Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating obstructive pulmonary disorders. In particular, compositions and methods described herein relate to the use of an aerosolized antibiotic for treating obstructive pulmonary disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and chronic bronchitis (CB).

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying strains of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae that can be used as immunogenic compositions having specificity against a plurality of Haemophilus influenzae strains. The invention also provides compositions comprising whole cell bacteria or outer membrane protein P2 obtained from the strains for use as vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying strains of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae that can be used as immunogenic compositions having specificity against a plurality of Haemophilus influenzae strains. The invention also provides compositions comprising whole cell bacteria or outer membrane protein P2 obtained from the strains for use as vaccines.

Abstract: A delay-locked loop (DLL) has a counter that is incremented or decremented by the loop in the process of achieving lock. The counter value is converted using an digital to analog converter (DAC) to an analog voltage that controls the delay through the delay line. During faster lock modes, the loop increments/decrements intermediate bits of the counter (with the bits less significant being held at a constant value, e.g., 0) to provide a coarse lock, rather than incrementing/decrementing the least significant bit of the counter. After coarse lock is achieved, a better lock is then achieved by incrementing/decrementing the counter using a smaller increment, i.e., a less significant bit is updated, until finally, the LSB is utilized to achieve fine lock. Utilizing the coarse lock first, and then one or more finer locks, allows the lock to be achieved more quickly.

Abstract: A voltage controlled delay line (VCDL). The VCDL includes one or more cells. Each of the one or more cells includes two or more inputs and an output. Each of the one or more cells is configured to provide a delay as well as an interpolation function and a multiplexer function. The VCDL may be used to provide delay in a delay locked loop (DLL).

Abstract: A voltage controlled delay line (VCDL). The VCDL includes one or more cells. Each of the one or more cells includes two or more inputs and an output. Each of the one or more cells is configured to provide a delay as well as an interpolation function and a multiplexer function. The VCDL may be used to provide delay in a delay locked loop (DLL).

Abstract: This invention provides a method for identifying strains of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae that can be used as immunogenic compositions having specificity against a plurality of Haemophilus influenzae strains. The invention also provides compositions comprising whole cell bacteria or outer membrane protein P2 obtained from the strains for use as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial exacerbations of chronic lung disease. The method comprises detecting the presence of elastase in patient sputum containing secretions of the lower respiratory tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial exacerbations of chronic lung disease. The method comprises detecting the presence of elastase in patient sputum containing secretions of the lower respiratory tract.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences, derived from Moraxella catarrhalis, which encode one or more epitopes of outer membrane protein B1 are disclosed. Recombinant B1 protein or B1 peptides may be produce by culturing in a medium a host cell genetically engineered to contain and express a nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, and recovering the recombinant protein or peptide from the cultured host cell or culture medium. The nucleotide sequence of the present invention can also be used in molecular diagnostic assays for detecting M. catarrhalis genetic material, and in antigenic compositions for producing B1-specific amino acids.

Abstract: A device for generating radiant energy comprising a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from said first electrode, a material disposed between and in electrical communication with first and second electrodes, which emits radiant energy upon activation. This material is a rare earth metal oxide or a rare earth metal halide.