Abstract: The present invention relates to viral peptides referred to as "DP107- and DP178-like" peptides. Specifically, the invention relates to isolated influenza A DP107- and DP178-like peptides which are identified by sequence search motif algorithms. The peptides of the invention exhibit antiviral activity believed to result from inhibition of viral induced fusogenic events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1.sub.LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: A method for updating antivirus files on a computer using push technology is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, updated virus signature files or other updated antivirus information is loaded onto a central antivirus server, while local push agent software is installed on the client computer. When the user of the client computer is connected to the Internet, the push agent software operates in the background to receive updated antivirus files from the central antivirus sever across the Internet, in a manner which is substantially transparent to the user. In another preferred embodiment, antivirus files on a plurality of client computers on a corporate computer network are automatically updated using push technology and automated network installation scripts. A service computer associated with the plurality of client computers receives one or batches of antivirus updates from a central antivirus server across the Internet using push technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for tuning the phase shifting of a phase shift mask having an attenuating phase shifting material providing at least 160.degree. of phase shift. The method comprising the utilization of a phase measurement and selective etching operations which reduces the challenge of making an exacting 180.degree. phase shifting mask. An attenuated phase shift mask structure is also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1.sub.LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit antifusogenic and antiviral activities. The peptides of the invention consist of a 16 to 39 amino acid region of a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) protein. These regions were identified through computer algorithms capable of recognizing the ALLMOTI5, 107.times.178.times.4, or PLZIP amino acid motifs. These motifs are associated with the antifusogenic and antiviral activities of the claimed peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1.sub.LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting defects in the design of a photolithographic mask or a printed wafer. It derives an adaptive inspection algorithm that allows for a tighter inspection of a mask to a data set which has repeatable differences. The inspection should allow flexibility to remove un-important differences while maintaining a tight inspection capability.

Abstract: A user interface for a medical instrument such as a dialysis machine is described which uses both a touch screen and at least one hard key off of the touch screen to effectuate a change in a parameter associated with the operation of the machine or the treatment session. The user interface is connected to a central computer control system having a host microprocessor and a backup safety microprocessor. The hard key is directly wired to the safety microprocessor. After the user selects a new parametric value on the touch screen, the user presses a hard key. The host and safety microprocessors implement a verification routine to insure that the entered parameter is appropriate for the patient's treatment and the display on the touch screen. If the verification procedure ends in a positive result, the user is prompted to presses a second hard key to confirm the change, causing an additional verification check to be performed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.