Abstract: A method for a computer system includes determining an animation variable response subspace within an animation variable response space associated with an animation variable, in response to a set of training data for the animation variable, determining a set of characteristic calculation key points configured to allow navigation within the animation variable response subspace, calculating animation variable response values for the set of characteristic calculation key points in the animation variable response subspace in response to input data for the animation variable, and predicting animation variable response values for a set of points within the animation variable response space in response to animation variable response values for the set of characteristic calculation key points in the animation variable response subspace.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes determining an animation response subspace within an animation response space for an animation variable responsive to training data for the animation variable, determining calculation key points for navigating within the animation response subspace, calculating animation response values for the calculation key points in response to input data for the animation variable, predicting animation response values for points within the animation response space in response to animation response values for calculation key points, determining a difference between a predicted animation response value and a calculated animation response value for a point in the points and in the calculation key points, and when the difference exceeds a first difference, combining the predicted animation response value and the calculated animation response value to form the animation response value for the point.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided to treat enteric disease. The methods and compositions use passive immunity to treat diseases of the gut, including diseases caused by Salmonella sp., E. Coli, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens A, Clostridium perfringens C, Clostridium perfringens D, canine distemper, feline distemper, Rotavirus, and Parvovirus. Specific antibodies are administered orally to a subject to improve intestinal health.

Abstract: Improved composite microarray slides for use in micro-analytical diagnostic applications are disclosed. Specifically, composite microarray slides useful for carrying a microarray of biological polymers on the surface thereof including composite microarray slides having a porous membrane formed by a phase inversion process effectively attached by covalent bonding through chemical agents that comprise anchor/linker moieties to a substrate that prepares the substrate to sufficiently bond to the porous membrane formed by a phase inversion process such that the combination produced thereby is useful in microarray applications and wherein the composite microarray slides are covalently bonded to a solid base member, such as, for example, a glass or Mylar microscope slide, such that the combination produced thereby is useful in microarray applications. Apparatus and methods for fabricating the composite microarray slides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system to allow external applications to interact with an operating VXML browser include a VXML browser operating on a processor having a VXML interpreter. A control is operably interconnected between the external application and the VXML interpreter using a communication channel. The control inserts the commands into the VXML interpreter, which are processed by the VXML browser in a conventional manner to allow the external application to interact with the operating VXML browser.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes determining a plurality of illumination modes associated with a plurality of scene descriptors, wherein the plurality of scene descriptors includes a first scene descriptor and a second scene descriptor, determining a first plurality of weights, wherein each weight from the first plurality of weights is associated with an illumination mode from the plurality of illumination modes, determining illumination data associated with the first scene descriptor in response to the first plurality of weights and in response to the plurality of illumination modes, determining a second plurality of weights, wherein each weight from the second plurality of weights is associated with an illumination mode from the plurality of illumination modes, and determining illumination data associated with the second scene descriptor in response to the second plurality of weights and in response to the plurality of illumination modes.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes performing rendering operations for a plurality of scenes to form a plurality of intermediate rendering data in response to a plurality of scene descriptor data associated with the plurality of scenes, processing the plurality of intermediate rendering data to form a model for the plurality of intermediate rendering data, and determining a higher quality plurality of intermediate rendering data in response to the model for the plurality of intermediate rendering data.

Abstract: A method for a computer system includes determining a plurality of illumination modes associated with a plurality of scene descriptors, wherein the plurality of scene descriptors includes a first scene descriptor and a second scene descriptor, determining a first plurality of weights, wherein each weight from the first plurality of weights is associated with an illumination mode from the plurality of illumination modes, determining illumination data associated with the first scene descriptor in response to the first plurality of weights and in response to the plurality of illumination modes, determining a second plurality of weights, wherein each weight from the second plurality of weights is associated with an illumination mode from the plurality of illumination modes, and determining illumination data associated with the second scene descriptor in response to the second plurality of weights and in response to the plurality of illumination modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for aligning a cutting tool comprising displacing a first slide comprising a microscope in a first direction at a first speed; displacing a second slide comprising an adjustable tool holder and a cutting tool in a second direction at a second speed; wherein the adjustable tool holder is in operative communication with the cutting tool; observing an actual path of travel of a cross hair center of the microscope with respect to a cutting edge of the cutting tool; and adjusting the position of the cutting tool so that the cutting edge of the cutting tool and the cross hair center lie in the same plane during the travel of the cross hair center.

Abstract: A device for accommodating a padlock, including two halves that each have a cavity and that are hingedly interconnected such that they are movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the cavities mate to form an enclosure for accommodating a padlock. At least one of the halves has a cutout for receiving the shank of the padlock. A latching mechanism retains the two halves in the closed position to contain the padlock body within the enclosure formed by the cavities.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes and methods for producing a hydrophobic zone boundary that surrounds a hydrophilic porous material layer mounted on a substrate, the hydrophilic porous material layer containing tortuous channels and pores such that the fluid contained within one hydrophilic layer region does not cross the hydrophobic zone boundary and the articles formed thereby and, more particularly, to processes and methods for producing a hydrophobic zone boundary that separates adjacent regions of a hydrophilic porous material layer mounted on a substrate, the hydrophilic porous material layer containing tortuous channels and pores mounted on a substrate such that a uniform hydrophobic zone boundary layer in the z-direction is formed in the hydrophilic porous material or the removal of the hydrophilic porous material layer from the substrate to form a hydrophilic porous material zone on the substrate, the so formed hydrophilic porous material zone having a predetermined geometric shape such th

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for conducting and playing a lottery-type game.

Abstract: A method and system for providing travel information to a consumer are disclosed. The method and system may include identifying one or more potential information sources using a content identification segment (CIS). Further, the method and system may include acquiring information from at least one information source, which may be a variety of sources such as external or consumer-driven sources; characterizing the acquired information by its pertinence to travel; transforming the characterized travel information into a useable format; applying rules to this transformed travel information in connection with the consumer-specific travel profile; and, delivering a report to the consumer of the results of this application. Finally, an information system segment may be provided that may include a collection subsystem, and analysis subsystem, and a distribution subsystem.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting wagers, such as pari-mutuel wagers. In one exemplary embodiment a series of events, such as horse races, dog races, etc. is identified for which a plurality of bettors may each place at least one wager, and a wagering activity thereon is structured as a contest. Bettors may each be provided with a “play money” bankroll for use in wagering, and play against one another competitively to achieve one or more winning outcomes for the contest as defined by the operator. Alternatively, bettors may have their conventional, live wagers entered into the contest. The prize pool for the contest, which may be multi-tiered, is fixed based on the number of participants and allocated to winners independent of the live wager prize pool, thus not affecting odds for the live wager. The contest wagering activity may be run in parallel with live wagering, and utilizing the same wagering system for administration of both. Wagering systems and a wagering network are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of the compound N-[(R)-2,3-dihydroxy-propoxy]-3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)-benzamide for treating abnormal cell growth in mammals. In particular, the invention provides dosage regimes for administration of N-[(R)-2,3-dihydroxy-propoxy]-3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)-benzamide to mammals suffering from cancer.

Abstract: A method for deriving barycentric coordinates for a point p within an n-sided polygon is provided wherein, for a particular coordinate wj, corresponding to the vertex qj, the method embodies a formula which depends only on the edge pqj, and the two adjacent angles ?j and ?j. Similarly, a method is provided for deriving weights wij for expressing a vertex qi in a mesh representation of an object surface in terms of its one-ring neighbors qj, ?j?N(i). For a particular vertex qj, and neighbor vertex qj, this method embodies a formula which depends only on the edge qiqj, and the two adjacent angles ?j and ?j. A method of parameterizing a mesh representation of an object surface using the latter formula is also provided. This method begins with the step of computing the weights wij in 3D space (in contrast to parameter space) for each of the vertices in the mesh representation. For a vertex i, i?[1 . . . n], the weights wij allow the vertex i to be expressed in terms of its one-ring neighbors j?N(i).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes and methods for producing a hydrophobic zone boundary that surrounds a hydrophilic porous material layer mounted on a substrate, the hydrophilic porous material layer containing tortuous channels and pores such that the fluid contained within one hydrophilic layer region does not cross the hydrophobic zone boundary and the articles formed thereby and, more particularly, to processes and methods for producing a hydrophobic zone boundary that separates adjacent regions of a hydrophilic porous material layer mounted on a substrate, the hydrophilic porous material layer containing tortuous channels and pores mounted on a substrate such that a uniform hydrophobic zone boundary layer in the z-direction is formed in the hydrophilic porous material or the removal of the hydrophilic porous material layer from the substrate to form a hydrophilic porous material zone on the substrate, the so formed hydrophilic porous material zone having a predetermined geometric shape such th

Abstract: An energy conversion system comprises a solar cell adapted to receive solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. The energy conversion system also comprises a solar concentrator adapted to receive solar energy and direct the solar energy to the solar cell. The solar concentrator has a lens that comprises at least one line focus section comprising an off-axis configuration, at least one spherical section adjacent to the at least one line focus section, the at least one spherical section comprising an off-axis configuration, and an unpatterned section adjacent to the at least one line focus section and the at least one spherical section.

Abstract: An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photo detector configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device, the photo detector comprising a lens, an optical filter and a photodiode, wherein the optical filter is disposed between the photodiode and the lens and the optical filter is configured to provide the light output of the warning light to be presented as a substantially uniform spatial response to the photodiode wherein areas of high intensity of the warning light that are received by the lens are attenuated, the areas of high intensity providing higher light outputs than other areas of the warning light; and a microcontroller for receiving the signal, wherein the microcontroller compares the signal to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.