Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of libraries, such as combinatorial libraries, which may be used in the discovery of novel potentially useful compounds. The invention operates on a population of libraries that is refined iteratively. The refinement involves the following steps: calculating the relative dominance of the libraries in the population; selecting libraries for modification according to dominance; modifying the selected libraries using genetic operators; and inserting the modified libraries back in the population. The refinement steps are repeated until adequate convergence is deemed to have occurred or for a specified number of iterations. The Pareto optimal set of libraries in the final population is output for further processing such as storage or manufacture.

Abstract: A gain control at the input monitors an input signal and a supply voltage, which drives an output. The gain control adjusts the gain to compress the input signal when the supply voltage decreases in magnitude and/or the input signal is of such magnitude to cause the supply voltage to decrease.

Abstract: An autonomous weapon system including weapon (9) and weapon mounting system (7, 8) operable to point the weapon (9) in accordance with input control signals. The weapon system includes a sensor (2) to acquire images and other data from a target zone and an image processor (3) to process acquired image data and identify potential targets (1) according to predetermined target identification criteria. Targeting system (4, 5) provides input control signals to the weapon mounting system (7, 8) to point the weapon (9) for firing at potential targets (1). A control system operates targeting system (4, 5) and fires the weapon (9) at selected targets (1) according to a predetermined of rules of engagement. The rules of engagement include combat, peacekeeping or policing scenarios. Remotely located operator (10) may amend the rules of engagement, or override the control system as required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formation which comprises an aqueous suspension of particulate (2S)-3-[4-({[4-aminocarbonyl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-methylphenoxy)acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino]propanoic acid or a salt or solvate thereof. Methods and uses of the formulation in the treatment of allergic rhinitis are also described, as are containers containing said formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant having suspended therein particulate (2S)-3-[4-({[4-(aminocarbonyl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-methylphenoxy)acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino] propanoic acid or a salt or solvate thereof. Methods and uses of the formulation in the treatment of respiratory disorders are also described, as are canisters and metered dose inhalers containing said formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry powder pharmaceutical formulation suitable for inhalation therapy comprising particulate (2S)-3-[4-({[4-(aminocarbonyl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-methylphenoxy)acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino] propanoic acid or a salt or solvate thereof and one or more suitable excipients. Methods and uses of the formulation in the treatment of inflammatory diseases are also described, as are medicament packs and inhalation devices containing said formulation.

Abstract: A remote access system for a trader turret telephone switching network. A line status display is created at the remote site using the Internet as a data channel. A line command can be entered remotely using a “mouse” (or other graphical interface) and communicated back to the switching network via the Internet. A voice channel can then be established to the remote site via the public telephone switching network or via the Internet.

Abstract: A golf ball having improved aerodynamic efficiency is characterized by the arrangement of a plurality of modified tear-drop shaped dimples arranged on the surface thereof. The ball has a dimple-free equator which divides the ball into two identical hemispheres, each of which is broken into equal quadrants by two great circles passing through the poles of the ball. Each quadrant has a maximum circular area filled with a first plurality of tear-drop shaped dimples. A second plurality of tear-drop shaped dimples is arranged between the circular areas so that the dimple coverage on the ball is maximized.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning laser beam delivery system for use in pulsed laser deposition of a target evaporant (40) onto a substrate (50). The system includes a laser beam source (10) for generating a pulsed laser beam, a beam transfer assembly (20) optically coupled to laser beam source (10) for directing the generated pulse laser beam along an optical path (15) having a terminal segment (15') which impinges upon target evaporant (40); and, a control mechanism (30) coupled to beam transfer assembly (20). Beam transfer assembly (20) includes a scanning mechanism (22) for reversibly translating terminal segment (15') of optical path (15) along a scan direction substantially normal to the direction along which terminal segment (15') has a directional component. Actuation of scanning mechanism (22) is automatically controlled by control mechanism (30).

Abstract: A high frequency superconducting device structure is disclosed which comprises an alkaline earth fluoride substrate with a magnesium oxide lower buffer layer on the alkaline earth substrate and an upper buffer layer epitaxial template layer on the magnesium oxide layer for providing a template for epitaxial growth of a high temperature superconducting film on the upper buffer layer, providing reduced dielectric and conducting losses at high frequencies. The disclosed structure may be incorporated into a multi-chip module (MCM) for providing very high speed interconnections.

Abstract: This invention directs itself to a pulsed laser passive filter deposition system (10) which provides a blocking and transparent mask mechanism (34) placed between a target (14) and a substrate (12) to be coated. The blocking and transparent mask mechanism (34) includes a blocking member (36) which casts a blocking shadow having a greater cross-sectional area than the substrate (12), to block linearly travelling clustered species particulates (22) from impinging on the substrate (12). The blocking and transparent mask mechanism (34) also includes annularly shaped disk members (38 and 44) having openings (40 and 46) formed in a central portion to allow passage of the atomic species (20) of the composition being coated on the substrate (12) where the atomic species (20) is deflected by impingement with background gas molecules (26). In this manner, the substrate (12) is coated with the atomic species (20) in a uniform coating without having the clustered species (22) being coated on the substrate (12).