Abstract: Phase change solvents for thermoplastic polymers to provide blended compositions. Above the phase change temperature of the solvent, the phase change solvent solubilizes or intimately mixes with the thermoplastic polymer. Below the phase change temperature of the solvent, the phase change solvent solidifies or crystallizes within the thermoplastic matrix. The phase change behavior of these materials produce blended compositions that exhibit lowered shear viscosity and lowered processing temperature without substantially compromising mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer, such as hardness. The present invention also relates to a method of improving the processability of a thermoplastic polymer using the phase change solvent.

Abstract: The cosmetic compositions of the present invention provide a durable film after application that resists degradation over time. Cosmetic compositions of the present invention comprise: (A) an anhydrous mixture of: (1) silicone modified fluorinated polymers; (2) an organosiloxane resin; and (B) a volatile carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for accepting a recipient identifier, wherein the recipient identifier can be used to identify an electronic mail (email) recipient; generating a petition based on the recipient identifier and at least one petition rule, wherein the at least one petition rule includes at least one of: 1) a sender identification method; and 2) a recipient; and wherein the petition can be used by a email provider to allow a recipient to receive email from a sender.

Abstract: High volume electronic mail messaging transfer systems and methods employ several groups of servers in order to more efficiently handle processing and transmission of messages to large numbers of recipients. A first group of servers designated as the A servers in the preferred exemplary embodiment provide storage for databases containing various electronic mail lists. These servers also preferably contain the majority of software which is used in manipulation and processing of messages for transmission to the recipients identified on the lists. A second class or group of servers referred to as the B servers is preferably employed under the control of the A servers. It is the B servers which actually perform mass delivery of the electronic mail messages. In a further preferred exemplary embodiment, yet another group of servers known as the C servers is used to collect bounced electronic mail messages and to provide this information to the A servers.

Abstract: A pellicle membrane structure (800) is made by a process that includes depositing (115) a etch mask layer (110) on the backside of the semiconductor wafer, deposting (120) a first pellicle membrane protection layer (205) on a frontside of the semiconductor wafer, depositing (125) a layer of membrane material (210) that is preferably SiOF on the first membrane protection layer, and depositing (130) a second pellicle membrane protection layer (215) on the membrane material layer, forming a pattern (140) for an opening (410) in the semiconductor, and etching (150) to form the opening. Oxygen plasma (155) is then used to remove carbon from the exposed portions of the pellicle membrane protection layers, which are preferably SiCN, which in the preferable embodiment changes the exposed surfaces to SiOF, thereby forming a thin SiOF membrane (715) over the opening.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for producing vinyl chloride from ethane/ethylene involving: (a) combining ethane, ethylene, or mixtures thereof with an oxygen source and a chlorine source in a reactor containing a suitable catalyst under conditions sufficient to convert substantially all of the C2 hydrocarbon fed and to produce a product stream comprising vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride; and (b) recycling unreacted hydrogen chloride back for use in Step (a). No C2 hydrocarbon recycle is required in this process. In another aspect, a process for producing vinyl chloride involving: (a) combining ethane, optionally ethylene, an oxygen source, and a chlorine source in a reactor containing a suitable catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce vinyl chloride and hydrogen chloride; (b) catalytically reacting said hydrogen chloride in a second reactor to provide a second reactor effluent essentially devoid of hydrogen chloride; and (c) recycling said second reactor effluent to step (a).

Abstract: A pellicle membrane structure (800) is made by a process that includes depositing (115) a etch mask layer (110) on the backside of the semiconductor wafer, deposting (120) a first pellicle membrane protection layer (205) on a frontside of the semiconductor wafer, depositing (125) a layer of membrane material (210) that is preferably SiOF on the first membrane protection layer, and depositing (130) a second pellicle membrane protection layer (215) on the membrane material layer, forming a pattern (140) for an opening (410) in the semiconductor, and etching (150) to form the opening. Oxygen plasma (155) is then used to remove carbon from the exposed portions of the pellicle membrane protection layers, which are preferably SiCN, which in the preferable embodiment changes the exposed surfaces to SiOF, thereby forming a thin SiOF membrane (715) over the opening.

Abstract: A precision yarn (14) delivery system for the delivery of yarn from a yarn supply to a yarn utilising point, comprising a temporary yarn store (22) intermediate the supply and the utilisation point in which the yarn (14) is held under low tension and is fed from the store as required by the utilisation point.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods useful for the non-addictive treatment and prevention of upper respiratory conditions in man and animals, e.g., allergic, non-allergic and mixed rhinitis in man or pharyngitis and IAD in horses. Compositions of the invention comprise effective amounts of a suitable nasal decongestant; a suitable corticosteroid; and a suitable anticholinergic agent. The compositions and methods provided are especially useful for long term use in patients with mixed rhinitis and substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of rhinitis medicamentosa. The compositions and methods of treatment provided also eliminate the risk of adverse sequella seen from therapeutic regimens which employ systemic use of decongestants. The compositions provided can further comprise a suitable aromatic and/or a suitable antihistamine and may also comprise optional suitable antimicrobials, cytokine modulators, leukotriene antagonists, cromolyn sodium, or a suitable NDAID agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communications antenna structure. The communications antenna structure comprises first and second antennas each having an axis about which a mode of electrical field vector polarisation can be generated. In a first orientation, with an axis associated with the structure vertical, the first antenna operates in a horizontal mode of electrical field vector polarisation and the second antenna operates in a vertical mode of electrical field vector polarisation; and, in a second orientation, with said structure axis horizontal, the first antenna operates in a vertical mode of electrical field vector polarisation and the second antenna operates in a horizontal mode of electrical field vector polarisation.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatically generating test instructions for use in testing a microprocessor design. A configuration file includes a plurality of knobs which specify a probability distribution of a plurality of microprocessor instructions. A random code generator takes the configuration file as an input and generates test instructions which are distributed according to the probability distribution specified by the knobs. The test instructions are executed on the microprocessor design. The microprocessor behaviors that are exercised by the test instructions are measured and a fitness value is assigned to the configuration file using a fitness function. The configuration file and its fitness value are added to a pool of configuration files. A configuration file synthesizer uses a genetic algorithm to synthesize a new configuration file from the pool of existing configuration files.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and possibly arthritis. The present invention involves treatment of these conditions with an oral administration of a mixture comprised of three primary ingredients: fumaric acid and/or fumarate compounds, inorganic nickel compound(s) such as nickel sulfate, and inorganic bromide compound(s) such as potassium bromide.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for prevention or mitigation of allergic reactions in humans and animals. Novel compositions comprised of, e.g., an acidic salt solution of aluminum, calcium or magnesium, are provided for topical or contact application to physically and/or chemically alter an allergenic protein present in the environment and thereby lower the allergenicity of the protein. The compositions of the invention, e.g., comprised of aluminum sulfate, can be used to deactivate many types of proteinaceous allergens such as dust mite and cockroach body dust, animal dander, dried saliva, mold spore antigens, airborne pollen protein and the like. Compositions can be applied on an as needed basis to a wide variety of surfaces, e.g., floor coverings, walls bedding, window coverings, vehicle (e.g., automobile) interiors, furniture, pet bedding, plants (e.g., household plants) and the like. The compositions provided may also be utilized to mitigate allergens present on clothing, e.g.

Abstract: A precision yarn (14) delivery system for the delivery of yarn from a yarn supply to a yarn utilising point, comprising a temporary yarn store (22) intermediate the supply and the utilisation point in which the yarn (14) is held under low tension and is fed from the store as required by the utilisation point.

Abstract: Nucleic acid compositions encoding polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.

Abstract: Sectorisation has been used in cellular communications networks in order to increase capacity without the need for obtaining new cell sites. However, previously, the increase in the number of main antenna beams provided by a base station transceiver has not produced a commensurate increase in capacity. For example, a hex sectored tricellular network is found to provide an increase in capacity by a factor of only 1.6 over a tri sectored tricellular network despite the fact that twice as many antenna beams are provided. A multiple beam antenna arrangement is described where the increase in capacity is commensurate with the increase in the number of antenna beams provided. In one example, a nine sectored tricellular CMDA network is described which comprises a multiple beam antenna arrangement with six antenna elements each provided as columns. The antenna beams may be orthogonal and a 6×6 Butler matrix beamformer is used which is advantageously loss less.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which comprises a vamp, a lower support connected to the vamp and at least one insert mounted in the lower support and which includes an airtight casing having a plurality of elements positioned therein which are elastically deformable such that the biomechanics of the foot of the user are optimized.