Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: A system for converting a digital signal to an analog signal is provided. The present invention provides a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that can convert a large bit value digital signal to a corresponding analog signal. The digital-to-analog converter includes a bias regeneration circuit, and three sub-DACs. The bias regeneration circuit provides biasing to the three sub-DACs allowing the DAC to be implemented with smaller circuit area. In addition, the three sub-DACs may be digitally calibrated during the conversion process to increase the linearity of the DAC.

Abstract: Proteins isolated from Coprinus clastophyllus having prolyl oligopeptidase activity, nucleic acids encoding the protein and methods for producing and using the protein, wherein SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10 must be contained therein to at least 60% similarity. The proteins and nucleic acids have improved heat stability and perform more favorably in vivo having optimum activity conditions around 40 degrees centigrade and around pH 7, and can therefore be used in medicaments for the treatment of celiac disease caused by proline abundant gluten or other applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to LDO regulators. In an embodiment, an amplifier drives the gate of a master source follower and of at least one slave source follower to form an LDO regulator. In an alternative embodiment, a charge pump drives the master source follower to form the regulator. Additional slave source followers may be used in conjunction with the charge pump and the master source follower to improve the regulator performance. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a digital to analog converter (DAC) for converting a digital signal with a predetermined number of bits to a corresponding analog signal, the DAC comprises a first current source element having a first control signal, the first control signal controlling the conduction current provided by the first current source element, and a second current source element having a second control signal, the second control signal controlling the conduction current provided by the second current source element, wherein the first and the second control signals have different voltages during operation of the DAC.

Abstract: A system for converting a digital signal to an analog signal is provided. The present invention provides a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that can convert a large bit value digital signal to a corresponding analog signal. The digital-to-analog converter includes a bias regeneration circuit, and three sub-DACs. The bias regeneration circuit provides biasing to the three sub-DACs allowing the DAC to be implemented with smaller circuit area. In addition, the three sub-DACs may be digitally calibrated during the conversion process to increase the linearity of the DAC.

Abstract: A circuit includes an operational amplifier including a first input and a second input. A first resistor has a first end coupled to the first input. A first bipolar transistor includes a first emitter coupled to a second end of the first resistor, and a first base. A second bipolar transistor includes a second emitter coupled to the second input, and a second base. A third bipolar transistor includes a third emitter coupled to the first base, a first collector, and a third base connected to the first collector. A fourth bipolar transistor includes a fourth emitter coupled to the second base, a second collector, and a fourth base connected to the second collector. A second resistor is coupled to the first input, wherein the second resistor is parallel to the first resistor and the first bipolar transistor.

Abstract: A protein of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:6 isolated from Coprinus clastophyllus. The protein is stable at 30 to 37 degrees centigrade and has an optimal prolyl oligopeptidase activity at about 45 degree centigrade and at about pH 7. The present invention also relates to a medicament comprising such protein for treating celiac disease caused by proline abundant gluten.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting a digital signal to an analog signal includes a first thermometer decoder and a second thermometer decoder. The first thermometer decoder is configured to decode most-significant bits (MSBs) of the digital signal to generate a first thermometer code. The second thermometer decoder is configured to decode middle bits of the digital signal to generate a second thermometer code. The DAC further includes a plurality of macro cells with each controlled by one bit of the first thermometer code. The plurality of macro cells is configured to provide a first analog signal according to the first thermometer code. The DAC further includes a macro cell configured to provide a second analog signal according to the second thermometer code. The macro cell is further configured to provide a third analog signal according to least-significant bits (LSBs) of the digital signal.

Abstract: Proteins isolated from Coprinus clastophyllus having prolyl oligopeptidase activity, nucleic acids encoding the protein and methods for producing and using the protein, wherein SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10 must be contained therein to at least 60% similarity. The proteins and nucleic acids have improved heat stability and perform more favorably in vivo having optimum activity conditions around 40 degrees centigrade and around pH 7, and can therefore be used in medicaments for the treatment of celiac disease caused by proline abundant gluten or other applications.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a bridge device being configured to manage multi-channel communications, a host terminal coupled to the bridge device through a first network, a participant terminal coupled to the bridge device through a second network, and a broadcasting device coupled to at least one of the host terminal and the bridge device for broadcasting at least one of the participant signals from the participant terminal and the host signals from the host terminal. The host terminal is configured to receive host signals and to transmit the host signals to the bridge device. The participant terminal is configured to receive participant signals and to transmit the participant signals to the bridge device.

Abstract: A collapsible table includes a blow-molded tabletop, a pair of opposing collapsible support stands, a pair of tubular frame members and a plurality of fasteners. The table top includes a hollow cavity between the top and bottom surfaces. A lip lies along the tabletop perimeter, encloses the hollow cavity, and extends beyond the bottom of the table. The support stands are pivotally attached to and between the frame members and support the tabletop in an upright position when positioned perpendicularly to the table top. The frame members are attached to the bottom of the table top by the fasteners. The fasteners extend through the frame members and bottom surface, but do not enter the top surface of the table top or the lip.

Abstract: A method for a satellite positioning system to establish a golf player score database, which uses a golf GPS (Global Positioning System) device to receive geographic position satellite coordinate signals, and, based on the results of computational processing of which, map and digital information of the terrain, terrain features and related geographic information of the corresponding hole of the corresponding golf course are displayed on the golf GPS device or other display device for reference by the user. Furthermore, the user can input golf stroke scores and related information into the golf GPS device for recording and storage, and transmit the information to a player score database of a remote computer for storage. After carrying out comparative analysis of the player score database according to user instructions, the results are transmitted back and displayed on the golf GPS device or other display device for reference by the user.