Abstract: The invention relates to a method for indexing and retrieving multimedia data. In particular the invention provides a method of comparing at least two sets of multimedia data using shape information in order to provides a dissimilarity measure between the sets. The invention finds use in retrieving images or parts of sequences based on their content in image and video sequence databases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a distributed plasma at atmospheric pressure. A distributed plasma can be produced at atmospheric pressure by using an inexpensive high frequency power source in communication with a waveguide having a plurality particularly configured couplers disposed therein. The plurality of particularly arranged couplers can be configured in the waveguide to enhance the electromagnetic field strength therein. The plurality of couplers have internal portions disposed inside the waveguide and spaced apart by a distance of ½ wavelength of the high frequency power source and external portions disposed outside the waveguide and spaced apart by a predetermined distance which is calculated to cause the electromagnetic fields in the external portions of adjacent couplers to couple and thereby further enhance the strength of the electromagnetic field in the waveguide. Plasma can be formed in plasma areas defined by gaps between electrodes disposed on the external portions.

Abstract: A photoacoustic spectrometer apparatus adapted to enable an observation and characterisation of non-radiative sub bandgap defects in narrow and large bandgap materials using photoacoustic spectroscopy techniques, the apparatus providing for an irradiation of a sample material provided within a photoacoustic cell and the subsequent detection and processing of an acoustic signal emitted by the sample, the apparatus comprising a light source having a polychromatic output substantially in the photonic energy range 0.5 eV to 6.2 eV, focusing means adapted to couple the output from the light source onto the sample material, the focusing means providing for an alignment and focusing of the light emitted from the light source so as to provide a substantially parallel incident light onto the sample material, and means for detecting and acquiring the acoustic signal emitted by the sample in response to the irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for systematically identifying genes, proteins and/or related pathways that regulate or indicative of cell phenotypes. The present invention further provides methods for manipulating the identified genes, proteins and/or pathways to engineer improved cell lines and/or to evaluate or select cell lines with desirable phenotypes.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, systems and methods for identifying genes and proteins that regulate and/or are indicative of cell phenotypes based on expression profiling analysis. The present invention further provides methods of manipulating identified genes and proteins to engineer improved cell lines.

Abstract: A plasma source is described. The source includes a reactive impedance element formed from a plurality of electrodes. By providing such a plurality of electrodes and powering adjacent electrodes out of phase with one another, it is possible to improve the characteristics of the plasma generated.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing subjects for breast cancer comprising the steps of (a) establishing the seprase level of a subjects test material and (b) determining those subjects with seprase levels above about 0.0008 nmoles.min?1.mg?1 (by wgt); or above about 0.05 nmoles.min?1.ml?1 (by volume) as positive for breast cancer and other epithelial cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing an improved optical pulse source suitable for use in high-speed optical communication systems. The optical pulse source can output spectrally pure pulses in a high capacity optical communication system. An optical pulse source in accordance with the invention comprises; at least one gain switched laser diode; and at least one non-linearly chirped optical processing element adapted to enhance the spectral purity of the output pulses generated from the laser diode.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for systematically identifying genes and proteins and related pathways that maximize protein expression and secretion by expression profiling analysis. The present invention further provides methods for manipulating the identified genes and proteins to engineer improved cell lines.

Abstract: A plasma source is described. The source includes a reactive impedance element formed from a plurality of electrodes. By providing such a plurality of electrodes and powering adjacent electrodes out of phase with one another, it is possible to improve the characteristics of the plasma generated.

Abstract: A plasma source is described. The source includes a reactive impedance element formed from a plurality of electrodes. By providing such a plurality of electrodes and powering adjacent electrodes out of phase with one another, it is possible to improve the characteristics of the plasma generated.

Abstract: A combination of an agent which is a substrate for multidrug resistance related protein (MRP) and an inhibitor of MRP which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a structural analogue thereof for simultaneous, sequential or separate use for increasing the potency of the substrate. The substrates include anti-cancer drugs and transition metal complexes. The combinations can be used to overcome the resistance to MRP substrates exhibited in many conditions, such as resistance to chemotherapy where patients have developed resistance, especially as a result of MRP over-expression to their chemotherapy.

Abstract: Image data such as binary mask image data is compressed by partitioning the data into blocks. An arithmetic encoder is initiated for each block and terminated at the end of the block. For each block, there is a fixed template/PDF table pair model which is chosen at the beginning of the block according to motion compensation and other inputs. One model has a template with spatially-correlating samples only, the other having both temporally and spatially-correlating samples. Estimations are made for values of samples which border the current block according to simple rules for the particular template.