Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) excited laser assembly includes a pair of opposed electrodes defining an inter-electrode gap and a conductive termination bridge in electrical contact with both electrodes. The termination bridge mechanically supports and positions the electrodes relative to each other and provides a termination impedance for an RF voltage applied to the electrodes. A conical spiral inductor includes one or more metals windings, and one or more concentric terminals, such that the conical spiral inductor defines an inter-winding spacing sufficient to mitigate ionization of a gas medium between windings. A radio frequency (RF) feed-through assembly configured to apply an RF voltage to a pair of opposing electrodes such that a conductor is isolated from a metal sleeve position around the conductor by ion sheath discharge barrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying data, such as 3D models, having spatial coordinates. In one aspect, a height map and color map are generated from the data. In another aspect, material classification is applied to surfaces within a 3D model. Based on the 3D model, the height map, the color map, and the material classification, haptic responses are generated on a haptic device. In another aspect, a 3D user interface (UI) data model comprising model definitions is derived from the 3D models. The 3D model is updated with video data. In another aspect, user controls are provided to navigate a point of view through the 3D model to determine which portions of the 3D model are displayed.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) excited laser assembly includes a pair of opposed electrodes defining an inter-electrode gap and a conductive termination bridge in electrical contact with both electrodes. The termination bridge mechanically supports and positions the electrodes relative to each other and provides a termination impedance for an RF voltage applied to the electrodes. A conical spiral inductor includes one or more metals windings, and one or more concentric terminals, such that the conical spiral inductor defines an inter-winding spacing sufficient to mitigate ionization of a gas medium between windings. A radio frequency (RF) feed-through assembly configured to apply an RF voltage to a pair of opposing electrodes such that a conductor is isolated from a metal sleeve position around the conductor by ion sheath discharge barrier.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods are provided for stabilizing a solution of bone morphogenetic protein. The compositions comprise an aqueous solution of GDF-5 and a biocompatible acid, such as hydrochloric, acetic, phosphoric, or trifluoroacetic acid, wherein the solution has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 3.6, thereby providing for improved stability of the GDF-5 protein during handling and prolonged storage at reduced temperatures.

Abstract: An RF excited laser assembly includes a pair of opposed electrodes, and at least one inductor. The pair of opposed electrodes defines an inter-electrode gap that provides a discharge volume for laser propagation within a gas medium. The pair of opposed electrodes define one or more discharge-free regions within a laser-free region in the inter-electrode gap. The least one inductor is electrically connected to both electrodes and extends between the electrodes within the inter-electrode gap and inside of the one or more discharge-free regions within the laser-free region.

Abstract: An RF excited laser assembly includes a pair of opposed electrodes, and at least one inductor. The pair of opposed electrodes defines an inter-electrode gap that provides a discharge volume for laser propagation within a gas medium. The pair of opposed electrodes define one or more discharge-free regions within a laser-free region in the inter-electrode gap. The least one inductor is electrically connected to both electrodes and extends between the electrodes within the inter-electrode gap and inside of the one or more discharge-free regions within the laser-free region.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods are provided for stabilizing a solution of bone morphogenetic protein. The compositions comprise an aqueous solution of GDF-5 and a biocompatible acid, such as hydrochloric, acetic, phosphoric, or trifluoroacetic acid, wherein the solution has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 3.6, thereby providing for improved stability of the GDF-5 protein during handling and prolonged storage at reduced temperatures.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved rooflight 100. A first aspect of the rooflight provides a perimeter lip 1401 which protects an edge of a pane 210 of glass from being accidentally chipped or cracked. A second aspect of the present invention provides a channel for a blind 1100, which channel is formed by two cooperating channel sections 1601, 1602. A third aspect of the present invention provides a flashing system 1700. Another aspect of the rooflight 100 provides a water deflector 450 for preventing rain water from impinging directly onto a weather seal between a casement 120 and baseplate 110. Another aspect provides removable linings 610, 620, 1210, 1220 which can be mounted an interior face of the casement 120 and/or baseplate 110. Another aspect provides a slot 1000, for securing flashing 800, 810, which extends around the perimeter of the baseplate 110.

Abstract: The invention features a method of producing a high mannose glucocerebrosidase (hmGCB) which includes: providing a cell which is capable of expressing glucocerebrosidase (GCB), and allowing production of GCB having a precursor oligosaccharide under conditions which prevent the removal of at least one mannose residue distal to the pentasaccharide core of the precursor oligosaccharide of GCB, to thereby produce an hmGCB preparation. Preferably, the condition which prevents the removal of at least one mannose residue distal to the.pentasaccharide core is inhibition of a class 1 processing mannosidase and/or a class 2 processing mannosidase. The invention also features an hmGCB preparation and methods of using an hmGCB preparation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for interactively building flight paths for entry into an aircraft flight management system (FMS). The apparatus comprises a database containing map information, a display for presenting the map information, a user controlled cursor and selection buttons, all under the control of a graphics processor. The processor presents the map information with included navigation features on the display, correlated with the aircraft position and cursor location. When the cursor overlies a navigational feature (airways, waypoints, etc.), the processor highlights the feature. Feature ID information may also pop up when the feature is highlighted. Using a mouse button or equivalent, the user selects the highlighted feature or ID, whereupon the processor sends the information associated therewith to the FMS. By successively highlighting and selecting features or IDs an entire flight path can be identified and entered automatically into the FMS without the need for individual text entry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel approach for the diagnosis and therapy of renal cell carcinoma, and other renal tumors, for example Wilms' tumor or other tumors not originating from the kidney or non-malignant kidney pathologies. The areas of application of the invention include the field of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry but also basic biology. The aim of the invention is to provide novel forms of treatment which are urgently required regarding the present state-of-the-art in treatment of renal carcinoma and other cancers. It was discovered that the Nbk protein which is highly expressed in normal renal tissue, is either not expressed at all or only weakly expressed in the tumor tissue. The protein expression and the loss of Nbk was examined in renal cell carcinoma samples by the use of immunohistochemistry, PCR strategies, mutation and deletion analyses.

Abstract: A tennis training simulation system is disclosed that improves both reaction time and ground stroke techniques within a limited physical training environment. This training system combines simulated service of a tennis ball from a service line over a virtual net, and delivery of real tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student. In the system of this invention, the tennis ball delivery system includes an automatic tennis ball machine equipped with an array of lights or LED's that simulate the service of a tennis ball from a service line, a simulated trajectory of the tennis ball over a virtual net, and a simulated first bounce of a tennis ball coupled immediately thereafter with real in-flight delivery of an actual tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student.

Abstract: A method for disseminating value-added information is described, starting from known radio paging services in which on one or more frequencies, by means of an address code which establishes the identity of a certain receiver, a message can be transmitted to the receiver, wherein at least one second standard address code is provided for identifying several receivers of the radio paging service, which is transmitted on one or more frequencies used by the radio paging service. By setting up a second address code, several subscribers to a radio paging service can be addressed simultaneously. The subscribers can in this case select and call up desired value-added information.

Abstract: A tennis training simulation system is disclosed that improves both reaction time and ground stroke techniques within a limited physical training environment. This training system combines simulated service of a tennis ball from a service line over a virtual net, and delivery of real tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student. In the system of this invention, the tennis ball delivery system includes an automatic tennis ball machine equipped with an array of lights or LED's that simulate the service of a tennis ball from a service line, a simulated trajectory of the tennis ball over a virtual net, and a simulated first bounce of a tennis ball coupled immediately thereafter with real in-flight delivery of an actual tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student.

Abstract: The device allows a beginner to learn the game, or an advanced player to develop new skills by simulating ball movement from the time that the opponent strikes the ball until the first bounce of the bail in the player's court. At this time a real ball is delivered at a speed and trajectory preset by the player. This simulation allows the practicing player to interact with the device in preparing stance and having a fluid back swing and swing of the tennis racket. The real ball having been struck by the player hits a large catch net located immediately in front of the device. The devise can be used in an enclosure the size of a one car garage or small basement, allowing use during rain or winter months.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-part, biocompatible hip-joint socket moorable without cement, which hip-joint socket can be used universally in combination with hip-joint endoprostheses and is especially suitable for the treatment of dysphasia hips. The joint socket is made of Ti or Ta metals forming a barrier layer or of alloys thereof and is provided with a perforated flange ring for screwing to the pelvic bone, as well as being provided over its entire surface with specific function characteristic oxide layers containing bioactivators. For the implantation of the hip-joint socket, there are not required any special operating instructions, and additional operations, such as pelvic osteotomies, plasties of the roof of the acetabulum and repeated operations are prevented or minimized.

Abstract: An automatic adjustment apparatus for a friction brake containing at least two braking elements between which there is arranged a brake lining and which are pressed against one another in a braking position. At least one of the brake elements is adjustably arranged. There is provided a cylindrical portion having a shoulder, and disc-shaped adjustment elements are arranged upon the cylindrical portion to both sides of the shoulder. The disc-shaped adjustment elements are displaceable by means of the adjustable braking element which is movable relative to the shoulder upon wear of the brake lining. Upon such wear of the brake lining amounting to the thickness of an adjustment element or a predetermined fraction of such thickness, the adjustment element arranged directly at the shoulder upon the larger diameter part of the cylindrical portion is displaceable onto its smaller diameter part.