Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing voice personalization of video content. The personalized media content may include a composition of a background scene having a character, head model data representing an individualized three-dimensional (3D) head model of a user, audio data simulating the user's voice, and a viseme track containing instructions for causing the individualized 3D head model to lip sync the words contained in the audio data. The audio data simulating the user's voice can be generated using a voice transformation process. In certain examples, the audio data is based on a text input or selected by the user (e.g., via a telephone or computer) or a textual dialogue of a background character.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting a price of a property in a first housing sub-market based on data related to a second housing sub-market are described. A price index is derived for the second housing sub-market, and an error correcting function is calculated for the first housing sub-market. A price index for the first housing sub-market is derived from the second sub-market price index and the error correcting function. An estimate of the price of the price of the property in the first housing sub-market is then provided. The estimate of the price can be used as the basis for an economic decision.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The sensor includes a substrate that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane, are oxygen-deficient and have a rod-like microstructure. If the substrate is conductive, it may be connected directly to a working electrode which is connected to a potentiometer which, in turn, is connected to a reference electrode. If the substrate is non-conductive, the conductive layer can be deposited on the substrate prior to deposition of the zinc oxide to form a working electrode. An application of a constant current (or voltage) to either electrode will result in a voltage across (or current flow between) the working and reference electrodes.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator includes a valve assembly defining a fluid passage. The fluid passage includes a first port, a second port, a sensing orifice disposed between the first and second ports, a first orifice disposed between the first port and the sensing orifice and a second orifice disposed between the sensing orifice and the second port. A first flow area of the first flow orifice varies in response to differential pressure across the sensing orifice as fluid flows through the fluid passage in a first direction from the first port to the second port. The first flow area is fixed as fluid flows through the fluid passage in an opposite second direction. A second flow area of the second orifice is fixed as fluid flows through the fluid passage in the first direction and varies as fluid flows through the fluid passage in the second direction.

Abstract: A novel protein profiling method of testing for Lysosomal Storage Diseases (“LSD”) using discovered normalized lysosomal fingerprint patterns. The fingerprint patterns reveal the health of lysosomal organelles, specific LSD, and clinical severity. Multiplexing bead technology for simultaneous screening of multiple LSD and normalizing measured enzyme activity or protein levels against other lysosomal proteins, enzymes, or enzyme activities. Compounds, reagents, and methods for identifying and quantifying multiple target enzymes and proteins.

Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The measurement system includes a first electrode that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane. The first electrode may be connected to an electrometer which, in turn, may be connected to a second electrode. The second electrode may be disposed on a common substrate with the first electrode or may be in the form of a plate disposed substantially parallel to the first electrode.

Abstract: A novel protein profiling method of testing for Lysosomal Storage Diseases (“LSD”) using discovered normalized lysosomal fingerprint patterns. The fingerprint patterns reveal the health of lysosomal organelles, specific LSD, and clinical severity Multiplexing bead technology for simultaneous screening of multiple LSD and normalizing measured enzyme activity or protein levels against other lysosomal proteins, enzymes, or enzyme activities. Compounds, reagents, and methods for identifying and quantifying multiple target enzymes and proteins.

Abstract: An electrical drive system includes an electrical machine controlled by an electronic controller and requires control signals representing quantities associated with the operation of the electrical machine. These signals may represent, for example, rotor position and flux or current. A controller includes an estimation routine to use the known magnetic characteristics of the machine and a rotor position signal to provide an estimate of current or of supply voltage.

Abstract: Kits enabling one or more items to be attached or detached using an assembly with a magnet for providing a magnetic attraction strong enough to movably hold the magnet adjacent a first outer plate for a quick connecting and disconnecting of an item.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator includes a valve assembly defining a fluid passage. The fluid passage includes a first port, a second port, a sensing orifice disposed between the first and second ports, a first orifice disposed between the first port and the sensing orifice and a second orifice disposed between the sensing orifice and the second port. A first flow area of the first flow orifice varies in response to differential pressure across the sensing orifice as fluid flows through the fluid passage in a first direction from the first port to the second port. The first flow area is fixed as fluid flows through the fluid passage in an opposite second direction. A second flow area of the second orifice is fixed as fluid flows through the fluid passage in the first direction and varies as fluid flows through the fluid passage in the second direction.

Abstract: A method for removably attaching portable items which are usable with each other. The method comprises the steps of removably inserting a first magnetically attractable component into a first portable item, thereby forming a first magnetically attractable item; removably inserting a second magnetically attractable component into a second portable item, thereby forming a second magnetically attractable item; allowing the first magnetically attractable item to magnetically engage the second magnetically attractable item, thereby forming a detachable magnetic assembly, wherein the detachable magnetic assembly can magnetically engage a magnetic surface, enabling the detachable magnetic assembly to be removably secured to the magnetic surface, and enabling one of the first or second portable items to be removed from the detachable magnetic assembly while maintaining the other first or second portable item in engagement with the magnetic surface.

Abstract: A dual magnetic interlocking pin system for attaching an item with a free moving magnet for providing a magnetic attraction strong enough to movably hold the free moving magnet adjacent a first outer plate.

Abstract: Multiplexing bead technology is used for simultaneous screening of multiple LSD and normalizing measured enzyme activity or protein levels against other lysosomal proteins, enzymes, or enzyme activities. Diagnostic compositions include microspheres conjugated to purified antibodies that specifically bind LSD target antigens: saposin, LAMP-1, ?-iduronidase, ?-glucosidase, ?-glucosidase, 2-sulphatase, 4-sulphatase, ?-galactosidase, sphingomyelinase, 3-sulphatase or sulphamidase. The target antigens are naturally present in biological fluids or tissues of either LSD or non-LSD patients.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a substantially life-like, individualized three-dimensional (3D) head model. In one example, the method includes reconstructing a 3D face mask from the input image data of an individual's head or face. Detected facial landmarks of the reconstructed face mask are aligned with corresponding facial landmarks of a generic head model, and the remainder of the head is reconstructed by generating a blend fit head model from a weighted combination of basis head models. The blend fit model is then deformed to more accurately reflect the facial and/or head geometry of the individual. The method may further include associating an animation rig with the individualized 3D head model that allows for simulated movement of the 3D head model in, for example, personalized media content.

Abstract: An electrical drive system includes an electrical machine controlled by an electronic controller and requires control signals representing quantities associated with the operation of the electrical machine. These signals may represent, for example, rotor position and flux or current. A controller includes an estimation routine to use the known magnetic characteristics of the machine and a rotor position signal to provide an estimate of current or of supply voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing voice personalization of video content. The personalized media content may include a composition of a background scene having a character, head model data representing an individualized three-dimensional (3D) head model of a user, audio data simulating the user's voice, and a viseme track containing instructions for causing the individualized 3D head model to lip sync the words contained in the audio data. The audio data simulating the user's voice can be generated using a voice transformation process. In certain examples, the audio data is based on a text input or selected by the user (e.g., via a telephone or computer) or a textual dialogue of a background character.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating personalized media content having multiple content layers in “one-click” fashion by selecting a background media template or by using an end-user media composition tool to create or modify a template. For example, the personalized media content can include at least two separate layers, the data of each being stored independently of one another. The two layers may include a background layer including at least one background character and an intermediate layer including an individualized three-dimensional (3D) head model, alignment information, and lighting information. The personalized media content can be displayed by overlaying the background layer using the alignment intermediate layer using the alignment information and the lighting information. In certain examples, template data associated with the background media is created and subsequently used on multiple occasions in generating personalized media content with various 3D head models.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting a price of a property in a first housing sub-market based on data related to a second housing sub-market are described. A price index is derived for the second housing sub-market, and an error correcting function is calculated for the first housing sub-market. A price index for the first housing sub-market is derived from the second sub-market price index and the error correcting function. An estimate of the price of the price of the property in the first housing sub-market is then provided. The estimate of the price can be used as the basis for an economic decision.

Abstract: Film, fibre, foam and adhesive materials are produced from soluble S-sulfonated keratins. Once formed, the films, fibres, foams or adhesives are treated to modify the properties of the materials, in particular to improve the wet strength of the materials. Treatments used include removal of the S-sulfonate group by treatment with a reducing agent, treatment with an acid or treatment with a common protein crosslinking agent or treatment with a reduced form of keratin or keratin protein. The films are made by solvent casting a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins, the foam made by freeze-drying a solution of S-sulfonated keratin proteins and the fibres made by extruding a solution of a S-sulfonated keratin protein.