Showing papers by "Agilent Technologies published in 2005"

The genome sequence of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea

Abstract: Magnaporthe grisea is the most destructive pathogen of rice worldwide and the principal model organism for elucidating the molecular basis of fungal disease of plants. Here, we report the draft sequence of the M. grisea genome. Analysis of the gene set provides an insight into the adaptations required by a fungus to cause disease. The genome encodes a large and diverse set of secreted proteins, including those defined by unusual carbohydrate-binding domains. This fungus also possesses an expanded family of G-protein-coupled receptors, several new virulence-associated genes and large suites of enzymes involved in secondary metabolism. Consistent with a role in fungal pathogenesis, the expression of several of these genes is upregulated during the early stages of infection-related development. The M. grisea genome has been subject to invasion and proliferation of active transposable elements, reflecting the clonal nature of this fungus imposed by widespread rice cultivation.

Cyclops: In Situ Image Sensing and Interpretation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Despite their increasing sophistication, wireless sensor networks still do not exploit the most powerful of the human senses: vision. Indeed, vision provides humans with unmatched capabilities to distinguish objects and identify their importance. Our work seeks to provide sensor networks with similar capabilities by exploiting emerging, cheap, low-power and small form factor CMOS imaging technology. In fact, we can go beyond the stereo capabilities of human vision, and exploit the large scale of sensor networks to provide multiple, widely different perspectives of the physical phenomena. To this end, we have developed a small camera device called Cyclops that bridges the gap between the computationally constrained wireless sensor nodes such as Motes, and CMOS imagers which, while low power and inexpensive, are nevertheless designed to mate with resource-rich hosts. Cyclops enables development of new class of vision applications that span across wireless sensor network. We describe our hardware and software architecture, its temporal and power characteristics and present some representative applications.

Cyclops: in situ image sensing and interpretation in wireless sensor networks

Abstract: Despite their increasing sophistication, wireless sensor networks still do not exploit the most powerful of the human senses: vision. Indeed, vision provides humans with unmatched capabilities to distinguish objects and identify their importance. Our work seeks to provide sensor networks with similar capabilities by exploiting emerging, cheap, low-power and small form factor CMOS imaging technology. In fact, we can go beyond the stereo capabilities of human vision, and exploit the large scale of sensor networks to provide multiple, widely different perspectives of the physical phenomena.To this end, we have developed a small camera device called Cyclops that bridges the gap between the computationally constrained wireless sensor nodes such as Motes, and CMOS imagers which, while low power and inexpensive, are nevertheless designed to mate with resource-rich hosts. Cyclops enables development of new class of vision applications that span across wireless sensor network. We describe our hardware and software architecture, its temporal and power characteristics and present some representative applications.

An evaluation, comparison, and accurate benchmarking of several publicly available MS/MS search algorithms: sensitivity and specificity analysis.

Abstract: MS/MS and associated database search algorithms are essential proteomic tools for identifying peptides. Due to their widespread use, it is now time to perform a systematic analysis of the various algorithms currently in use. Using blood specimens used in the HUPO Plasma Proteome Project, we have evaluated five search algorithms with respect to their sensitivity and specificity, and have also accurately benchmarked them based on specified false-positive (FP) rates. Spectrum Mill and SEQUEST performed well in terms of sensitivity, but were inferior to MASCOT, X!Tandem, and Sonar in terms of specificity. Overall, MASCOT, a probabilistic search algorithm, correctly identified most peptides based on a specified FP rate. The rescoring algorithm, PeptideProphet, enhanced the overall performance of the SEQUEST algorithm, as well as provided predictable FP error rates. Ideally, score thresholds should be calculated for each peptide spectrum or minimally, derived from a reversed-sequence search as demonstrated in this study based on a validated data set. The availability of open-source search algorithms, such as X!Tandem, makes it feasible to further improve the validation process (manual or automatic) on the basis of “consensus scoring”, i.e., the use of multiple (at least two) search algorithms to reduce the number of FPs.

Microfluidic Chip for Peptide Analysis with an Integrated HPLC Column, Sample Enrichment Column, and Nanoelectrospray Tip

Abstract: Current nano-LC/MS systems require the use of an enrichment column, a separation column, a nanospray tip, and the fittings needed to connect these parts together. In this paper, we present a microfabricated approach to nano-LC, which integrates these components on a single LC chip, eliminating the need for conventional LC connections. The chip was fabricated by laminating polyimide films with laser-ablated channels, ports, and frit structures. The enrichment and separation columns were packed using conventional reversed-phase chromatography particles. A face-seal rotary valve provided a means for switching between sample loading and separation configurations with minimum dead and delay volumes while allowing high-pressure operation. The LC chip and valve assembly were mounted within a custom electrospray source on an ion-trap mass spectrometer. The overall system performance was demonstrated through reversed-phase gradient separations of tryptic protein digests at flow rates between 100 and 400 nL/min. Microfluidic integration of the nano-LC components enabled separations with subfemtomole detection sensitivity, minimal carryover, and robust and stable electrospray throughout the LC solvent gradient.

The External RNA Controls Consortium: a progress report.

Abstract: Standard controls and best practice guidelines advance acceptance of data from research, preclinical and clinical laboratories by providing a means for evaluating data quality. The External RNA Controls Consortium (ERCC) is developing commonly agreed-upon and tested controls for use in expression assays, a true industry-wide standard control.

Differences among techniques for high-abundant protein depletion.

Abstract: The need to identify protein or peptide biomarkers via readily available biological samples like serum, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid is often hindered by a few particular proteins present at relatively high concentrations. The ability to remove these proteins specifically, reproducibly, and with high selectivity is increasingly important in proteomic studies, and success in this procedure is leading to an ever-increasing list of lower abundant proteins being identified in these biological fluids. The current work addresses some of the potential problems in depleting proteins in typical biomarker studies, including nonspecific binding during depletion procedures and whether low molecular weight (LMW) species bind to the column in a so-called "sponge" effect caused by the ability of albumin or other high-abundant proteins to bind peptides or protein fragments. LC-MS/MS methods were applied to the comparative analysis of an IgG-based immunodepletion method and a Cibacron blue (CB)-dye-based method, for specificity of removing targeted proteins (binding fraction), as well as for assessing efficiency of target removal. This analysis was extended to examine the effects of repeated use of materials (cycles of binding and elution), in order to assess potential for carryover of one sample to the next. Capacity studies and efficiency of protein removal from the serum samples were followed for the IgG-based system using both immunochemical assays (ELISA) as well as LC-MS/MS methods. Additionally, the IgG-based system was further characterized for the removal of LMW polypeptides by nonspecific binding. We conclude that the IgG-based system provided effective removal of targeted proteins, with minimal carryover, high longevity, and minimal nonspecific binding. Significant differences are noted between the depletion techniques employed, and this should be considered based on the expectations set during experimental design.

Mechanical Stress Induces Biotic and Abiotic Stress Responses via a Novel cis-Element

Abstract: Plants are continuously exposed to a myriad of abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these stress signals are perceived and transduced are poorly understood. To begin to identify primary stress signal transduction components, we have focused on genes that respond rapidly (within 5 min) to stress signals. Because it has been hypothesized that detection of physical stress is a mechanism common to mounting a response against a broad range of environmental stresses, we have utilized mechanical wounding as the stress stimulus and performed whole genome microarray analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana leaf tissue. This led to the identification of a number of rapid wound responsive (RWR) genes. Comparison of RWR genes with published abiotic and biotic stress microarray datasets demonstrates a large overlap across a wide range of environmental stresses. Interestingly, RWR genes also exhibit a striking level and pattern of circadian regulation, with induced and repressed genes displaying antiphasic rhythms. Using bioinformatic analysis, we identified a novel motif overrepresented in the promoters of RWR genes, herein designated as the Rapid Stress Response Element (RSRE). We demonstrate in transgenic plants that multimerized RSREs are sufficient to confer a rapid response to both biotic and abiotic stresses in vivo, thereby establishing the functional involvement of this motif in primary transcriptional stress responses. Collectively, our data provide evidence for a novel cis-element that is distributed across the promoters of an array of diverse stress-responsive genes, poised to respond immediately and coordinately to stress signals. This structure suggests that plants may have a transcriptional network resembling the general stress signaling pathway in yeast and that the RSRE element may provide the key to this coordinate regulation.

Broad-band poly-harmonic distortion (PHD) behavioral models from fast automated simulations and large-signal vectorial network measurements

Abstract: We present an optimal experiment design methodology and a superior and fully automated model generation procedure for identifying a class of broad-band multiharmonic behavioral models in the frequency domain. The approach reduces the number of nonlinear measurements needed, minimizes the time to generate the data from simulations, reduces the time to extract the model functions from data, and when used for simulation-based models, takes maximum advantage of specialized simulation algorithms. The models have been subject to extensive validation in applications to real microwave integrated circuits. The derived model is valid for both small and large amplitude drive signals, correctly predicts even and odd harmonics through cascaded chains of functional blocks, simulates accurately load-pull behavior away from 50 /spl Omega/, and predicts adjacent channel power ratio and constellation diagrams in remarkably close agreement to the circuit model from which the behavioral model was derived. The model and excitation design templates for generating them from simulations are implemented in Agilent Technologies' Advanced Design System.

Oxidation Resistant Germanium Nanowires: Bulk Synthesis, Long Chain Alkanethiol Functionalization, and Langmuir−Blodgett Assembly

Abstract: A simple method is developed to synthesize gram quantities of uniform Ge nanowires (GeNWs) by chemical vapor deposition on preformed, monodispersed seed particles loaded onto a high surface area silica support. Various chemical functionalization schemes are investigated to passivate the GeNW surfaces using alkanethiols and alkyl Grignard reactions. The stability of functionalization against oxidation of germanium for various alkyl chain lengths is elucidated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Among all schemes tested, long chain alkanethiols (> or = C12) are found to impart the most stable GeNW passivation against oxidation upon extended exposure to ambient air. Further, the chemically functionalized oxidation-resistant nanowires are soluble in organic solvents and can be readily assembled into close-packed Langmuir-Blodgett films potentially useful for future high performance electronic devices.

User interface incorporating emulated hard keys

Abstract: An emulated hard key that emulates a key of a user-selected keyboard is generated on a reconfigurable keyboard In one exemplary embodiment, the reconfigurable keyboard has an array of microchambers Each microchamber is operable to change from a first height to a second height A keyboard emulator controller controls the array of microchambers to set a first group of microchambers to the second height When set to the second height, the first group of microchambers collectively emulates a first key of the user-selected keyboard

Imaging device employing optical motion sensor as gyroscope

Abstract: A motion sensor configured to control compensation for movement of an imaging device receiving light representative of a selected scene on an image plane. The motion sensor includes and array of photoelements and a controller. The array of photoelements is configured to acquire successive images of features of an environment within a field of view of the motion sensor; including a first image of features and a second image of features acquired at a time interval after the first image, the first and second images including common features. The controller is configured to receive and correlate the first and second images to detect movement of the imaging device about a first and a second axis during the time interval by detecting differences in locations of the common features relative to the array of photoelements, and to provide first and second compensation signals based on the correlation to control opto-mechanical adjustments to counter detected movement of the imaging device about the first and second axes so as to maintain a substantially fixed relationship between the selected scene and the imaging plane.

Pathway analysis of coronary atherosclerosis

Abstract: Large-scale gene expression studies provide significant insight into genes differentially regulated in disease processes such as cancer. However, these investigations offer limited understanding of multisystem, multicellular diseases such as atherosclerosis. A systems biology approach that accounts for gene interactions, incorporates nontranscriptionally regulated genes, and integrates prior knowledge offers many advantages. We performed a comprehensive gene level assessment of coronary atherosclerosis using 51 coronary artery segments isolated from the explanted hearts of 22 cardiac transplant patients. After histological grading of vascular segments according to American Heart Association guidelines, isolated RNA was hybridized onto a customized 22-K oligonucleotide microarray, and significance analysis of microarrays and gene ontology analyses were performed to identify significant gene expression profiles. Our studies revealed that loss of differentiated smooth muscle cell gene expression is the primary expression signature of disease progression in atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we provide insight into the severe form of coronary artery disease associated with diabetes, reporting an overabundance of immune and inflammatory signals in diabetics. We present a novel approach to pathway development based on connectivity, determined by language parsing of the published literature, and ranking, determined by the significance of differentially regulated genes in the network. In doing this, we identify highly connected "nexus" genes that are attractive candidates for therapeutic targeting and followup studies. Our use of pathway techniques to study atherosclerosis as an integrated network of gene interactions expands on traditional microarray analysis methods and emphasizes the significant advantages of a systems-based approach to analyzing complex disease.

The cytochrome P450scc system opens an alternate pathway of vitamin D3 metabolism

Abstract: We show that cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) in either a reconstituted system or in isolated adrenal mitochondria can metabolize vitamin D3. The major products of the reaction with reconstituted enzyme were 20-hydroxycholecalciferol and 20,22-dihydroxycholecalciferol, with yields of 16 and 4%, respectively, of the original vitamin D3 substrate. Trihydroxycholecalciferol was a minor product, likely arising from further metabolism of dihydroxycholecalciferol. Based on NMR analysis and known properties of P450scc we propose that hydroxylation of vitamin D3 by P450scc occurs sequentially and stereospecifically with initial formation of 20(S)-hydroxyvitamin D3. P450scc did not metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, indicating that modification of C25 protected it against P450scc action. Adrenal mitochondria also metabolized vitamin D3 yielding 10 hydroxyderivatives, with UV spectra typical of vitamin D triene chromophores. Aminogluthimide inhibition showed that the three major metabolites, but not the others, resulted from P450scc action. It therefore appears that non-P450scc enzymes present in the adrenal cortex to some extent contribute to metabolism of vitamin D3. We conclude that purified P450scc in a reconstituted system or P450scc in adrenal mitochondria can add one hydroxyl group to vitamin D3 with subsequent hydroxylation being observed for reconstituted enzyme but not for adrenal mitochondria. Additional vitamin D3 metabolites arise from the action of other enzymes in adrenal mitochondria. These findings appear to define novel metabolic pathways involving vitamin D3 that remain to be characterized.

Method for linear mRNA amplification

Abstract: Methods for linearly amplifying mRNA to produce antisense RNA are provided. In the subject methods, mRNA is converted to double-stranded cDNA using a promoter-primer having a poly-dT primer site linked to a promoter sequence so that the resulting double-stranded cDNA is recognized by an RNA polymerase. The resultant double-stranded cDNA is then transcribed into antisense RNA in the presence of a reverse transcriptase that is rendered incapable of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity during this transcription step. The subject methods find use a variety of different applications in which the preparation of linearly amplified amounts of antisense RNA is desired. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic prefractionation of immunodepleted human serum proteins to enhance mass spectrometry identification of lower-abundant proteins.

Abstract: Serum analysis represents an extreme challenge due to the dynamic range of the proteins of interest, and the high structural complexity of the constituent proteins. In serum, the quantities of proteins and peptides of interest range from those considered "high abundance", present at 2-70% by mass of total protein, to those considered "low abundance", present at 10(-12) M or less. This range of analytical target molecules is outside the realm of available technologies for proteomic analysis. Therefore, in this study, we have developed a workflow toward addressing the complexity of these samples through the application of multidimensional separation techniques. The use of reversed-phase methods for the separation and fractionation of protein samples has been investigated, with the goal of developing an optimized serum separation for application to proteomic analysis. Samples of human serum were depleted of the six most abundant proteins, using an immunoaffinity LC method, then were separated under a variety of reversed-phase (RP) conditions using a macroporous silica C18 surface modified column material. To compare the qualities of the RP separations of this complex protein sample, absorbance chromatograms were compared, and fractions were collected for off-line SDS-PAGE and 2D-LC-MS/MS analysis. The column fractions were further investigated by determination of protein identities using either whole selected fractions, or gel bands excised from SDS-PAGE gels of the fractions. In either case samples underwent tryptic fragmentation and peptide analysis using MALDI-MS or LC-MS/MS. The preferred conditions for RP protein separation exhibited reproducibly high resolution and high protein recoveries (>98%, as determined by protein assay). Using the preferred conditions also permitted high column mass load, with up to 500 microg of protein well tolerated using a 4.6 mm ID x 50 mm column, or up to 1.5 mg on a 9.4 mm ID x 50 mm column. Elevated column temperature (80 degrees C) was observed to be a critical operational parameter, with poorer results observed at lower temperatures. The combination of sample simplification by immunoaffinity depletion combined with a robust and high recovery RP-HPLC fractionation yields samples permitting higher quality protein identifications by coupled LC-MS methods.

Nanoliquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of oligosaccharides employing graphitized carbon chromatography on microchip with a high-accuracy mass analyzer.

Abstract: The nanoLC separations of oligosaccharides using microchip-based columns are described. Mixtures of alditols from mucins and human milk are separated on graphitized carbon. The nanoLC-MS device showed high mass accuracy for the oligosaccharides ranging between 1 and 6 ppm on routine analyses. The high mass accuracy readily allowed identification of oligosaccharide peaks and the determination of their compositions. High retention time reproducibility was exhibited by the microchip LC. Little variation was observed for standard sample either alone or in a complex heterogeneous mixture. The nanoLC-MS exhibits excellent capabilities in profiling mixtures of oligosaccharides.

III-nitride semiconductor light emitting device having a silver p-contact

Abstract: A light emitting device includes an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer for generating light, the active layer being in electrical contact with the n-type semiconductor layer. A p-type semiconductor layer is in electrical contact with the active layer, and a p-electrode is in electrical contact with the p-type semiconductor layer. The p-electrode includes a layer of silver. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer are constructed from group III nitride semiconducting materials. In one embodiment of the invention, the silver layer is sufficiently thin to be transparent. In other embodiments, the silver layer is thick enough to reflect most of the light incident thereon. A fixation layer may be provided. The fixation layer may be a dielectric or a conductor.

Oxidation Resistant Germanium Nanowires: Bulk Synthesis, Long Chain Alkanethiol Functionalization and Langmuir-Blodgett Assembly

Abstract: A simple method is developed to synthesize gram quantities of uniform Ge nanowires (GeNWs) by chemical vapor deposition on preformed, monodispersed seed-particles loaded onto high surface area silica support. Various chemical functionalization schemes are investigated to passivate the GeNW surfaces using alkanethiols and alkyl Grignard reactions. The stability of functionalization against oxidation of germanium for various alkyl chain lengths is elucidated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Among all schemes tested, long chain alkanethiols (>=C12) are found to impart the most stable GeNW passivation against oxidation upon extended exposure to ambient air. Further, the chemically functionalized oxidation-resistant nanowires are soluble in organic solvents and can be readily assembled into close-packed Langmuir-Blodgett films potentially useful for future high performance electronic devices.

Efficient calculation of interval scores for DNA copy number data analysis

Abstract: Background. DNA amplifications and deletions characterize cancer genome and are often related to disease evolution. Microarray based techniques for measuring these DNA copy-number changes use fluorescence ratios at arrayed DNA elements (BACs, cDNA or oligonucleotides) to provide signals at high resolution, in terms of genomic locations. These data are then further analyzed to map aberrations and boundaries and identify biologically significant structures. Methods. We develop a statistical framework that enables the casting of several DNA copy number data analysis questions as optimization problems over real valued vectors of signals. The simplest form of the optimization problem seeks to maximize $\varphi (I) = \sum v_i/\sqrt{|I|}$ over all subintervals I in the input vector. We present and prove a linear time approximation scheme for this problem. Namely, a process with time complexity O(ne−2) that outputs an interval for which ϕ(I) is at least Opt/α(e), where Opt is the actual optimum and α(e) → 1 as e → 0. We further develop practical implementations that improve the performance of the naive quadratic approach by orders of magnitude. We discuss properties of optimal intervals and how they apply to the algorithm performance. Examples. We benchmark our algorithms on synthetic as well as publicly available DNA copy number data. We demonstrate the use of these methods for identifying aberrations in single samples as well as common alterations in fixed sets and subsets of breast cancer samples.

Marek's disease virus Meq transforms chicken cells via the v-Jun transcriptional cascade: a converging transforming pathway for avian oncoviruses.

Abstract: Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly pathogenic and oncogenic herpesvirus of chickens. MDV encodes a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein, Meq (MDV EcoQ). The bZIP domain of Meq shares homology with Jun/Fos, whereas the transactivation/repressor domain is entirely different. Increasing evidence suggests that Meq is the oncoprotein of MDV. Direct evidence that Meq transforms chicken cells and the underlying mechanism, however, remain completely unknown. Taking advantage of the DF-1 chicken embryo fibroblast transformation system, a well established model for studying avian sarcoma and leukemia oncogenes, we probed the transformation properties and pathways of Meq. We found that Meq transforms DF-1, with a cell morphology akin to v-Jun and v-Ski transformed cells, and protects DF-1 from apoptosis, and the transformed cells are tumorigenic in chorioallantoic membrane assay. Significantly, using microarray and RT-PCR analyses, we have identified up-regulated genes such as JTAP-1, JAC, and HB-EGF, which belong to the v-Jun transforming pathway. In addition, c-Jun was found to form stable dimers with Meq and colocalize with it in the transformed cells. RNA interference to Meq and c-Jun down-modulated the expression of these genes and reduced the growth of the transformed DF-1, suggesting that Meq transforms chicken cells by pirating the Jun pathway. These data suggest that avian herpesvirus and retrovirus oncogenes use a similar strategy in transformation and oncogenesis.

Transcript copy number estimation using a mouse whole-genome oligonucleotide microarray

Abstract: The ability to quantitatively measure the expression of all genes in a given tissue or cell with a single assay is an exciting promise of gene-expression profiling technology. An in situ-synthesized 60-mer oligonucleotide microarray designed to detect transcripts from all mouse genes was validated, as well as a set of exogenous RNA controls derived from the yeast genome (made freely available without restriction), which allow quantitative estimation of absolute endogenous transcript abundance.

The Effect of Perimeter Geometry on FBAR Resonator Electrical Performance

Abstract: We describe the first four Lamb-Rayleigh modes seen in an FBAR resonator. We also describe the effect of apodization (non parallel edges) have on the kx-ky space as compared to square resonators.

Two-stage Off-Gel isoelectric focusing: protein followed by peptide fractionation and application to proteome analysis of human plasma.

Abstract: This paper presents the recently introduced Off-Gel™ electrophoresis (OGE) technology as a versatile tool to reproducibly fractionate intact proteins and peptides into discrete liquid fractions. The coupling of two stages of OGE, i.e., the separation of intact proteins in a first-stage followed by fractionation of peptides derived from each protein fraction after proteolysis in a second stage, results in an array of 15×15 fractions that are directly amenable to additional peptide fractionation like reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RPC). The analysis of all second-stage peptide fractions from only the first-stage protein fraction representing pH 5.0 –5.15 by on-line reverse-phase LC-tandem mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of 53 proteins (337 peptides), of which 10 were on different immunoglobulin (Ig) chains, with an input of only 1.5 mg human blood plasma proteins. Increasing the protein load to approximately 12 mg increased the number of identified proteins in the same protein fraction to 73 proteins (449 peptides), of which 15 were Ig-related. Immunodepletion of six of the most abundant proteins (albumin, transferrin, haptoglobin, IgG, IgA, and α-1-antitrypsin) prior to first-stage OGE with an input of 1.5 mg of protein (equivalent to approximately 10 mg nondepleted plasma) resulted in the identification of 81 proteins (660 peptides), of which three were still Ig fragments. The pI-based separation of peptides appears to be nonuniform based on the theoretically determined pI values of identified peptides. This observation specifically accounts for the neutral zone (pI 5–8) and can be accounted for by the physicochemical properties of the peptides given by their amino acid composition. The power of OGE separation of proteins and peptides is discussed with a focus on the use of the knowledge about the pI of proteins and peptides that assist the validation of correct identifications together with the retention time of peptides on RPC.

Pressure distribution sensor and sensing method

Abstract: A spatial pressure distribution sensor comprises a sensor array and a processor. The sensor array comprises an array of pressure sensors. Each of the pressure sensors is operable to generate a respective pressure signal in response to pressure applied to it. The pressure signal quantifies the pressure with greater than single-bit resolution. The processor is operable in response to the pressure signals to generate an information signal representing the spatial distribution of pressure applied to the sensor array.

Systems, methods and computer readable media for performing a domain-specific metasearch, and visualizing search results therefrom

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for performing a domain-specific metasearch, and obtaining search results therefrom. A metasearch engine capable of accessing generic, web-based search engines and domain-relevant search engines is provided to receive one or more queries inputted by a user, and to search for documents on at least one the generic, web-based search engines and domain-relevant search engines which are relevant to the queries. Raw data search results are fetched in the form of text documents. Relevant data including semantic information are extracted from the raw data search results, and converted to a local format. The relevant data having been converted to the local format may be visualized as a network visualization. Additionally or alternatively, the raw data search results may be ranked and/or filtered based on the linking of the relevant data. Visualization of the raw data having been ranked and/or filtered may be performed in addition to, or alternative to visualization of the network.

Biometric data card and authentication method

Abstract: A biometric data card (100) includes an image sensor (130) for capturing an image of a biometric feature (500) of a user of the biometric data card (100) and producing first image data (170) representing the image. The biometric data card (100) compares the first image data (170) to second image data stored within the biometric data card (100) to authenticate the user. The biometric data card (100) is usable with a terminal (400) including a slot (450) for receiving the biometric data card (100). The terminal (400) can further include an optical element (540) optically coupled to direct the image onto the image sensor (130) of the biometric data card (100).