Abstract: A ray (e.g., a traced path of light, etc.) is generated from an originating pixel within a scene being rendered. Additionally, one or more shadow map lookups are performed for the originating pixel to estimate an intersection of the ray with alpha-tested geometry within the scene. A shadow map stores the distance of geometry as seen from the point of view of the light, and alpha-tested geometry includes objects within the scene being rendered that have a determined texture and opacity. Further, the one or more shadow map lookups are performed to determine a visibility value for the pixel (e.g., that identifies whether the originating pixel is in a shadow) and a distance value for the pixel (e.g., that identifies how far the pixel is from the light). Further still, the visibility value and the distance value for the pixel are passed to a denoiser.

Abstract: Methods for the production of immunogenic compositions containing a non-natural amino acid are disclosed. The non-natural amino acid can be a site for attachment of antigens, such as bacterial capsular polysaccharides, to make immunogenic conjugates. Bio-orthogonal attachment chemistry incorporated into the non-natural amino acids allows for more efficient and potent antigen presentation to the immune system, simplified purification, and more well-defined structure of these semi-synthetic immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions designed for the treatment, management or prevention of cancer. The methods of the invention comprise the administration of an effective amount of one or more antagonists of Integrin ?V?3 alone or in combination with the administration of an effective amount of one or more other agents useful for cancer therapy. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antagonists of Integrin ?V?3 and/or one or more other agents useful for cancer therapy. In particular, the invention is directed to methods of treatment and prevention of cancer by the administration of a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of one or more antagonists of Integrin ?V?3 alone or in combination with standard and experimental therapies for treatment or prevention of cancer. Also included are methods for screening for epitope-specific Integrin ?V?3 antagonists which can be used according to the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated polypeptides bearing sequence homology to the Sp36 protein found in pneumococcal organisms, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are also disclosed. The invention also relates to antibodies specific for the disclosed polypeptides and to uses of such antibodies in the treatment of diseases caused by staphylococci as well as group A and B streptococci. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the disclosed polypeptides in compositions and as vaccines and for prophylactic uses such as in vaccination of animals, especially humans, against a wide variety of streptococcal, staphylococcal and other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions designed for the treatment, management or prevention of cancer. The methods of the invention comprise the administration of an effective amount of one or more antagonists of Integrin &agr;V&bgr;3 alone or in combination with the administration of an effective amount of one or more other agents useful for cancer therapy. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antagonists of Integrin &agr;V&bgr;3 and/or one or more other agents useful for cancer therapy. In particular, the invention is directed to methods of treatment and prevention of cancer by the administration of a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of one or more antagonists of Integrin &agr;V&bgr;3 alone or in combination with standard and experimental therapies for treatment or prevention of cancer.