Abstract: An optical SAR transmits toward a target an amplitude modulated optical signal. Modulation of optical signals may be performed using light emitting devices such as semiconductor laser diodes driven by a modulation signal so that the emitted optical signal intensity is amplitude modulated. Transmitted optical signals are reflected from a target, and reflected optical signals are detected by light detecting devices such as photodiodes that detect and automatically demodulate the reflected optical signals. Optical elements such as a polarizer, a lens, and a frequency filter such as a color filter may optically process the amplitude modulated optical signal before transmission and detection.

Abstract: An optical SAR transmits toward a target an amplitude modulated optical signal. Modulation of optical signals may be performed using light emitting devices such as semiconductor laser diodes driven by a modulation signal so that the emitted optical signal intensity is amplitude modulated. Transmitted optical signals are reflected from a target, and reflected optical signals are detected by light detecting devices such as photodiodes that detect and automatically demodulate the reflected optical signals. Optical elements such as a polarizer, a lens, and a frequency filter such as a color filter may optically process the amplitude modulated optical signal before transmission and detection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of identifying and treating diseases or disorders, particularly those relating to hormone receptors and their activities. The invention also discloses methods of screening for drugs that can be used to treat diseases or disorders. The invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery of the role of macrophages in development of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule encoding a p/CIP polypeptide, which regulates the activity of CBP/p300-dependent transcription factors. The invention also provides a substantially purified p-CIP polypeptide and active fragments thereof. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying an effective agent that alters the association of a p/CIP polypeptide with a second protein. Further provided herein are methods of selectively inhibiting signal transduction pathways using an active fragment of a p/CIP polypeptide or a nucleic acid molecule encoding such an acive fragment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule encoding p/CIP, which regulates the activity of CBP/p300 dependent transcription factors. The invention also provides substantially purified p/CIP and peptide portions of p/CIP. The invention also provides methods of selectively inhibiting signal transduction pathways using a peptide portion of p/CIP or a nucleic acid molecule encoding such a peptide portion.

Abstract: A method (30) is provided for the detection and analysis of anomalies (32) in a road surface (36). An image (34) of the road surface (36) is obtained (82) wherein traffic control markings (76) are masked (88). The image (34) is filtered (90) and a pixel map (92) is produced (98). The pixel map (92) is partitioned (112) into a multiplicity of subimages (108). For each subimage (108), anomaly parameters are identified (120) and a status characteristic is determined (124) and assigned (136). A subimage map (138) is produced (142) depicting the subimages (108) and their status characteristics. A determination (156) is made as to which subimages (108) contain anomalies (32). Anomaly-containing subimages (108) are grouped (158) into anomalous objects (152). For each anomalous object (152), an object type (162) is determined (160) and assigned (164). An object map (154) is then produced (166) depicting the anomalous objects (152).

Abstract: A system for determining range, particularly for robotic applications, is disclosed. The system preferably includes a single camera and at least two light sources. The lights can be turned on and off independently and are located at different distances from the target object. To determine the range, the intensity of each pixel is recorded with the front light on, then the intensity is recorded with the rear light on. The ratio of these two intensities is a unique function of range, regardless of the reflectivity of the object. If there is ambient light illuminating the object, its value must be subtracted from the intensity measurements prior to calculating the ratio.

Abstract: A pattern recognizing content addressable memory system and method therefor, according to the present invention, "translates" patterns into a point in N-dimensional space. In both the analog and digital embodiments of the invention, data representing "items" or "discrete pieces" of reference patterns are stored throughout a highly-interconnected network of processing units. Data representing items of a pattern to be analyzed are input into the system and compared to each of the stored patterns. The distance between the point in N-space representing an unknown pattern and the point representing a reference pattern is inversely proportional to the degree of similarity between the unknown pattern and the reference pattern.