Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides and/or antigens are delivered by administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic bacterium which expresses one or more antigens or polypeptides. The non-invasive or non-pathogenic bacterium can be included in delivery systems or pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Novel protein antigens from Group B Streptococcus are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and screening methods is also described.

Abstract: Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: A method of creating an aggregated Internet accessible registry includes the step of accepting a query from a registrant. The query contains an identifier and a search criteria, the identifier identifying one of a multitude of registry databases. Registries matching the search criteria in the selected registry database are retrieved. When the registrant selects one of the matching registries, a general user identifier that uniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the registry. Additional queries and registry selection completes the aggregation registry process. The aggregated registry is managed on-line by the registrants and accessed by guests. The aggregated registry provides a framework that allows automated updates by registry database provides without loss of the identity of an aggregated registry.

Abstract: There are provided various novel antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as homolgoues, derivatives and fragments thereof. The use of these in medicine is described, particularly in the treatment or prophylaxis of S. pneumoniae infections. The use of the antigens in diagnosis is also described.

Abstract: A method of creating an aggregated Internet accessible registry includes the step of accepting a query from a registrant. The query contains an identifier and a search criteria, the identifier identifying one of a multitude of registry databases. Registries matching the search criteria in the selected registry database are retrieved. When the registrant selects one of the matching registries, a general user identifier that uniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the registry. Additional queries and registry selection completes the aggregation registry process. The aggregated registry is managed on-line by the registrants and accessed by guests. The aggregated registry provides a framework that allows automated updates by registry database provides without loss of the identity of an aggregated registry.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for capturing and verifying a handwritten signature. The handwritten signature may relate to a document, such as an electronically stored document. An image of the document is displayed. A user signs the document electronically, and the handwritten signature is electronically captured. A set of measurements relating to the handwritten signature is determined and stored in a signature envelope. Optionally, a checksum of a checksum of the document can be determined and stored in the signature envelope. The claimed identity of the signatory can also be stored in the signature envelope. The signature envelope is encrypted. The signature envelope can be communicated to another application or computer platform, or stored for later verification. The signature envelope is decrypted, and the set of measurements stored in the signature envelope are compared against a known set of handwritten signature measurements to verify the identity of the signatory.

Abstract: A system and method for recording the evidence of intent of a party to a transaction, archiving this speech recording, and notifying and making it available to interested parties. A party seeking an affirmation will send to the affirming party a communication outlining the terms of the affirmation to be made, and also a transaction identifier by which a system may identify the parties to the transaction. The affirming party communicates with the system. The affirming party communicates the transaction identifier, and subsequently recites a spoken affirmation which is recorded by the system. The system then stores the recording in association with a recording identifier which can be used later to retrieve the recording. Finally, the system communicates the recording identifier both to the affirming party and to the party requesting the affirmation. The requesting party is thus informed that the affirmation has been made.

Abstract: A bias cell for use in biasing all NMOS differential pair is configured to substantially eliminate variations in transconductance caused by body effects. In one example, a voltage threshold mismatch between NMOS devices of the bias cell is substantially eliminated to thereby reduce variations in transconductance caused by body effects. To reduce the voltage threshold mismatch, the bias cell includes a transconductance-setting resistor connected between gates of a pair of current source devices. Circuitry is connected to the resistor for applying a voltage across the resistor. A bias line connects a signal output from the bias circuit to the differential pair.

Abstract: A phase detector circuit (100) operating at a high frequency includes a steering circuit (112) operating on frequency-divided versions of the phase detector signals. The phase detector (100) implements steering by adding dividers (108, 110) at both input ports to the steering circuit (112). This achieves the desired effect of reducing the operating frequency of the input signals to the steering circuit (112) to make operation possible at high frequencies of operation. The phase detector (100) also allows the steer circuit (112) to be turned off in steady state operation, this is accomplished by coupling only the steer outputs of the steering circuit (12) to the tuning line. The phase/frequency detect outputs are not coupled to the tuning line.

Abstract: Methods of delivering biologically active polypeptides and/or antigens by administering to a subject a non-invasive or non-pathogenic bacterium which expresses the one or more antigens or polypeptides. Also, nucleic acids, delivery systems, pharmaceutical formulations comprising such delivery systems and methods of making same.

Abstract: Heterologous polypeptides are produced in lactococcus using a T7 or T7-like RNA polymerase gene under the control of an inducible promoter effective in a lactococcus host, and a promoter specific for said polymerase upstream of a coding sequence for the heterologous polypeptide. Thus, the promoter specific for the polymerase directs transcription of the coding sequence selectively as a result of expression of the polymerase. The heterologous polypeptide can be produced at high yield, and can be secreted. The polypeptide within the cell, being biologically active, can be delivered in the encapsulated form, e.g. as a medicament, vaccine or as an environmental pesticide.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining surface expression of a desired protein or polypeptide in Gram-positive host organisms are provided. In addition, vectors useful in such methods as well as Gram-positive host organisms transformed with such vectors are disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic latching comparator is provided for use with first and second signal input lines. The dynamic latching comparator includes latching circuitry having first and second pull-up devices connected, respectively, between first and second nodes and a high voltage source and first and second pull-down devices connected, respectively, between the first and second nodes and a ground. The first and second pull-down devices have gates connected, respectively, to the first and second input lines. A gate of the first pull-up device is cross-coupled to the second node. A gate of the second pull-up device is cross-coupled to the first node. The dynamic latching comparator also includes differential amplifier circuitry having third and fourth pull-down devices connected, respectively, between the first and second nodes and the ground. A gate of the third pull-down device is cross-coupled to the second node. A gate of the fourth pull-down device cross-coupled to the first node.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for capturing and verifying a handwritten signature. The handwritten signature may relate to a document, such as an electronically stored document. An image of the document is displayed. A user signs the document electronically, and the handwritten signature is electronically captured. A set of measurements relating to the handwritten signature is determined and stored in a signature envelope. Optionally, a checksum of a checksum of the document can be determined and stored in the signature envelope. The claimed identity of the signatory can also be stored in the signature envelope. The signature envelope is encrypted. The signature envelope can be communicated to another application or computer platform, or stored for later verification. The signature envelope is decrypted, and the set of measurements stored in the signature envelope are compared against a known set of handwritten signature measurements to verify the identity of the signatory.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for capturing and verifying a handwritten signature. The handwritten signature may relate to a document, such as an electronically stored document. An image of the document is displayed. A user signs the document electronically, and the handwritten signature is electronically captured. A set of measurements relating to the handwritten signature is determined and stored in a signature envelope. Optionally, a checksum of a checksum of the document can be determined and stored in the signature envelope. The claimed identity of the signatory can also be stored in the signature envelope. The signature envelope is encrypted. The signature envelope can be communicated to another application or computer platform, or stored for later verification. The signature envelope is decrypted, and the set of measurements stored in the signature envelope are compared against a known set of handwritten signature measurements to verify the identity of the signatory.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for capturing and verifying a handwritten signature. The handwritten signature may relate to a document, such as an electronically stored document. An image of the document is displayed. A user signs the document electronically, and the handwritten signature is electronically captured. A set of measurements relating to the handwritten signature is determined and stored in a signature envelope. Optionally, a checksum of a checksum of the document can be determined and stored in the signature envelope. The claimed identity of the signatory can also be stored in the signature envelope. The signature envelope is encrypted. The signature envelope can be communicated to another application or computer platform, or stored for later verification. The signature envelope is decrypted, and the set of measurements stored in the signature envelope are compared against a known set of handwritten signature measurements to verify the identity of the signatory.

Abstract: A lamp comprises a lamp unit adjustably secured to a support member which support member is mounted on a vehicle. A nut mounted on the support member and a screw carried by the lamp unit are mutually engaged and provide a fine adjustment of the lamp unit. A spring urges the nut away from the support member and a rotatable cam acts on the nut in opposition to the spring to provide a coarse adjustment of the lamp unit when rotated in use. The cam is connected to a remote control linkage so as to be operable from a position remote from the lamp unit.A novel lamp assembly comprises a pair of lamps of the type described above coupled together so as to be operable synchronously from the said remote position.