Abstract: Platform-independent collaboration backbone and framework for forming virtual communities having virtual rooms with collaborative sessions. Demon logic is embedded in a room page as downloadable platform-independent instructions. The demon, when downloaded, is caused to be in communication with control logic and an application, which, for example, may itself be downloadable. The downloaded demon is also in communication with a server. The server is in communication with similarly-arranged, though not necessarily identical, clients, which for example may have the downloaded demon but a different arrangement of applications. The application at a first and second client node may collaborate by causing their respective demons to send messages from a predefined protocol to the server, which in turn will forward them to other relevant demons. Some of the messages are control messages which facilitate certain collaborative actions, such as joining a session or entering a room.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an organ equivalent of the cornea part of the eye made using tissue culturing systems. The method of constructing the cornea equivalent results in a structure analogous to the eye cornea in vivo. The cornea equivalent is an in vitro model of the eye, which can be used for transplantation or implantation in vivo or for screening compounds in vitro. This invention is also directed to the use of endothelial cells in other tissue and organ equivalents to promote basement membrane development. The cornea equivalent comprises an inner endothelial cell layer, a middle stromal cell and collagen mixture wherein the stromal cells are derived from fibroblast cells and an external epithelial cell layer, wherein the epithelial cells are derived from corneal epithelial cells.

Abstract: Tapetum-specific promoters, designated A3 and A9 and capable of driving expression of 12.9 kDa and 11.6 kDa proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana and related proteins within the family Brassicaceae, have been discovered, isolated and cloned. The promoters can be used to drive male sterility DNA such as that coding for a nuclease, protease or glucanase. Alternatively or in addition, male sterility can be achieved by disrupting the proper expression of the A3 and/or A9 genes, for example by transcribing RNA which is antisense to the RNA normally transcribed from the A3 and A9 genes, or by expressing DNA coding for a ribozyme specific for at least one of the A3 and A9 genes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to controlled release pharmaceutical formulations of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine, also known as AZT or zidovudine and methods of use thereof. The controlled release formulations of AZT achieve and maintain a therapeutic level of AZT, while substantially reducing the side effects of AZT caused by its catabolite 3'-amino-3'-deoxythymidine (AMT) by reducing the amount of AMT produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated Bcl-Y protein, nucleotide sequences coding for and regulating expression of the protein, antibodies directed against the protein, and recombinant vectors and host cells containing the genetic sequences coding for and regulating the expression of the protein sequence. The invention is also directed to genomic DNA, cDNA, and RNA encoding the Bcl-Y protein sequence and to corresponding antisense RNA sequences. Antibodies can be used to detect Bcl-Y in biological specimens, including, for example, human tissue samples. The present invention is further directed to methods of treating degenerative disorders characterized in inappropriate cell proliferation or inappropriate cell death. The present invention is further directed to methods for diagnosing degenerative disorders characterized in inappropriate cell proliferation or inappropriate cell death, as well as methods for monitoring the progress of such degenerative disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotides that inhibit the expression of .beta./A4 peptide of Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome, and further provides methods for reversing morphological changes caused in neuronal cells by .beta./A4 peptide.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention determines glue-line characteristics, such as temperature, of corrugated board. Components of an on-line glue sensor's output signal that are oscillating at the fluting frequency are isolated. The components of the sensor output signal that are sensitive to glue, which is only present on the tips of the flutes, oscillate at the fluting frequency. Those variations in the sensor output signal that are not oscillating at the fluting frequency are canceled out, while those that are oscillating at the fluting frequency are isolated and amplified, facilitating an accurate estimate of their amplitude. The output signal of an infrared absorption sensor will provide an improved on-line starch measurement for corrugators. The incremental amount of infrared radiation that is absorbed by starch and/or water in the glue-lines is isolated from the predominant, more random background absorption due to cellulose and water in the paper substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel peptides and compositions capable of modulating apoptosis in cells, and to methods of modulating apoptosis employing the novel peptides and compositions of the invention. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a novel peptide designated the "GD domain," which is essential both to Bak's interaction with Bcl-x.sub.L, and to Bak's cell killing function. Methods of identifying agonists or antagonists of GD domain function are provided. The GD domain is responsible for mediating key protein/protein interactions of significance to the actions of multiple cell death regulatory molecules.

Abstract: In a networked videoconferencing system, a receiver with a number of receiving stations receives calls from a number of different calling stations. To get appropriate bandwidth, two calls are connected at the same time from the calling station to one of the receiving stations. The receiver includes an access switch that uses information from the calling station to pair calls together so that two calls from one calling station are routed to the same receiving station, regardless of the order in which the calls are received by the access switch. The access switch can use one or a combination of routing methods including storing all pairs of incoming numbers in a table and/or by using comparisons of similar numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for scanning files for computer viruses which use the length of at least one portion (such as a fork) of a file. This length information is stored in a cache. During a scan, the then current size of the file portion is compared to the length stored in the cache and if there is a size difference, the file is then scanned for viruses which can change that portion of the file's size.

Abstract: Serine proteases of the chymotrypsin superfamily are modified so that they exhibit resistance to serine protease inhibitors. If such modified serine proteases have fibrinolytic, thrombolytic, antithrombotic or prothrombotic properties, they are useful in the treatment of blood clotting diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate useful for separating unmodified and modified mononucleotides and oligonucleotides. The substrate includes at least 12% polymer in at least 50% (volume:volume) organic solvent, the organic solvent being a denaturing agent. This substrate is easily removable from the capillary using low pressure. Also provided is a method of separating unmodified and modified mononucleotides and oligonucleotides utilizing this substrate.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I) wherein R.sub.2 represents a group R.sub.6 --A-- wherein A represents a divalent straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain of up to 6 C atoms which may be interrupted by an O or S atom, and R.sub.6 represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted phenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group; R.sub.3 represents the characterizing side chain of a natural alpha amino acid other than proline, and in which any polar substituents are optionally protected; R.sub.4 represents hydrogen or methyl; R.sub.5 represents hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or a group D-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) wherein D represents hydroxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkoxy, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkylthio, acylamino, optionally substituted phenyl, or a heterocyclic group, NH.sub.2, or a mono- or di-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) amine or a heterocyclic group; or R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: A machine for synthesizing oligonucleotides has individual pumping modules for connection to each of a number of different monomers and to other fluids used in the synthesizing process. Each pumping module includes a pump and a three-port/three-way valve with the first inlet port connected to receive the fluid, and the second port connected to receiving a flushing agent, such as acetonitrile. A valving arrangement downstream from the pumping modules selects a monomer. The selected monomer and other fluids pass through flow sensors which provides signals to a controller, which uses these signals to regulate the pumping of the pumps. At least some of the valves allow multiple inlet ports to be kept open at the same time, thus allowing certain of the liquids to be mixed within the valves. The various pumps, valves and sensors are mounted to the exterior of a cabinet and arranged such that the liquid handling portions are exterior to the cabinet, while electrical portions are within the cabinet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting a single-stranded target oligonucleotide in a biological fluid. In this method, a biological fluid sample to-be-tested is contacted with helper and primer oligonucleotides, thereby forming a labelled, double-stranded molecule if the sample contains an oligonucleotide which is complementary to the nucleotide sequences of the primer and the helper oligonucleotides. The primer so annealed to the target oligonucleotide is then ligated to the helper annealed to the target oligonucleotide. The presence of the ligation product is being indicative of the presence of the target oligonucleotide in the biological fluid.

Abstract: A micromachined device has a plurality of rotationally dithered masses that are used to sense acceleration. To eliminate common modes, the masses are dithered in an equal and opposite manner. To help maintain this relationship between the movement of the masses, a coupling fork provides minimal resistance to anti-phase movement and substantial resistance to in-phase movement. Electrodes are used to detect changes in capacitance between the masses and the substrate resulting from rotation of the device about a radial axis of a mass. These electrodes are electrically connected to eliminate gradients that are caused by external forces and manufacturing differences. Four masses or more can be provided, arranged in a two-dimensional array, such as a square or hexagon with a coupling fork provided between each pair of masses, and with electrodes connected to eliminate gradients.

Abstract: Braking device, particularly usable for skates which include a shoe composed of a quarter which is articulated to a shell which is in turn associated with a supporting frame for two or more wheels. The device includes at least one elastic strut that allows an axially adjustable link between the quarter and a braking element which is oscillatably articulated to the frame and interacts with the ground in its active position. The device furthermore advantageously includes an element that is suitable to limit forward leg flexing.

Abstract: A self-terminating connector has a movable conductor for automatically terminating a connector that carries an RF signal when the connector is disconnected from a corresponding connector. The connector terminates through a 75 ohm resistance that is mounted in the housing.

Abstract: A generator is taught which uses alternating current or pulsating direct current to produce ozone from oxygen. The generator comprises a high voltage and ground electrode separated to form a gap for accommodating a dielectric member and gas to be reacted. The generator includes many features which may be used alone or in combination to provide an energy efficient and safe apparatus.