Abstract: A communication system (10) employs switching circuits, such as an add/drop multiplexer (70) and another add/drop multiplexer (110). The bandwidth of a circuit switched connection between the switching circuits is altered without taking down the connection.

Abstract: This invention is directed to assays to determine the presence or absence of proteins that exhibit aggrecanase or ADMP activity. This invention also relates to peptides that acts as a substrates for ADMPs, their use in various assays to determine the presence or absence of ADMP activity, and their use as inhibitors of ADMP activity.

Abstract: The hepatoprotective effect of IL-10 is described, in particular, the use of interleukin-10 in the treatment of liver damage (e.g. fibrosis or cirrhosis) in a difficult-to-treat patient afflicted with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who has failed to respond to, or achieve a sustained virologic response to an anti-HCV therapy(e.g., interferon-&agr; in combination with ribavirin).

Abstract: Input interfaces convert a predetermined data frame structure, such as a Sonet STS-1, into an internal format comprising a predetermined number of rows and columns, the rows being a multiple of a number evenly divisible into the bytes contained in the internal frame format. A time-space switch switches the frame format while storing a row of bytes in a data memory. Output interfaces convert the switched data to the same type of data frame format received at the input.

Abstract: This invention is directed to assays to determine the presence or absence of proteins that exhibit aggrecanase or ADMP activity. This invention also relates to peptides that acts as a substrates for ADMPs, their use in various assays to determine the presence or absence of ADMP activity, and their use as inhibitors of ADMP activity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to assays to determine the presence or absence of proteins that exhibit aggrecanase or ADMP activity. This invention also relates to peptides that acts as a substrates for ADMPs, their use in various assays to determine the presence or absence of ADMP activity, and their use as inhibitors of ADMP activity.

Abstract: A communication system (10) employs switching circuits, such as an add/drop multiplexer (70) and another add/drop multiplexer (110). The bandwidth of a circuit switched connection between the switching circuits is altered without taking down the connection.

Abstract: An improved method for dewatering aqueous sludge is disclosed comprising flocculating the sludge by the addition of effective amounts of chitosan and an organic dialdehyde such as glutaraldehyde to the sludge, which is also preferably acidified to about pH 6.0.

Abstract: A low-cost, self-contained and compact sprouting device and a simple method of use of the same. The device comprises a container having a perforated top inset tray, perforated bottom whereon the seeds are washed and sprouted, and a top cover serving as a water storage receptacle when inverted and placed under the container. A disposable cover or wash-away coating seals the openings through the bottom until plant growth is desired.

Abstract: An effective, easily installed coupling structure for use in securing a pipe in an opening in a member from one side of the member can be constructed so as to utilize an expandable sleeve. Such a sleeve is initially of a cylindrical configuration and is located around a threaded end of the pipe adjacent to a tapered shoulder on the pipe. The pipe is inserted through such an opening so that the sleeve extends through the opening and so that a flange on the sleeve abuts against the member. A nut is then located around the threaded end and relative rotation is caused between the nut and the pipe through the use of a holding structure on the pipe and the nut. Such action holds the sleeve as the pipe is drawn toward the member. Engagement between the sleeve and the shoulder then expands the sleeve so that the pipe is held as the result of the flange engaging one side of the member and the sleeve engaging the other side of the member.