Abstract: In a client-server architecture, data transmission performance enhancing features and mechanisms are described, including a color quality approach and a packet shaping approach. A method includes a color quality data transformation including: selecting a quality level to apply to a set of image data having a number of significant color bits defining an initial number of possible colors; applying a pixel mask to the set of image data, the initial number of possible colors reduced to a smaller number of possible colors as a function of the quality level; loading the set of image data into an output buffer; and sending the set of image data from the output buffer to a display engine.

Abstract: Modified target molecules are disclosed comprising genetically modified molecules, preferably enzymes, that include a catalytic triad which alters the performance of the polypeptide. Optionally, such a catalytic triad in the modified target molecule comprises three members equivalent to amino acid residues Serine 227, Histidine 200, or Glutamate 139, respectively, in the Bacillus cellulase 103 sequence. Using the embodiments disclosed by the present invention, altered performance profiles, such as enzyme activity or stability, under alkaline conditions can be achieved. Methods of making and using modified target molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical assembly for opto-electronic packages comprising an optical fiber secured on the underside of an elongated support member in optical alignment with an opto-electronic device, wherein said support member is affixed to an aligning member, which in turn is affixed, e.g., by laser welding, to a welding platform. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated support member is a planar parallelepiped. In a further preferred embodiment, the elongated support member is a parallelepiped with an axially extended slot, in which the optical fiber is secured with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the axially extended slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polydextrose as an appetite suppressant. It also relates to the synergistic effect of polydextrose and xylitol in suppressing appetite.

Abstract: Active device assembly comprising a substrate having at least a planar surface on which a plurality of electrical contact pads are formed, a chip having a surface on which at least one optical waveguide and a plurality of electrodes are formed. Said chip surface is in a facing relationship with the planar surface of the substrate, and said electrical contact pads are in electrical contact to said electrodes. Said contact pads and said electrodes provide mechanical connection between said chip and said substrate and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate is greater than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the chip in a length direction.

Abstract: Superior quality, clean-tasting food grade polydextrose is prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of low levels of a polycarboxylic acid such as citric acid. In one embodiment, polydextrose is prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of low levels, i.e., from about 0.03% to about 0.1% citric acid at a temperature of from about 145 to about 185 C., preferably from about 150 C. to about 160 C. Because of the low levels of catalyst used in preferred embodiments, minimal or no off-flavors and little color are formed during the course of the reaction, but the product may be purified using ion exchange, membrane filtration, or carbon treatment, or further modified by hydrogenation if desired for certain applications.

Abstract: A gas sensor is described which is particularly well suited as a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in a self test gas sensor. The sensor includes a number of aspects which may or may not be used in conjunction with one another. A first aspect is an embodiment which reduces electrical interference (or cross-talk) between a test or gas generating cell and a sensing cell. In one embodiment, baffles are provided to prevent cross-talk. In another embodiment a switching circuit ensures that a test gas generator is operational only when the gas sensor is disconnected from a current source. A second aspect is an embodiment which includes an improved wick which is in close proximity with an electrode and ensures electrolyte is always in contact with the electrode. In an alternate embodiment a solid polymer electrolyte is used between the electrodes. A third aspect is an improved catalyst which reduces the reaction energy and thereby renders the sensor more sensitive. The catalyst is also cheaper than platinum.

Abstract: A cavity ring-down spectroscopy system and method is provided for detecting and resolving the ring-down pulse-by-pulse. The pulse-by-pulse cavity ring-down spectroscopy system enables for measuring absorption spectra of rapidly evolving systems on the order of the roundtrip time. The pulse-by-pulse analysis of ring-down profiles enables non-exponential ring-down absorption dynamics to be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid (18) comprises a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a channel (13) provided with an outlet (16) for conveying the liquid (18) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the openings by surface tension in the absence of a flow of gas. The gas flow is directed towards one of said openings in use. The apparatus may be used to dispense volumes of a liquid reagent in the range 1 nl to 2 &mgr;l. The apparatus avoids contamination of the liquid, and dispensing head construction allows devices to be low cost disposable units. The apparatus is less sensitive to liquid viscosity than existing devices.

Abstract: In a three tier client-server architecture, an universal application (UAP) server providing a middle or second tier between a third tier of application servers and a first tier of client devices to provide the controlled delivery of computer based application programs running on a set of application servers to a number of users using a wide variety of client devices without requiring the installation of software on, or changes to the application servers or application programs. The UAP server or application broker comprises a status manager engine, a session manager engine, a data store, a data store engine, a web server, and multiple instantiations of protocol engines design for a given application type and multiple instantiations of display engines for downloading to and operating on client devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a process between first and second immiscible fluids, comprises first and second channels defining flow paths, for permitting fluid flow of respective first and second immiscible fluids therethrough. Portions of the flow paths are disposed close to, or adjacent to, one another and communicate with one another to define a region in which, in use, a stable interface between the fluids is formed. One, or more, dimensions of the region are varied along the length of the interface in a direction of fluid flow to compensate for variation in the properties of the fluids during the carrying out of the process and thereby maintain stability of the interface.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro engineered structure and a capillary or other tube and a method for connecting the tube to the structure. The micro engineered structure is composed of at least one substrate 2 in which fluid flow channels 6 are formed, connecting to an aperture 12 into which the tube 14 is inserted. A sealant material is flowed into the aperture around the tube and then hardened in order to seal the tube within the aperture.

Abstract: In a client-server architecture, an Adaptive Internet Protocol (AIP) system, comprised of a display engine operating on a server and a protocol engine operating on a server, provides means to support standard graphics based computer applications connected to clients of varying capability via a network of varying bandwidth and latency by automatically varying the type and number of graphic requests and their networking encoding to provide near optimum performance while maintaining the correct visual representation.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a program to enable reassignment of data items among processors in a massively-parallel computer to effect a predetermined rearrangement of address bits. The computer has a plurality of processing elements, each including a memory. Each memory includes a plurality of storage locations for storing a data item, each storage location within the computer being identified by an address, comprising a plurality of address bits having a global portion comprising a processing element identification portion and a local portion identifying the storage location within the memory of the particular processing element. The system generates a program to facilitate use of a predetermined set of tools to effect a reassignment of data items among processing elements and storage location to, in turn, effect a predetermined rearrangement of address bits. The system includes a global processing portion and a local processing portion.

Abstract: In order to facilitate diffusive transfer of an entity such as a solute between immiscible fluids and subsequent separation of the liquids without mixing, a method and an apparatus are disclosed and have first and second flow paths carrying first and second immiscible fluids on opposite sides of a foraminous sheet. The height of the apertures in the sheet is not greater than 200 micrometers (measured perpendicular to the width of the sheet and to the direction of fluid flow), and a stable interface is formed between the fluids within each aperture with a significant amount of fluid flow immediately adjacent the interface. Diffusive transfer takes place across the interface, and subsequently the fluids flow away from the region without mixing. The width of the flow paths measured perpendicular to sheet lies between 10 and 500 micrometers. The walls of each aperture may be parallel or tapered.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which a new calcium binding site is modified by chemically or genetically altering residues associated with that calcium binding site. The novel .alpha.-amylases have altered performance characteristics, such as low pH starch hydrolysis performance, stability and activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel substituted derivatives which are 1-pyrimidinylacetamide derivatives of formula I, ##STR1## which are inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase (HLE), also known as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), making them useful whenever such inhibition is desired, such as for research tools in pharmacological, diagnostic and related studies and in the treatment of diseases in mammals in which HLE is implicated. The invention also includes intermediates useful in the synthesis of these substituted derivatives, processes for preparing the substituted derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing such substituted derivatives and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel heterocyclic ketones which are 1-pyridylacetamide ketones of formula I, set out herein, which are inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase (HLE), also known as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), making them useful whenever such inhibition is desired, such as for research tools in pharmacological, diagnostic and related studies and in the treatment of diseases in mammals in which HLE is implicated. The invention also includes intermediates useful in the synthesis of these heterocyclic ketones, processes for preparing the heterocyclic ketones, pharmaceutical compositions containing such heterocyclic ketones and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel heterocyclic amides which are 1-pyridylacetamide compounds of formula I, set out herein, which are inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase (HLE), also known as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), making them useful whenever such inhibition is desired, such as for research tools in pharmacological, diagnostic and related studies and in the treatment of diseases in mammals in which HLE is implicated. The invention also includes intermediates useful in the synthesis of these heterocyclic amides, processes for preparing the heterocyclic amides, pharmaceutical compositions containing such heterocyclic amides and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel heterocyclic ketones which are 1-pyridylacetamide ketones of formula I, set out herein, which are inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase (HLE), also known as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), making them useful whenever such inhibition is desired, such as for research tools in pharmacological, diagnostic and related studies and in the treatment of diseases in mammals in which HLE is implicated. The invention also includes intermediates useful in the synthesis of these heterocyclic ketones, processes for preparing the heterocyclic ketones, pharmaceutical compositions containing such heterocyclic ketones and methods for their use.