Abstract: An aminosterol compound according to the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is a member selected from the group of: ##STR2## R.sub.2 is H or OH; R.sub.3 is H or OH;R.sub.4 is H or OH; andR.sub.5 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl group.Preferably, R.sub.5 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group, and a methyl group is particularly preferred.

Abstract: Aminosterol compounds are described that are useful as inhibitors of the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE). Methods of using such aminosterols compounds are also enclosed, including those employing compounds that are inhibitors of a spectrum of NHEs as well as those using compounds that are inhibitors of only one specific NHE. Advantageous screening techniques and assays for evaluating a compound's therapeutic activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a computer system having a plurality of electronic subsystems therein adapted to receive main electrical power from an interruptible main power supply, ones of the electronic subsystems being designated as critical to retention of user data in the computer system in an event of interruption of the electrical power from the main power supply, a backup power subsystem and method for controllably delivering backup electrical power to the ones of the electronic subsystems. The subsystem comprises: (1) a central electrical power storage cell having a particular capacity and adapted to be maintained in a constantly charged state, (2) a backup electrical power bus coupled to the central electrical power storage cell and adapted to be selectively coupled to selected ones of the electronic subsystems and (3) a backup power management controller adapted to couple the backup electrical power bus to the selected ones of the electronic subsystems.

Abstract: A method and system for providing fault tolerance in a networked client/server computing environment by introducing a server computer comprised of a first computer with a first secondary storage controller and a first communications controller and a second computer with a second secondary storage controller and a secondary communications controller. The invention introduces a high speed communications channel that runs between secondary storage controllers and communications controllers in each of the computers, thereby allowing data flow between the communications controllers and enabling the first and second computers to mirror each other or cooperate to form a cluster server. In addition, the communications channel serves as a pathway for secondary storage I/O dataflow, thereby enabling the first and second computers to share secondary storage resources.

Abstract: A light weight, upholstered panel for use in modular and free standing office landscaping systems. The panels form free standing partitions which can be rearranged and assembled into an office system. Panels can be interconnected and positioned over a range of angles relative to adjacent panels. The panel core is composed of a light weight composite structural material with perimeter frame members along each edge. Each frame member has the same cross-section along its length. The horizontal perimeter horizontal frame members are inter-connected with the vertical frame members by corner connectors. The corner connectors have protrusions which engage hollow cavities in the ends of the frame members. The perimeter frame acts to transfer loads imposed on the panel to the structural core. The perimeter frame members incorporate formations to secure the panel fabric, trim and the inter-panel connection system in place and provide recesses for fasteners and support hardware.

Abstract: A locking device for selectively preventing access to the valve handles of a domestic water tap. The locking device is adapted to prevent a child from playing with the hot water tap handle and potentially getting burned by the hot water emanating from the hot water tap. The locking device has a pair of handle enclosing components which are adapted to enclose the tap handles and prevent access to the latter. Each handle enclosing component has a substantially concave-shaped wall defining a substantially hollow body. Each substantially concave-shaped wall has a corresponding peripheral edge defining a lateral aperture. The handle enclosing components are linked together by a pair of connecting rods extending from the respective peripheral edges of the handle enclosing component. Both connecting rods are attached to a locking block positioned intermediate the handle enclosing components.

Abstract: An explosive ternary nitrate mixture of ethylenediamine dinitrate, ammonium itrate, and potassium is prepared by mixing together approximately stoichiometric amounts of aqueous nitric acid, ethylenediamine, ammonia, and potassium hydroxide at a temperature of less than about 130.degree. C. The additions can be made simultaneously or sequentially in any order.