Abstract: The present invention relates to speech enhancement accomplished by applying an overweighting gain of a nonlinear structure in a wavelet packet transform domain or a Fourier transform domain. The present invention relates to a method for improving quality of speech signals, which can be applied in a variety of noise-level conditions using noise estimation of the least-square line method and a modified spectral subtraction method having a nonlinear overweighting gain for each sub-band. According to the method for improving quality of speech of the present invention, it is effective in that quality of speech can be further effectively improved in a variety of noise-level conditions. Particularly, according to the present invention, generation of musical tones can be efficiently suppressed, and intelligibility of speech is reliably guaranteed in the improved speech.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an IF address lookup apparatus using a Bloom filter and a multi-hashing architecture that includes a buffering means that outputs a prefix of an inputted address having the number of bits reduced by one bit whenever a control signal is received at the time of outputting the prefix of the inputted address; a hashing hardware that generates a plurality of hashing indexes by hashing the prefix (hereinafter, referred to as “output prefix”) outputted from the buffering means; a Bloom filter that determines whether or not the output prefix is an entry of the hash table by using the plurality of hashing indexes; and a processor that includes the hash table and an overflow table and outputs a prefix that matches the output prefix by searching entries of locations of the hash table indicated by the plurality of hashing indexes and entries stored in the overflow table when a Bloom filter's determination result is positive and outputs the control signal to the buffering means when the ma

Abstract: A sound generator includes a transducer converting electric energy to mechanical energy, a mechanical amplifier mechanically amplifying a vibration generated in a piezoelectric component of the transducer, and a radiation plate radiating a sound wave from a signal amplified by the mechanical amplifier, wherein the radiation plate includes a first step having a height for compensating for a first resonance frequency and a second step having a height for compensating for a second resonance frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing the IP-10 protein (interferon-?-inducible protein 10) as a novel therapeutic target relating to the etiology of bone diseases with bone destruction associated with RNAKL expression and osteoclast formation. More specifically, the present invention relates to (i) a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a disease or disorder associated with the expression of RANKL (receptor activator of NF-?B ligand), (ii) a method for inhibiting the expression of RANKL and (iii) a method for screening an antibody drug candidate to inhibit the expression of RANKL.

Abstract: An improved automatic slack adjuster for reducing slack in the brake of a vehicle, in which a one-way clutch assembly is arranged at a side of the automatic slack adjuster housing, and one-way motion-inhibiting pawls in the one-way clutch assembly act on one-way gear teeth disposed on an inner radius of a gear wheel within the assembly whose outer circumference drives a slack adjuster unit. The incorporation of the one-way clutch within the anchor unit of the adjuster provides an automatic slack adjuster which can be produced at a reduced cost, manufactured more easily, and provides for improved adjustment performance with much reduced dependence on the lubricity of grease used.

Abstract: Single-dose controlled-release immunogenic formulations, such as vaccines, based on bioerodible polyanhydride copolymer or homopolymer microparticles for the control of immune response mechanisms are provided. The copolymer or homopolymer microparticles degrade by surface-erosion from in vivo hydrolysis of anhydride linkages at the surface of the microparticle, which results in controlled release of immunogen(s) to a patient.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is disclosed. The microfluidic system comprises a microchannel having in fluid communication with a fluid inlet for receiving a first fluid. The microfluidic system can further comprise a piezoelectric actuator which controls the flow of the first fluid in the microchannel by selectively applying external pressure on the wall of the microchannel.

Abstract: A multi-layer film-stack and method for forming the multilayer film-stack is given where a series of alternating layers of conducting and dielectric materials are deposited such that the conducting layers can be selectively addressed. The use of the method to form integratable high capacitance density capacitors and complete the formation of an integrated power system-on-a-chip device including transistors, conductors, inductors, and capacitors is also given.

Abstract: The invention generally provides compositions and methods of using a subject's genetic information for the selection of prophylactic or therapeutic agents and treatment regimens, and related methods for assaying the risk of an adverse cardiovascular event in the patient.

Abstract: Primitive or progenitor hematologic cancer cells have been implicated in the early stages and development of leukemia and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL). Interleukin-3 receptor alpha chain (IL-3R? or CD123) is strongly expressed on progenitor hematologic cancer cells, but is virtually undetectable on normal bone marrow cells. The present invention provides methods of impairing progenitor hematologic cancer (e.g., leukemia and lymphomic) cells by selectively targeting cells expressing CD123. These methods are useful in the detection and treatment of leukemias and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders. Also provided are compounds useful for selectively binding to CD123 and impairing progenitor hematologic cancer cells. These compounds may include cytotoxic moieites such as, for example, radioisotopes or chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: This invention features methods of enhancing immune responses in mammalian subjects and in vitro methods of enhancing the response of a T cell. Also embodied by the invention are methods of receiving and preventing the induction of energy in T cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a process for decreasing waste material. The process includes loading organic material into a vessel, supplying ozone and water into the vessel, separating the organic material into solid material and liquid material, and reconditioning water from the liquid material for use again. The ozone oxidizes and breaks down at least a portion of the organic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing Fusarium resistant tetraploid wheat by crossing a hexaploid Fusarium resistant wheat with a teraploid durum wheat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing the ability of a power delivery system to withstand the occurrence of multiple failure events. Specifically, the invention is directed to a power delivery system employing a web-type network topology for a generator bus where at least two power generating sources, such as generators, are connected by an external ring, wherein the external ring is comprised of a plurality of ring segments. A first set of cables connects each power generating element with a central point and a second set of cables connects the center of each ring segment with the central point, wherein power is deliverable to the central point via at least one of the external ring, first set of cables and the second set of cables. Additional internal rings of cables may also be utilized to connect the first and second sets of cables.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for registering multiple sensors collecting data from multiple objects. Sensor registration is decomposed into a two-step procedure. The first step corrects systematic errors. The second step assigns objects measured by one sensor to objects measured by a second sensor. Systematic errors are corrected by generating the global minimum of a systematic error function. One embodiment for generating the global minimum uses a Continuous Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube reinforced metal nanocomposite material includes a continuous metal phase, and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the continuous metal phase. The metal phase extends throughout substantially an entire thickness of the nanocomposite material. The nanotubes are preferably single wall nanotubes (SWNTs). Carbon nanotube reinforced metal nanocomposites according to the invention provide thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity which are generally significantly higher than the pure metal continuous phase material, mechanical strength is 2 to 3 times greater than that of the pure metal, and a tailorable coefficient of thermal expansion obtainable through changing the percentage of nanotubes in the nanocomposite.

Abstract: Embodiments pertain to methods of improving the performance of a frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) radar system and improving the value of the information provided the FMCW system. In an embodiment, the IF level is monitored while sweeping the frequency of the system through at least a portion of the frequency range of the system and the frequency is set to produce the minimum IF level. Embodiments expedite the adaptation of the comb filter to the signal when the system is turned on. In an embodiment, a method of quickly determining the largest peaks in the RDM is implemented. Embodiments relate to a method for processing a radar signal that classifies two or more targets. An embodiment classifies a human target or other target(s) using amplitude values in time-consecutive range-Doppler maps. An embodiment processes a radar signal for improving the performance of FMCW detection, tracking, and classification algorithms.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for frameless guidance of image-based medical procedures such as stereotactic radiotherapy and surgery. Devices including custom fitting subject-specific articles include contoured surfaces that provide spatial reference to the location of target regions within the subject. The devices are attached exclusive of fasteners anchored to the tissue of the subject and reside on the front of a head of the subject when attached. The devices and articles can be fabricated using computer-directed fabrication technology.

Abstract: A device for detecting radiation includes a substantially transparent substrate with one or more substantially transparent scintillating films patterned onto the surface and with one or more integrated waveguides such that radiation of differing species may be detected by an optical light detector and such that the composition of the radiation may be analyzed. A scintillating material for detecting individual species of radiation and including one or more groups of nanoparticles mixed with a fast electron scintillating material and extruded into a transparent film such that a light pulse is emitted when said transparent film is exposed to the species of radiation targeted by the nanoparticle groups.