Abstract: Fuzzy logic based system and method for 3:2 pull-down film mode detection that detects whether a stream of NTSC video fields originate from film source via 3:2 pull-down technique. Fuzzy logic is used to generate a reference sequence of symbols from the stream of NTSC video fields. This reference sequence is adapted for indicating whether or not the video fields originate from film source.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides containing ?-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are ?-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering ?-MSH containing peptides, ?-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides containing ?-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are ?-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering ?-MSH containing peptides, ?-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to base-labile crosslinkers. A second aspect of the present invention relates to degradable crosslinked polymers and hydrogels comprising a base-labile crosslinker. The present invention also relates to a method of influencing the degradation rate of a crosslinked polymer or hydrogel, comprising the step of incorporating uncharged acrylamides into the crosslinked polymer or hydrogel.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the wavelength of a source, for example monitoring a laser used in DWDM fiber optic communications systems, wherein the method and device comprise using a coarse arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to resolve an ambiguity of wavelength measurement in a fine arrayed waveguide grating. The wavelength monitor or meter of the present invention may be configured as a standalone device suitable for use in many different applications and may also be integrated into a laser or laser array for use in DWDM fiber optic communications systems.

Abstract: In a stabilized laser system, a an output signal is to be generated having a desired central wavelength. At least one laser, which, while emitting light and having a preselected portion thereof fed back thereto, causes the output signal of the laser to be shifted in wavelength in a first direction which is spaced apart from the center wavelength of the fed back signal. A feedback generating arrangement processes a first portion of the output signal from each laser and generates a feedback signal having a spectral response peaking at a wavelength shifted in an opposite direction to the first direction generated by each laser. The feedback signal each laser to provide an output signal at the output of the stabilized laser system having a spectral response that peaks essentially at the desired wavelength.

Abstract: In a stabilized laser system, an output of a desired wavelength is generated. Each of a plurality of n lasers, which, while emitting light and having a preselected portion thereof fed back thereto, causes the fed back portion to be amplified and shifted in wavelength in a first direction which is spaced apart from the center wavelength of the feedback signal. A feedback stabilization arrangement is coupled to output ports of the plurality of n lasers for generating a feedback signal having a wavelength spectrum peaking at a wavelength shifted in an opposite direction to the first direction generated by the lasers in response to the feedback signal so as to provide an output signal at the output of the stabilized laser system having a wavelength spectrum that peaks essentially at the desired wavelength. A reflector is located at a predetermined signal round-trip time delay distance from the feedback stabilization arrangement.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining whether a subject has or is predisposed to developing a disease which is associated with IL-1 polymorphisms and assays for identifying therapeutics for treating and/or preventing the development of these diseases are provided.

Abstract: A basic reflector arrangement has first and second power splitters. Each power splitter has first to fourth ports where the first port of the first power splitter is coupled to a remote signal source for receiving signals therefrom and providing feedback signals thereto. Signals received at each of the first and fourth ports of each power splitter are combined and split into first and second portions for transmission via the second and third ports, respectively, and signals received at the second and third ports are combined and split into first and second portions for transmission via the first and fourth ports, respectively. The second port of the second power splitter is coupled to provide an output signal from the reflector arrangement, and the first, third, and fourth ports thereof are coupled to the second, third, and fourth ports, respectively, of the first power splitter.

Abstract: A method and system for image resample by spatial interpolation. The method and system allow more than simple angle interpolation by allowing spatial interpolation to be performed on small angle edges. Multiple interpolation directions are established. Once an interpolation direction is selected, verifications are performed on the selected interpolation direction in order to rule out erroneous selection. If the selected interpolation direction passes all verification, then spatial interpolation will be performed along the selected interpolation direction. Otherwise, a default interpolation direction is used as the interpolation direction.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides containing ?-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are ?-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering ?-MSH containing peptides, ?-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding ?-MSH and ?-MSH analogs.

Abstract: A basic reflector arrangement has first and second power splitters. The first power splitter has first, second, third, and fourth ports where the first port is coupled to a remote signal source for receiving signals therefrom and providing feedback signals thereto. Signals received at each of the first and fourth ports are combined and split into first and second portions for transmission via the second and third ports, respectively, and signals received at the second and third ports are combined and split into first and second portions for transmission via the first and fourth ports, respectively. The second power splitter has first, second, third, and fourth ports, where the second port is coupled to provide an output signal from the reflector arrangement, and the first, third, and fourth ports are coupled to the second, third, and fourth ports, respectively, of the at least one first power splitter.

Abstract: In a stabilized laser system, an output of a desired wavelength is generated. Each of a plurality of n lasers, which, while emitting light and having a preselected portion thereof fed back thereto, causes the fed back portion to be amplified and shifted in wavelength in a first direction which is spaced apart from the center wavelength of the feedback signal. A feedback stabilization arrangement is coupled to output ports of the plurality of n lasers for generating a feedback signal having a wavelength spectrum peaking at a wavelength shifted in an opposite direction to the first direction generated by the lasers in response to the feedback signal so as to provide an output signal at the output of the stabilized laser system having a wavelength spectrum that peaks essentially at the desired wavelength. A reflector is located at a predetermined signal round-trip time delay distance from the feedback stabilization arrangement.

Abstract: In a stabilized laser system, a signal is to be generated at an output thereof having a desired central wavelength. At least one laser, which, while emitting light and having a preselected portion thereof fed back thereto, causes the output signal of the at least one laser source to be shifted in wavelength in a first direction which is spaced apart from the center wavelength of the fed back signal. A feedback generating arrangement is coupled to the at least one laser to process a first portion of the output signal from the at least one laser and generate a feedback signal having a spectral response peaking at a wavelength shifted in an opposite direction to the first direction generated by at least one laser. The feedback signal that is shifted in the opposite direction causes the at least one laser to provide an output signal at the output of the stabilized laser system having a spectral response that peaks essentially at the desired wavelength.

Abstract: A hydraulic automatically-pressurizing pump comprises an intermediate fastening connector, a case, a reversing valve, a mechanically-controlled automatic direction-reversing device, a power cylinder, a pressurizing cylinder and a ultrahigh-pressure connecting tube. The reversing valve, the mechanically-controlled automatic direction-reversing device, the power cylinder, the pressurizing cylinder and the ultrahigh-pressure connecting tube are disposed in series in the case. The fastening connector is connected with the case and further connected through pressure with the reversing valve and the pressurizing cylinder successively. The power cylinder disposed in the case is a multi-stage power cylinder. The pressurizing cylinder communicates with a two-channel drill bit through the ultrahigh-pressure connecting tube which is in the center of the case, and an ultrahigh-pressure channel is provided on the wall of the pressurizing cylinder.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to base-labile crosslinkers. A second aspect of the present invention relates to degradable crosslinked polymers and hydrogels comprising a base-labile crosslinker. The present invention also relates to a method of influencing the degradation rate of a crosslinked polymer or hydrogel, comprising the step of incorporating uncharged acrylamides into the crosslinked polymer or hydrogel.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to base-labile, carbamate-containing crosslinkers. A second aspect of the present invention relates to degradable crosslinked polymers and hydrogels comprising a base-labile, carbamate-containing crosslinker. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing base-labile, carbamate-containing crosslinkers. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods of preparing cross-linked polymers and hydrogels comprising a base-labile, carbamate-containing crosslinker.

Abstract: A method and system for performing fuzzy logic based de-interlacing on film source fields that might be mixed with video on film. An embodiment of the invention comprises an adaptive de-interlacer by weighing between merge operation and interpolation operation in the case of occurring video on film motion object. A weighing factor is generated from video on film pattern based on fuzzy logic inference rules. This weighing factor specifies the weighting between merging and interpolating in assigning the pixel values of the progressive display output.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the wavelength of a source, for example monitoring a laser used in DWDM fiber optic communications systems, wherein the method and device comprise using a coarse arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to resolve an ambiguity of wavelength measurement in a fine arrayed waveguide grating. The wavelength monitor or meter of the present invention may be configured as a standalone device suitable for use in many different applications and may also be integrated into a laser or laser array for use in DWDM fiber optic communications systems.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to base-labile crosslinkers. A second aspect of the present invention relates to degradable crosslinked polymers and hydrogels comprising a base-labile crosslinker. The present invention also relates to a method of influencing the degradation rate of a crosslinked polymer or hydrogel, comprising the step of incorporating uncharged acrylamides into the crosslinked polymer or hydrogel.