Abstract: A system and method are provided for constructing face image logs from video surveillance that are complete and concise in the sense that the logs contain only the best images available for each individual observed. The quality of the face images are assessed and scored based upon a plurality of image criteria. The image criteria are combined to an overall quality score. The quality score is associated with the face image enabling the face log to be purged so that only high quality face images are contained in the log.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a bio-fuel or a bio-fuel additive from plant-derived oils, animal fats or a mixture thereof, suitable for use in a diesel engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a porous membrane for separating a reaction mixture from a permeate, the reaction mixture comprising an alcohol, a feedstock comprising plant-derived oils, animal fats or mixture thereof, and a catalyst for converting said feedstock to a bio-fuel or a bio-fuel additive, wherein said porous membrane is substantially impermeable to the feedstock and substantially permeable to said bio-fuel or bio-fuel additive.

Abstract: A system and method of generating a graphical password is provided. User input into from input device is acquired based upon a grid point of a two dimensional grid mapped to the input device. A haptic input state of a haptic input device is acquired when the grid point when selected by the user. A tuple is generated based upon positional coordinates of the input device at the grid point and a value associated with the haptic input state of the haptic input device. A password can then be generated comprising multiple tuples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for deposition of materials such as particulate materials onto a surface. The methods employ the use of shockwaves or compression waves to project the particulate material onto the surface as desired. This allows for the preparation of solid objects or coated surfaces that exhibit, for example, superior density and uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an articulating joint that is disengageable between two modes of operation: unidirectional movement of the joint or bi-directional movement of the joint, with features that allow the mode to be automatically switched as required. When fully locked, the joint inhibits joint flexion while allowing joint extension. When actuated, a locking mechanism is disengaged to allow both uninhibited flexion and extension of the joint.

Abstract: Recently two techniques using free solution electrophoresis to separate charged-uncharged polymer conjugates have proven successful: End Labeled Free Solution Electrophoresis (ELFSE) for DNA sequencing, and Free Solution Conjugate Electrophoresis (FSCE) for molar mass profiling of uncharged polymers. Previous attempts have been made to analyze experimental data generated by these new techniques for the electrophoresis of molecules with varying charge distributions. However, the importance of the ends of the polymers in determining the polymer's overall mobility was neglected in previous work. Through a careful investigation and a reanalysis of the experimental data, it is determined here that this “end effect” critically impacts the behavior of polymers and charged-uncharged polymer conjugates during electrophoresis.

Abstract: A re-bar (reinforcing rod) for concrete comprises an inner rod of a first material, and an over-wrap of a second material. The over-wrap may be structurally or functionally discontinuous relative to the inner rod.

Abstract: An expert system for assigning and tracking physical activity programs for patients with coronary artery disease provides user interfaces for recruiters who screen and enroll the patients as program participants in the physical activity programs; for coaches who monitor program participants and guide them through the physical activity program; and for program participants who create their own physical activity schedules,and log their physical activities. Expert system algorithms assign predefined physical activity programs to the program participants at predefined program milestones based on predefined criteria.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an architecture of multiple agents is provided for setting up and enforcing policies within each site of a virtual network. A policy server represents the global policies of the site and each agent manages its own policies. Policies are dynamically downloaded from the policy server into agents that carry the responsibility to enforce them. Agents propagate their policies to the policy server to detect any conflict that may rise between agents during dynamic mapping and resource reservation. A negotiation mechanism is provided to resolve such conflicts. An authorization-based mechanism is also provided such that agents must request authorization before performing any action, in response to which a ticket is delivered to the requesting agent for accountability and security reasons.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel NAIP nucleic and sequences. Also provided are anti-NAIP antibodies and methods for modulating apoptosis and detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to purge (reduce or eliminate) undesirable cells in a mixture of cells. Undesirable cells can include neoplastic cells, cells mediating graft-versus host diseases, and autoimmune cells. The subject invention also relates to the purging of undesirable cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood cell harvests in the treatment of mammals including cancer patients, transplant recipients, and patients with autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to purge (reduce or eliminate) undesirable cells in a mixture of cells. Undesirable cells can include neoplastic cells, cells mediating graft-versus host diseases, and autoimmune cells. The subject invention also relates to the purging of undesirable cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood cell harvests in the treatment of mammals including cancer patients, transplant recipients, and patients with autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to new basic amino acid derivatives of general formulae I, II and III, and the preparation and use thereof in treatment of pain. The compounds have histogranin-like antinociceptive, morphine potentiating and COX-2 induction modulating activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to new basic amino acid derivatives of general formulae I, II and III, and the preparation and use thereof in treatment of pain. The compounds have histogranin-like antinociceptive, morphine potentiating and COX-2 induction modulating activities.

Abstract: An optical crossbar switch comprises a plurality of input devices (1A to 1C), a plurality of output devices (2A to 2C), an optical transpose system (3) positioned between the input devices and the output devices, and control means for controlling the interconnections between the input devices and the output devices.

Abstract: A new class of compounds is disclosed that in preferred embodiments relate to Ru-based catalysts suitable for use in olefin metathesis reactions. Such compounds demonstrate high rates of catalytic turnover in comparison with other Ru catalysts known in the art. Moreover, the catalysts are highly stable, and readily suited to attachment to a solid support via the anionic ligands. The invention also pertains to methods of producing the catalysts, and their use in catalyzing olefin metathesis reactions.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel NAIP nucleic and sequences. Also provided are anti-NAIP antibodies and methods for modulating apoptosis and detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to new basic amino acid derivatives of general formulae I, II and III, and the preparation and use thereof in treatment of pain. The compounds have histogranin-like antinociceptive, morphine potentiating and COX-2 induction modulating activities.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP polypeptides; substantially pure polypeptides; and methods of using such DNA to express the IAP polypeptides in cells and animals to inhibit apoptosis. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the IAP family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional IAP genes. In addition, methods for treating diseases and disorders involving apoptosis are provided.

Abstract: Clinical response to antidepressant compounds correlates with a selective down-regulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in serotonergic raphe neurons. Thus regulation of the 5-HT1A receptor gene could play a crucial role in the treatment or etiology of major depression. The promoter and repressor activities of the human 5-HT1A receptor gene have been examined. The analysis of the 5?-flanking regions of the 5-HT1A receptor gene has revealed a segment located between about ?3438 and about ?393 bp upstream from the initiator ATG that mediates cell-specific repression of the gene that is greater in cells that do not express the 5-HT1A receptor. The sequence of part of this region in patients with major depression were examined and a polymorphic C-G change located at ?1017 bp was identified, which is associated with major depression. Thus, this sequence can be used as a genetic marker for major depression and related mental illnesses. A protein that binds to the DNA at the ?1017 locus has been identified.