Abstract: Bacterial meningitis infection in a mammal is treated by intravenous infusion of a therapeutically effective amount of a monoclonal antibody which binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha and an antibiotic. Treatment can be initiated up to five hours after bacterial challenge and the antibiotic is preferably selected from cephalosporins and aminoglycosides.

Abstract: Method and system for selectively retrieving information contained in a stored document set using a metric-based or "fuzzy" finite-state non-deterministic automaton. An automaton is constructed (501) corresponding to a text string query, text strings are read (502) from storage and corresponding dissimilarity values are generated (505). Those strings resulting in values less than a given threshold are recorded (508) and listed for the user. Dissimilarity values are determined based on penalties associated with missing characters, extra characters, incorrect characters, and other differences between the text string query and a text string read from storage.

Abstract: Method and system for selectively retrieving information contained in a stored document set using a non-literal, or "fuzzy", search strategy. A text string query is transmitted (200) to a computer processor, and a dissimilarity value D.sub.i is assigned (208) to selected ones of stored text strings representative of information contained in a stored document set, based upon a first set of rules (106). A set of retrieved text strings representative of stored information and related to the text string query is generated (212), based upon a second set of rules (107). Each of the retrieved text strings has an associated dissimilarity value D.sub.i, which is a function of at least one rule R.sub.n from the first set of rules (106) used to retrieve the text string and a weight value w.sub.n associated with that rule R.sub.n. The retrieved text strings are displayed (216) preferably in an order based on their associated dissimilarity value D.sub.i.

Abstract: A scanner (12), computer (2), and printer (13) are preferably combined within a single housing (1). The scanner (12) optically scans an input paper document (11) into a storage buffer (22) within the computer (2). The scanned information (22) is edited by automatic means (21), human-activated means (23, 3), or some combination thereof. The edited information is printed by the printer (13) onto the original input paper document (11). A single preferably linear paper transport mechanism (4) is used to move the document (11) through the scanner (12) and the printer (13). An authentication code (14, 16) may be superimposed onto the document (11) to prevent the unauthorized editing thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for sending and receiving both analog and digital information from a single information transmission medium. The apparatus includes a core processor (200), including a digital signal processor (DSP) (212) or a CPU/DSP, in communication with an integrated services digital network (ISDN) interface (204). The core processor (200) also may be in communication with a personal computer (PC) (202). The invention also is directed to a related method, including a series of modules.

Abstract: Pattern recognition, for instance optical character recognition, is achieved by training a neural network, scanning an image, segmenting the image to detect a pattern, preprocessing the detected pattern, and applying the preprocessed detected pattern to the trained neural network. The preprocessing includes determining a centroid of the pattern and centrally positioning the centroid in a frame containing the pattern. The training of the neural network includes randomly displacing template patterns within frames before applying the template patterns to the neural network.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterile docking two or more plastic bag units 110. The invention generally includes a sterilizable pouch 102 manufactured from an essentially vapor transmission resistant material. Contained within the pouch 102 is at least one plastic bag unit 110 and a predetermined amount of sterile tubing 108 connected thereto. The pouch 102 includes an aperture 104 in one wall or at one seam through which a tube fitting 106 protrudes. The tube fitting 106 has an internal diameter sufficient to permit passage therethrough of the tubing 108 contained within the pouch 102 and connected to the bag unit 110 contained therein. The protruding tubing 108 then may be used for docking with other bag units 110.

Abstract: A computer display system includes a display screen capable of flipping between portrait orientation and landscape orientation and includes a method for repositioning and resizing display windows in response to flipping between such oprientations of the display screen. The windows are moved and resized according to a set of rules to yield displays which take advantage of the new orientation. Where the computer display system includes coordinated, multiple display screens, images controlled for display on fixed-orientation display screens do not change as a result of a flip between orientations of a variable-orientation display screen.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting computer program distribution within a broadcast medium involves encrypting at least a portion of the computer program S.sub.i using an encryption scheme keyed to both an encryption key SK.sub.i and a program identifier i. Each decryption device (PCDD) also has an associated identifier j. Two tables are generated and stored in a memory device: a first table, including correlations between the encryption key SK.sub.i and the program identifier i; and a second table, including correlations between the password key PK.sub.j and the hardware identifier j. A password P.sub.ij is generated based on both the encryption key SK.sub.i and a password key PK.sub.i is retrieved from these tables. The password P.sub.ij is transmitted to the user for subsequent use in decrypting the subject software program contained on the medium.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collecting and storing umbilical blood in a system that allows for the closed aliquoting of small blood volumes for autologous transfusion in neonates. The method involves locating a venous access site on an umbilical cord of the placenta of a neonate. A vacuum pressure is applied to a blood collection bag to facilitate removal of an amount of blood from the umbilical cord. The blood may then be stored in the collection bag and used for subsequent autologous neonate blood transfusion.

Abstract: Plastic blood bag system including a bag having a generally longitudinal seal extending from the top of the bag and between two blood bag ports downwardly to at least the lower half of the bag but not to the bottom of the bag, thereby leaving the sole passageway within the bag and between two ports located in the lower half of the bag. The longitudinal seal terminates proximal to the central axis of the bag with a spot weld to prevent tear. In addition, the cross-sectional diameter of the channel increases as the channel nears the central axis.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongated edge-sealed polymeric blood bag having a length to width ratio of at least 2 to 1 and one end portion in tapering communication with a connected single tubing which in turn is in closed communication via a Y-connector with both a bag access port and at least one other Y-connector. The second Y-connector is in closed communication with at least one auxiliary bag, preferably two auxiliary bags. Once the upper neocyte portion is expressed from the elongated blood bag the lower, more dense gerocytes can be saved in the original elongated bag or expressed into another connected bag via the Y-connector assembly for subsequent use or storage. The bag system is especially useful for separating and isolating both components of a neocyte/gerocyte red blood cell mixture in an open system and for providing a means for saving the otherwise discarded gerocytes for subsequent use.

Abstract: A computer system and computer-implemented method for compacting the geometrical area of a hierarchical integrated circuit layout. The present invention is particularly adapted for use with layouts including over-the-cell routing (OTCR). The inventive method includes the general steps of normalizing the cells, compacting the cells, then reconstructing the layout that includes the normalized cells. More particularly, the step of normalizing the cells includes initial step of identifying an overlapping object produced from the OTCR that overlaps one of the instances. That overlapping object is then divided into an overlapping segment and a non-overlapping segment. The overlapping segment is then removed from the cell and copied into the leaf cell of the overlapped instance. The overlapping segment is defined as a special object of the cell into which it is copied.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a solution of human serum albumin essentially free of chemicals used in processing. The preparation is also essentially free of metals such as aluminum. The composition is 100% pure by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and is essentially monomeric when tested by high pressure liquid chromatography. The turbidity is less than 5 N.T.U. (National Turbidity Units). This preparation has a substantially longer shelf life and remains biologically active longer than products currently available. The novelty of this product is also such that it does not leach metallic substances such as aluminum from its closure. Novel applications of process methodology are taught in the preparation of this composition and a novel preparation results from essentially non hemoglobin containing albumin sources such as Source Plasma (Human).

Abstract: Indirect method of detecting elastase-modified or cleaved, antithrombin (ATx) in the presence of intact antithrombin (AT-III). The inventive method includes a modified ELISA using a detergent to alter the intact AT-III. Cleaved AT-III is generated in human plasma, then an ELISA is performed in the presence of a detergent.

Abstract: Platelet concentrate containing less then 10.sup.6 white blood cells and prepared from a unit of whole blood sample in a closed multiple blood bag system within less than about eight hours after the whole blood is removed from a human. The concentrate is contained in a platelet storage bag made from polyvinyl chloride plasticized with either trioctyltrimellitate or ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: A digital computer architecture specifically tailored for implementing a neural network. Several simultaneously operable processors (10) each have their own local memory (17) for storing weight and connectivity information corresponding to nodes of the neural network whose output values will be calculated by said processor (10). A global memory (55,56) is coupled to each of the processors (10) via a common data bus (30). Output values corresponding to a first layer of the neural network are broadcast from the global memory (55,56) into each of the processors (10). The processors (10) calculate output values for a set of nodes of the next higher-ordered layer of the neural network. Said newly-calculated output values are broadcast from each processor (10) to the global memory (55,56) and to all the other processors (10), which use the output values as a head start in calculating a new set of output values corresponding to the next layer of the neural network.

Abstract: A disposable phlebotomist protector device for enclosing a used needle assembly. The device includes a pair of housing elements each having an end portion and an integral elongate portion. At least one end portion has cannula inset elements for retaining the cannula of a needle assembly when the two housing elements are in an open position relative to each other. The housing elements include locking elements designed to engage the two housing elements to form a closed housing that encloses the needle assembly. One end of the housing includes an aperture when in the closed position for inserting a sample tube that engages with the needle assembly. After the used needle is inserted, the device is closed and secured and sampling completed, the device with the enclosed needle can be disposed.