Abstract: A control system automatically determines the presence of an auxiliary control. The system includes a controlled device and a main control. The controlled device includes a main control input and an auxiliary control input. If an auxiliary control is present, a discernible non-zero default signal is supplied on the auxiliary control input of the controlled device, when no inputs of the auxiliary control are asserted. This advantageously allows for the verification of correct assembly (i.e., determination of the presence or non-presence of an auxiliary control) without technician intervention.

Abstract: Methods of treating liver inflammatory condition, disease or disorder are provided. Methods include administering amounts of a PPAR&ggr; agonist sufficient to ameliorate the inflammatory condition, disease or disorder. Methods of treating conditions associated with excess or undesirable cholesterol levels or decreased HDL levels or decreased CYP7A expression are also provided. Methods include administering amounts of a PPAR&ggr; agonist sufficient to decrease cholesterol levels or increase HDL levels or CYP7A expression.

Abstract: A gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first end configured to be coupled to a gas connection and a second end. A keyed body is configured to receive the second end of the gas valve body. The keyed body has a first keying mechanism. The apparatus also includes a cap coupled to the keyed body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a second keying mechanism configured to mate with the first keying mechanism on the keyed body to permit the cap to be coupled to the keyed body.

Abstract: An agitated bed apparatus (20) for heating, cooling, and/or drying particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). A material conditioning unit (156) such as an infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to hot, cool, or ambient air for heating, drying, or cooling thereof. In another embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes a plurality of units (156) which are slidably removable from the housing (22) of the apparatus (20).

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a transformer that is at least partially formed on a substrate. The transformer is for electrical isolation and signal filtering. The transformer includes the following elements. A portion of the substrate has two holes through the substrate. A ferrite core is formed in a loop through the two holes. A primary winding is made of a first metal trace. The first metal trace is formed in a spiral around one hole. The first metal trace has at least two primary terminals acting as an input to the transformer. The transformer also includes a secondary winding. The secondary winding is made of a second metal trace. The second metal trace is formed in a spiral around the other hole. The second metal trace has at least two secondary terminals acting as an output from the transformer.

Abstract: An agitated bed drying apparatus (20) for particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated, essentially imperforate, flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). An infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to IR radiation for most effective drying thereof. Alternately, the bed (24) may be in the form of a length of material (58) mounted in tension and against translation within housing (24), or as a continuous belt (136).

Abstract: An agitated bed drying apparatus (20) for particulate material (152) is provided which includes a housing (22) having an elongated, essentially imperforate, flexible bed (24) therein adapted to receive the material (152). An agitator assembly (26) made up of a series of rotatable beater bar units (70) is located below the bed (24) and oriented for repeatedly impacting the bed (24) to establish an undulating bed movement for elevation and tumbling of the particulate material (152). An infrared heating unit array (28) is located above the bed (24) so as to expose the particulate material (152) to IR radiation for most effective drying thereof. Alternately, the bed (24) may be in the form of a length of material (58) mounted in tension and against translation within housing (24), or as a continuous belt (136).

Abstract: Disclosed are human mitogen-activated (MAP) kinase kinase isoforms (MKKs). MKKs mediate unique signal transduction pathways that activate human MAP kinases p38 and JNK, which result in activation of other factors, including activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) and c-Jun. The pathways are activated by a number of factors, including cytokines and environmental stress. Methods are provided for identifying reagents that modulate MKK function or activity and for the use of such reagents in the treatment of MKK-mediated disorders.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a transformer that is at least partially formed on a substrate. The transformer is for electrical isolation and signal filtering. The transformer includes the following elements. A portion of the substrate has two holes through the substrate. A ferrite core is formed in a loop through the two holes. A primary winding is made of a first metal trace. The first metal trace is formed in a spiral around one hole. The first metal trace has at least two primary terminals acting as an input to the transformer. The transformer also includes a secondary winding. The secondary winding is made of a second metal trace. The second metal trace is formed in a spiral around the other hole. The second metal trace has at least two secondary terminals acting as an output from the transformer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified cellular factor that can regulate the expression of genes that encode proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism. The invention also provides methods of obtaining the cellular factors of the invention in a substantially purified form. The invention further provides a method of using a cellular factor of the invention to reduce cholesterol levels in a subject having hypercholesterolemia comprising administering a cellular factor to the subject.

Abstract: A document reader having a pair of improved sensing heads for reading marks on both sides of a document. Each head comprises a body portion equipped to transmit radiation onto a document and sense radiation reflected back from marks on the document. A substantially transparent, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene film secured to the body portion over the transmitting and receiving apparatus shields the body portion from wear by passing documents. With the film in place it is possible to avoid wrapping the documents about the sensing heads, a procedure that is otherwise desirable for accurate mark reading, and thereby further reduce wear.