Abstract: A shared data and clock recovery circuit including a clock synthesizer for generating sampling signals having different phases, a multiple transition detector for receiving a data stream and sampling signals, and for detecting edges in a data stream in response to the sampling signals, a counter and accumulator for detecting the time occurrences and total number of edges, and for performing weighted average calculation to select one of the phases, a decision circuit for detecting the phase difference between a source clock and a local clock such that if the PPM difference between the source clock and the local clock is at least 200 PPM, then selection of a phase is based upon stored historical information, and if the PPM difference between the source clock and the local clock is less than 200 PPM, then selection of a phase is based on a weighted averaging calculation.

Abstract: The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR&agr;) plays a key role in mediating fatty acid metabolism by regulating expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. A limitation of existing human cell models for testing PPAR&agr; ligands is the inability to detect PPAR responsive genes with endogenous levels of PPAR&agr; protein. The HK-2 cell line derived from human proximal tubules showed induction of several genes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK-4) and adipocyte differentiation related factor (ADRP) by PPAR&agr; ligands. Induction of PDK-4 by PPAR&agr; agonists in the HK-2 cell model closely correlates with its induction in vivo and thus represents a marker for PPAR&agr; agonist action. HK2 cells also exemplify the first model of a human cell line in which PPAR&agr; ligand dependent gene induction can be detected with endogenous levels of receptor.

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: A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved by a pupil to control the same instrument. Deviations between movement of the handles by the mentor and the pupil can be provided as force feedback to the pupil and mentor handles. The force feedback pushes the pupil's hand to correspond with the mentor's handle movement. The force feedback will also push the mentor's hand to provide information to the mentor on pupil's movements. The mentor is thus able to guide the pupil's hands through force feedback of the pupil handles to teach the pupil how to use the system.

Abstract: A shared data and clock recovery circuit including a clock synthesizer for generating sampling signals having different phases, a multiple transition detector for receiving a data stream and sampling signals, and for detecting edges in a data stream in response to the sampling signals, a counter and accumulator for detecting the time occurrences and total number of edges, and for performing weighted average calculation to select one of the phases, a decision circuit for detecting the phase difference between a source clock and a local clock such that if the PPM difference between the source clock and the local clock is at least 200 PPM, then selection of a phase is based upon stored historical information, and if the PPM difference between the source clock and the local clock is less than 200 PPM, then selection of a phase is based on a weighted averaging calculation.

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: The present invention provides a method and system for stabilizing a rotor about its geometric center in a magnetic bearing system at a constant rotor speed. In the method, the controller for controlling the magnetic bearing uses an adaptive control algorithm which simultaneously identifies and compensates for synchronous sensor runout and rotor mass unbalance while determining a control action that drives the rotor rotating at a constant speed to its geometric center. The identification of sensor runout and mass unbalance is by varying the magnetic stiffness which is achieved by perturbation of the bias currents in opposing electromagnet coils in a manner that does not alter the equilibrium of the rotor while it is rotating at a constant speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using an RXR agonist alone or in combination with a PPAR&ggr; agonist such as a thiazolidinedione compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using an RXR agonist alone or in combination with a PPAR&ggr; agonist such as a thiazolidinedione compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using an RXR agonist alone or in combination with a PPAR&ggr; agonist such as a thiazolidinedione compound.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an actuator, a tool, and a positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes a gear link structure operably coupling the tool to the actuator for moving the tool in a first direction defining a first degree of freedom and in a second direction defining a second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A spherical robot having a spherical body and a drive mechanism. The spherical body defines a cavity and a center. The drive mechanism is disposed within the cavity, coupled to the spherical body, wherein said drive mechanism includes a plurality of masses coupled to said body which are radially positionable within said cavity to create a moment about said center of said body, and is adapted to create a moment about the center of the body. This moment causes the body to rotate.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using an RXR agonist alone or in combination with a PPAR&ggr; agonist such as a thiazolidinedione compound.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of methyl polysiloxane in the form of methyl cyclosiloxane of the general formula (R2SiO)x, wherein R is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl and alkaryl groups and “x” is an integer selected from 3-6, in which: a) liquifying silicone feedstock as herein defined is liquefied in a solvent selected from alcohol or siloxane in presence of a catalyst at a temperature of between 110° C.-180° C. to obtain a liquefied mass consisting of a mixture of methyl polysiloxane, solvent and filler; b) adding a metal hydroxide to the liquefied mass so as to convent the fillers to their corresponding silicates, the said silicates thus obtained are removed and the liquid recovered; and c) cyclyzing methyl polysiloxane in the liquid medium thus obtained in the presence of a cracking catalyst in the temperature range of 115-160° C. so as to crack the liquid methyl polysiloxane to a mixture of volatile methyl cyclosiloxane.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using an RXR agonist alone or in combination with a PPAR.gamma. agonist such as a thiazolidinedione compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using an RXR agonist alone or in combination with a PPAR.gamma. agonist such as a thiazolidinedione compound.

Abstract: A mechanism is described to provide dexterity through articulation. The mechanism includes a plurality of concatenated segments for transferring angular rotational motion from a driving device located at its base to the distal end. Each segment in the mechanism acts as both a driven element and a driving element whereby each segment is articulated so that the total articulation of the mechanism is the sum of the articulation motions of each segment.

Abstract: An actuation system for the control of multiple shape memory alloy elements is achieved by arranging the shape memory actuators into a matrix comprised of rows and columns which results in approximate a fifty percent reduction in the number of electrical connecting wires. This method of actuation provides the scope for resistance measurements of the shape memory alloy actuators and therefore feedback control of the actuators can be accomplished without additional wires.

Abstract: A human peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gene is purified from the environment in which it naturally occurs, and preferably provided within an expression vector.