Abstract: A method for treating circadian rhythm phase disorders is described. The invention provides methods to specifically advance or delay the phase of certain circadian rhythms in humans. The disclosed methods relate to the administration of melatonin at times determined with relation to the time of dim light endogenous melatonin onset. Embodiments capable of alleviating the effects of jet lag, winter depression and shift-work sleep disturbance are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a cost efficient electronic power supply system that handles a range of supported electronic circuits is provided. The electronic power supply system adaptively configures the power applied to electronic circuits. Thereby, eliminating redesign of a power supply system when a newly developed or different electronic circuit is implemented. When an electronic circuit is attached to the electronic power supply, a controller confirms electronic circuit presence and queries for electronic circuit power on requirements. As more electronic circuits are added, the controller examines each electronic circuit power on requirements and determines if a power conflict is present. If a conflict exists, the controller will not supply power to the electronic circuits until the conflict is resolved.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for and compositions comprising coronatine and surfactant for inducing abscission of fruit in plants and trees.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds and compositions and uses thereof, including the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections are described. The compounds and compositions include lantibiotic polypeptides and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The compounds and compositions are useful as antimicrobials in antibiotic pharmaceutical preparation and as an antimicrobial or antiseptic dentifrice.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping virtual connections to asymmetric digital subscriber line (“ADSL”) latency paths. A request for virtual connection from a transport network (e.g., Asynchronous Transport Mode, Frame Relay, etc.) with a desired service category (e.g., quality-of-service) and a desired latency is mapped to an ADSL device latency interface by checking a latency mapping policy. This mapping provides a virtual connection with a desired service category and a desired latency over ADSL links. The latency mapping includes an embedded service category mapping from a transport network to latency paths at an ADSL transmission convergence sub-layer allowing differential services to be provided for user data based on a desired service category. The latency mapping mechanism may help provide use of end-to-end service categories such as quality-of-service categories, over real-time ADSL links.

Abstract: Methods for providing restricted access for a network device such as a cable modem or customer premise equipment on a data-over-cable system. An unknown or new network device is assigned a restricted network address such as a restricted Internet Protocol address. The restricted network address allows the network device to access less than all of the available features on the data-over-cable system. A connection timer is started on the data-over-cable system for a restricted connection to the network device. The connection timer restricts access to the data-over-cable system over a timed interval. A restricted connection is created between the data-over-cable system and the network device including the temporary restricted network address and the connection timer, thereby providing restricted access to the data-over-cable system over a timed interval.

Abstract: A method of path restoration in an ATM network which attempts to minimize the loss of cells in the event a node or a link fails. The method is suitable for failures in point to point Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs) in ATM networks and makes use of the bi-directional properties of point to point SVC calls. The method permits the construction of an ATM network which includes call path redundancy whereby if a node or link fails, another path meeting the requirements of the call (if one exists) will be used on an automatic basis. The alternative or redundant path is placed into service in such a way that the flow of data is substantially constant. The switching of the path occurs with almost no data loss and without the overhead time associated with Q.SAAL based detection and signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of generating a signal that may be used to determine the characteristic response of a communication channel that utilizes the public Digital Telephone Network (DTN). The channel includes the DTN, which may have Network Digital Attenuators (NDA) and/or Robbed Bit Signalling (RBS), and a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), (also known as a codec), as well as the analog characteristics of the local loop, typically a twisted pair of copper wires. The present invention provides a method and apparatus to determine the optimal sampling instant of the received data stream. The present invention provides a probing signal that is well-suited for use in determining the channel's response to a known sequence of PCM codes used as data symbols. This is especially useful in so-called PCM modulation schemes that utilize the DTN, where knowledge of network and DAC distortion predicates the selection of available PCM codes used to represent data.

Abstract: A method and device for calculating syndromes used in forward-error-correction codes. To calculate syndromes more quickly using a computer with memory access latency, the polynomial equation C(X) is divided by a generator polynomial G(X) to form a remainder polynomial R(X). The remainder polynomial R(X) is then used to speed the calculation of the syndromes. A method of dividing a Nth order dividend polynomial by a 2R order divisor polynomial is also described. In addition, to further speed the calculation of syndromes, the generating polynomial is split into a number of sub-polynomials Gj(X) to yield a number of remainder sub-polynomials Rj(X) used to calculate the syndromes. Calculation of syndromes using evaluation by Horner's rule and a generalization thereof is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates new use of rhein or the salt thereof, that is new use in preparing medicine for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. A medicine containing rhein or the salt thereof for treatment of diabetic nephropathy may be supplied in aqueous solution or capsula for oral, the dosage is not larger than 200 mg/day. Toxicity of rhein or the salt thereof is low, LD50 is 3.2 g/kg. The concentration of medicine in blood is still higher in 24 hours after administered rhein by oral. Rhein can effectively control or decrease the hyperglycemia, suppress renal hypertrophy and kidney index in experimental diabetic rats. The urinary protein execretion was significantly decreased in the diabetic patients treated by rhein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for refining vegetable oils and byproducts thereof. This invention also relates to an improved process for deodorizing lecithin. The invention additionally relates to deodorized lecithin and deodorized vegetable oil obtained by improved processes of the invention. In an organic acid refining process, vegetable oil is combined with a dilute aqueous organic acid solution and subjected to high shear to finely disperse the acid solution in the oil. The resulting acid-and-oil mixture is mixed at low shear for a time sufficient to sequester contaminants into a hydrated impurities phase, producing a purified vegetable oil phase. In a lecithin deodorizing process, a phosphatide concentrate is contacted with steam in a dryer operating at a pressure below 50 mm Hg and at a temperature of less than about 150° F. to form lecithin containing no more than about 0.5 percent by weight water.