Abstract: The present invention is methods for inhibiting collagen destruction in joints of osteoarthritis patients. The methods are based on use of rexinoid compounds, in particular bexarotene, and their activity to inhibit synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in affected tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and method aspects for power gating of an integrated circuit (IC) include providing at least one I/O power pad of an IC with a switch arrangement. The at least one I/O power pad is utilized to control a power signal transfer to at least a portion of the IC.

Abstract: Polymer compositions having thermoplastic and elastomeric features are provided. These polymer compositions, which are also characterized by superior compatibility with water-based and solvent-based adhesives, comprise at least one thermoplastic elastomer and at least one maleated ethylene copolymer. The compositions of the invention are useful in articles of manufacture that require flexibility and are fabricated with adhesives, including sporting goods, and particularly athletic shoes.

Abstract: A WiFi voice communication system incorporates a plurality of access points (AP) interconnected to a WiFi network. A handset for voice communication through the AP is provided with two sets of medium access control (MAC) components, each of said MAC having the capability to set up a voice or data call with an AP individually and simultaneously, and means for transferring a voice call from one AP to another by transferring from one MAC to another.

Abstract: Disclosed are high frequency-active blends comprising (a) copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride or its functional equivalents and (b) ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers and ethylene/(meth)acrylate/carbon monoxide terpolymers; and films, powders, multilayer structures, and articles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition useful as an impact modifier for polyamide compositions. In one embodiment, impact modifiers of the present invention are ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers having at least 3% maleic anhydride functionality. Compositions comprising copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride or its functional equivalents and ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers are disclosed. The compositions provide miscible blends and exhibit improved properties, such as increased temperature resistance and mechanical strength, compared to pure ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers.

Abstract: The present invention is a film or sheet comprising ethylene acid copolymer/polyamide blends that are useful for fabricating films, pouches and tubing for packaging. Films, pouches and tubing, obtained from compositions described herein are tough and demonstrate good mechanical properties and good optical properties, even at low temperature. More particularly, the compositions of ethylene copolymers and polyamides of the present invention can be used in packaging of foodstuffs and medical solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed are adhesive compositions comprising nonfunctionalized base resins and functionalized ethylene copolymers such as ethylene/maleic anhydride (E/MAH) or ethylene/ethyl hydrogen maleate (E/MAME) copolymer, which are synthesized directly in a high pressure autoclave. These adhesive compositions can be applied as self-supporting films or can be co-extruded or extrusion coated onto a substrate. Also disclosed are multilayer structures, films, pipe coatings and building panels comprising these compositions.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as foam composition is disclosed, which comprises or is produced from an ethylene acrylate copolymer, an acid copolymer or an ionomer of the acid copolymer or both, or combinations thereof, and optionally a soft ethylene polymer. The ethylene acrylate copolymer comprises repeat units derived from ethylene and at least one alkylacrylate. The acid copolymer comprises repeat units derived from ethylene and acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or combinations thereof. The soft ethylene polymer comprises ethylene and an ?-olefin, vinyl acetate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A composition that can be used as foam composition is disclosed, which comprises or is produced from about 40 to about 95 wt %, or about 50 to about 95 wt %, of an ethylene acrylate copolymer and about 5 to about 60 wt %, or about 5 to about 50 wt %, of a soft ethylene polymer wherein the ethylene acrylate copolymer comprises repeat units derived from ethylene and at least one alkyl acrylate and the soft ethylene polymer comprises copolymer of ethylene and an ?-olefin, copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An efficient inductance modeling approach for on-chip power-ground wires using their effective self-loop-inductances is disclosed. Instead of extracting the inductive coupling between every two parallel wires and putting this huge number inductance elements into circuit simulation, this technique determines the effective self-loop-inductance for each power or ground wire segment and only generates a circuit with these effective self-inductors for simulation. This approach greatly reduces the circuit size and makes the full-chip power-ground simulation with the consideration of inductance feasible.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition useful as an impact modifier for polyamide compositions. In one embodiment, impact modifiers of the present invention are ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers having at least 3% maleic anhydride functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed are films, tapes, and melt-spun fibers comprising or prepared from a composition comprising (a) at least one polyamide polymer; and (b) from about 0.1 to 20 weight % of at least one ethylene copolymer such as ethylene/vinyl acetate dipolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate dipolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, functionalized ethylene copolymers, ethylene/acid copolymers, and salts thereof. The films, tapes and fibers exhibit improved tensile properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to nonmodified polyamide compositions. Also disclosed are nonwoven textiles comprising or prepared from the oriented melt-spun fibers.

Abstract: A flame retardant, halogen-free polymer composition that is a blend of: (1) a polyolefin selected from (a) EVA containing 25-90% by weight ethylene and 10-75% by weight vinyl acetate, (b) LLDPE, (c) LDPE, (d) VLDPE, (e) HDPE, or mixtures thereof; (2) a coupling agent made from (f) about 10 to about 50% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight functional comonomer and (g) about 50% by weight to about 90% by weight of an ethylene-based polymer; and (3) an inorganic flame retardant filler.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluorine containing ethylene copolymer (FCEC) obtained by the copolymerization of ethylene with suitable fluorine-containing comonomer compounds, wherein the fluorine-containing comonomer compound is present at a concentration of up to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the ethylene copolymer. FCEC described herein can be useful in a variety of applications, for example: as a release resin in low surface energy release films; as melt blown fibers; in composite or multilayer structures as a low surface energy outer layer; as microporous membranes; as flashspun plexifilamentary products; and as melt spun fibrous products.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of ethylene acid copolymers and polyamides that are useful for fabricating films, sheets and molded articles for scuff and scratch resistant material and their application as decorative and protective films, comprising (1) from about 30 to about 65 weight % of a polyamide; and (2) from about 70 to about 35 weight % of a copolymer of (a) ethylene; (b) from about 5 weight % to about 15 weight % of an ?,?-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid; (c) from about 0.5 weight % to about 12 weight % of at least one comonomer that is an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid; and (d) from 0 weight % to about 30 weight % of monomers selected from alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate, wherein the alkyl groups have from one to twelve carbon atoms; at least partially neutralized by one or more alkali metal, transition metal, or alkaline earth metal cations.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an oscillator circuit and a logic circuit. The oscillator circuit may be configured to present an output signal having a frequency in response to (i) a reference signal, (ii) a control signal and (iii) the output signal. The logic circuit may be configured to present the control signal in response to (i) the output signal and (ii) the reference signal. In one example, the logic circuit may disable the oscillator when the output signal oscillates outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an oscillator circuit and a logic circuit. The oscillator circuit may be configured to present an output signal having a frequency in response to (i) a reference signal, (ii) a control signal and (iii) the output signal. The logic circuit may be configured to present the control signal in response to (i) the output signal and (ii) the reference signal. In one example, the logic circuit may disable the oscillator when the output signal oscillates outside a predetermined range.