Abstract: A host name query is received by a modem from a client computer. The host name query is simultaneously transmitted from the modem to a plurality of Domain Name System (DNS) servers. A response is returned to the client computer from the modem, where the response is based on the host name query and any responses received from the DNS servers. In a preferred embodiment at least one address associated with the host name query is acquired from the DNS servers. The client computer then sends a request for content to the address. If more than one address is returned, all but one of the addresses is eliminated. This can be done by rejecting all but the most recent address, or rejecting all addresses not provided by a service provider DNS server.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber deposits thin films on a substrate by sputtering a target. The beam of atoms or ions from the target is partially blocked by a shadow or adjustable uniformity mask, reducing the deposition rate onto the substrate. The adjustable uniformity mask has several adjustable fingers. The fingers extend or retract to enlarge or reduce the size of the mask. Each finger covers a different annular region or radius of the substrate. The deposition rate at different substrate radii is thus adjustable by the fingers. Several optical beams monitor the film transmittance at different substrate radii. A transmittance profile is continually generated during deposition. As deposition proceeds, radii with a thicker film have their fingers extended to reduce their deposition rate, producing a more uniform film thickness across all radii. Motors extend or retract the individual fingers.

Abstract: A request is received to establish a VPN session with a server-side system from at least one client computer out of a plurality of client computers coupled to a modem within a client-side system. The request contains login details for a user of the at least one client computer. A network address, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) or MAC (Media Access Control) address of the at least one client computer is then determined. The user is authenticated based on the user login details, and a VPN tunnel is established over the modem between the at least one client computer having the network address and the server-side system. The same method is then used for the remainder of the plurality of client computers coupled to the modem within the client-side system.

Abstract: A host name query is received by a modem from a client computer. The host name query is simultaneously transmitted from the modem to a plurality of Domain Name System (DNS) servers. A response is returned to the client computer from the modem, where the response is based on the host name query and any responses received from the DNS servers. In a preferred embodiment at least one address associated with the host name query is acquired from the DNS servers. The client computer then sends a request for content to the address. If more than one address is returned, all but one of the addresses is eliminated. This can be done by rejecting all but the most recent address, or rejecting all addresses not provided by a service provider DNS server.

Abstract: Data is received by a service provider that is indicative of a selected server-side system and a selected client-side system between which a VPN is to be established. Security settings are then automatically determined for the client-side system based at least partially on the data. The security settings are preferably public and private keys and/or a Digital Certificate. VPN configuration details, including the security settings, are then automatically transmitted to the client-side system. The client side system then uses the configuration details to automatically configure itself to establish a secure VPN tunnel between the server-side system and itself. VPN configuration details may also be automatically transmitted to a VPN concentrator within the server-side system. A Virtual Private Network tunnel is subsequently established between the client-side system and the server-side system, and the tunnel's operation verified. A computer program product for configuring a VPN system is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber deposits thin films on a substrate by sputtering a target. The beam of atoms or ions from the target is partially blocked by a shadow or adjustable uniformity mask, reducing the deposition rate onto the substrate. The adjustable uniformity mask has several adjustable fingers. The fingers extend or retract to enlarge or reduce the size of the mask. Each finger covers a different annular region or radius of the substrate. The deposition rate at different substrate radii is thus adjustable by the fingers. Several optical beams monitor the film transmittance at different substrate radii. A transmittance profile is continually generated during deposition. As deposition proceeds, radii with a thicker film have their fingers extended to reduce their deposition rate, producing a more uniform film thickness across all radii. Motors extend or retract the individual fingers.

Abstract: Modified external guide sequence (EGS) molecules that mediate cleavage of specific target RNAs have been constructed. The modified molecules are external guide sequence molecules for RNAse P which are designed to specifically bind to and promote RNAse P-mediated cleavage of target RNA molecules and to have enhanced nuclease resistance. Specific regions are modified to achieve enhanced stability while maintaining RNAse P activity. Modified external guide sequence molecules suitable for use in the treatment of hepatitis B viral infections have been constructed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new and useful nucleoside thiophosphoroamidites and polynucleotide phosphorodithioate compounds as well as the processes whereby these compounds may be used for synthesizing new mononucleotides and polynucleotides having phosphorothioate and phosphorodithioate internucleotide linkages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new and useful nucleoside thiophosphoroamidites and polynucleotide phosphorodithioate compounds as well as the processes whereby these compounds may be used for synthesizing new mononucleotides and polynucleotides having phosphorothioate and phosphorodithioate internucleotide linkages.

Abstract: Modified external guide sequence (EGS) molecules that mediate cleavage of specific target RNAs have been constructed. The modified molecules are external guide sequence molecules for RNAse P which are designed to specifically bind to and promote RNAse P-mediated cleavage of target RNA molecules and to have enhanced nuclease resistance. Specific regions are modified to achieve enhanced stability while maintaining RNAse P activity. Modified external guide sequence molecules suitable for use in the treatment of hepatitis B viral infections have been constructed.

Abstract: Dinucleoside phosphorodithioate phosphoramidite precursors useful in the synthesis of oligonucleotide phosphorodithioate which can be used as antisense inhibitors of translation.

Abstract: The herpes simplex virus encodes ICP4, a DNA binding protein. ICP4-binding duplexed structures having significantly enhanced stability under physiological conditions are described. The structures are provided in the form of polynucleotide conjugates capable of adopting a duplexed structure, in which annealable polynucleotide strands are coupled covalently at one or both ends through a chemical linker which establishes a stabilizing bridge between strands. The present polynucleotide conjugates have therapeutic utility against viral infection as the polynucleotide strands thereof define a binding site for a viral regulatory protein, thereby inactivating the protein and preventing viral replication from occurring.