Abstract: Generating synthetic transactions with packets is provided. A synthetic transaction generator can store, in a packet capture trace file, packets corresponding to a test of a service provided through a network. The synthetic transaction generator can transmit the packet capture trace file to a data processing system to cause the data processing system to play or analyze the packet capture trace file to evaluate the performance of the service provided by the service provider.

Abstract: Network performance data is collected, recorded, and normalized. In one embodiment, a set of first performance data collected by an agent in response to network transactions initiated by the agent and a second set of performance data resulting from passively monitoring traffic on the network are received. The first and second sets of performance data are normalized to create a set of constantly formatted network performance data capable of convenient analysis.

Abstract: A system and related methods are disclosed for detecting the occurrence of an intrusion attack. A network device, such a probe, monitors traffic on a first network and converts the traffic to a format that is suitable for transmission on a second network. The converted traffic is forwarded to an intrusion detection system for further processing. Prior to transmission, the converted data may be filtered to remove data that is not useful in detecting an intrusion attack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for suturing tissue penetrations made during minimally invasive surgery. One embodiment of an apparatus for suturing tissue penetrations comprises a shaft, suture capture surface coupled to the shaft, and at least one pair of needles or other penetrating members advanceable from the shaft. The shaft can be detachably coupled to a hand-piece. The surface has a deployed and a non-deployed configuration and is configured to capture a suture in the deployed configuration and retain it in the non-deployed configuration. The surface can be deployed by a frame or other expandable structure. The penetrating members are configured to be coupled to a suture and are advanceable from the shaft by an advancement member or other means to deliver a suture end portion to the deployed surface. Sutures can be contained in a replaceable cartridge detachably coupled to the apparatus.

Abstract: Network performance data is collected, recorded, and normalized. In one embodiment, a set of first performance data collected by an agent in response to network transactions initiated by the agent and a second set of performance data resulting from passively monitoring traffic on the network are received. The first and second sets of performance data are normalized to create a set of constantly formatted network performance data capable of convenient analysis.

Abstract: A system and related methods for detecting the occurrence of an intrusion attack. A network device, such a probe, monitors traffic on a first network and converts the traffic to a format that is suitable for transmission on a second network. The converted traffic is forwarded to an intrusion detection system for further processing. Prior to transmission, the converted data may be filtered to remove data that is not useful in detecting an intrusion attack.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compounds for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of a target tissue or compositions in a mammalian subject, using a light source that preferably transmits light to a treatment site transcutaneously. The method provides for administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a photosensitizing agent. This photosensitizing agent preferentially associates with the target tissue. Light at a wavelength or waveband corresponding to that which is absorbed by the photosensitizing agent is then administered. The light intensity is relatively low, but a high total fluence is employed to ensure the activation of the photosensitizing agent.

Abstract: A method of producing monoclonal antibodies that bind to human cancer-associated mucin-type glycoprotein antigens comprising: (1) immunizing a host with a core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein; (2) fusing splenocytes from said immunized host with myeloma cells to form hybridoma cells; (3) culturing said hybridoma cells on selective medium; (4) selecting hybridoma cells surviving step (3) that secrete antibody that binds to said core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein; (5) cloning said selected hybridoma cells from step (4); (6) culturing said cloned hybridoma cells; and (7) recovering said antibody. Hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies produced by the above-described method. Methods of passive and active immunization employing the monoclonal antibodies and mucin-type glycoproteins or synthetic oligosaccharide-carrier conjugates.

Abstract: A vaccine and method to prevent growth and replication of cancer cells that express a core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein is disclosed. The vaccine comprises: (a) a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antigen comprising a purified mucin-type glycoprotein or a chemically synthesized mucin-type glycoprotein carbohydrate determinant conjugated to a carrier peptide or macromolecule, wherein said mucin-type glycoprotein expresses or carries the core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein expressed on said cancer cells; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier including natural or synthetic adjuvants. The method comprises administering the above-described vaccine to a host. A medicament and method for treating cancer wherein the cancer cells express a core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing monoclonal antibodies that bind to tumor-associated gangliosides, the method comprising: (1) immunizing a host with tumor cells; (2) boosting the host with a suspension comprising a mixture of tumor cell membrane and at least one purified lactonized tumor-associated ganglioside; (3) boosting the host with an immunogen comprising a lactone of a tumor associated ganglioside adsorbed on or incorporated into a carrier; (4) fusing immunized cells from the host with myeloma cells to form hybridoma cells; (5) selecting hybridoma cells that produce antibody that binds to the ganglioside of step (3); (6) culturing the selected hybridoma cells; and (7) recovering the antibody.

Abstract: A method of producing monoclonal antibodies that bind to tumor-associated gangliosides, the method comprising: (1) immunizing a host with tumor cells; (2) boosting the host with a suspension comprising a mixture of tumor cell membrane and at least one purified lactonized tumor-associated ganglioside; (3) boosting the host with an immunogen comprising a lactone of a tumor associated ganglioside adsorbed on or incorporated into a carrier; (4) fusing immunized cells from the host with myeloma cells to form hybridoma cells: (5) selecting hybridoma cells that produce antibody that binds to the ganglioside of step (3); (6) culturing the selected hybridoma cells; and (7) recovering the antibody. Hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies produced by the above-described method. A passive immunization method for treatment of tumors containing gangliosides comprising administering to a subject: (A) a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antibody produced by the above described method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which mediate antibody and ligand targeting of differentiation-inducers to tumor cells and methods for employing the same.

Abstract: A method of producing monoclonal antibodies that bind to human cancer-associated mucin-type glycoprotein antigens comprising: (1) immunizing a host with a core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein: (2) fusing splenocytes from said immunized host with myeloma cells to form hybridoma cells; (3) culturing said hybridoma cells on selective medium; (4) selecting hybridoma cells surviving step (3) that secrete antibody that binds to said core structure of a mucin-type glycoprotein; (5) cloning said selected hybridoma cells from step (4); (6) culturing said cloned hybridoma cells; and (7) recovering said antibody. Hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies produced by the above-described method. Methods of passive and active immunization employing the monoclonal antibodies and mucin-type glycoproteins or synthetic oligosaccharide-carrier conjugates.