Abstract: The invention relates to modified Mycobacterium cells, and their uses as vaccines, and, particularly, modified Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccines. The invention extends to the use of the modified vaccines for vaccination applications in a wide range of animals, including cattle and humans. The invention extends to novel antigens, kits and compositions comprising these novel antigens and to their use in diagnosis. The invention also extends to apparatus comprising the modified vaccine and the antigens, and compositions comprising the antigens.

Abstract: A method for analyzing speech generated during a call to generate a potential referral and automatically modifying, during the call, a user interface displaying data associated with the analyzed speech, includes analyzing, by an analysis engine, during a call by a patient to a call center operator, data generated during the call, the data received from a second computing device. The method includes identifying patient data associated with the patient. The method includes determining at least one requirement of the patient based upon the identified patient data and the analysis. The method includes generating a potential referral to a physician for the patient, the physician having a profile that satisfies the determined at least one requirement. The method includes modifying a user interface displayed to the call center, during the call, the modification to the display including addition of an identification of the potential referral.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for acquiring a marine seismic survey are described. One method may include depositing on a seafloor a line of cable sections extending in a first direction. The line of cable sections may have a first end and a second end and may include a plurality of seismic wavefield receivers. The method may also include moving the line of cable sections by collecting cable sections from the second end of the line and depositing cable sections at the first end of the line so that the line of cable sections travels in the first direction. At least one source vessel may be used to provide acoustical waveforms while the line of cable sections is moving. The acoustical waveforms may be received by the plurality of seismic wavefield receivers in the line of cable sections so as to enable generation of a seismic survey.

Abstract: A seismic sensor system includes a seismic sensor suspended in an acoustic medium, which is disposed between first and second sensor housings. The acoustic medium can be selected to preferentially transmit pressure wave energy, based on the acoustic impedance of the surrounding water column or other seismic medium. The acoustic medium can also be selected to preferentially dissipate or otherwise reduce the transmitted shear wave energy. The second housing can similarly be configured to dissipate shear wave energy, while transmitting pressure wave energy in the form of acoustic waves that propagate through the acoustic medium to the seismic sensor.

Abstract: A method for analyzing speech generated during a call to generate a potential referral and automatically modifying, during the call, a user interface displaying data associated with the analyzed speech, includes analyzing, by an analysis engine, during a call by a patient to a call center operator, data generated during the call, the data received from a second computing device. The method includes identifying patient data associated with the patient. The method includes determining at least one requirement of the patient based upon the identified patient data and the analysis. The method includes generating a potential referral to a physician for the patient, the physician having a profile that satisfies the determined at least one requirement. The method includes modifying a user interface displayed to the call center, during the call, the modification to the display including addition of an identification of the potential referral.

Abstract: A seismic sensor system includes a seismic sensor suspended in an acoustic medium, which is disposed between first and second sensor housings. The acoustic medium can be selected to preferentially transmit pressure wave energy, based on the acoustic impedance of the surrounding water column or other seismic medium. The acoustic medium can also be selected to preferentially dissipate or otherwise reduce the transmitted shear wave energy. The second housing can similarly be configured to dissipate shear wave energy, while transmitting pressure wave energy in the form of acoustic waves that propagate through the acoustic medium to the seismic sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for acquiring a marine seismic survey are described. One method may include depositing on a seafloor a line of cable sections extending in a first direction. The line of cable sections may have a first end and a second end and may include a plurality of seismic wavefield receivers. The method may also include moving the line of cable sections by collecting cable sections from the second end of the line and depositing cable sections at the first end of the line so that the line of cable sections travels in the first direction. At least one source vessel may be used to provide acoustical waveforms while the line of cable sections is moving. The acoustical waveforms may be received by the plurality of seismic wavefield receivers in the line of cable sections so as to enable generation of a seismic survey.

Abstract: The following relates to catheter-based devices, systems, and methods for minimally-invasively delivering an inflatable pericardial support into the pericardial space of a mammalian myocardium. The devices and systems include extending and positioning plural support members through a catheter into the pericardial space and then positioning the inflatable member on the epicardial surface of the myocardium. Once positioned, fluid can be delivered to the inflatable member to provide a confining pressure to the myocardium.

Abstract: The following relates to catheter-based devices, systems, and methods for minimally-invasively delivering an inflatable pericardial support into the pericardial space of a mammalian myocardium. The devices and systems include extending and positioning plural support members through a catheter into the pericardial space and then positioning the inflatable member on the epicardial surface of the myocardium. Once positioned, fluid can be delivered to the inflatable member to provide a confining pressure to the myocardium.

Abstract: A method for profiling entities or individuals includes automatically generating, by a profile generator executing on a first computing device, a profile of at least one of a professional and an entity. The method includes automatically analyzing, by an analysis engine executing on the first computing device, the generated profile. The method includes determining, by the analysis engine, responsive to the analysis, at least one of a level of expertise and a level of influence in an industry of the at least one of the professional and the entity. The method includes transmitting, by the analysis engine, to a second computing device, an identification of the determined level of expertise. In one embodiment, the method includes generating, by a prediction engine executing on the first computing device a prediction of a future modification to the profile.

Abstract: A method for matching a professional with a referral opportunity includes automatically generating, by a profile generator executing on a first computing device, a profile of a professional. The method includes receiving, by an analysis engine executing on the first computing device, from a second computing device, an identification of a referral opportunity having at least one requirement. The method includes determining, by the analysis engine, that the generated profile satisfies the at least one requirement. The method includes transmitting, by the analysis engine, to the second computing device, the identification of the professional. The method includes receiving, by the first computing device, an indication that a user of the second computing device made a referral to the professional. The method includes scheduling, by a workflow engine executing on the first computing device, an appointment with the professional for a subject of the referral opportunity.

Abstract: Apparatus and a corresponding method for the diagnosis and alleviation of symptoms of visually induced physiological defects and/or pathological conditions is provided. A plurality of narrow-band light sources are combined to constitute a color controllable lamp. A method for adjusting the settings of this lamp permits the optimum illumination for a particular subject to be found, whilst the latter carries out a task such as reading or writing. By use of the lamp to simulate the expected visual stimulus, to which the subject would be exposed if provided with viewing aids such as tinted spectacles and the like, an optimal selection from a database of such aids may be made or a new formulation defined. Inter alia, the symptoms of visual dyslexia, macular degeneration and visually induced migraine may be alleviated.

Abstract: Apparatus and a corresponding method for the assessment of the effects of tinted illumination on a subject's visual system is provided. Colour controllable light sources provide the illuminant for an object field comprising features viewed against a background. A practitioner or the subject can effect movement of a feature such as a symbol or a ball. The subject views the feature at different locations and/or whilst in motion, having selected a tint for evaluation of visual comfort or performance. Some embodiments of the invention may be used to assess the effects of optimising tint for subjects who suffer from visual dyslexia or other impairments of the visual system. Other embodiments are directly operable by the subject in order to help the subject to select tinted eyewear for the enhancement of his or her visual performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the display of autostereoscopic images, in which two or more perspective views are generated by a single transmissive display screen is provided. A structured light source behind the screen directs light through different sets of display elements to correspondingly different viewing zones. The structured light source includes two crossed arrays of cylindrical convergent optical elements, two linear arrays of polarisation altering elements which, in conjunction with the convergent arrays and the first polariser of the LCD, prevent light from passing through a particular set of display elements and reaching the wrong viewing zone. In some variations, one or both of the polarisation altering arrays may be programmed. Observer co-ordinate data permits the correct viewing zone to be co-located with each of the observer's corresponding eyes and includes devices for accommodating changes in the observer's distance from the display. The displayed image adapts to the observer's location.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient vaccines comprising genetically modified pathogens are provided. The vaccines generally comprise mycobacterial mutants having modified protein production capabilities. In one embodiment, the mutants overexpress heat shock protein. In a specific embodiment, the mycobacterial mutant overexpresses heat shock proteins 60 and/or 70. Also provided are modified BCG vaccines capable of overexpressing heat shock proteins 60 and/or 70.

Abstract: Apparatus and a corresponding method for the diagnosis and alleviation of symptoms of visually induced physiological defects and/or pathological conditions is provided. A plurality of narrow-band light sources are combined to constitute a colour controllable lamp. A method for adjusting the settings of this lamp permits the optimum illumination for a particular subject to be found, whilst the latter carries out a task such as reading or writing. By use of the lamp to simulate the expected visual stimulus, to which the subject would be exposed if provided with viewing aids such as tinted spectacles and the like, an optimal selection from a database of such aids may be made or a new formulation defined. Inter alia, the symptoms of visual dyslexia, macular degeneration and visually induced migraine may be alleviated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the display of autostereoscopic images, in which two or more perspective views are generated by a single transmissive display screen, such as an active matrix LCD, is provided. A structured light source behind the screen directs light through different sets of display elements to correspondingly different viewing zones. The structured source comprises, in addition to two crossed arrays of cylindrical convergent optical elements, two linear arrays of polarisation altering elements which, in conjunction with the convergent arrays and the first polariser of the LCD, prevent light from passing through a particular set of display elements and reaching the wrong viewing zone. In some embodiments one or both of the polarisation altering arrays may be programmed. Observer co-ordinate data permits the correct viewing zone to be co-located with each of the observer's corresponding eyes, including means for accommodating changes in the observer's distance from the display.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient vaccines comprising genetically modified pathogens are provided. The vaccines generally comprise mycobacterial mutants having modified protein production capabilities. In one embodiment, the mutants overexpress heat shock protein. In a specific embodiment, the mycobacterial mutant overexpresses heat shock proteins 60 and/or 70. Also provided are modified BCG vaccines capable of overexpressing heat shock proteins 60 and/or 70.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the alignment of images in which, typically, two perspective views are provided. The observer's head location is detected and each of the views is presented to the respectively correct eye to provide a stereoscopic image. A retro-reflective marker worn by the observer removes the need for the observer to wear special viewing devices, whilst providing an infrared imaging system with a way to locate the observer's head. Image content may be driven by the observer's viewpoint. The two perspectives may be presented simultaneously using conventional display elements. A tapered lenticular structure provides a way to adapt to changes in the observer's distance from the display. Alternatively, each perspective image may be rapidly sequenced, either as two complete single images, or a sequence of suitably arranged compositions of the two. The infrared source used in the head tracking apparatus is modulated to aid image processing.