Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of generating swept frequency waveforms in the field of digital lineariser technology, using a phase-locked loop frequency synthesiser, is provided. Preferably, a ramp generator 120 is used to apply a modulation signal to the frequency control input of a voltage controlled oscillator via a summer component 110. A direct digital synthesis (DDS) reference component 400 is used to controllably produce a progressive shift in threshold crossing points of the signal (on line 144) such as to compensate for the ramp signals generated by the generator 120 which is compared with the signal (on line 146) from the reference frequency source (line 140). Advantageously, the proposed apparatus/method finds utility in various FM CW-based radar applications.

Abstract: GDNFR?, GDNFR? extracellular domain (ECD), GDNFR? variants, chimeric GDNFR? (e.g., GDNFR? immunoadhesin), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to GDNFR?-ligands, for example GDNF, by providing GDNFR? to the cell. Also provided are methods for using GDNFR?, GDNF, or agonists thereof, separately or in complex, to treat kidney diseases.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting ethylene levels as an indicator of produce ripeness. An ethylene-permeable substrate having a calorimetric reagent disposed thereon is placed adjacent to an item of produce such that ethylene levels are detected and result in the reagent changing color.

Abstract: Methods of treating and preventing bone loss and/or enhancing bone formation are disclosed. The methods utilize 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with agents which inhibit bone resorption or additional agents that regulate calcium resorption from bone or enhances bone accumulation. The invention additionally provides methods of diagnosing a predisposition to bone loss.

Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human, mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Human, mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.

Abstract: An image quality assurance method for identifying image defects in a plurality of previously-imaged documents, where each previously-imaged document includes at least one image rendition stored in at least one image rendition file according to type of image rendition. The image renditions are analyzed to provide selected image metrics, the latter of which are compared against preselected image quality metric threshold values. An image quality flag is generated for any image rendition if at least one of the selected image metrics for that image rendition does not successfully compare against the preselected image quality metric threshold values. A record entry is created in an image quality flag file for those documents having at least one flagged image rendition, the record entry including information about the selected image metrics of the at least one flagged image rendition for that imaged document.

Abstract: An image file arrangement for identifying image defects in a plurality of imaged documents, where each imaged document includes at least one image rendition. The image file arrangement comprises an image quality flag file having a record entry for each of the plurality of imaged documents that has at least one image rendition with at least one identified image defect, wherein each record entry includes information about the at least one identified image condition for the least one flagged image rendition and an image index file including an image index file record for each imaged document, wherein for each imaged document having at least one image rendition having at least one identified image defect, the image index file record for that document includes a reference to the corresponding image quality flag file record and the image quality flag file record includes a reference to the corresponding image index file record.

Abstract: A document processing system comprising an image capture subsystem for capturing selected image metrics and at least one image rendition from a plurality of documents and for determining if at least one of the selected image metrics for any of the at least one image rendition does not successfully compare against preselected image quality metric threshold values. An image quality flag is generated for any of the at least one image rendition if it does not successfully compare, and a record entry for each imaged document having at least one flagged image rendition is created in an image quality flag file. An image index file for individually accessing the image renditions is modified to include a reference to the corresponding image quality flag file record entry The document processing system may optionally compare selected document metrics against preselected document metrics in a similar manner.

Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human, mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Human, mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.

Abstract: An image quality assurance method for identifying image defects in a plurality of imaged documents, where each imaged document includes at least one image rendition. The image renditions are analyzed to provide selected image metrics, the latter of which are compared against preselected image quality metric threshold values. An image quality flag is generated for any image rendition if at least one of the selected image metrics for that image rendition does not successfully compare against the preselected image quality metric threshold values. A record entry is created in an image quality flag file for those documents having at least one flagged image rendition, the record entry including information about the selected image metrics of the at least one flagged image rendition for that imaged document. Image defects in a plurality of imaged documents can be identified by examining the record entries in the image quality flag file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, vectors and host cells expressing, and immunoadhesions and antibodies to mammalian GFR?3, a novel ?-subunit receptor of the GDNF (i.e. GFR) receptor family. It further relates to an assay for measuring activation of an ?-subunit receptor by detecting tyrosine kinase receptor activation (i.e., autophosphorylation) or other activities related to ligand-induced ?-subunit receptor homo-dimerization or homo-oligomerization.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for treating obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and other related diseases by administering an NT-4/5 polypeptide. The invention also concerns compositions and kits comprising an NT-4/5 polypeptide.

Abstract: Particulate plant sterol compositions having defined particle size distribution (PSD) characteristics are provided. Processes for preparing the compositions and methods for dispersing the compositions in aqueous media are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dynamically assigning document parameters to output receptacles of multiple output receptacle document evaluating devices. Documents are directed into individual output receptacles based upon their document parameter or parameters. For example, according to one embodiment a currency evaluating device comprises an input receptacle adapted to receive a stack of currency bills, a plurality of output receptacles, a transport mechanism, and a processor adapted to control the operation of the device. The processor is programmed to determine the denomination of a bill and determine if an output receptacle is associated with the denomination of the bill. If an output receptacle is not associated with the denomination of the bill, the processor is programmed to associate an output receptacle with the denomination of the bill and cause the bill to be transported to an output receptacle associated with the denomination of the bill.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system in plaster form for controlled release of oestradiol in combination with norethisterone acetate, comprising a backing layer, a reservoir supersaturated with active ingredients which is attached to said backing layer and prepared using polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives and crystallization inhibitors, and a detachable protective layer, is characterized in that the crystallization inhibitor is an amino-containing polymer.

Abstract: A document processing device having an evaluation region disposed along a transport path between an input and output receptacle capable of processing both currency bills and identification cards. An evaluation unit enables entry of source identification information before or after processing currency bills. Memory is adapted to store source identification information for multiple batches of currency. Multiple batches are placed in the processing, device for multiple batch processing. The evaluation region includes detectors for detecting predetermined characteristics of currency bills and distinguishing identification cards from currency. During processing, the identification card, or other separator card, is sent to a predetermined output receptacle designated as a reject receptacle. Currency that is rejected is sent to the reject receptacle. Rejected currency is separated into batches by the identification cards sent to the reject receptacle during processing.

Abstract: A method of processing documents by receiving at least a batch of documents and a separator card in an input receptacle of a document processing device. The separator card includes a conductive material disposed on one side, and a barcode indicative of the source of the batch of documents. The documents and separator card are transported via a transport mechanism past an evaluation unit and a field-effect sensor, respectively. The document processing device evaluates each document, determines whether the document meets or fails predetermined criteria, and detects the presence of the conductive material when a separator card is transported past the sensor. The source identification information from each separator card is entered into a memory of the document processing device after all the documents from the corresponding batch of documents have met the predetermined criteria. Feeder operation is paused between each batch long enough to verify that the previous batch closed successfully.

Abstract: A currency processing device is disclosed according to one embodiment of the present invention. The currency processing device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of currency bills to be processed, a plurality of output receptacles for receiving currency bills that have been processed, an evaluation unit for determining information concerning each of the currency bills, a transportation mechanism for transporting each of the currency bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past the evaluation unit to the plurality of output receptacles, and a controller for controlling the operation of the of the transport mechanism. The transportation mechanism includes. a first portion adapted to transport bills at a first speed and a second portion adapted to transport bills at a second speed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of liquid hydrocarbons from a light hydrocarbonaceous feedstock in combination with a process for liquefying natural gas, which liquefaction process involves the steps of (a) passing the natural gas at liquefaction pressure through the product side of a main heat exchanger; (b) introducing cooled liquefied refrigerant at refrigerant pressure in the cold side of the main heat exchanger, allowing the cooled refrigerant to evaporate at the refrigerant pressure in the cold side of the main heat exchanger to obtain vaporous refrigerant at refrigerant pressure, and removing vaporous refrigerant from the cold side of the main heat exchanger; (c) removing the liquefied gas at liquefaction pressure from the product side of the main heat exchanger; (d) allowing the cooled liquefied gas to expand to a lower pressure to obtain expanded fluid; (e) supplying the expanded fluid to a separator vessel; (f) withdrawing from the bottom of the separator vessel a liquid product stream; (g) withdrawin

Abstract: A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human, mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Human, mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.