Abstract: In a multimedia call center (MMCC) operating through an operating system, a client-specific self-help wizard is provided for active clients and updated periodically with information related to client transaction history with the MMCC. A connected client is presented by the wizard with a selective media function through which the client may a select a media type for interaction and help, and the MMCC will then re-contact the client through the selected media. The client, for example, may select IP or COST telephony, and the MMCC will place a call to the client to a number or IP address listed for the client, and interactivity will then be through an interactive voice response unit. Help information specific to a client is updated in the client's wizard periodically according to ongoing transaction history with the MMCC. The wizard may also monitor client activity with the wizard and make reports available to various persons.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for estimating a pixel clock associated with a video signal associated with a video frame formed of a number of pixels is described. A flat region of the video signal is detected wherein the flat region is characterized as having a slope approximately equal to zero. a central portion of the flat region is located such that the estimated pixel clock is that pixel clock corresponding to the central portion of the flat region.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for determining a true horizontal resolution of an analog video signal arranged to display a number of features having associated feature edges on a display each of which were created with a true pixel clock is described. For a test horizontal resolution, if it is determined that substantially all of the feature edges have substantially the same phase relationship to a test pixel clock, then the test horizontal resolution is the true horizontal resolution.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for synchronizing an analog video signal to an LCD monitor is described. For each of a succession of associated video frames are surveyed for a number of displayed features based upon a pseudo-random selection of regions into which the displayed video frame is divided. During successive associated video frames, a minimum number of features each is which is generated by an associated pixel clock is determined based upon a pre-selected number of scans. Subsequent to the determination of the minimum number of features, a transition region for each of plurality of horizontal resolution values is determined by scanning through a selected number of pixel clock phases. Based upon a minimum transition zone corresponding to a maximum change in the number of features for a particular pixel clock phase, an associated horizontal resolution is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic epitope of a M. vaccae protein, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and fusion proteins comprising at least one such polypeptide, together with genetic constructs comprising at least one inventive polynucleotide. Compositions comprising such polypeptides, polynucleotides, fusion proteins and/or genetic constructs may be employed in the treatment of infectious diseases and immune disorders.

Abstract: In a communication center system wherein agents participate in and host communication sessions, a session management system has a data repository storing parameters regarding individual sessions in progress in the communication center system and agent parameters including one or both of minimum and maximum load capabilities for individual agents. A management software executes on a server associated with the communication center system, and calculates agent load level over chat sessions hosted by an individual agent, compares the calculated load level with one or both of minimum and maximum load for said agent, and adjusts agent assignment to sessions accordingly. In the case where agents are overloaded, additional agents are assigned to open sessions, and in the case where agents are underutilized, additional sessions may be assigned to the under-utilized agents. The sessions in a preferred embodiment are chat sessions.

Abstract: A method for forming a multi-layered substrate. The method includes forming a compliant layer on a face of a first substrate (10). Joining the compliant layer against a face of a second substrate (20), where the compliant layer forms around a surface non-uniformity on the second substrate face.

Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides that encode polypeptides involved in plant cell signaling are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs for the modulation of cell signaling in plants are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: A technique for forming a film of material (12) from a donor substrate (10). The technique has a step of introducing energetic particles (22) in a selected manner through a surface of a donor substrate (10) to a selected depth (20) underneath the surface, where the particles have a relatively high concentration to define a donor substrate material (12) above the selected depth and the particles for a pattern at the selected depth. An energy source is directed to a selected region of the donor substrate to initiate a controlled cleaving action of the substrate (10) at the selected depth (20), whereupon the cleaving action provides an expanding cleave front to free the donor material from a remaining portion of the donor substrate.

Abstract: A programmable delay element is provided for delaying a digital input signal. The programmable delay element comprises a discharge capacitor adapted to be precharged to a predetermined voltage in response to a first transition of the digital input signal. A transistor switch of a first type is provided for precharging the discharge capacitor to a predetermined voltage. A discharge current source is connected via a sense node to the discharge capacitor for discharging the capacitor in response to a subsequent opposite transition of the digital input signal. A transistor switch of a second type is provided for connecting the discharge capacitor to the discharge current source and thereby discharging the discharge capacitor. A reference voltage source is provided for applying a reference voltage to a reference node.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nucleic acid composition consisting essentially of a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric CDKi protein and a second nudeic acid sequence encoding an adenovirus E4 protein, wherein the first and second nucleic acid sequences are operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence.

Abstract: Homologous recombination is employed to inactivate genes, particularly genes associated with MHC antigens. Particularly, the &bgr;2-microglobulin gene is inactivated for reducing or eliminating the expression of functional Class I MHC antigens. The resulting cells may be used as universal donor cells. In addition, embryonic stem cells may be modified by homologous recombination for use in producing chimeric or transgenic mammalian hosts, which may be used as source of universal donor organs, or as models for drug and transplantation therapies. Methods for homologous recombination in non-transformed mammalian somatic cells are also described.

Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.

Abstract: A method for implanting a substrate face using a plasma processing apparatus (10). The method includes providing a substrate (e.g., wafer, panel) (22) on a face of a susceptor. The substrate has an exposed face, which has a substrate diameter that extends from a first edge of the substrate to a second edge of the substrate across a length of the substrate. The method also includes forming a plasma sheath (26) around the face of the substrate. The plasma sheath has a dark space distance “D” that extends in a normal manner from the exposed face to an edge of the plasma sheath. The dark space distance and the substrate diameter comprise a ratio between the dark space distance and the substrate diameter. The ratio is about one half and less, which provides a substantially uniform implant.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides expressed in mammalian skin cells are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: A server connected to a data network for transmitting files over the data network to one of a plurality of destination servers is adapted to spawn a software agent in response to a file to be transmitted and meeting certain preset criteria, such as file size. The software agent is associated with the file by at least the file's destination, and is transmitted over one or more routes to the destination to collect routing information, and returns to the source server. The associated file is then transmitted using the information collected. In an alternative embodiment the agent also collects validation information at the destination and returns same to the source server. The agent may also, in some embodiments, negotiate reserved bandwidth and security protocols or other validation information for transmission of the associated file at certain intermediate servers.

Abstract: A technique for forming a film of material (12) from a donor substrate (10). The technique has a step of introducing energetic particles (22) in a selected manner through a surface of a donor substrate (10) to a selected depth (20) underneath the surface, where the particles have a relatively high concentration to define a donor substrate material (12) above the selected depth and the particles for a pattern at the selected depth. An energy source such as pressurized fluid is directed to a selected region of the donor substrate to initiate a controlled cleaving action of the substrate (10) at the selected depth (20), whereupon the cleaving action provides an expanding cleave front to free the donor material from a remaining portion of the donor substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging plasmids and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids after stable or transient transfection in mammalian cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in these transfected mammalian cells and can then transduce a mammalian target cell by cocultivation or supernatant infection. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral packaging plasmids and vectors to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and, human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation or supernatant infection at high efficiencies. The invention is is useful for the rapid production of high titer viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.

Abstract: A method for treating a film of material, which can be defined on a substrate, e.g., silicon. The method includes providing a substrate comprising a cleaved surface, which had a porous silicon layer thereon. The substrate may have a distribution of hydrogen bearing particles defined from the cleaved surface to a region underlying said cleaved surface. The method also includes increasing a temperature of the cleaved surface to greater than about 1,000 Degrees Celsius while maintaining the cleaved surface in a etchant bearing environment to reduce a surface roughness value by about fifty percent and greater. Preferably, the value can be reduced by about eighty or ninety percent and greater, depending upon the embodiment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving a high strength bond between two substrates includes igniting a plasma using a source RF signal. The substrates are biased with a bias RF signal during surface treatment by the plasma. The treated surfaces are brought into contact. The resulting bonded substrates show an improvement over bonds attained using conventional bonding techniques.