Abstract: A distribution management system can facilitate synchronous and asynchronous communications, take advantage of electronic scheduling tools, support a facilitator paradigm, and store meeting communications for later retrieval. The system can create a collaborative environment for members of a team in communication with a computer network. An interactive forum can be provided in the collaborative environment in a manner offering varying degrees of structure for collecting information from the members of the team. The information can then be used to arrive at a collaboratively derived decision.

Abstract: Provided are polymeric or polymeric and glass optical fiber devices which have a tunable wavelength response in a polymeric fiber Bragg grating. An optical fiber is formed having a tubular cladding of a first polymeric or glass composition having a first index of refraction, wherein the cladding has a longitudinal axis. A core of a second polymeric composition is within the cladding and extends along and around the longitudinal axis. The second polymeric composition has a second index of refraction which is greater than the index of refraction of the first polymeric composition. A Bragg grating having a plurality of spaced grating elements is formed in the core. The arrangement then has a means, such as a heater, for changing the spacing between the grating elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating for cables which is capable of protecting the cable against accidental impacts. By inserting into the structure of a power transmissioncable a suitable coating of expanded polymer material of adequate thickness, preferably in contact with the sheath of outer polymer coating, it is possible to obtain a cable which has a high impact strength. The Applicant has moreover observed that an expanded polymer material used as a coating for cables makes it possible to obtain a higher impact strength for this cable than using a similar coating based on the same polymer which is not expanded. A cable with a coating of this type has various advantages over a conventional cable with metal armor, such as, for example, easier processing, a reduction in the weight and dimensions of the finished cable and a lower environmental impact as regards recycling of the cable once its working cycle is over.

Abstract: This invention concerns the application of substantially amorphous fluoropolymer compositions to stone so as to protect the stone from the deleterious effects of water and pollution.

Abstract: A plasma process and equipment for eliminating toxic or hazardous organic compounds from different materials, particularly petroleum and oil contaminated soils. The process and equipment can also be used to remove the hydrocarbons contained in the sludge formed at the bottom of petroleum storage tanks. The process utilizes a plasma system for providing the necessary energy to the contaminated soil or sludge for the hydrocarbons to volatilize, keeping the temperature inside the reactor between 400 and 900° C. The volatilized compounds after leaving the reactor are collected in condensers, where the hydrocarbons can be recovered, in the form of a liquid hydrocarbon (oil). The contaminated material is continuously fed into the reactor from one end, while the clean material is removed from the other end of the reactor. The atmosphere inside the reactor is maintained neutral or reducing in order to prevent the oxidation of the hydrocarbons. Minimum amounts of off gases are generated in the process.

Abstract: Genes have been isolated from a Methylomonas sp encoding enzymes in the carbon flux pathway. The genes encode a 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPGA) and a fructose bisphosphate aldolase (FFBPA), as well as numerous other genes. The genes will be useful in C1 metabolizing microorganisms for the manipulation of the carbon flux pathway.

Abstract: Acrylosilane polymers containing vinyl silanes are prepared by copolymerizing vinyl alkoxy silane monomers predominantly with, or in the alternative, only with acrylate monomers. The polymer so prepared can be used as the main component in the acid etch resistant solvent borne coating compositions and in particular in clear coating compositions for clear coat/color coat finishes for automobiles and trucks.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding scorpion toxins that are Na-channel modifiers. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a substantial portion of the Na-channel modifier, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the Na-channel modifier in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: An LED lamp has: an LED with a pair of terminals; a holder to which the LED is attached, the holder being of insulating material; and a radiation unit that has two metallic radiation plates that are attached to the holder while surrounding the holder and being insulated from each other. Each of the radiation plates has a contact portion that contacts the pair of terminals of the LED being attached to the holder and a power receiving terminals for power supplied to the LED.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided which includes a first plurality of reels, each of the first plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols thereon and a first display having a first plurality of symbol display locations, each first symbol display location for displaying at least one symbol from each of the first plurality of reels. A second display is provided having a plurality of symbol display locations equal in number to the first plurality of symbol display locations plus at least one additional display location. The second display displays the symbols from each of the first plurality of reels displayed at corresponding symbol display locations of the second display and displays a random symbol at each of the at least one additional display location.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inducing cell-mediated immunity against cellular antigens. More specifically, the invention provides for a method for inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte immunity against weak antigens, notably self-proteins. The method entails that antigen presenting cells are induced to present at least one CTL epitope of the weak antigen and at the same time presenting at least one foreign T-helper lymphocyte epitope. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen is a cancer specific antigen, e.g. PSM, Her2, or FGF8b. The method can be exercised by using traditional polypeptide vaccination, but also by using live attenuated vaccines or nucleic acid vaccination. The invention furthermore provides immunogenic analogues of PSM, Her2 and FGF8b, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding these analogues. Also vectors and transformed cells are disclosed. The invention also provides for a method for identification of immunogenic analogues of weak or non-immunogenic antigens.

Abstract: An optical device for providing threshold and comparison functions. The device comprises first and second SOA's having respective first and second propagation paths along which the first and second optical signals, input as signals Pin1(&lgr;1) and Pin2(&lgr;2) travel in first and second forward directions. A feedback path is provided using couplers to interconnect the outputs of the SOA's. As a result, a portion of the optical signals output from each SOA is supplied backwards into the output of the other SOA as feedback optical control signals Pfeedback1(&lgr;1) and Pfeedback2(&lgr;2). The feedback optical control signals modulate the gain of the forwards travelling optical signals by cross gain modulation (XGM). In contrast to prior art devices, the optical control signal is supplied backwards into the SOA's in a counter-propagating configuration. This allows much shorter feedback path lengths to be achieved in comparison to what is possible with prior art co-propagating configurations.

Abstract: A process that can be used for manufacturing a tetraalkylonium perfluoroalkylsulfonate is provided. The process comprises contacting a tetraalkylonium halide with a metal perfluoroalkyl sulfonate to produce a mixture; allowing the second mixture to produce an aqueous upper layer and a separate lower liquid layer; separating the lower liquid layer from the upper aqueous layers to produce a product layer; optionally washing the product layer with 1 to 10 volumes of water, based on the volume of the product layer at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 100° C. to produce a washed product layer; and drying the product layer or washed product.

Abstract: A submarine branching unit is disclosed that includes a termination for each of at least three line cables and a termination to sea ground. A relay is positioned between each pair of cable terminations. When current flows between two of the cables, the intermediary relay will become energized and cause a contact to connect the third cable to the sea-ground termination. To avoid dangerous surges in current to sea ground when a relay trips, a current limiter is placed in series with the sea ground termination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of lubricant to fluoropolymer yarn which enables the yarn to be drawn at a high draw ratio and is removable by scouring, the lubricant being thermally stable at a temperature of at least 120° C., and being removable from the yarn by scouring and comprising oil and surfactant and/or wetting agent to enable the lubricant to spread over the surface of the yarn upon application to the yarn, the lubricant comprising oil such as a C6-C20 aliphatic acid ester of a polyol and a surfactant and/or wetting agent.

Abstract: Polyolefins, preferably polyethylene, having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.93 g/mL, and having methyl branches and at least branches of two other different lengths of six carbon atoms or less, form heat seals at exceptionally low temperatures, thereby allowing good seals to be formed rapidly. This is advantageous when heat sealing these polyolefins, for example in the form of single or multilayer films.

Abstract: For detecting a change between pixel signals which chronologically follow one another, a current pixel value is first deteced and, subsequently, the difference between the detected pixel signal and a reference value is determined. Depending on the difference, it is determined whether there is a change of the detected pixel value in comparison with the preceding pixel values, the reference signal being produced from two or more pixel values preceding the detected pixel value.

Abstract: Smokable films, in particular tubular films, comprising i) an aliphatic polyamide and ii) a block copolyetherester elastomer are provided. A process for manufacturing these films is also provided. The films of the invention show excellent water vapor permeability at high temperatures and barrier properties at room temperature. They are suitable for preparation of tubular casings, in particular smoked foodstuff casings.