Abstract: A machine-learning method is provided, in which a restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) is modified to be effectively operate in an online environment by training a learning parameter asynchronously based on spiking events which occurs only when a spiking timing of a visual layer and a spiking timing of a hidden layer are within predetermined time window.

Abstract: An event-based sensor is provided and may include a sensor configured to generate an event signal that includes identification information that relates to an active pixel that detects an event from among a plurality of sensing pixels, a determiner configured to determine whether the event signal is to be filtered based on a predetermined condition, and an outputter configured to output the event signal based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A biological heart valve replacement, particularly for pediatric patients, comprises a tubular segment (A) comprising a proximal end (Ep), a distal end (Ed) and a central portion (Pc) arranged between said proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal direction of the valve. The valve further comprises at least one inner leaflet (C) attached in hinge-like manner to a connection zone (F) at an inner wall (W) region of said central portion, each one of said inner leaflets being movable between a closing position and an opening position of the valve. In order to provide growth adaptability, the tubular segment comprises at least one tubular growth zone (B; B1,B2) configured as a longitudinal strip made of a growth-adaptive biomaterial, with the remainder of the tubular segment being made of a non-growth-adaptive biomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved Helminthosporium turcicum-resistant plant, in particular a maize plant which comprises a polynucleotide with one or more resistance-conferring genes, for example on a truncated chromosome fragment from the accession Pepitilla, as well as a cell, a tissue, a part, grain and seeds thereof, an isolated polynucleotide which comprises one or more resistance-conferring genes against Helminthosporium turcicum, a vector, a transgenic plant cell and a transgenic plant containing this polynucleotide. Furthermore, the invention encompasses suitable markers and their use in introducing resistance or the transgene into a plant, as well as the identification of improved maize plants which comprise a truncated chromosome fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infectious arenavirus particle that is engineered to contain a genome with the ability to amplify and express its genetic information in infected cells but unable to produce further infectious progeny particles in normal, not genetically engineered cells. One or more of the four arenavirus open reading frames glycoprotein (GP), nucleoprotein (NP), matrix protein Z and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase L are removed or mutated to prevent replication in normal cells but still allowing gene expression in arenavirus vector-infected cells, and foreign genes coding for an antigen or other protein of interest or nucleic acids modulating host gene expression are expressed under control of the arenavirus promoters, internal ribosome entry sites or under control of regulatory elements that can be read by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, cellular RNA polymerase I, RNA polymerase II or RNA polymerase III.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12, 14 or 18 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid), are Gly, NMeGly, Pro or Pip, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: The template-fixed B-hairpin peptidomimetics Cyclo(-Tyr-His-X-Cys-Ser-Ala-DPro-Dab-Arg-Tyr-Cys-Tyr-Gln-Lys-D-Pro-Pro), disulfide bond between Cys4 and Gys11, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with X being Ala or Tyr, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties and can be used for where cancer is mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity

Abstract: The template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics Cyclo(-Tyr-His-X-Cys-Ser-Ala-DPro-Dab-Arg-Tyr-Cys-Tyr-Gln-Lys-DPro-Pro), disulfide bond between Cys4 and Gys11, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with X being Ala or Tyr, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties and can be used for preventing HIV infections in healthy individuals or for slowing and halting viral progression in infected patients; or where Cancer is mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity; or where immunological diseases are mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity; or for treating immuno suppression; or, in particular, for stem cell mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and/or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and/or other stem cells which retention depend on the CXCR4-receptor. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and Solution phase synthetic strategy, using methods which are well known to those adequately skilled in peptide chemistry.

Abstract: A luminescence concentrator (LK) may concentrate both incident direct and diffuse light by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection. It differs fundamentally from geometric concentrators. With sufficient geometric expansion of the collector plate, nearly arbitrarily high concentration can be achieved in the LK. A luminescence disperser is an apparatus which holds both directional and nondirectional incident light captive in a transparent body by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection and emits it diffusely or directionally uniformly distributed across an area by way of luminescence emission. The object of the invention is a method for the technical implementation of the LK and luminescence disperser, using zeolite crystals having a nanotube structure, into which the luminescent dyes are embedded such that they have antenna properties. Using the resulting novel structures, problems can be solved which made the technical use of LK impossible or at least considerably limited it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccination or immunization, in particular therapeutic vaccination, and diagnosis. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits capable of eliciting a protective immune response against polyoma virus JC (JCV) are disclosed, which may be used e.g., for therapy or for prevention of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and/or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS). Individuals in danger of such PML or PML-IRIS may, e.g., be immuno-compromised or immunosuppressed patients or patients having an autoimmune disease eligible for immunosuppressive treatment. The invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one CD4+ epitope of a JCV protein and to therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic uses thereof.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12, 14 or 18 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid), are Gly, NMeGly, Pro or Pip, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Biomaterials containing a three-dimensional polymeric network formed from the reaction of a composition containing at least a first synthetic precursor molecule having n nucleophilic groups and a second precursor molecule having m electrophilic groups wherein the sum of n+m is at least five and wherein the sum of the weights of the first and second precursor molecules is in a range from about 8 to about 16% b weight of the composition, preferably from about 10 to about 15%, more preferably from about 12 to about 14.5% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the first and second precursor molecules are polyethylene glycols functionalized with nucleophilic and electrophilic groups, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleophilic groups are amino and/or thiol groups and the electrophilic groups are conjugated, unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A method of screening for template-fixed ?-hairpin mimetics and libraries including a plurality of these mimetics is provided. The template-fixed ?-hairpin mimetics are of the following general formula: R1-Cys-Z-Cys-R2??I wherein the two cysteine residues are bridged by a disulfide bond, thereby forming a cyclic peptide; R1 and R2 are di- or tripeptide moieties of certain types, as defined herein; and Z is a chain of n amino acid residues with n being an integer from 4 to 20 and with each of these n amino acid residues being, independently, derived from any naturally occurring L-?-amino acid.

Abstract: A method for acquiring an image or spectrum of a subject or object residing within the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance apparatus, comprises the steps of: executing a predetermined pulse sequence for applying gradient magnetic fields and for coupling in electromagnetic excitation pulses to induce nuclear magnetic resonance within the subject or object; detecting an electromagnetic signal resulting from said magnetic resonance; and constructing at least one image or magnetic resonance spectrum of said subject or object from said detected electromagnetic signal. According to the invention, said coupling in of the electromagnetic excitation pulse and/or said detecting of the electromagnetic signal are carried out substantially by means of travelling electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula 1, tautomers and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 have the meanings indicated in the specification. These compounds are receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 inhibitors useful for the treatment of angiogenesis dependent cancers and intraocular neovascular syndromes. The invention further relates to a method termed ALTA (anchor-based library tailoring) of selecting compounds from a large compound library for screening as EphB4 inhibitors by computational procedures.

Abstract: A method for selective detection of cyanide in a sample comprises determining a color change of a corrinoid compound caused upon contact with the sample. A high detection sensitivity and selectivity are achieved by having the corrinoid compound adsorbed on a solid phase. This general principle is applied in a kit for selective detection of cyanide and to uses thereof. One application consists in a device for removing hydrogen cyanide from a gaseous phase, e.g. tobacco smoke.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or of certain types which, as the remaining Symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and Solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid) are Gly, or Pro, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes which are based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.