Abstract: A composite film is described which consists of a primary unfilled polyester layer and a secondary polyester layer containing from 1 to 8% by weight, based on the weight of the secondary polyester layer, of finely divided silica particles having a volume weighted mean particle size diameter D[4,3] of from 2.3 to 6.2 micrometers. The composite film is used in backlit displays such as illuminated signboards and provides uniform light transmission while maintaining the same strength of illumination at all points over the area of the display.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization of semiconductor wafers, field emission displays and other microelectronic substrate assemblies. One method of planarizing a microelectronic substrate assembly in accordance with the invention includes pressing a substrate assembly against a planarizing surface of a polishing pad at a pad/substrate interface defined by a surface area of the substrate assembly contacting the planarizing surface. The method continues by moving the substrate assembly and/or the polishing pad with respect to the other to rub at least one of the substrate assembly and the planarizing surface against the other at a relative velocity. As the substrate assembly and polishing pad rub against each other, a parameter indicative of drag force between the substrate assembly and the polishing pad is measured or sensed at periodic intervals.

Abstract: A method for blocking IL-12 signaling by administration of the following compound: wherein, R1 is H, CH3, sulfate, phosphate, or salt thereof; R2 is alkyl (C1-12), alkoxyalkyl (C1-11), dialkoxyalkyl, CH2C6H5, —CH2-furan, biotin; and R3 is H, CH3 or CH2C6H5.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding envelope-interacting protein-1 and envelope-interacting protein-3. This invention provides fusion proteins comprising EIP-1, EIP-3, or fragments thereof and a second peptide. This invention provides vectors comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule, encoding mammalian EIP-1 and EIP-3. This invention provides plasmid designated pCGN-EIP-l and pCGN-EIP-3. This invention provides purified mammalian EIP-1 and EIP-3 proteins. This invention provides monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies directed to epitopes of an EIP-1 or an EIP-3. This invention provides a method of increasing transduction efficieny of a retrovirus on target cells comprising: a) incubating an envelope-interacting protein with a retrovirus; and b) transducing the target cells with the retrovirus.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting variations in polymorphic sites and/or variations in gene copy number. The methods are particularly useful for analysis of biotransformation genes, such as cytochromes P450.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient is provided that includes a cover and a plurality of air bladders positioned in an interior region of the cover. An air supply is provided that provides air to the plurality of bladder. A tube apparatus is provided that delivers air from the air supply to the plurality of bladders. A valve controls the flow of air to at least one of the plurality of bladders. An electrical cable is coupled to the valve and at least a portion of the electrical cable is positioned in the tube apparatus. At least a portion of the tube is made of cloth.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are disclosed which include a heterostructure for producing electroluminescence wherein the heterostructure includes a non-metallic cathode. As a representative embodiment of the present invention, the heterostructure for producing electroluminescence includes in order, a non-metallic cathode layer (1), an electron injecting interface layer (6), an electron transporting layer (2), a hole transporting layer (3), and an anode layer (4); wherein the non-metallic cathode layer (1) includes an indium-tin oxide layer in contact with a copper phthalocyanine layer which functions as the electron injecting interface layer (6).

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions comprising new psoralens with either a 4 ′, or 5 ′primary amino substituent and a blood product that is suitable for in vivo use. The compositions are useful for the inactivation of pathogens in blood products such as platelets and plasma.

Abstract: A sputtering target assembly for depositing onto a selected substrate area comprises a target/cathode having a planar sputtering surface including an erosion track area, a collimating shield positioned proximate to the sputtering surface, surrounding at least a portion of the erosion track area, and including an inwardly facing wall, and a blocking shield centrally positioned over the surface of the target/cathode and including an outwardly facing wall, wherein the inwardly facing wall of the collimating shield and the outwardly facing wall of the central blocking shield form an open-ended channel for directing sputtered particles onto the selected substrate area. A method for utilizing the target assembly for selectively depositing a thicker protective overcoat layer on the inner CSS or landing zone relative to the outer data zone of disk-shaped recording media is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting radar system blockage includes a radar system having an antenna unit configured to transmit radar signals and receive reflected radar signals. In one embodiment, fixed frequency continuous wave radar signals are transmitted, and corresponding reflected signals are sampled and processed to determine a mainbeam clutter signal peak in frequency bins near those corresponding to vehicle speed. If this peak is less than a power threshold, the antenna unit is at least partially blocked. In another embodiment, a number of most recent reflected tracking signal amplitudes are sampled, normalized to a predefined range value and filtered to produce a smoothed tracking amplitude. If the smoothed tracking amplitude drops below an amplitude threshold, the antenna unit is at least partially blocked. The two embodiments may be combined to determine a radar antenna blockage status as a function of both techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying to a surface of mammalian tissue including soft, living tissue an initially fluent material and then activating the material by exposure to an energy source. The material may be a liquid capable of polymerization to a non-fluent state by exposure to actinic light. The device, and methods that may be practiced in association with the device, enable a wide range of medical conditions to be treated including, for example, the application of a barrier to soft tissue to prevent post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the efficient management of remembered sets in a generational garbage collection scheme. The present invention detects when an old object has a pointer to a young object, and needs to be added to the remembered set. A write buffer and a temporary buffer are used to create and maintain the remembered set. Entries in the write and temporary buffers are used as part of the root set for creating the remembered set for the next garbage collection. A barrier bit associated with each object differentiates generations in the generational garbage collection scheme and is used to determine whether to make an entry into a write buffer when a reference to another object is stored into an object. Objects that have survived one or more collections, but not the minimum number, N, of collections to be considered an old object are referred to as “middle-aged” objects. During a minor garbage collection, the write buffer is scanned.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for performing nucleic acid hybridization and amplification processes on a support. Such methods and apparatus are useful for synthesizing nucleic acid and detecting target nucleic acid for diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhanced detection of biological response patterns. In one embodiment of the invention, genes are grouped into basis genesets according to the co-regulation of their expression. Expression of individual genes within a geneset is indicated with a single gene expression value for the geneset by a projection process. The expression values of genesets, rather than the expression of individual genes, are then used as the basis for comparison and detection of biological response with greatly enhanced sensitivity. In another embodiment of the invention, biological responses are grouped according to the similarity of their biological profile. The methods of the invention have many useful applications, particularly in the fields of drug development and discovery. For example, the methods of the invention may be used to compare biological responses with greatly enhanced sensitivity.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen includes providing a feed stream comprising water; contacting at least one proton conducting membrane adapted to interact with the feed stream; splitting the water into hydrogen and oxygen at a predetermined temperature; and separating the hydrogen from the oxygen. Preferably the proton conducting membrane comprises a proton conductor and a second phase material. Preferable proton conductors suitable for use in a proton conducting membrane include a lanthanide element, a Group VIA element and a Group IA or Group IIA element such as barium, strontium, or combinations of these elements. More preferred proton conductors include yttrium. Preferable second phase materials include platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, chromium, manganese, vanadium, silver, gold, copper, rhodium, ruthenium, niobium, zirconium, tantalum, and combinations of these. More preferably second phase materials suitable for use in a proton conducting membrane include nickel, palladium, and combinations of these.

Abstract: A system for switching communications signals between a first communications network and a second communications network is provided. The system includes a J1 interface coupled to the first communications network by a J1 span, a E1 interface coupled to the second communications network by an E1 span, and an interface processor in communication with the J1 interface and the E1 interface. The interface processor is then operable to translate signals formatted for the J1 span into an E1 format for transmission on the El span. The interface processor is further operable to translate communications signals formatted for the E1 span into a J1 format for transmission on the J1 span.

Abstract: The Magnetostrictive Missile Guidance System pivots the missile nosecone about a multi-directional joint on the missile axis to produce aerodynamic control forces for missile flight path control. The nosecone is driven by magnetostrictive materials in conjunction with displacement amplification devices. The determination of the nosecone deflection angle necessary to achieve any change in the flight path is made by a sensing device that produces position signals and a guidance computer that produces the desired flight path command signals. The sensing device senses the current position of the nosecone and this position signal is compared with the command signal by the computer to yield an error signal, which is indicative of the difference between the two input signals. Then appropriate magnetic field is applied to the magnetostrictive materials to cause them to grow in length and deflect the nosecone until the error signal is eliminated and flight path is changed.

Abstract: A disclosed walker is a three sided framework allowing quick connect/disconnect to the frame of a conventional standard wheelchair. The walker is formed with a front and two side assemblies pivotally linked to the front assembly. When the walker is not connected to a wheelchair, the side assemblies and front assemblies pivot and collapse into a “z” pattern forming a flat, compact package. For connection to a wheelchair, the sides assemblies unfold perpendicularly to the front assembly, and are locked into place by a horizontal crossbar. U-shaped securing clips located at the rear ends of the walker's side assemblies, drop over and straddle horizontal frame members of the wheelchair tightly grasping the wheelchair's frame members. The stability of the walker/wheelchair combination is enhanced by outward bends of the front vertical sections of the walker which terminate in swivel caster supports.