Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing tubular objects in multi-dimensional images. The processing includes generating representations of tubular objects which enable subsequent analysis. Systems and methods for processing tubular objects in a multi-dimensional image include establishing a seed points in a multi-dimensional image, searching for an extremum point corresponding to a tubular object having a central curve of intensity extrema, and extracting a one-dimensional central track corresponding to the tubular object and extents corresponding to a plurality of cross-sections along the tubular object. A number of embodiments are presented which apply the systems and methods to a variety of imaging applications.

Abstract: Reference voltage circuit for generating at least one constant reference voltage (Vref) with a first current mirror circuit (54), which is connected to a positive supply voltage (Vdd) and mirrors a reference current (Iref) with a first current mirror factor (N1) to form a first mirrored reference current (IS1); a second current mirror circuit (67), which is connected to a negative supply voltage (Vss) and mirrors a reference current (Iref) with a second current mirror factor (N2) to form a second mirrored reference current (IS2); a resistor string (71), which comprises a plurality of resistors (71-i) connected in series and is wired between the two current mirror circuits (54, 67); one end (42) of the resistor string (71) being supplied with the first mirrored reference current (IS1) from the first current mirror circuit (54) and the other end (73) of the resistor string (71) delivering the second mirrored reference current (IS2) to the second current mirror circuit (67), the two current mirror factors (N1,

Abstract: A process for treating a textile substrate, the process including the steps of providing a textile substrate; providing a treatment bath; entraining a transport material in the treatment bath wherein the transport material further comprises a treatment material dissolved or suspended therein and wherein the transport material is substantially immiscible with the treatment bath; and contacting the textile substrate with the transport material in the treatment bath to thereby treat the textile substrate with the treatment material in the transport material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate which can be used for preparing dermatological and cosmetic compositions. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such conjugate and to its use.

Abstract: The invention explains, inter alia, integrated waveguide arrangements in which a waveguide with glass core and glass sheath is arranged in a waveguide layer consisting of glass. A foreign region made from a material other than glass extends in the vicinity of the waveguide. A temperature-adjustment unit is used to heat and/or cool the foreign region. The foreign region is integrated in the waveguide region.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor memory component with random access, also having a structure which is differentiated into memory cells and logic regions and has a lower oxide layer arranged on a silicon substrate and an upper oxide layer arranged on the lower oxide layer, each memory cell comprising at least one transistor in the transition region between silicon substrate and lower oxide layer and a capacitor in the transition region between lower oxide layer and upper oxide layer, which capacitor is connected to the transistor via a contact hole, which is filled with metal, in the lower oxide layer and comprises a ferroelectric arranged between two electrodes, the electrode which is connected to the transistor and adjoins the lower oxide layer having a relatively great thickness, and each logic region comprising at least one transistor in the transition region between silicon substrate and lower oxide layer, which transistor is connected to an electrode on the topside of the upper oxide layer via a c

Abstract: An isolated B1 domain polypeptide of bacterial Protein G which binds a Fab fragment of an IgG but substantially does not bind a Fc fragment of an IgG. Methods for the detection and purification of IgG Fc antibody fragments and Fab antibody fragments using the isolated GB1 domain polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure containing a ferroelectric material comprises a substrate such as silicon, a buffer layer formed on the substrate, and a non-c-axis-oriented, electrically-conductive template layer formed on the buffer layer. The template layer comprises a perovskite oxide compound. An epitaxially a-axis-oriented ferroelectric layer is formed on the template layer, and has a vector of spontaneous polarization oriented perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular to the film normal.

Abstract: A porting control routing (PCR) node (302) is adapted to efficiently route signaling messages associated with a mobile subscriber that has been either ported in to or out of a service provider's wireless communication network. The PCR node (302) includes both range- and exception based routing rule databases (348 and 346). These databases increase flexibility in allocating mobile identification numbers among multiple mobile service nodes. Furthermore, the association of a ported status indicator and related routing information with entries in the exception based database allows the PCR node (302) to more efficiently manage a service provider's mobile service resources.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a reconfigurable chair for home or restaurant use for supporting a toddler or small child in a sitting position or an infant in an infant carrier.

Abstract: Memory sense amplifier unit for amplifying a data signal read from a memory via bit lines (2, 3), having a precharge circuit (4) comprising PMOS transistors (5, 6) and serving for rapidly precharging the bit lines (2, 3) to a supply voltage potential (VDD) of the sense amplifier unit (1); a first amplifier stage (43) comprising feedback NMOS transistors (21, 22, 24, 26) and serving for voltage level shifting and for amplifying the data signal present on the bit lines (2, 3); and having a second amplifier stage (66) for amplifying further the signal output by the first amplifier stage (43), in which case the first amplifier stage (43) can be initialized to the supply voltage potential (VDD) and the second amplifier stage (43) can be initialized to ground potential (VSS).

Abstract: A method and system for creating, using, and updating individual user voice portals in a multi-user environment is disclosed. Each user selects data sources, keywords and time intervals for searching the data sources, and grammar for accessing search results. Based on this information, an individual voice portal is created for the user. The requested information is extracted from the specified data sources and cached or stored in a database to increase extraction speed. The user accesses the individual voice portal using a unique identifier assigned to the user and the selected grammar. Because each user has a unique voice portal, the search space for software that interprets the grammar is decreased. As a result, the likelihood of misinterpretation and the time for extracting the requested information are decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a microcontact spring on a substrate (1) with at least one contact pad (2) and a first insulator layer (13) with a window above the contact pad (2).

Abstract: Isolated and purified lipoxygenase proteins and nucleic acids are described. Particularly, a novel human 15(S) lipoxygenase (15-Lox-2) protein and cDNA and a cDNA for mouse 8S-lipoxygenase are described. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also described, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to 15-Lox-2 and 8-Lox, and methods of producing the same, are also described.

Abstract: A methods of treating an infection comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound described by the Formula (I)

Abstract: A universal triggerless number portability routing node receives a first call setup message from an end office. The triggerless number portability routing node may examine a first routing number (RN) value contained in the first call setup message to determine whether the first RN is a home RN value. If the first RN is determined to be a home RN value, a number portability database lookup is performed based on the called party dialed number. Once a number portability lookup is performed, the call setup message is modified to include a second RN value returned by the NP database, and the modified call setup message is routed to a destination node, which may be a tandem gateway or an end office/mobile switching center.

Abstract: Digital/analog converter with programmable gain for converting a digital input signal (Dn) into an analog output signal, the digital/analog converter (1) having: a signal input (2) for applying the digital input signal (Dn) a reference current source (7) for generating a reference current (Iref&phgr;), the current intensity of the reference current output by the reference current source (7) being adjustable via a setting terminal (4) of the digital/analog converter (1) current mirror circuits which mirror the generated reference current (Iref) with an associated current mirror ratio to form mirror currents a controllable switching device (57), which switches through the mirror currents output by the current mirror circuits, in a manner dependent on the digital input signal (Dn) present at the signal input (2), to a summation current node (62) for generating a summation current (Isum) and a current/voltage converter (17) for converting the generated summation current (Isum) into a corresponding voltage (U

Abstract: A sensor apparatus having a sensor for generating an analog sensor signal with successive minima and maxima is provided. The apparatus can include a first output signal generating device for generating a first alternating output signal in accordance with the zero crossings of the sensor signal; a sequence controller for defining a normal operating phase, in which the first output signal can be output, and a calibration phase, in which a second alternating output signal can be output; and an extremum defining device for the phase-shifted definition of the successive minima and maxima; the sequence controller furthermore having a zero crossing establishing device for establishing fictitious zero crossings of the sensor signal which follow the respective extrema defined by the extremum defining device.

Abstract: Pentamidine and analogs thereof have activity as imidazoline receptor binding compounds. A method of binding the imidazoline receptor, comprises contacting a bis-benzene to said imidazoline receptor in an amount effective to bind to said receptor, wherein said bis-benzene contains at least one amidine group (e.g., one or two). The contacting step may be carried out in vivo or in vitro. Contacting may be carried out with individual active compounds or with libraries of active compounds.

Abstract: The invention concerns fail-safe devices for use in reinforced concrete structures. The device (1) comprises a link (8) of high tensile strength material and first (2) and second (3) end regions. The end regions (2, 3) and the link (8) joining them are formed from a single piece of material. The link (8) is waisted such a portion thereof is of a reduced cross section. The device is designed to yield at a given loading to within close tolerances and enables the design and construction of buildings which will react in a safe way under earthquake conditions.