter and looped back through the receiver of the serial interface. The pseudo-random sequence is then descrambled and compared to the input word. Since the input sequence is only a single word rather than a series of words, the comparison is very simple and capable of being performed within the serial interface itself without the need for external test equipment.

Abstract: An improved cigarette lighter adapter for an electronic device has an exterior flexible covering that provides a textured surface for gripping by the user to facilitate the insertion and removal of the adapter from a cigarette lighter socket. The adapted also includes a pair of ground contacts in the form of spring members that abut ground contact pads on an internal circuit board. The ground contacts are biased in place within the adapter against the circuit board contact pads in a solderless manner. The ground contacts are positioned in alignment with each other on opposite sides of the circuit board so that contact forces they exert on the circuit board balance so as not to apply any detrimental stress to the circuit board.