Abstract: Interconnection of local area networks, which use a protocol of the "Source Routing" type, through a wide area network involves pieces of interconnection equipment each having a configuration memory which avoids systematic broadcast of discovery frames on the wide area network. Machine learning by these pieces of interconnection equipment stores in respective configuration memories the address of the interconnection equipment through which a local area network containing a destination station is situated. For a given size of routing information field, the maximum number of interconnected networks is doubled.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of the molecular basis of supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) and Williams syndrome. More specifically, the invention has identified that elastin causes or is involved in the pathogenesis of SVAS and Williams syndrome. Molecular variants of the elastin gene contribute to SVAS and Williams syndrome. The analysis of the elastin gene will provide an early diagnosis of subjects with SVAS and Williams syndrome. The diagnostic method comprises analyzing the DNA sequence of the elastin gene of an individual to be tested and comparing it with the DNA sequence of the native, non-variant elastin gene. In a second embodiment, the elastin gene of an individual to be tested is screened for mutations associated with SVAS or Williams syndrome. Presymptomatic diagnosis of SVAS and Williams syndrome will enable practitioners to prevent vascular obstruction using existing medical therapies like beta adrenergic blocking agents.

Abstract: A system for transmitting information between a source and a receiver via a network to which is connected telecommunications equipment (1) comprising a plurality of interfaces (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for various communication services (ATM, CODEC, LAN, X25) as well as an interface (2) between the equipment (1) and external administration equipment (10). In a preferred embodiment of the invention the various telecommunications resources of each module are structured in the form of objects whose properties are in conformity with those defined in the Common Management Information Service Element CMISE service recommended by the CCITT; the communication protocol Common Management Information Protocol CMIP is extended to within the equipment; and the objects accessible to the external administration are instances of classes defined in the information base MIB. Moreover, the hardware and logic processing are spread over the various modules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing the production of T cell lymphokines, which comprises exposing T cell lymphocytes which have a potential to make selected T cell lymphokines to an appropriate concentration of at least one particular steroid hormone prior to cellular activation. Also disclosed are applications of the method for clinically diagnosing abnormal interleukin production, maintaining in vitro tissue cultures of T cells, overcoming certain types of immunosuppression caused by elevated GCS levels, caused by endogenous production or exogenous administration, use as a vaccine adjuvant to selectively direct the vaccine-induced immune response down a protective, rather than a potentially pathologic or non-protective, immunologic pathway, as a treatment for naturally occuring aging-related decreases in immune function, as a treatment for stress or trauma-induced decreases in immune function, and as a means to facilitate desensitization to agents to which a warm-blooded animal is allergic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine which comprises an antigen and a lymphoid organ modifying agent. Suitable lymphoid organ modifying agents include, but are not limited to, 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.3, biologically active Vitamin D.sub.3 derivatives which are capable of activating the intracellular Vitamin D.sub.3 receptor, all trans-retinoic acid, retinoic acid derivatives, retinol, retinol derivatives and glucocorticoid. The vaccine composition may further comprise an immune response augmenting agent. The immune response augmenting agent enhances T cell lymphokine production. Suitable immune response augmenting agents include, but are not limited to, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA congeners and DHEA-derivatives. The invention also relates to a method for inducing an antigen-specific mucosal immune response in a subject vertebrate animal which comprises administering a vaccine which comprises an antigen and a lymphoid organ modifying agent to a site which drains into a peripheral lymph compartment.

Abstract: A method of using internal combustion engine exhaust in a combined cycle power plant is disclosed, wherein the quality and distribution of exhaust to the boiler space of a steam generated electric power plant is controlled to achieve greater system efficiencies. Outside air is blended only with that portion of the exhaust that passes through the burner ports as secondary or higher level combustion gas. The remainder of the exhaust is provided to the boiler space by a route other than through the burner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and monitoring pickup of packages deposited in a system of drop boxes, wherein each such drop box is adapted to receive a plurality of packages through a door, includes a drop sensor which is adapted to sense the deposit of a package through the door, means for communicating a plurality of signals indicative of the deposit of such package through the door, and a power supply which is operatively coupled to the drop sensor and communicating means for providing a source of power thereto. The drop sensor generally comprises means for passively detecting the passage of packages, and means for generating the plurality of signals indicative of the deposit of such packages through the door. Such plurality of signals include a signal to indicate that the drop box is approaching a "full box" condition, a signal to indicate that the drop box is at such "full box" condition, and a "pickup" signal to indicate that the courier has completed his daily rounds.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique which allows one to determine rapidly the nucleic acid sequence of large fragments of nucleic acids such as the inserts obtained from YACs, BACs and Pls. This method uses an array of random primers matched pairwise in all combinations to amplify portions of the fragments to be sequenced. Some of these PCR reactions result in the formation of single bands of amplified DNA which are called islands. These islands are randomly scattered along the fragment of nucleic acid. These individual islands are sequenced, but this leaves major gaps in the complete sequence of DNA. A second round of PCR is performed in which the ends of the islands are used to design primers pointing away from the islands, these primers being matched pairwise in all combinations. This round of PCR again results in some of the reactions forming single bands of amplified nucleic acid. These bands connect the islands determined earlier.

Abstract: A direct digital-to-analog microwave frequency signal synthesizer device which employs both wideband and narrowband direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) circuitry to improve frequency and phase agility, reduce spurious performance, and minimize direct analog circuitry. A clock output having an extremely precise and highly stabilized frequency is fed to the wideband DDFS circuit and to the narrowband DDFS circuit. One or the other is selectively enabled by control logic circuitry. When the former is enabled, precision, high frequency resolution, low spurious, fast frequency switching is achieved at the microwave output. When the latter is enabled, precision, high frequency and phase resolution, low spurious, is achieved, providing frequency chirp, and frequency phase control at the microwave output. The output of the wideband DDFS circuit is processed to reduce the spurious response and up-converted, while the output of the narrow band DDFS circuit is directly up-converted.

Abstract: The association of the molecular variant G-6A of the angiotensinogen gene with human hypertension is disclosed. The determination of this association enables the screening of persons to identify those who have a predisposition to high blood presure.

Abstract: A communication system, such as an ATM network, is disclosed having a multiplexing device formed by a plurality of access terminals for users who have cells to be transmitted at a certain rate, and at least one connecting terminal. An allocation circuit determines, at a current date, the supply of a cell (called chosen cell) to the connecting terminal. The allocation circuit includes a circuit for producing a first destination identifier (VP), a theoretical date determining circuit, a tree circuit, a sub-tree circuit, a root date determining circuit, and an extracting circuit. The theoretical date determining circuit is for determining a theoretical date for the transmission of the available cells of each service circuit as a function of the rate.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for preventing or reducing the effects of ischemia. The ischemia may be associated with injury or reperfusion injury, such as occurs as a result of infarctions, thermal injury (burns), surgical trauma, accidental trauma, hemorrhagic shock and the like. The invention is also related to methods for preventing or reducing bacterial translocation, adult respiratory distress syndrome, adherence of blood cells and platelets to endothelial cells and pulmonary hypertension. In accordance with the present invention, these conditions are prevented or reduced by administering dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate (DHEAS), DHEA or a DHEA congener.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene (BRCA1), some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics.

Abstract: Methods for augmenting immune responses in immunodeficient individuals are disclosed. The methods utilize steroid hormones, particularly DHEA, its prohormones (particularly DHEA-S), and DHEA-cogeners. Additional embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene (BRCA1), some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics.

Abstract: A modem for transmission and reception of data samples over a transmission line includes a transmission line break detection device having a correlation meter for providing a measure of the degree of correlation between transmitted and received data samples. Such device further includes a threshold meter for triggering a line break alarm when the correlation exceeds a threshold value. The correlation relates to a limited number of data samples occurring during a portion of an echo period for reception of an echo of transmitted data samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to somatic mutations in the Multiple Tumor Suppressor (MTS) gene in human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer. The invention further relates to germ line mutations in the MTS gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to melanoma, leukemia, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, lymphoma, glioma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, CLL, and cancers of the pancreas, breast, thyroid, ovary, uterus, testis, kidney, stomach and rectum. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the MTS gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of drugs for cancer therapy.

Abstract: A mechanical triturator for biological material comprises a cylindrical housing defining a chamber in which a cutting member constituted by a perforated plate is disposed. A rotor member, mounted for rotation in the chamber, has a screw which cooperates with the cutting member in order, as a result of its rotation, to supply the biological material into contact with the cutting member and to cause the trituration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a T-shaped connection frame for connecting car frames, in which a first member is connected to a second member via a joint member to form a "T." The joint member is formed by symmetrically dividing a rectangular tube between its two latch teeth located at the upper-center and lower-center inner walls. The rectangular tube also has protrusions at the left and right exterior walls. The joint member divided in this way has the latch teeth at the upper and lower tips of the mouth formed by the division and has the protrusion situated opposite the mouth so that the first member can be snapped on easily to this mouth and the second member can be attached to the protrusion at the opposite side. This structural arrangement makes the positioning of the frames very simple, obviates a make-shift attachment, and, at the same time, reduces the number of operation steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene (BRCA1), some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics.