Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel genetic sequences which encode fatty acid epoxygenase enzymes. In particular, the present invention relates to genetic sequences which encode fatty acid &Dgr;12-epoxygenase enzymes comprising mixed function monooxygenase enzymes. More preferably, the present invention provides cDNA sequences which encode plant fatty acid epoxygenases, in particular the Crepis palaestina &Dgr;12-epoxygenase and homologues, analogues and derivatives thereof. The genetic sequences of the present invention provide the means by which fatty acid metabolism may be altered or manipulated in organisms such as yeasts, moulds, bacteria, insects, birds, mammals and plants, in particular to convert unsaturated fatty acids to epoxygenated fatty acids therein. The invention extends to genetically modified oil-accumulating organisms transformed with the subject genetic sequences and to the oils derived therefrom.

Abstract: A Digital Impairment Learning sequence which is designed for providing reliable estimate of digital impairments such as PAD, RBS, and CODEC type in the presence of analog impairments such as IMD, noise and changing line conditions. This estimate is used to derive optimum transmit symbol constellations for a modem connected digitally to a trunk so as to maximize its data transmission rate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the use of the drug Troglitazone and related thiazolidinedione compounds in the treatment of the climacteric and cancer. This use is based on the novel discovery that Troglitazone inhibits steroidogenesis in granulosa cell cultures. This activity is believed to result from the ability of thiazolidinedione derivatives to act as a ligand for the orphan steroid receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR&ggr;). Troglitazone and related compounds can therefore be used to prevent excessive uterine bleeding during. Further, enhanced translocation of this orphan nuclear receptor into the nucleus of cells will block transcription in rapidly proliferating cancer cells that express PPAR&ggr;, resulting in loss of cell viability.

Abstract: A secure access control system has a "smart" key assembly (25) with storage means (28) for storing identification data (29) and image data (30). An interface (31) provides communication between the key assembly (25) and an access control assembly (33) having a data processing assembly (44), a user interface assembly (45), a receiving slot (38) for the key assembly (25) and an identity verifier (39). The data processing assembly (44) is controlled by a central processor (34) and has data storage means (35). The user interface assembly has a keypad (36) and an LCD (37). The identity verifier (39) compares a sensed identification of a user with the image data (30) embedded in the key assembly (25).

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the use of the drug Troglitazone and related thiazolidinedione compounds in the treatment of the climacteric and cancer. This use is based on the novel discovery that Troglitazone inhibits steroidogenesis in granulosa cell cultures. This activity is believed to result from the ability of thiazolidinedione derivatives to act as a ligand for the orphan steroid receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR.gamma.). Troglitazone and related compounds can therefore be used to prevent excessive uterine bleeding during. Further, enhanced translocation of this orphan nuclear receptor into the nucleus of cells will block transcription in rapidly proliferating cancer cells that express PPAR.gamma., resulting in loss of cell viability.

Abstract: A data interface assembly for the transfer of data between a processor unit and a smart card is disclosed which includes a receptacle 20 for receiving a smart card 10, the receptacle having electrical communication means 25 for establishing electrical communication with electrical communication means 12 on said smart card; and a solenoid 22, 26 for locking the smart card in the receptacle upon establishment of electrical communication between the respective electrical communication means. Data transfer enabling means operates in response to operation of the solenoid to allow data transfer for modifying data stored in the smart-card and/or the processor unit when the smart card is locked in the receptacle by the solenoid and to prevent such data transfer when the smart card is not locked in the receptacle by the locking means. The data transfer enabling means is activated by a photoelectric cell 24 which senses the condition of the solenoid.

Abstract: Improved digital image processing circuitry for sharpening edges and details of a recorded image digitally while minimizing the amplification of noise in the input recorded image provides an output recorded image which is the sum of chrominance signals processed by color processing circuitry and luminance signals processed by color processing circuitry and sharpness circuitry. Input recorded images are provided for concurrent parallel processing by both the color processing circuitry and the sharpening circuitry in a manner whereby the color processing circuitry generates low spatial frequency luminance signals and the sharpness circuitry generates high spatial frequency luminance signals both of which are subsequently combined to provide an output signal in which the amplitude of the high spatial frequency noise component associated therewith is minimized.