Abstract: A method of processing papermaking fiber includes characterizing the initial color of the pulp and the color of the pulp after treatment with a phloroglucinol stain. The color response of the pulp to the stain has been found to be a better indicator of processing needs for secondary pulps in particular and in any event is selective for untreated groundwood as opposed to conventional groundwood identification methods. The color difference is used to target a suitable product for the pulp, to aid in bleaching/deinking strategy or to enable optimization of fiber blending for particular products. In a preferred embodiment the process includes determining changes in CIE L*, a*, b* and brightness values before and after staining of the pulp.

Abstract: A method of initializing an ITU Recommendation G.729 Annex B voice activity detection (VAD) device is disclosed, having the steps of (1) extracting a set of parameters from a signal that characterize the signal; (2) calculating an energy measure of the signal from the set of parameters; (3) comparing the energy measure with a reference value; (4) determining an initial value for an average of a noise characteristic of the signal; and (5) counting the number of times the energy measure equals or exceeds the reference level. Also disclosed is a method of converging an ITU Recommendation G.

Abstract: Data storage tape includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a recording layer disposed on the first side of the substrate, and a coating disposed on the second side of the substrate. A surface of the coating has a pattern formed therein such that the pattern communicates with at least one of a first edge and a second edge of the data storage tape.

Abstract: Novel human and mouse DNA sequences that encode the gene CG1CE, which, when mutated, is responsible for Best's macular dystrophy, are provided. Provided are genomic CG1CE DNA as well as cDNA that encodes the CG1CE protein. Also provided is CG1CE protein encoded by the novel DNA sequences. Methods of expressing CG1CE protein in recombinant systems are provided. Also provided are diagnostic methods that detect patients having mutant CG1CE genes.

Abstract: A collapsible air vent closure is disclosed comprising a frame having a frame aperture. A closure is mounted to the frame for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. A movable vent wall having a vent orifice is interposed between the frame and the closure. The vent orifice provides an air flow path to the frame aperture when the closure is in the open position. The closure inhibits the air flow path to the frame aperture when the closure is in the closed position.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed having an adjustable length deck and a mattress positionable on the deck.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a polynucleotide of interest, comprising providing one or more sets of consecutive oligonucleotide primers differing within each set by one base at the growing end therof; annealing a single strand of the polynucleotide or a fragment of the polynucleotide to the oligonucleotide primers under hybridization conditions; subjecting the primers to single base extension reactions with a polymerase and terminating nucleotides, the terminating nucleotides being mutually distinguishable; and observing the location and identity of each terminating nucleotide to thereby analyze the sequence or a part of the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide of interest, is disclosed. An apparatus comprising a solid support to which is attached at defined locations thereon one or more sets of consecutive oligonucleotide primers differing within each set by one base at the growing end thereof is also described.

Abstract: A pair of glasses with one or more electrical components partially or fully embedded in the glasses is disclosed. In one embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a speaker and an electrical connector, both at least partially embedded in the glasses, with the speaker and the connector electrically coupled together by an electrical conductor. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a storage medium and an electrical connector. In yet another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a speaker, a coder/decoder, a processor and a storage medium. The glasses can serve as a multimedia asset player. In a further embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a base tethered to a pair of glasses. Instead of just receiving signals, in one embodiment, a pair of glasses also has a microphone and a wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a preference indicator that allows a user to indicate the user's preference regarding, for example, what is being output by the glasses.

Abstract: A blood pump may be adapted to sense the onset of left ventricular collapse by monitoring a pulsatility index, and may adjust the pump speed to maintain the index at a setpoint. The pulsatility index may be measured by the amount of difference between the maximum and the minimum volume of flow through the pump during a particular time period. The setpoint may be increased when the onset of ventricular collapse is detected, for example, when the pulsatility index falls suddenly. The setpoint may be decreased incrementally when the onset of ventricular collapse has not been detected for a period of time, such as for a particular period of time since the last detection of the onset of ventricular collapse.

Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses that includes wireless communication capabilities is disclosed. The eyeglasses are referred to herein as “wireless eyeglasses.” The eyeglasses can also include one or more operation indicators. The wireless eyeglasses can allow a user to communicate with a communication device in a wireless and hands-free manner. The one or more operation indicators that can be provided with the wireless eyeglasses can signal operational status of the wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: A pair of glasses includes a clock that is at least partially embedded in the glasses. The clock can be in one of the temples of the glasses. In one implementation, the clock can be positioned at a region close to a hinge of the corresponding temple, with the clock facing inward towards the user. The clock can also be in a temple arrangement. Instead of or in addition to a clock, other types of electrical components can be at least partially embedded into a pair of glasses or a temple arrangement of a pair of glasses. For example, the other electrical components can pertain to a RFID tag, a temperature sensor or an eyewear finder.

Abstract: A method of reworking BEOL (back end of a processing line) metallization levels of damascene metallurgy comprises forming a plurality of BEOL metallization levels over a substrate, forming line and via portions in the BEOL metallization levels, selectively removing at least one of the BEOL metallization levels to expose the line and via portions, and replacing the removed BEOL metallization levels with at least one new BEOL metallization level, wherein the BEOL metallization levels comprise a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, and wherein the first dielectric layer comprising a lower dielectric constant material than the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear (e.g., eyeglasses) without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. Often, the electrical components can be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere.

Abstract: A secure computing environment in which a computer automatically operates in a full-access data storage mode when it detects the presence of a secure removable storage device. In full-access mode all data written to removable storage device is encrypted with a cryptographic key and the user is given access to sensitive if authorized. Otherwise, the computer operates in a restricted-access mode in which the user is unable to write to the removable storage device and is unable to access sensitive data. The invention detects security information on the data storage device and generates a cryptographic key from the security information. The security information can be a function of the unique format characteristics of the underlying storage medium, a unique identifier retrieved from an electronic circuit embedded within the removable storage device or a serial number etched on the storage device during manufacturing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and fixing vertebral bodies is provided. The vertebral alignment system of the current invention comprises an integrated system of alignment rods, cannulated pedicle screws, filler plugs and fixation hardware. The components are designed such that a surgeon can accurately manipulate and align vertebral bodies using the removable alignment rods attached to the cannulated pedicle screws and to enable the installation of fixation system hardware while the alignment rods are still in place. A system and method for aligning vertebral bodies using the vertebral alignment system of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: Novel techniques for hearing enhancement based on a pair of glasses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the glasses include a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a bridge element, a first temple, a second temple, a first speaker, a second speaker, a microphone and at least one electrical component that performs a hearing enhanced function to enhance audio signals from the microphone to be sent to the speakers for the user to hear. At least one electrical component in the glasses is for generating other audio signals by the speakers, with the other audio signals originating from signals other than audio signals captured by the microphone. In another embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a portable device, wired or wirelessly, coupled to the glasses. In yet another embodiment, the glasses function as a headset, with other electrical components in the portable device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, eyewear having an activity monitoring capability is disclosed. Activity, such as motion, steps or distance, can be measured by an activity detector. The measured activity can then be used in providing activity-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their degree of activity.

Abstract: A pair of glasses with first and second lens holders for receiving lenses, a bridge element that couples the lens holders, and a pair of temples. The temples are pivotally secured to the lens holders. In one embodiment, the glasses further include a speaker being powered by a power source. The pair of glasses can deliver information through the speaker to the person wearing the glasses. The information being delivered can be wirelessly transmitted to the glasses from a remote device. The information can be pre-recorded and available at the glasses, or the information can be wirelessly received by the glasses as it is produced. The information can be relevant to an event, and available for a relatively short duration of time. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses further includes an information input mechanism that allows the person to input information into the glasses. Such input information can be wirelessly transmitted from the glasses to a remote device.

Abstract: A method and system for creation of customized documents over a network as well as for negotiation of contents for documents over a network (e.g., Internet) is disclosed. In one aspect, professional documents can be created in an automated manner. In another aspect, negotiation of documents (or their contents) can be performed in an automated manner. In either case, the customization and/or negotiation is efficient, cost-effective and useful.