Abstract: A fiber optic grating sensor (10) comprising an optical fiber (12) in which a grating portion (14) is provided, the refractive index (16) of the fiber (12) varying periodically along the grating portion (14). The periodic variation of the refractive index (16) has an amplitude envelope which includes, in this example, two regions (24) in which the amplitude of the envelope is substantially reduced, and in this example is substantially nulled. The null regions (24) give the grating portion a spectral profile (20) within which there are, in this example two pass bands (18).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for initiating a welding arc by directing a plasma jet into the space between the tip of the welding electrode and the workpiece. This is done while an electrical potential is applied between the electrode and the workpiece. The ionized plasma gas renders the space between the electrode and the workpiece more conductive, thereby reducing the voltage threshold needed to initiate an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage threshold reaches the level of the applied electrical potential, the arc will be initiated.

Abstract: This invention is a method of treatment and prophylaxis of diseases regulatable by angiogenesis, including novel FLT-1 ligands and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, useful in the methods for the treatment and prophylaxis of these diseases, as well as intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of the compounds of the invention as claimed.

Abstract: Serial analysis of gene expression, SAGE, a method for the rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts is provided. Short defined sequence tags corresponding to expressed genes are isolated and analyzed. Sequencing of over 1,000 defined tags in a short period of time (e.g., hours) reveals a gene expression pattern characteristic of the function of a cell or tissue. Moreover, SAGE is useful as a gene discovery tool for the identification and isolation of novel sequence tags corresponding to novel transcripts and genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the prophylaxis, management and treatment of certain diseases modulated by the inhibition of the enzyme malonyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase (malonyl-CoA decarboxylase, MCD) by the administration of a composition containing as an active ingredient a compound according to Formula I. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the prophylaxis, management and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, acidosis, cancers, and obesity through the administration of a compound which inhibits malonyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase activity. The present invention also includes within its scope the novel process for the preparation of certain compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds (I), their prodrugs, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds useful in treating certain metabolic diseases and diseases modulated by the inhibition of the enzyme malonyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase (malonyl-CoA decarboxylase, MCD). In particular, the invention relates to compounds and compositions and the methods for the prophylaxis, management and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, acidosis, cancers, and obesity through the inhibition of malonyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for MIG welding is disclosed. When in an ac mode the output is unbalanced, or the balance may be controlled. The balance may be controlled to provide a desired deposition rate and/or to obtain a desired dilution. The frequency may be any frequency, for example 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or more. The weld path may have groove with angle of less than 50 degrees. A consumable, cored, wire may be used, and provide at rates of 30 or 35 pounds per hour using a single arc. In various embodiments the balance may have a negative portion of at least 1.5 times the positive portion. The process may be started using an extended negative portion, for example 0.5 or 0.75 seconds.

Abstract: A current path for a mig welding gun assures a reliable and stable interface between a welding gun and a weld wire. In one embodiment, the current path is through a conductive insert that fits in the welding gun diffuser. Fingers of the insert resiliently contact the weld wire and thereby provide stable paths for welding power from the gun to the weld wire. In another embodiment, a contact tip assembly comprises a contact tip having resilient fingers in electrical contact with a body. An inner frusto-conical surface of a sleeve is urged against concentric frusto-conical outer surfaces of the fingers to bias the fingers radially inwardly against the weld wire. An insulative liner in the contact tip guides the weld wire between the fingers. A shield surrounds the contact tip and the sleeve. In a further embodiment, a single finger is pivotally connected to the contact tip. A spring biases a finger end against the weld wire.

Abstract: A eukaryotic bicistronic expression system for in vivo biotinylation of a protein is disclosed. The bicistronic expression system is based upon a polynucleotide which comprises a nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein made up of a selected protein and a biotinylation peptide, a nucleic acid sequence coding for an internal ribosome entry site and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a biotin ligase. Also disclosed are vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acid as well as methods for preparing a biotinylation protein and kits comprising the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for plasma MIG welding or TIG MIG welding are disclosed. They include a plasma or TIG torch for following along a weld path by a MIG torch (or the order may be reversed). A constant distance may be maintained between the torches, and the angle of the torches, relative to the workpiece, may vary. The MIG process is performed EP or EN in various embodiments.

Abstract: Dimer-selective RXR modulator compounds having agonist, partial agonist and/or antagonist activity in the context of an RXR homodimer and/or RXR heterodimers are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such dimer-selective RXR modulator compounds and methods for their therapeutic use.

Abstract: Cationic lipids are provided which are useful in the preparation of liposomes and other lipid vesicle carriers. The lipids of the invention are particularly useful as carriers of nucleic acids and other negatively charged substances, for delivery to cells.

Abstract: A method of depositing a film on a substrate disposed in a substrate processing chamber. The method includes depositing a first portion of the film by forming a high density plasma from a first gaseous mixture flown into the process chamber. The deposition processes is then stopped and part of the deposited first portion of the film is etched by flowing a halogen etchant into the processing chamber. Next, the surface of the etched film is passivated by flowing a passivation gas into the processing chamber, and then a second portion of the film is deposited over the first portion by forming a high density plasma from a second gaseous mixture flown into the process chamber. In one embodiment the passivation gas consists of an oxygen source with our without an inert gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for plasma MIG welding or TIG MIG welding are disclosed. They include a plasma or TIG torch for following along a weld path by a MIG torch (or the order may be reversed). A constant distance may be maintained between the torches, and the angle of the torches, relative to the workpiece, may vary. The MIG process is performed EP or EN in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for MIG welding is disclosed. When in an ac mode the output is unbalanced, or the balance may be controlled. The balance may be controlled to provide a desired deposition rate and/or to obtain a desired dilution. The frequency may be any frequency, for example 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or more. The weld path may have groove with angle of less than 50 degrees. A consumable, cored, wire may be used, and provide at rates of 30 or 35 pounds per hour using a single arc. In various embodiments the balance may have a negative portion of at least 1.5 times the positive portion. The process may be started using an extended negative portion, for example 0.5 or 0.75 seconds.

Abstract: A current path for a mig welding gun assures a reliable and stable interface between a welding gun and a weld wire. In one embodiment, the current path is through a conductive insert that fits in the welding gun diffuser. Fingers of the insert resiliently contact the weld wire and thereby provide stable paths for welding power from the gun to the weld wire. In another embodiment, a contact tip assembly comprises a contact tip having resilient fingers in electrical contact with a body. An inner frusto-conical surface of a sleeve is urged against concentric frusto-conical outer surfaces of the fingers to bias the fingers radially inwardly against the weld wire. An insulative liner in the contact tip guides the weld wire between the fingers. A shield surrounds the contact tip and the sleeve. In a further embodiment, a single finger is pivotally connected to the contact tip. A spring biases a finger end against the weld wire.

Abstract: In the present invention an optical waveguide grating sensing device for a dual-parameter optical waveguide grating sensor includes a first optical waveguide grating of a first resonant wavelength provided in a first section of an optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide grating of a second resonant wavelength provided in a second of an optical wavelguide. The first and second gratings have different coefficients of rate of change of wavelength as a function of temperature and have substantially the same coefficient of rate of change of wavelength as a function of stain.

Abstract: A current path for a mig welding gun assures a reliable and stable interface between a welding gun and a weld wire. In one embodiment, the current path is through a conductive insert that fits in the welding gun diffuser. Fingers of the insert resiliently contact the weld wire and thereby provide stable paths for welding power from the gun to the weld wire. In another embodiment, a contact tip assembly comprises a contact tip having resilient fingers in electrical contact with a body. An inner frusto-conical surface of a sleeve is urged against concentric frusto-conical outer surfaces of the fingers to bias the fingers radially inwardly against the weld wire. An insulative liner in the contact tip guides the weld wire between the fingers. A shield surrounds the contact tip and the sleeve. In a further embodiment, a single finger is pivotally connected to the contact tip. A spring biases a finger end against the weld wire.

Abstract: A regenerated optical waveguide is fabricated by hydrogenating an optical waveguide (12) and exposing a grating section (28) to a UV laser beam interference fringe pattern (14) to form a Type I grating. The grating section (28) is exposed for a second period to erase the Type I grating, and then a third period to cause a regenerated optical waveguide grating to form. The resonant wavelength increases during the third period from being substantially the same as the final wavelength of the Type I grating.

Abstract: A tool head attachment mechanism located within a tool body retains a replaceable tool head in an opening of the tool body. The mechanism includes a retaining ring including a wall having a number of apertures therethrough. A locking ring is rotatable with respect to the retaining ring. Ball bearings equivalent in number to the number of apertures are retained between the locking ring and the retaining ring. The ball bearings are sufficiently large to extend partially, but not completely through the apertures.