Abstract: A multiport switch assembly comprises a plurality of discrete switch devices coupled together in a way that virtualizes the behavior of a multiport switch assembly. Each of said switch devices preferably has fewer ports than the number of ports made externally available by the multiport switch assembly. The multiport switch assembly preferably comprises a plurality of tiers of switch devices and a processor connected directly or indirectly to all or at least some of the switch devices. The processor executes code that permits the multiport switch assembly to appear, from the viewpoint of external logic (e.g., management entities, end nodes, routers, etc.), to operate as a single switch device. This alleviates the burden on the external logic, which otherwise would have to control each individual switch device to accomplish the desired switching behavior of the switch assembly.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions containing corneocyte proteins or polypeptides in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle can be used to form a protective layer on skin, hair or nails. The proteins may be crosslinked, thereby forming a protective layer which mimicks the corneal layer of natural skin.

Abstract: Methods, products and kits are provided for attaching agents to tissue with a linking molecule in the presence of transglutaminase. The linking molecule and/or agent is a substrate of transglutaminase. The agent can be a nonprotein or an enzyme such as cholinesterase or phosphodiesterase. The transglutaminase may be exogenously added or be endogenous in tissue. In specific embodiments, the linking molecule contains at least two contiguous linked glutamines or at least three contiguous linked lysines. A conjugate of the agent and the linking molecule may be applied to tissue, and in the presence of transglutaminase covalently bonded to the tissue via the linking molecule. A complementary linking molecule rich in lysines may be first attached to the tissue in the presence of transglutaminase, and then covalently bonded to a glutamine-containing linking molecule of the conjugate in the presence of transglutaminase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phenethanolamine derivatives of formula (I) wherein R.sup.1 represents an aryl group optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from halogen, hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 -alkoxy, C.sub.1-6 -alkyl, nitro, cyano, hydroxymethyl and trifluoromethyl; R.sup.2 represents hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; R.sup.3 represents a group (A) where the ring is substituted by one to four further substituents selected from C.sub.1-6 -alkyl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, and C.sub.1-6 -alkoxy; or R.sup.3 represents a group (B) where the aromatic ring is optionally substituted by up to three further substituents selected from C.sub.1-6 -alkyl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, and C.sub.1-6 -alkoxy; R.sup.4 represents hydrogen, or C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; R.sup.5 represents ZCH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H wherein Z represents a bond, or O; Y represents (CH.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition comprising corneocyte proteins and transglutaminase in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle is provided. Upon application, the ingredients of the cosmetic cross link with the outer layer of skin, hair or nails to form a protective layer on the skin, hair or nails.

Abstract: A cellular telephone network comprising an exchange (101) and a voice messaging center (102) connected to the exchange, the exchange being connectable to a plurality of cellular telephones (103), each having an associated voice mailbox (VM1) at the voice messaging center (102), the exchange (101) being operable in the event of failure to connect a caller to a desired telephone (103) to divert the call to the voice messaging center (102) which can record a message from the caller in the associated mailbox (VM1). When such a message has been stored, the VMC transmits a "message waiting" flag for that telephone to the exchange (101). The exchange (101) transmits a "message waiting" signal to the telephone when it registers with a cell of the network, and/or if it initiates an outgoing call.

Abstract: A method for treating dermatological organ disorders and skin lesions in a mammal through the use of directed, pulsed laser light is described.The dermatological disorders are characterized by an increase in concentration of potential photodynamic chemical compounds like carotenoid compounds, and especially the carotenoid beta-carotene, compared to normal skin. Pulsed dye laser light of a time and duration specific for maximal absorption by a carotenoid compound like beta-carotene is directed at the regions of carotenoid accumulation within a skin disorder. Thermal coagulation necrosis of the carotenoid-accumulating skin region results, though thermal damage to surrounding tissue is limited in amount.

Abstract: A data communications network comprises a plurality of terminals (30, 31, . . . 34) which are interconnected by a contra-rotative ring pair of lines (35, 36), so as to be able to send data to and receive data from all the other terminals in the network. Each terminal has a pair of stations (A, B), each linked to said pair. The network is characterized in that one station associated with any one terminal is arranged to be as distant as possible in a topological sense from its associated pair.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between a full thickness and a partial thickness skin burn in a patient having a skin burn. The methods includes administering a fluorescent compound, which is excited by infrared light, to the patient to cause the compound to enter one or more capillaries below and adjacent the skin burn. The compound is then excited with infrared light, and the amount of fluorescence of the compound caused by the infrared light detected at the skin burn and at unburned skin adjacent the skin burn. The ratio of fluorescence detected at the skin burn and at the unburned skin is an indication of the thickness of the skin burn, e.g., a ratio of less than 0.4 indicates a full thickness skin burn.

Abstract: Compounds are assayed for ability to promote epidermal cell growth and migration. The assay methods feature growing "megacolonies", which are large colonies having a surface area greater than 1 cm.sup.2, and measuring growth during the linear growth phase, or measuring radial expansion during the exponential growth phase. These measurment allow comparison of growth factors and provide good estimates of the biological activity of such factors. A method of producing megacolonies and the megacolonies so produced are also disclosed.

Abstract: Generating a human epithelium on a living animal by a method in which cultured human keratinocytes are placed in contact with the subdermal connective tissue of a non-human animal.

Abstract: Certain agents are disclosed which promote growth of epithelial cells, including human epidermal cells. These agents are known to increase the level of cellular cyclic-AMP.

Abstract: A method of producing transplantable sheets of living keratinous tissue by culturing keratinocytes in a culture vessel and subsequently enzymatically detaching a sheet of keratinous tissue employing an enzyme, such as Dispase, is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A spray head for the nebulization of fluid under pressure having a swirl chamber with a discharge orifice and a pair of passages operative to conduct fluid to said chamber, the chamber including two wall portions symetrically interposed between the passages and the discharge orifice, the configuration and disposition of said wall wall portions cooperatively to produce a swirling of fluid about the discharge orifice and effect nebulization of discharging fluid over a wide range of fluid pressures.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for serially culturing keratinocytes such as human epidermal cells and teratomal keratinocytes. These can be serially grown in culture to produce colonies and eventually stratified squamous epithelium by including in the culture fibroblast cells or medium harvested from fibroblast cultures. When fibroblast cells are used, they are treated to prevent their multiplication, and they are also introduced into the cultures at a controlled density.

Abstract: An isolated clonal cell line derived from the mouse fibroblast 3T3 line is disclosed. This 3T3-L1 clonal cell line has the unique characteristic of accumulating large amounts of triglyceride fats in its resting state, which makes it useful for screening drugs to determine their effect on cell fat accumulation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a translation case or gear case, a combustion chamber and a rotary valve. The rotary valve is adjacent to and on one side of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber contains a rectangular piston plate. The piston plate is hinged at one end to a shaft and adapted for oscillatory movement in the combustion chamber. The walls of the combustion chamber are formed by the inner wall of a first circular disc, the inner wall of a second circular disc, the inner wall surfaces of the engine block and the surface of the piston plate. The rectangular piston plate is integral with or fixedly connected to the shaft, which shaft is fixedly connected to a first linking means. The piston plate, shaft and first linking means are movably connected to a second linking means, a throw and a drive gear.