Abstract: A removable bollard is provided. A bollard is attached to a bollard plate with a catch fixed to one end and a lock juncture fixed near the opposite end of the bollard plate. Additionally provided is a base plate with a catch receiver at one end of the base plate, a retractable latch and a latch receiver at an opposite end of the base plate. The retractable latch has a first position and a second position. In the first position the catch is encompassed by the catch receiver on the base plate to couple with the base plate end, where the retractable latch is then locked to the lock juncture to lock the bollard plate to the base plate. When in the second position, the retractable latch is recessed into the latch recess within the base plate and the bollard and bollard plate are removed, leaving an obstruction-free access way.

Abstract: A cache-based system management architecture named “the Collective” automates system management and supports mobile computing. The Collective manages systems by manipulating virtual appliances, each encapsulating a system state. A virtual appliance (VA) may comprise a virtual network of VAs. Distributed repositories separately storing the VAs and user data. Publishers create and maintain VAs. A user plugs a bootable portable storage device implementing a VA transceiver (VAT) into a host computer. The VAT, comprising a Manager, a Cache Client, and a virtual machine monitor (VMM), authenticates the user, retrieves a copy of the latest version of a subscribed VA from the appropriate network repository, obtains user data, and automatically backs up the user data over the network in the background while running the subscribed VA. Multiple VAs can be run at the same time. With the novel caching protocol and cache charging process, the Collective performs well and has numerous advantages.

Abstract: A pro-inflammatory T cell response is specifically suppressed by the injection into a recipient of DNA encoding an autoantigen associated with autoimmune disease. The recipient may be further treating by co-vaccination with a DNA encoding a Th2 cytokine, particularly encoding IL4. In response to the vaccination, the proliferation of autoantigen-reactive T cells and the secretion of Th1 cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-? and IL-15, are reduced.

Abstract: Driver circuits for switched-capacitor circuits are implemented using a variety of methods and devices. According to one such circuit, a switched-capacitor driver circuit is implemented for producing an output signal by driving a capacitive output load in response to step input signals. The driver circuit includes output circuitry that drives the capacitive output load toward a steady-state mode responsive to one of the step input signals and control circuitry that, before realizing the steady-state mode, inhibits the output circuitry from driving the capacitive output load to the steady-state mode.

Abstract: Measurements of functional, hemographic, and blood flow parameters use a multiple echo or spin echo gradient pulse sequence whereby an early echo is acquired near the beginning of the pulse sequence which avoids saturation effects and a later echo near the end of the pulse sequence which can provide information with more sensitivity to a contrast agent for a susceptibility weighted image.

Abstract: A method determining a transient response includes providing a measured magnitude of the Fourier transform of a complex electric field temporal profile of a pulse sequence comprising a probe pulse and a dummy pulse, wherein the probe pulse is indicative of the transient response of a sample. The method further includes providing an estimated phase term of the Fourier transform of the complex electric field temporal profile of the pulse sequence and multiplying the measured magnitude and the estimated phase term to generate an estimated Fourier transform of the complex electric field temporal profile of the pulse sequence. The method further includes calculating an inverse Fourier transform of the estimated Fourier transform, wherein the inverse Fourier transform is a function of time, and calculating an estimated complex electric field temporal profile of the pulse sequence by applying at least one constraint to the inverse Fourier transform.

Abstract: A thyristor device can be used to implement a variety of semiconductor memory circuits, including high-density memory-cell arrays and single cell circuits. In one example embodiment, the thyristor device includes doped regions of opposite polarity, and a first word line that is used to provide read and write access to the memory cell. A second word line is located adjacent to and separated by an insulative material from one of the doped regions of the thyristor device for write operations to the memory cell, for example, by enhancing the switching of the thyristor device from a high conductance state to a low conductance state and/or from the low conductance state to the high conductance. This type of memory circuit can be implemented to significantly reduce standby power consumption and access time.

Abstract: Non-human transgenic animal models and cells derived therefrom are provided for RabGEF1 function. RabGEF1 is a negative regulator of Fc?RI-dependent mast cell activation and T cell activation via the T cell receptor and a lack of RabGEF1 results in the development of skin inflammation in vivo. The mast cells derived from such animals exhibit enhanced Ras-mediated signaling and functional responses when activated through high affinity IgE receptors. These cells show significant potentiation of IgE and antigen-dependent secretion of 3 classes of mast cell mediators, providing a useful source of mast cells for screening assays.

Abstract: Specific genetic deletion are identified in mycobacteria isolates, including variations in the M. tuberculosis genome sequence between isolates, and numerous deletion present in BCG as compared to M. tb. These deletions are used as markers to distinguish between pathogenic and avirulent strains, and as a marker for particular M. tb isolates. Deletions specific to vaccine strains of BCG are useful in determining whether a positive tuberculin skin test is indicative of actual tuberculosis infection. The deleted sequences may be re-introduced into BCG to improve the efficacy of vaccination. Alternatively, the genetic sequence that corresponds to the deletion(s) are deleted from M. bovis or M. tuberculosis to attenuate the pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides purified ACT-4 receptor polypeptides, antibodies against these polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding ACT-4 receptor polypeptides. Also provided are methods of diagnosis and treatment using the same. ACT-4 receptors are preferentially expressed on the surface of activated CD4+ T-cells. ACT-4 receptors are usually expressed at low levels on the surface of activated CD8+ cells, and are usually substantially absent on resting T-cells, and on monocytes and B-cells (resting or activated). An exemplary ACT-4 receptor, termed ACT-4-h-1, has a signal sequence, an extracellular domain comprising three disulfide-bonded intrachain loops, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain.

Abstract: Microarrays can measure the expression of thousands of genes and thus identify changes in expression between different biological states. Methods are needed to determine the significance of these changes, while accounting for the enormous number of genes. We describe a new method, Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM), that assigns a score to each gene based on the change in gene expression relative to the standard deviation of repeated measurements. For genes with scores greater than an adjustable threshold, SAM uses permutations of the repeated measurements to estimate the percentage of such genes identified by chance, the false discovery rate (FDR). When the transcriptional response of human cells to ionizing radiation was measured by microarrays, SAM identified 34 genes that changed at least 1.5-fold with an estimated FDR of 12%, compared to FDRs of 60% and 84% using conventional methods of analysis. Of the 34 genes, 19 were involved in cell cycle regulation, and 3 in apoptosis.

Abstract: Long Elements Method (LEM) for real time physically based dynamic simulation of deformable objects. The LEM is based on a new meshing strategy using long elements whose forms can be straight or arbitrary. The LEM implements a static solution for elastic global deformations of objects filled with fluid based on the Pascal's principle and volume conservation. The volumes are discretised in long elements, defining meshes one order of magnitude smaller than meshes based on tetrahedral or cubic elements. The LEM further combines static and dynamic approaches to simulate the same deformable medium, allowing modeling a three-dimensional internal state at any point inside the deforming medium from a reduced number of explicitly updated elements. Complex elastic and plastic deformations can be simulated in real time with less computational effort. The LEM is particularly useful in real time virtual interactions, soft tissue modeling, and graphic and haptic rendering.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of site-specifically integrating a polynucleotide sequence of interest in a genome of a eucaryotic cell, as well as, enzymes, polypeptides, and a variety of vector constructs useful therefore. In the method, a targeting construct comprises, for example, (i) a first recombination site and a polynucleotide sequence of interest, and (ii) a site-specific recombinase, which are introduced into the cell. The genome of the cell comprises a second recombination site. Recombination between the first and second recombination sites is facilitated by the site-specific recombinase. The invention describes compositions, vectors, and methods of use thereof, for the generation of transgenic cells, tissues, plants, and animals. The compositions, vectors, and methods of the present invention are also useful in gene therapy techniques.

Abstract: A method for diversity transmission and reception for channels with intersymbol interference is created. With this method one can transmit from two or more antennas in such a way that a receiver with one or more antennas can benefit from the diversity offered by the difference in channels from the transmit antennas to the receiver antenna(s). The way the transmission and reception is organized makes it relatively simple to in the receiver detect the transmitted symbols despite intersymbol interference in the channel. Due to the increased diversity experienced by the receiver the average power level required at the receiver is reduced which can be used to increase the capacity or coverage of a wireless network and/or reduce the required transmitted power.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a user with an electronic device. An accessor device provides a user interface matched to the needs, abilities and intentions of the user and translates the user input commands and data into commands for the electronic device. An intelligent access port translates commands from the accessor into an input format required by the electronic device. A communication link connects the accessor device with the intelligent access port to send the translated user input commands and data from the accessor to the intelligent access port. The accessor device contains an intelligent access module and an interactive display. The intelligent access module contains a driver device for routing message packets, an interaction processor for processing incoming message packets and generating a message packet for the electronic device, and a communications channel. Communications between system components take place over a universal serial bus or over a wireless fidelity or ZigBee device.

Abstract: A method of selectively removing folds in a medical image is provided. With this method, a medical image is deformed to straighten and flatten folds but not polyps, thus allowing polyps to be identified. In a first step, a 3-dimensional deformable model of the medical image is constructed. This model is set to have a high Young's modulus and a low Poisson's ratio. In a preferred embodiment, the model is a continuum surface model, preferably a quasistatic continuum finite element model. Once the model has been constructed, it is deformed such that folds are removed but polyps remain, allowing polyps to be identified.

Abstract: A method of imaging apoptosis in vivo, using radiolabeled annexin, is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an electrosurgical cutting system. The system comprises an electrically conductive blade, having first and second blade surfaces. First and second insulators are affixed to the first and second blade surfaces, respectively. A blade edge, a region between the first and second blade surfaces, has an edge radius of curvature, which preferably is small. A source of pulsed electrical energy coupled to the electrically conductive blade provides a substantially uniform and highly enhanced electric field along a cutting portion of the blade edge. The system can also be comprised of a wire electrode. Despite the fact that its field is strongly enhanced around the apex, a uniform vapor cavity is formed and then ionized using an appropriately designed burst of pulses, preferably of alternating polarity.

Abstract: Enzymatically active hydrogenase is synthesized in a cell-free reaction. The hydrogenases are synthesized in a cell-free reaction comprising a cell extract derived from microbial strains expressing at least one hydrogenase accessory protein. In some embodiments, the extracts are produced under anerobic conditions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides nucleic acid expression cassettes that are predominantly expressed in the mammalian liver. The present invention also provides vectors comprising a nucleic acid expression cassette that is predominantly expressed in the mammalian liver. The present invention also provides methods of ameliorating the symptoms of a disease, the methods including the steps of introducing into the liver of a mammalian subject a vector comprising a nucleic acid expression cassette that encodes a polypeptide, and expressing a therapeutic amount of the polypeptide in the liver.