Abstract: For tracking multiple, simultaneous voices, predicted tracking is used to follow individual voices through time, even when the voices are very similar in fundamental frequency. An acoustic waveform comprised of a group of voices is submitted to a frequency estimator, which may employ an average magnitude difference function (AMDF) calculation to determine the voice fundamental frequencies that are present for each voice. These frequency estimates are then used as input values to a recurrent neural network that tracks each of the frequencies by predicting the current fundamental frequency value for each voice present based on past fundamental frequency values in order to disambiguate any fundamental frequency trajectories that may be converging in frequency.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to the regulation of transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria of a cell and, therefore, for the regulation of steroidogenesis are provided. Compositions include nucleic acid molecules encoding a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), StAR protein molecules and peptides having amino acid sequences as disclosed herein, and anti-StAR antibodies. Methods include immunoassays using anti-StAR antibodies and nucleic acid based screening methods for pathologies correlated with defects in StAR, such as lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia and dose sensitive sex reversal. In addition, these compositions and methods may be useful for treatment of steroid honnone-dependent disorders, in particular, for lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Abstract: The presence of a restriction site in the gene for apolipoprotein CI (APOCI) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The invention involves determining the presence of the restriction site in biological samples from patients suspected to be at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The presence of the restriction site indicates that the patient may be at higher risk for the disease; those who are heterozygotes may be at intermediate risk; while those lacking the site are at a lesser risk for the disease. PCR amplification and the use of improved oligonucleotide primers specific to the region surrounding the restriction site as well as digestion with the restriction enzyme may be used to determine the presence of the site. APOCI provides a genetic marker for Alzheimer's disease that is distinct from APOE4. The methods disclosed provide a more accurate and definitive screening technique for the early identification of Alzheimer's disease compared to screening of APOE4 alone in some populations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to the regulation of transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria of a cell and, therefore, for the regulation of steroidogenesis are provided. Compositions include nucleic acid molecules encoding a steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), StAR protein molecules and peptides having amino acid sequences as disclosed herein, and anti-StAR antibodies. Methods include immunoassays using anti-StAR antibodies and nucleic acid based screening methods for pathologies correlated with defects in StAR, such as lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In addition, these compositions and methods may be useful for treatment of steroid hormone-dependent disorders, in particular, for lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices having improved anti-microbial resistance to bacteria and fungus. Indwelling devices, such as catheters and the like, include low amounts of gentian violet, or a combination of gentian violet and silver nitrate. Methods for preparing the treated devices using alcohol and similar solvents are also detailed. The devices may be made of polyurethane, silicone, or other similarly absorptive material. Methods of inhibiting infection and long-term catheter management with the described devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved blood substitute comprises purified hemoglobin, preferably bovine, cross-linked intramolecularly with periodate-oxidized ATP (o-ATP) and intermolecularly with periodate-oxidized adenosine (o-adenosine), combined with reduced glutathione (GSH), and optionally enriched with mannitol, non-electrolytes, and/or electrolytes. The blood substitute has prolonged intravascular persistence, can sustain plasma volume, has low oxygen affinity, can work as a physiological oxygen carrier, has vasodilator activity and can reduce the vasoconstriction that follows hemorrhage. A method of treating a human afflicted with acute blood loss and/or a sickling crisis of sickle cell anemia comprises intravenously administrating to the human an effective volume of the blood substitute.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating substantially pure phasic-type neutronal activity associated with a specific pattern of pupil diameter variation comprisesmeans for repeatedly measuring pupil diameter and for outputting signals representing the measurements; andmeans operatively connected to the pupil diameter measuring means for evaluating a pattern of pupil diameter variation in response to the presentation to a subject's eye of at least two images capable of eliciting a substantially pure phasic-type neuronal response.

Abstract: A surgical clip is disclosed. The clip may be used to anchor a cholangiographic catheter that has been previously inserted into the cystic duct to the position it has been placed within the cystic duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically performing a blood glucose test includes a cylindrical carrier with a holder for receiving a reagent pad. Upon receiving the pad, the carrier holds the pad for a predetermined reaction time and then rotates the pad successively to washing and de-watering stations. After de-watering, the pad is presented to a measuring station at which a reflectometer evaluates the color characteristics of the pad. A display of glucose level as a function of the color change of the pad is presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hypotensive composition comprising a peptide having the structure X-Y, Y-X, or a salt thereof, wherein X is proline or proline-proline and Y is arginine, lysine, arginine-arginine, lysine-lysine, arginine-lysine, or lysine-arginine, together with a pharmaceutically suitable diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hypotensive composition comprising a peptide having the structure X-Y, Y-X, or a salt thereof, wherein X is proline or proline-proline and Y is arginine, lysine, arginine-arginine, lysine-lysine, arginine-lysine, or lysine-arginine, together with a pharmaceutically suitable diluent.