Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating, mitigating, minimizing, or preventing HIV-1/AIDS by administering a CD24 protein to a subject in need thereof. Also provided herein is use of a CD24 protein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating HIV-1/AIDS. Further, provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a CD24 protein.

Abstract: A transparent and flexible composite membrane produced from two immiscible polymers. The first polymer is a polymeric fibrous network with interconnecting pores. The second polymer is an elastomer with a refractive index matching the first polymer. The resultant composite membrane is a transparent interpenetrated network of polymers with an altered molecular structure, and mechanical strength superior to the parent polymers. A method of producing the new composite membrane involves dissolving the elastomer in a suitable solvent to form a diluted elastomeric solution, impregnating the polymeric membrane with the elastomer by adding the diluted elastomeric solution to the membrane to form a wet composite membrane, and then drying the wet composite membrane to form an interpenetrated membrane.

Abstract: An universal loader platform in an optical storage disc drive which can accommodate different traverse mechanisms and the method for orienting a given traverse mechanism in such a manner as to fit into the universal loader mechanism. This is accomplished by providing an internal cavity in the loader mechanism with sufficient space to accommodate traverse mechanisms and OPU's of many different sizes and shapes. The traverse mechanism is positioned within the internal cavity in a manner whereby the lateral center of the turntable coincides with the lateral center of the tray in its fully retracted position. A suitable adapter is provided to realize the proper positioning of the traverse mechanism. A suitable chuck system is designed to match the corresponding turntable, and a lifter with a suitable lifting height is provided to ensure that the turntable at its lifted position can interact with the chuck.

Abstract: An off-axis optical pickup mechanism for dual-sided optical storage discs comprises an optical pickup unit (OPU) connected to an optical pipe. A baffle is provided which surrounds the OPU and a cover is provided which is placed on top of the baffle. To be able to controllably rotate the optical pipe, a first gear is attached to the pipe. The first gear is meshed with the second gear which is connected to the motor. The optical pipe comprises a top hollow tube having a top channel and a bottom tube having a bottom channel, and a main body having a main channel. Each channel terminates to a lens element. The optical pickup mechanism should be positioned in an optical storage drive such that an optical storage disc can be placed in between the two lens element of the optical pipe.