Abstract: A server architecture includes a server program to receive a request from a client. In one aspect, an out-of-process application executing in a separate process from the server program is invoked to process the request and to generate a response to be returned to the client, and the server architecture includes a subsystem to detect when the out-of-process application fails and to recover the out-of-process application without disrupting operation of the server program. In another aspect, a method for detecting when an out-of-process application fails includes recording the request on a list as the request is passed to the application, examining the request as it is returned from the application, determining that the application has failed if the returned request contains erroneous data, and if the application has not failed then removing the request from the list.

Abstract: A radiopaque brachytherapy seed for implantation into a subject includes a biocompatible component, a therapeutically active component including a non-radioactive drug, and a radiopaque marker. The biocompatible component is (a) physically associated with a therapeutically active component and (b) in contact with the radiopaque marker. The brachytherapy seed has a size and shape suitable for passing through the bore of a needle having an interior diameter of less than about 2.7 millimeters (10 gauge).

Abstract: A system for cooling at least one gas turbine liquid fuel component located in a high temperature environment to eliminate coking in the component is disclosed. The system includes a sleeve surrounding the liquid fuel component, a device for providing a current of cool air, and a conduit connected between the cool air device and the sleeve to direct the current of cool air into the sleeve to cool the liquid fuel component. The system can also include a manifold connected to the conduit and a plurality of second conduits for connecting the manifold to a plurality of sleeves surrounding a plurality of liquid fuel components, each sleeve being connected to a corresponding second conduit. Each sleeve includes a plurality of spacing devices for centering the sleeve around the at least one liquid fuel component so as to form an annulus between the sleeve and the liquid fuel component through which the current of cool air flows.

Abstract: Techniques for arranging operations performable on information in an information processing system are provided. In a system having a plurality of information producers and a plurality of information subscribers, paths are identified over which information traverses, and within which the information is subject to select and/or transform operations. The present invention optimizes the system by reorganizing the sequence of select and transform operations so that transforms follow select operations; and by combining multiple select and transform operations into single select and transform operations, respectively. Using these optimizations, the processing resources of the system can be reorganized, and/or information flow graphs describing the system can be designed, so that the select operations are “pushed” toward the producers, and transform operations are “pushed” toward the subscribers. Efficient content-based routing systems can then be used to implement the select operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fusing release agent comprising the reaction product of a primary- or secondary-amino-functionalized polyorganosiloxane oil and a low molecular weight, non-sterically-hindered aldehyde or ketone.

Abstract: Modified starch materials having a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000 for nutritional products provide a relatively slow release of metabolizable carbohydrates, giving a source of carbohydrate energy over a longer period of time than can be obtained from glucose and other carbohydrates such as lactose, fructose, or sucrose. Such modified starch materials possess altered processing and pasting profile characteristics.

Abstract: An optical device is provided with first and second inputs. A first coupler coupled is coupled to the first input and produces at least a first and second output. A second coupler is coupled to the second input and produces at least a first and second output. A third coupler is coupled to the first output of the first coupler and to the first output of the second coupler. A fourth coupler is coupled to the second output of the first coupler and to the second output of the second coupler. First and second crossing waveguides are provided with an angle selected to minimize crosstalk and losses between the first and second cross waveguides. The first crossing waveguide connects one of the first or second outputs from the first coupler with an input of the fourth coupler. The second crossing waveguide connects one of the first or second outputs from the second coupler with an input of the third coupler. A first phase shifter is coupled to the first and second waveguides.

Abstract: A feature provided by a navigation system or other device whereby additional information about roadside signs can be provided to a driver of a vehicle while traveling along a road. The additional information may be provided automatically or in response to a request from the driver. The additional information may include a translation of the sign text into a selected language, supplementary information about the subject matter of the sign, commercial information about the subject matter of the sign, or other kinds of information. In one embodiment, the additional information is contained in a database that includes data identifying locations of roadside signs and additional information about the roadside signs. Programming in the navigation system or other device determines the location of the vehicle, uses the database to identify one or more roadside signs close to the location of the vehicle, and provides the driver with the additional information about the one or more roadside signs via a user interface.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for protecting plants and plant organelles, such as chloroplasts, during thermal (heat and cold) stress, and other forms of environmental stress such as water and salt stress. In one embodiment, a plant is transformed with a polynucleotide that encodes a protein that produces, catalyzes the synthesis of or results in the production of maltose or a maltose alcohol. In an exemplified embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a &bgr;-amylase enzyme that is localized at the chloroplast. The subject invention also concerns plants and plant tissue transformed with a polynucleotide that encodes a protein that produces or results in the production of maltose or a maltose alcohol.

Abstract: Linking Magnesium ions to Nitric Oxide precursor L-Arginine, chemically 2-amino-5-guanidino valeric acid, with a platelet aggregation inhibitor compound such as, but not limited to acetylsalicylic acid or clopidogrel bisulfate, unexpectedly results in a pharmaceutically stabilized compositions with extended shelf life to be taken orally to provide gradual release vasodilatory and anti-platelet aggregation pharmacological activity with reduced potential for producing gastrointestinal lesions. L-Arginine releases ADNO (Arginine derived Nitric Oxide) in the coronary artery epithelium as EDRF (endothelium dependent relaxing factor) to dilate the arteries to promote blood flow to the myocardium, and the platelet aggregation inhibitor such acetylsalicylic acid or clopidogrel and others of this class of drugs inhibits or antagonizes the aggregation adhesion of platelets in the blood stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibody H11 and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to the antigen recognized by H11, the C-antigen. The C-antigen is found specifically on neoplastic cells and not on normal cells. Also disclosed are polynucleotide and polypeptide derivatives based on H11, including single chain V region molecules and fusion proteins, and various pharmaceutical compositions. When administered to an individual, the H11 antibody is effective in diagnosing, localizing, and/or treating neoplasias. The invention further provides methods for treating a neoplastic disease, particularly melanoma, neuroblastoma, glioma, soft tissue sarcoma, and small cell lung carcinoma. Patients who are in remission as a result of traditional modes of cancer therapy may be treated with a composition of this invention in hopes of reducing the risk of recurrence. Patients may also be treated concurrently with the antibodies and traditional anti-neoplastic agents.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a differential case rotatably supported in an axle housing, opposite output shafts drivingly connected to the differential case, a friction clutch assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging the differential case and the output shaft, and a hydraulic clutch actuator for selectively frictionally loading the clutch assembly. The hydraulic clutch actuator includes a variable pressure relief valve controlled by a solenoid actuator for selectively engaging the friction clutch assembly. In order to provide the solenoid actuator with an electrical power and/or control signals in a contactless manner, the differential assembly is further provided with a transformer assembly including a primary transformer unit non-rotatably mounted to the axle housing and connected to a source of electrical energy, and a rotatable secondary transformer unit secured to an outer peripheral surface of the differential case.

Abstract: A method that alleviates congestion problems in prior art networks by insuring that selected classes of calls have a reserved capacity, thus insuring a capability to service at least the selected level of traffic. In an illustrated embodiment, a selected capacity is reserved for voice calls, in contrast to data calls. When a connection request is made and there is unoccupied capacity, a voice call is always serviced, but a data call is serviced only if the number of established data connections is less than capacity of the path required for establishing a connection for the request, minus the capacity reserved for voice call.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the operating range and/or increasing the bandwidth of a communication link. The communication link may consist of any two communication devices that are connected by two or more separate “band limited” communication paths for the transmission of information therebetween. In operation, the communication devices use a “frequency split scheme” to divide the information transmitted between the devices into two or more signals, each of which is transmitted over one of the communication paths. A “frequency foldback scheme” may also be used to shift the information from the higher frequencies to the lower frequencies of each respective signal, thereby taking advantage of the fact that more information can be carried in the lower frequencies.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for precisely measuring birefringence properties of large-format samples of optical elements. A gantry-like configuration is employed for precise movement of birefringence measurement system components relative to the sample. There is also provided an effective large-format sample holder that adequately supports the sample to prevent induced birefringence therein while still presenting a large area of the sample to the unhindered passage of light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for an Indemnitee to verify insurance coverage of an Indemnitor, including the steps of at least two parties entering into a contractual relationship that obligates the Indemnitor to indemnify the Indemnitee by maintaining contractually required insurance and to provide proof of the insurance, entering the contractual insurance requirements and related pertinent information into a database, requesting on behalf of the Indemnitee proof of insurance from the Indemnitor, a service provider or the Indemnitee receiving the Indemnitor's insurance coverage information, comparing the Indemnitor's insurance coverage information with the contractual insurance requirements, determining if the Indemnitor is in contractual compliance, and issuing insurance to protect the interests of the Indemnitee in the event the Indemnitor is not in contractual compliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing delay distortion of upstream transmissions in a cable television (CATV) distribution plant. Upstream transmission in a CATV distribution plant, i.e., from the customer premises toward the head-end, is made difficult by delay distortion caused by diplexing filters used in bi-directional amplifiers and other components in the CATV distribution plant. A database storing information relating to each cable modem (CM) in the CATV distribution plant is maintained, and the delay distortion for each upstream transmission is calculated using information queried from the database. Delay distortion in the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth in a CATV distribution plant is preferably minimized by assigning CMs having a transmission path that causes relatively minimal delay distortion to the upper portion of the upstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A navigation method and system are disclosed whereby users of the systems are provided with backup driving instructions. A wireless communications system allows end users' computing devices to receive dynamic route guidance from a remotely located navigation services provider. The dynamic route guidance provides each end user with maneuvering instructions at appropriate locations along a route to a desired destination. In addition to the dynamic route guidance, the navigation service provider also provides the end users with backup driving instruction data. The backup driving instruction data can be used by an end user's computing device to provide backup driving instructions for traveling to the destination. The backup driving instruction data can be used in case wireless communications is interrupted.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding divider partitions the interior of a bag such that various contents in the bag may be separated and protected. The divider slides along the bottom of the bag to change the size of the partitions as desired by the user. The divider may also be folded down on the bottom of the bag when not in use.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.