Abstract: A system and method for communicating signals over a noisy channel is provided wherein an input signal may be sampled and modulated to make the signal more noise insensitive. In accordance with one embodiment, of the invention, an signal code modulation (SCM) scheme may be used wherein digital and analog signals representing the original signal are generated. In another embodiment, an original modulated signal may be demodulated and then remodulated using a more robust modulation scheme. The system may be used to a variety of applications including wireless internet access.

Abstract: Described are recombinant DNA molecules comprising the regulatory sequences of an intron of the Endothelial Growth Factor (VFGF) receptor-2 gene (Flk-1) or of a gene homologous to the Flk-1 gene, being capable of conferring expression of a heterologous DNA sequence in endothelial cells, preferably in vivo. Vectors comprising said DNA molecules as well as host cells containing the same are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising such recombinant DNA molecules and vectors. Furthermore, cells and transgenic non-human animals, comprising the aforementioned recombinant DNA molecules or vectors stably integrated into their genome and their use for the identification of substances capable of suppressing or activating transcription of a gene in endothelial cells are described.

Abstract: Described are novel antibodies specifically recognizing conformation dependent epitopes of HCV glycoprotein E2 and that are capable aof neutralizing the binding of E2 protein onto susceptible cells. Furthermore, antigens and epitopes recognized by the above-described antibodies as well as polynucleotides encoding said antibodies are provided. Also provided are to vectors comprising said polynucleotides as well as host cells transformed therewith and their use in the production of said antibodies. In addition, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions are provided comprising any of the aforedescribed antibodies, antigens, epitopes, polynucleotides, vectors or cells. Further described is the use of the aforementioned antibodies, antigens, polynucleotides and vectors in adoptive immunotherapy, preferably for the treatment or prevention of HCV infection during liver transplantation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing polynucleotide from the skin. This polynucleotide can be used to detect dermatitis and distinguish an irritant reaction from an allergic reaction by characterizing the polynucleotide according to the polypeptide which it encodes. Additionally, provided are methods for non-invasive isolation of samples from the skin as well as kits for use in the methods provided herein.

Abstract: A multi-neural net imaging apparatus and method for classification of image elements, such as biological particles. The multi-net structure utilizes subgroups of particle features to partition the decision space by an attribute or physical characteristic of the particle and/or by individual and group particle classification that includes an unknown category. Preprocessing and post processing enables heuristic information to be included as part of the decision making process. Preprocessing classifies particles as artifacts based on certain physical characteristics. Post processing enables the use of contextual information either available from other sources or gleaned from the actual decision making process to further process the probability factors and enhance the decisions.

Abstract: Dynamic Multi-sourced Persisted Enterprise Java Bean (EJB) instances are dynamically created on a J2EE compliant Application Server to access data contained in multiple data source systems. This Dynamic Multi-sourced Persisted EJB is a general class responsible for dynamically aggregating source system information and securing it based on a Context definition. Individual EJB attributes that include mapping, caching and security definitions are mapped to individual pieces of data in source systems by the Context definition. A Context definition can be reloaded during execution as desired. Applications can access the Dynamic Multi-sourced Persisted EJB directly, or use a Session EJB to create a static interface to the dynamically mapped, cached and secured data. Using an attribute securing element, a security engine enforces access requirements on a system-wide basis.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and method for ameliorating an immune response disorder. The monoclonal antibodies are specific for an epitope present on the leukocyte adhesion receptor ?-chain.

Abstract: A stack assembly is disclosed of the type used in linear brushless DC motors, the stack assembly having a base portion, a plurality of teeth extending from the base portion and about which the windings can be positioned, and in which the plurality of teeth are spaced apart from each other so as to define slot openings at ends of and between adjacent teeth, and magnetic material shaped and positionable to enclose one or more of the slot openings between adjacent teeth. Also disclosed is a mounting bracket positionable along the back iron of the stack assembly and shaped so that the ends of the mounting bracket engage with the ends of the stack assembly.

Abstract: An electrode grid device is disclosed comprising a deformable envelope, further comprising non-polarizable electrodes and a pressure recording port. The device is designed to allow for monitoring of brain retraction pressure and local cortical electrical activity including DC potential, as well as to redistribute the force applied during retraction and thereby diminish the chance of focal brain injury during surgery. Retraction pressure recorded is equal over the full area of contact, providing a more meaningful measurement than simply at one point on the retractor. A means is disclosed for evacuation of air from the system to improve accuracy and fidelity of the pressure measurements. It is a further aspect of the device to allow for measurement of intracranial pressure, DC potential and EEG in epileptic and severe head trauma patients for management of edema and injury, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric pro-caspase, which contains a pro-caspase domain and an oligomerizing domain. The invention also relates to an antibody that reacts specifically with a chimeric pro-caspase. In addition, the invention further relates to a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric pro-caspase, and to nucleotide sequences, which can hybridize specifically with a polynucleotide encoding a chimeric pro-caspase. The present invention also relates to a method of inducing apoptosis in a cell by providing a chimeric pro-caspase in the cell, wherein the chimeric pro-caspase includes a pro-caspase domain and an oligomerizing domain, whereby the chimeric pro-caspase forms an oligomer in the cell, thereby activating caspase activity of the chimeric pro-caspase and inducing apoptosis in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides two novel polypeptides, referred to as the “N” and “C” fragments of hedgehog, or N-terminal and C-terminal fragments, respectively, which are derived after specific cleavage at a G?CF site recognized by the autoproteolytic domain in the native protein. Also included are sterol-modified hedgehog polypeptides and functional fragments thereof. Methods of identifying compositions which affect hedgehog activity based on inhibition of cholesterol modification of hedgehog protein are described.

Abstract: An array of floating gate memory cells, and a method of making same, where each pair of memory cells includes a pair of trenches formed into a surface of a semiconductor substrate, with a strip of the substrate disposed therebetween, a source region formed in the substrate strip, a pair of drain regions, a pair of channel regions each extending between the source region and one of the drain regions, a pair of floating gates each disposed in one of the trenches, and a pair of control gates. Each channel region has a first portion disposed in the substrate strip and extending along one of the trenches, a second portion extending underneath the one trench, a third portion extending along the one trench, and a fourth portion extending along the substrate surface and under one of the control gates.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Examples of such peptides include NH2-KWKSFIKKLTTAVKKVLTTGLPALIS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:1) and NH2-KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLISS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:2). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. The peptides are particularly useful for inhibiting endotoxemia in a subject.

Abstract: A wireless communication system has a central computer, one or more wireless access points and one or more personal badges that communicate wirelessly with the one or more wireless access points. The badges provide the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical handling system includes a chemical storage module, a transport module, and one or more liquid handling modules. The transport module may implement parallel chemical transport, and the system may include a plurality of asynchronously operable liquid handling modules coupled to the parallel transport module.

Abstract: A wireless communication system has a central computer, one or more wireless access points and one or more personal badges that communicate wirelessly with the one or more wireless access points. The badges provide the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a load/store micropacket handling system. A method includes interconnecting a compute node with a shared memory node; translating a processor instruction into an interconnect command; transforming the interconnect command into a direct memory access interconnect command; transmitting the direct memory access interconnect command via a link medium; and performing an operation defined by the direct memory access interconnect command. An apparatus includes a computer network, including: a compute node, having: a compute node interconnect interface unit; and a compute node interconnect adapter; a link medium, coupled to the compute node; and a shared memory node, coupled to the link medium, having: a shared memory node interconnect interface unit; and a shared memory node interconnect adapter.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions useful in detecting protease activity in a sample, as well as methods of identifying agents that modulate protease activity. The methods and compositions provide a modified luciferase polynucleotide sequence and a luciferase polypeptide containing protease recognition sequences, wherein cleavage of the recognition sequence by a protease inhibits luciferase activity. Further provided are methods and compositions for detecting and modulating caspase activity and apoptosis.

Abstract: A composition including 2-hexyl cyanoacrylate and goal is useful in treating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and other body lumens to be blocked.