Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for capturing the motion of a first moving object in a cartoon and retargeting this motion onto the motion of a second moving object. In the invention a digitized video of a cartoon having the first moving object is input and a user is permitted to select from the digitized video a plurality of key shapes of the first moving object as the first moving moves in the digitized video. The motion of the first moving object is captured as motion parameter data by performing a transform of the motion of the first moving object according to each of the key shapes. Thereafter, the motion of the first moving object is retargeted to the second moving object by mapping the motion parameter data onto the second moving object.

Abstract: A method measures a nolinearity profile of a sample with at least one sample surface and having a sample nonlinearity profile along a sample line through a predetermined point on the sample surface. The sample line is oriented perpendicularly to the sample surface. The method includes measuring a Fourier transform of the sample nonlinearity profile and obtaining a reference nonlinearity profile from a reference material. The method includes forming a first composite sample having a first composite nonlinearity profile and forming a second composite sample having a second composite nonlinearity profile inequivalent to the first composite nonlinearity profile. The method further includes measuring a Fourier transform of the first composite nonlinearity profile and measuring a Fourier transform of the second composite nonlinearity profile.

Abstract: Fluorophore compounds and methods for their use are disclosed. The fluorophores contain a 2-dicyanomethylen-3-cyano-2,5-dihydrofuran (DCDHF) moiety and one or more donor groups conjugated to the 2-dicyanomethylen-3-cyano-2,5-dihydrofuran group. The donor groups can contain atoms with free electron pairs such as oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or phosphorous. The fluorophore compounds can be used to label and detect biological molecules and biological structures either in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: A fuel cell contains an electrolyte sheet sandwiched between two electrodes. One or both electrode/electrolyte interfaces includes mesoscopic three-dimensional features in a prescribed pattern. The features increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of the device and can be used as integral channels for directing the flow of reactant gases to the reaction surface area, eliminating the need for channels in sealing plates surrounding the electrodes. The electrolyte can be made by micromachining techniques that allow very precise feature definition. Both selective removal and mold-filling techniques can be used. The fuel cell provides significantly enhanced volumetric power density when compared with conventional fuel cells.

Abstract: Novel compounds having a fluorescence quencher as a leaving group are disclosed. Nucleic acids and other molecules containing a fluorophore and a fluorescence quencher are disclosed as an embodiment of this invention. The use of the oligonucleotides in enzyme-free oligonucleotide ligation reactions results in an increase in fluorescence when the oligonucleotide also contains a nearby fluorophore. The ligation reactions can be performed in solution, on surfaces, or in cells.

Abstract: A non-resonant microwave imaging microscope and associated probe. The probe includes a sensor unit with two fixed electrodes, preferably a large outer electrode surrounding a small inner electrode which are approximately co-planar, thereby protecting the small inner electrode from an uneven topography. The outer electrode may be deposited on a conically shaped dielectric disk having a bore through which the inner electrode is placed. Non-resonant circuitry couples the inner electrode to the probe signal variably selected in the range of 10 MHz-50 GHz and to an amplifier whose output is coupled to a signal processor detector in-phase and out-of-phase components of the current or voltage across the two electrodes. A mechanical positioner moves the probe vertically towards the sample and scans it across the sample.

Abstract: A method for fast design of an equalizer to compensate for some undesired frequency response of an existing system. It can incorporate frequency response data directly. It allows for the performance tradeoff between a plurality of input-output channels. One embodiment of the invention comprises: defining a system block diagram including a equalizer, an existing system, and one or more weighting filters for the performance tradeoff between a plurality of input-output channels; defining a set of performance tradeoff equalities, each on one of a selected set of discrete frequencies; providing the frequency response data for the equalities; solving independently the magnitude of the equalizer frequency response of each of the discrete frequencies; generating the phases of the equalizer such that the magnitudes and the phases correspond to the frequency response of a stable system; implementing the equalizer with parameters derived from the magnitudes and the phases.

Abstract: A method for design of a multi-objective least conservative robust controller to control a plant or a process which may be modeled imperfectly. It comprises a robust analysis step and a robust multi-objective controller synthesis step using Q-parameterization control design technique. In one embodiment of the invention, the K-step of standard D-K iteration for mu-synthesis is replaced by a Q-parameterization control design step. The Q-step optimization problem formulation comprises a standard robustness measure and one or a plurality of other performance measures. During the iteration, the Q-step optimization problem formulation can be changed. In another embodiment, a controller satisfying a level of robustness measure is first found.

Abstract: Peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein containing residues 87-99 are provided. Residue 91 of the peptide analogues is altered from the L-lysine residue found in the native protein to any other amino acid. Pharmaceutical compositions of the peptide analogues are provided. In addition, the peptide analogues are administered to patients with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-array system and the uses thereof. Particularly, the micro-array system is for a micro amount of biomolecules carrying on a bioreaction in a reaction solution, which comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of micro-wells for receiving the reaction solution; a plurality of micro-beads placing in the reaction solution for the biomolecules attached on surfaces thereon; and a vibrating module for vibrating the substrate, which makes the biomolecules attached on the micro-beads react evenly. Optionally, the micro-array system further comprises a temperature control module for controlling the temperature of the reaction solution. The bioreaction performed in the micro-array system according to the invention has the advantages of having a high sensitivity, being easily post-manipulated, being easily operated, having a high reliability and being reusable.

Abstract: Peptide analogues of human myelin basic protein containing residues 87-99 are provided. Residue 91 of the peptide analogues is altered from the L-lysine residue found in the native protein to any other amino acid. Pharmaceutical compositions of the peptide analogues are provided. In addition, the peptide analogues are administered to patients with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A polyketide, or an antibiotic which is obtainable from the polyketide by a method comprising treating the polyketide with a culture medium conditioned by Saccharopolyspora erythraea, selected from the group consisting of:

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies binding to epitopes common to type 1 and 2 HCV are provided, as well as conformationally conserved HCV E2 2a and 2b proteins. Compositions comprising the antibodies find use in diagnosis and therapy. The antibodies recognize conformational epitopes that are conserved across multiple genotypes of HCV. Thus the antibodies have the potential to be useful in the prevention and treatment of the majority of HCV infections. A subset of the antibodies (CBH-2, CBH-5, CBH-7, CBH-8C, CBH-8E, and CBH-11) have the ability to prevent the binding of HCV E2 proteins of multiple genotypes to human CD81, a possible co-receptor for HCV infection. A subset of the antibodies (CBH-2 and CBH-5) have been shown to inhibit the binding of HCV virions (as opposed to purified E2 protein) to human CD81. A further subset of the antibodies (CBH-4D, CBH4B, CBH-8C, and CBH-9) have been shown to prevent HCV envelope mediated fusion using an HCV psuedotype system.

Abstract: Haemophilus adhesion and penetration proteins, nucleic acids, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are provided.

Abstract: In a fuel cell comprising a tubular casing, an electrolyte layer received in the tubular casing, and a pair of gas diffusion electrodes interposing the electrolyte layer and defining a fuel gas passage and an oxidizing gas passage, respectively, each gas diffusion electrode is formed by stacking a plurality of layers of material therefor, for instance in the axial direction of the casing. Because the gas diffusion layers are formed layer by layer, components can be formed in highly fine patterns so that a highly compact tubular fuel cell can be achieved. Similarly, the dimensions of the various elements of the fuel cell can be controlled in a highly accurate manner. Also, the geometric arrangement can be changed at will in intermediate parts of each gas passage.

Abstract: Invertebrate and vertebrate patched genes are provided, including the mouse and human patched genes, as well as methods for isolation of related genes, where the genes may be of different species or in the same family. Having the ability to regulate the expression of the patched gene, allows for the elucidation of embryonic development, cellular regulation associated with signal transduction by the patched gene, the identification of agonist and antagonist to signal transduction, identification of ligands for binding to patched, isolation of the ligands, and assaying for levels of transcription and expression of the patched gene.

Abstract: Methods for isolating patched genes, particularly mammalian patched genes, including the mouse and human patched genes, as well as invertebrate patched genes and sequences, are provided. Decreased expression of patched is associated with the occurrence of human cancers, particularly basal cell carcinomas of the skin. The cancers may be familial, having as a component of risk an inherited genetic predisposition, or may be sporadic. The patched and hedgehog genes are useful in creating transgenic animal models for these human cancers. The patched nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated 15 physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as treatment of cancer, identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: Cell-free systems which effect the production of polyketides employing modular polyketide synthases are described. Libraries of new and/or known polyketides may also be produced in cell-free systems employing aromatic PKS, modular PKS or both.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of demyelinating autoimmune disease. Therapeutic doses are administered of an ordered peptide comprising a repeated motif {SEQ ID NO: 1} [1E2Y3Y4K]n, where n is from 2 to 6. Some specific peptides of interest include those having the sequence {SEQ ID NO: 4} EYYKEYYKEYYK. The peptide may consist only of the ordered repeats, or may be extended at either termini by the addition of other amino acid residues. For therapy, the peptides may be administered topically or parenterally, e.g. by injection at a particular site, including subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intravascularly, or the like or transdermally, as by electrotransport. In a preferred embodiment, subcutaneous injection is used to deliver the peptide. The subject methods are used for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes. The compositions of the invention may also contain other therapeutically active agents, e.g. immunosuppressants, &bgr;-interferon, steroids, etc.

Abstract: Modified PKS gene clusters which produce novel polyketides in an efficient system in a host cell or in a cell free extract are described. The novel polyketides result from the incorporation of diketides of the formula wherein A is a moiety that activates the diketide, and at least one of R1 and R2 is a substituent other than that natively occurring in the diketide normally processed by the modified PKS cluster. The polyketides may also be glycosylated to provide antibiotics.