Abstract: The invention describes compositions comprising adding granulocyte-macrope colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), or a combination thereof useful for stimulating the release of antibody by B cells. Methods of using the compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and vaccines adjuvants are also described. In addition, this invention describes an assay system useful for identifying compounds capable of stimulating the release of antibody by B cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composites, and more specifically to methods of making ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composite electrodes and methods of using ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composite electrodes. ZrB.sub.2 powder is contacted with a polymer and shaped to a desired form. The polymer is vaporized and the ZrB/.sub.2 powder is sintered. The sintered ZrB.sub.2 is contacted with Cu and heated above the melting point of Cu which causes the Cu to infiltrate the ZrB.sub.2, forming the ZrB.sub.2 /Cu composite electrode.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for proactively conveying mobile station position information with a network. In the context of completing an inter-exchange handoff of a mobile station communication, a request for facilities (such as a communications traffic channel) is made by an anchor mobile switching center of a serving mobile switching center. This request for facilities includes an indication that the anchor mobile switching desires to be kept up-to-date on mobile station position. In particular, the indication asks the serving mobile switching center to monitor mobile station position as well as changes thereto, and inform the anchor mobile switching center when the monitored position changes by a request specified predetermined degree.

Abstract: A non-contact apparatus for monitoring the contents of a container, especially but not exclusively for quality control monitoring purposes associated with high speed packaging processes, comprises a non-contact ultrasound generation member, adapted so as to generate an ultrasound signal within the container (1). A non-contact detection scheme is employed to enable the contents of the container to be monitored by analysing ultrasound signals that have propagated through or round the container (1) either transmitted through or reflected from the containers contents. In use, the apparatus may be adapted to provide information about container fill level (h) or the presence or absence of an insert (14) such as a head forming device by analysing the measured signal profiles generated by a ultrasound detection member (3).

Abstract: In a TDMA or CDMA cellular telephone network including a plurality of registration areas, and in instances of mobile station cell re-selection between a cell located in a first registration area and a cell located in a second registration area, the mobile station processes control or pilot channel signal strength measurements in view of both a conventional reselection hysteresis and an additional registration hysteresis. Reselection is performed by the mobile station when the control or pilot channel signal strength measured with respect to the second registration area cell exceeds the control or pilot channel signal strength measured with respect to the first registration area cell by the sum total of both the reselection hysteresis and the registration hysteresis.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a mask capable of improving the stiffness. The mask includes a rectangular mask main body of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, having folded portions folded in the direction parallel to the longer sides of the mask main body, with the both end portions of the folded portions on the shorter sides of the mask main body being bound by welding, adhering or stitching, wherein a longitudinal elastic member is provided along the longitudinal direction parallel to the longer sides of the mask main body, with the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member being arranged on the shorter sides of the mask main body and integrated with the shorter ends of the mask main body by welding, adhering, or stitching.

Abstract: Each transmission frame within a spread spectrum communications system relating to synchronization code transmission is divided into a plurality of slots. Each of the slots includes a primary (pilot) code c.sub.p and a secondary (combined) code c.sub.s/lci that includes information identifying or indicative of both a frame timing and a scrambling code for synchronization. This information concerning frame timing and scrambling code may be encoded in the combined code c.sub.s/lci itself, as well as in the modulation values of the sequences of plural combined codes within a frame. Alternatively, the information is encoded in the sequence of plural combined codes c.sub.s/lci transmitted in each frame, as well as in the modulated values of the sequences of plural combined codes within a frame. As yet another alternative, the information is encoded in the timing of the combined code c.sub.s/lci transmission within each slot of the frame relative to its associated primary code c.sub.p.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method is disclosed, whereby a packet switched system emulates the location algorithm of a circuit switched system. The packet switched system, wherein cell reselection is performed primarily by the mobile stations, has advanced locating and flexible cell reselection capabilities that cause the packet switched traffic to behave (from a control standpoint) virtually the same, with respect to cell reselection and locating, as the circuit switched traffic. In other words, the packet switched mobile terminals are able to emulate the locating functions of the circuit switched system, which minimizes signal interference between the two systems.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assigning radio network control in a mobile communications system that offers two or more types of bearer services. The mobile network broadcasts an initial control message that orders certain mobile terminals to suspend use of their normal terminal-based radio network control decisions and to accept radio network control orders from the land mobile network. A subsequent control message can order the resumed use of normal terminal-based radio network control decisions. Consequently, the mobile network can use virtually the same control logic for all of the mobile terminals that it serves, regardless of the type bearer service being carried. As a result, radio signal interference between mobile terminals carrying the different bearer services can be minimized.

Abstract: A method of destroying hidden land mines includes steps of providing a hole in the ground of a mine-contaminated area; placing into the hole a device which generates a shock wave by wire explosion; connecting the device to a switchable current source; and applying a current pulse from the current source to the device for causing a wire explosion thereof to generate a shock wave in the ground for destroying mines hidden in the area within the effective range of the shock wave. The device has a plastic tube filled with a liquid; a wire passing through the liquid; and electrodes disposed at opposite ends of the tube. The wire is connected to the electrodes, and the electrodes are connectable to a current source for applying a current pulse from the current source to the wire to effect explosion thereof for generating the shock wave.

Abstract: An animal restraining device, in an exemplary embodiment comprising: a tube having a longitudinal extent and defining a first end, second end and interior chamber, the tube constructed and arranged for receiving a portion of the animal within the interior chamber to restrain the animal, the tube defining a peripheral wall and at least one aperture in the peripheral wall to enable access to the body of the animal restrained in the tube; and a method of restraining an animal to be tested.

Abstract: A protocol initialization message is generated by an originating node of a communications network for transmission to each of its cooperating nodes in the network. This message identifies the communications protocols and capabilities (industry standardized and proprietary) supported by the originating node. Responsive to the protocol initialization message, cooperating nodes operate to update their data matrices storing protocol and capability information for the originating node, and generate a protocol initialization response for transmission back to the originating node. This response identifies the communications protocols and capabilities (industry standardized and proprietary) supported by the cooperating node. Responsive to the protocol initialization response, the originating node operates to update its data matrix storing protocol and capability information for the cooperating nodes.

Abstract: A calling party directory number associated with a terminating call towards a unreachable mobile station is stored at a home location register (HLR) associated with the unreachable mobile station. Thereafter, the HLR receives an indication from a particular mobile switching center (MSC) that the mobile station is now reachable. In response to such an indication, the HLR retrieves the previously stored calling party directory number and transmits the retrieved directory number to the reachable mobile station using unstructured messages. By displaying the transmitted number, the mobile station is able to inform the mobile subscriber of the attempted incoming calls received while the mobile station was either turned off or out of the service area.

Abstract: Each network handled call, including its original leg and all subsequently initiated related call legs, is assigned a single unique identification number. When a determination is made that the call (including any leg thereof) is to be monitored by a law enforcement agency, a switch handling the call requests a trunk connection from a monitoring center. This request includes the assigned unique identification number. The monitoring center then compares the included identification number with previously received identification numbers associated with active call monitoring operations. If the numbers match, this is indicative of the fact that the call at issue is already being monitored, and the request for a trunk connection is accordingly denied as being redundant. More efficient use of valuable monitoring center communications (trunk) and monitoring (recorder) resources is accordingly made.

Abstract: The development of a nearly-omni-directional pressure probe for three-velocity-component and pressure measurements is described, with particular focus on the techniques and technology employed in probe construction, calibration, electronic interfacing and frequency-response study. The device eliminates the velocity directionality limitations of current multi-hole probes and makes a valuable, rugged tool for use in complex 3-D flow mapping and aerodynamic design and evaluation, in basic research as well as industrial development settings. The probe performance is demonstrated in a flowfield with flow reversal downstream of a backward-facing step. The probe provides low-frequency response capabilities. The probe's main element is a multi-pressure port spherical head, which may include eighteen ports. Fiber optic interferometry techniques may be incorporated to significantly increase frequency response.

Abstract: A Data Link is established for communicating messages between the first entity and the second entity via Information Frames communicated between a first Data Link Layer at the first entity and a second Data Link Layer at the second entity. An Information Frame addressed to the second Data Link Layer, preferably indicating a normal condition for the Data Link, is transmitted from the first Data Link Layer. The first and second Data Link Layers are reset if it is determined that a transmitted Information Frames fails to be communicated from the first Data Link Layer to the second Data Link Layer. An Information Frame addressed to the second Data Link Layer, preferably indicating a normal condition for the Data Link, is transmitted from the first Data Link Layer after the first and second Data Link Layers are reset. The Data Link preferably is maintained from the first step of transmitting through the second step of transmitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the energy, such as acoustic energy, generated by the translational (or "snapping") movement of tendons across the carpal tunnel, whereby an energy signature for such movement can be recognized. Feedback can then be provided to or about the person being monitored to permit, encourage, or force that person to choose a different movement whereby detrimental translational movement of tendons is reduced or minimized. Such reductions may result in a lower occurrence of CTS or the avoidance of its deleterious effects.

Abstract: A disconnect time in accordance with the Global System for Mobile (GSM) Phase 1 standard is reduced within a particular base station controller (BSC) serving a particular mobile station. In response to a Layer 2 Disconnect message from a first mobile station and after the expiration of the reduced disconnect timer, the serving BTS releases the indicated logical channel from the first mobile station and enables the connected base station control (BSC) to more efficiently allocate the released logical channel (SDCCH or TCH) to a second mobile station. Thereafter, additional Layer 2 Disconnect messages transmitted by the first mobile station are ignored and no acknowledging Disconnect Mode (DM) message is transmitted over the indicated logical channel. Thus, collision over the same logical channel between the first and second mobile stations is avoided and the second mobile station is able to communicate over the allocated logical channel.