Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an externally controlled compressor (10), a condenser (12), a throttle (18), an evaporator (20) and an internal heat exchanger (16), wherein the throttle (18) is an electronic expansion valve. The invention also relates to a method for operating an air-conditioning system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an externally controlled compressor (10), a condenser (12), a throttle (18), an evaporator (20) and an internal heat exchanger (16), wherein the throttle (18) is electronically controlled.

Abstract: Structures and methods of forming self aligned silicided contacts are disclosed. The structure includes a gate electrode disposed over an active area, a liner disposed over the gate electrode and at least a portion of the active area, an insulating layer disposed over the liner. A first contact plug is disposed in the insulating layer and the liner, the first contact plug disposed above and in contact with a portion of the active area, the first contact plug including a first conductive material. A second contact plug is disposed in the insulating layer and the liner, the second contact plug disposed above and in contact with a portion of the gate electrode, the second contact plug includes the first conductive material. A contact material layer is disposed in the active region, the contact material layer disposed under the first contact plug and includes the first conductive material.

Abstract: Oral antidepressant formulation comprising a means for controlling the release of the pharmaceutically acceptable antidepressant active agent selected from the group consisting of SSRI agents, SNRIs (serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors), CRF antagonists, NK1 antagonists, NK2 antagonists, NK3 antagonists and combinations thereof, with respect to the release of the compound selected from the group consisting of acetylsalicylic acid, salts and esters of acetylsalicylic acid, diaspirin, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement of an electronic component in a plastic housing, including a cover and a lower part, and to a method for fixing the electronic component in the housing. The cover is connected to the lower part and exerts a pre-defined force (F) on the electronic component. The cover is designed such that the influence of the height tolerance (dh) of the electronic component on the force (F) can be compensated to the effect that, once the cover has been mounted, the force (F) applied to the lower part is in a pre-defined force range (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a backside contact of a semiconductor component, in particular, of a solar cell, comprising a metallic layer on the backside of a substrate in a vacuum treatment chamber, and the use of a vacuum treatment system for performing said method. Through this method and its use, in particular silicon based solar cells, can be provided with a back contact in a simple manner in a continuous process sequence, wherein the process sequence can be provided particularly efficient and economical, since no handling systems for rotating the substrate are required, and in particular silk screening steps can be dispensed with.

Abstract: A system for measuring a magnetic signature of a vehicle, including: at least a first set of sensors (Cxi) that are stationary and arranged along at least a first direction; at least a second set of sensors (Cyj) that are stationary and arranged along at least a second direction that intersects the first direction; a common sensor (Cxy0) arranged at a location where the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors intersect, said common sensor belonging to the first and the second sets of sensors, wherein the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are arranged so that the vehicle passes above at least part of the sensors of the first and second set of sensors; and a calculation device for calculating a relation between a time signature So(t) of the vehicle passing above the common sensor and a spatial profile So(x) resulting from measurements made by the first set of sensors.

Abstract: A directional microphone array system generally for hearing aid applications is disclosed. The system may employ a broadside or an endfire array of microphones. In either case, the signals generated by the microphone are added using a plurality of summation points that are connected together via a single signal wire or channel. In the case of the endfire array, all but one of the signals is delayed so that the summation of the signals are in phase. The summation of the signals is then used to generate an output signal for a speaker of a hearing aid or the like.

Abstract: Impact damping arrangement, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a cross member and at least one impact damper, an impact damper being positioned between the cross member and a vehicle frame for absorbing a force (FL) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the impact damper, wherein the connection of the impact damper to the vehicle frame comprises an absorbing arrangement having at least one deformation zone to bring about the attenuation of a force introduced transversely to the longitudinal axis of the impact damper by means of a material deformation in the deformation zone. An impact damping arrangement is thus provided which absorbs an impact in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle as well as an impact with a force effect extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved compound bow. In particular, the present invention is directed to an adjustable compound bow for hunting and archery with noise reduction features. The preferred embodiment of the bow comprises a riser having a main riser length with two ends, each end attached to an adjustable hub with a limb base. Each limb base preferably has a pocketless flat surface with vibration dampening material. Each hub is secured to the main riser length by an adjustment worm drive and a hub pivot. A limb is preferably secured to each limb base at two points on the pocketless flat surface. A bowstring is strung under tension between the limbs. The bowstring's tension can be adjusted by adjusting the adjustable hubs with the worm drives. The bow preferably has a storage position and an in-use position caused by rotating the limbs around the adjustable hubs. Adjustment of the bow can be accomplished without use of a bow press.

Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit including vertical junction field effect transistors is disclosed. One embodiment creates a vertical junction field effect transistor using a fault-tolerant or alignment-tolerant production process. The device performance is not harmed, even if misalignments in consecutive semiconductor processing steps occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a mutant gene, comprising a complementary RNA strand having a complementary region that is substantially complementary to a portion of the mutant gene, and which is partially complementary to the corresponding wild-type gene. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for inhibiting the expression of a target mutant gene, as well as for treating diseases caused by expression of the target gene. The invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the expression of a target mutant gene, as well as methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of the target gene.

Abstract: An improved system for generating electrical power using a fuel cell. More particularly, a system for generating hydrogen gas by reacting water vapor with a substantially non-fluid substance and transporting the generated hydrogen gas to the fuel cell which generates electrical power. Reacting water vapor with the non-fluid hydrogen generating substance rather than liquid water prevents caking of the non-fluid substance and deposition of byproducts onto the non-fluid substance that interfere with continued generation of hydrogen gas. Also, a non-electrically actuated valve for use in a hydrogen gas generating apparatus which regulates the generation of hydrogen as required by the fuel cell.

Abstract: Methods of assessing and reducing risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) based on gene expression profiling are described, as well as methods of selecting a suitable transplant donor. Corresponding reagents and kits are also described.

Abstract: A process generally includes contacting a surface of at least one workpiece with a reconfigurable pad of a fixture device, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to conform to the surface of the at least one workpiece, and fixturing the contacted workpiece.