Abstract: A system and method for speech-to-singing synthesis is provided. The method includes deriving characteristics of a singing voice for a first individual and modifying vocal characteristics of a voice for a second individual in response to the characteristics of the singing voice of the first individual to generate a synthesized singing voice for the second individual.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in digital (or digitized) x-ray mammograms are described. The inventive techniques are based on using a foundational CAD processing algorithm that is characterized by at least one of non-shift-invariance, non-rotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance. According to one preferred embodiment, a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast is received, and at least one altered version thereof is generated that differs therefrom by at least one of image shift, image rotation, and image inversion. The first x-ray mammogram image and each of the at least one altered versions thereof are individually processed using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets. The plurality of CAD detection sets are then compared to generate an overall CAD detection set.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for using detection coils to detect metallic or conductive foreign objects that can interfere with the wireless transfer of power from a power transmitter to a power receiver. In particular, the detection coils are targeted to foreign objects that are smaller than a power transmitter coil in the power transmitter.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a light wand is described that can be used for fast, easy and non-traumatic oral and nasal tracheal intubation. A flexible light wand assembly includes an adapter plate that is compatible with existing standard laryngoscope handles.

Abstract: A security and/or authentication device comprising: a compressible photonic crystal having an ordered array of voids, the photonic crystal having a reflection peak, wherein compression against at least a portion photonic crystal results in a decrease of intensity of the reflection peak in at least that portion.

Abstract: A harmony synthesizer is described for harmonizing vocal signals. The harmony synthesizer performing a method comprising receiving an input vocal signal; identifying a pitch trace of the vocal signal; aligning the harmonization interval vector(s) to the pitch trace of the vocal input signal to form an aligned harmonization pitch trace; and synthesizing harmonization vocals according to the aligned harmonization pitch trace.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in digital (or digitized) x-ray mammograms are described. The inventive techniques are based on using a foundational CAD processing algorithm that is characterized by at least one of non-shift-invariance, non-rotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance. According to one preferred embodiment, a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast is received, and at least one altered version thereof is generated that differs therefrom by at least one of image shift, image rotation, and image inversion. The first x-ray mammogram image and each of the at least one altered versions thereof are individually processed using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets. The plurality of CAD detection sets are then compared to generate an overall CAD detection set.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in digital (or digitized) x-ray mammograms are described. The inventive techniques are based on using a foundational CAD processing algorithm that is characterized by at least one of non-shift-invariance, non-rotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance. According to one preferred embodiment, a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast is received, and at least one altered version thereof is generated that differs therefrom by at least one of image shift, image rotation, and image inversion. The first x-ray mammogram image and each of the at least one altered versions thereof are individually processed using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets. The plurality of CAD detection sets are then compared to generate an overall CAD detection set.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a circular-arc shaped structure for forward biased steering diodes used in an ESD circuit, which circular arc shaped structure forward biases steering diodes effectively prevent concentration of an ESD pulse to one section of the p-n junction within the forward biased steering diode (or, alternatively viewed, evenly distributing stress along the entire p-n junction), thus increasing reliability of the ESD circuit, and also minimizing input capacitance as well as occupying a smaller area. The circular-arc shaped structure thus provides a mechanism to evenly distribute the current flow through the ESD steering diodes, and therefore avoids the disadvantage of a voltage gradient along the steering diode structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for are described for non-invasive detection of intracranial pressure (ICP) variations in an intracranial compartment of a patient. Optical radiation is propagated transcranially into the intracranial compartment, and optical radiation that has migrated through at least a portion of the intracranial compartment and back out of the cranium is detected. At least one signal representative of the detected optical radiation is processed to extract therefrom at least one component signal that varies in time according to at least one of an intrinsic physiological oscillation and an externally driven oscillation in the patient. Examples of suitable intrinsic physiological oscillations include intrinsic respiratory and cardiac oscillations. Examples of suitable externally driven oscillations include ventilated respiratory oscillations and externally mechanically induced oscillations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in digital (or digitized) x-ray mammograms are described. The inventive techniques are based on using a foundational CAD processing algorithm that is characterized by at least one of non-shift-invariance, non-rotational-invariance, and non-inversional-invariance. According to one preferred embodiment, a first x-ray mammogram image of a breast is received, and at least one altered version thereof is generated that differs therefrom by at least one of image shift, image rotation, and image inversion. The first x-ray mammogram image and each of the at least one altered versions thereof are individually processed using the foundational CAD algorithm to generate a respective plurality of individual CAD detection sets. The plurality of CAD detection sets are then compared to generate an overall CAD detection set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunochemistry and pharmacology. Methods and compositions are described for the diagnosis and treatment of SARS CoV infection. More specifically, the application discloses nucleic acids and peptides of the spike glycoprotein of SARS CoV that provide prognostic and therapeutic compositions in treatment of individuals contracting, or in danger of contracting SARS CoV. The peptides of the invention are also useful in producing antibodies against the SARS CoV glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunochemistry and pharmacology. Methods and compositions are described for the diagnosis and treatment of SARS CoV infection. More specifically, the application discloses nucleic acids and peptides of the spike glycoprotein of SARS CoV that provide prognostic and therapeutic compositions in treatment of individuals contracting, or in danger of contracting SARS CoV. The peptides of the invention are also useful in producing antibodies against the SARS CoV glycoprotein.

Abstract: A radiator apparatus for concentrating or dispersing energy. In one embodiment, the radiator includes a thermal conductive layer, a radiation layer, and a thermal insulation layer. The radiation layer is powered by an energy source and includes at least one radiation element embedded in at least a portion of the thermal conductive layer. The thermal insulation layer faces the thermal conductive layer. In another embodiment, the radiator includes a generally helical dome-shaped radiation member powered by an energy source and a generally dome-shaped reflection member including a reflective surface facing the radiation member. In yet another embodiment, the radiator includes a radiation member powered by an energy source and a reflection member having an at least partially ring-shaped concave reflective surface facing the radiation member for distributing energy to an at least partially hat-shaped or ring-shaped area or zone.

Abstract: In a wireless communications network, different service levels can be subscribed to by users of mobile stations for packet-switched communications, such as electronic mail, web browsing, text chat, packet-switched voice communications, and so forth. In one arrangement, two different levels are defined. For a first level, when there is no more data to send over a wireless interface between a mobile station and a wireless access system, a logical connection between the mobile station and wireless access system is released. However, at a second level, the logical connection between the mobile station and the wireless access system is not released until after a predetermined timed period from when a send buffer becomes empty, with the send buffer containing data for sending over the wireless interface. A benefit of releasing the logical connection after some predetermined wait period is that the delays associated with establishing another logical connection are reduced.

Abstract: A communication system includes various terminals that are capable of establishing call sessions over a data network. Each of the terminals includes a display in which hyperlinks can be presented. User selection of the hyperlinks is communicated to one or more application routines, which generates requests based on information (e.g., uniform resource locators) associated with the selected hyperlinks. The requests cause generation of call requests over the data network to establish call sessions between terminals.

Abstract: A system and methods for automatic digital certificate installation on network devices in a data-over-cable network are developed. One of the methods includes sending a digital certificate request from a cable modem to a predetermined network server upon determining on the cable modem that there is no digital certificate already installed on the cable modem. The method further includes generating at least one digital certificate on the network server and providing the at least one digital certificate to the cable modem.

Abstract: A method and system for permission-based communication and exchange of information by means of a neutral and unified database in which consumers remain anonymous. The method involves receiving and storing consumer information corresponding to a number of individual consumers via a consumer information receiver, the consumer information including both consumer-identifying information and consumer profile information for each consumer. The method also involves receiving a profile information search request which specifies at least one consumer profile criterion. The method also involves searching the consumer database to identify selected records which match the consumer profile criterion in order to obtain a search result. The method also involves providing the search result to the requestor via a search result provider, and wherein the search result does not include any consumer-identifying information.

Abstract: A mobile communications network includes a plurality of cells and cell sectors in each cell. Carrier frequencies for carrying beacon control signaling, such as a broadcast control channel (BCCH), are assigned from the entire band of available carrier frequencies. The same carrier frequencies are assigned to carry traffic channels. This arrangement enables the use of one carrier frequency to communication beacon control signaling in one cell segment, while also allowing the use of the same one carrier frequency to communicate bearer traffic in another cell segment, thus affording substantial increases in network capacity that has heretofore not been possible in networks in the absence of significant infrastructure buildout or modification.

Abstract: A symmetric dual-voltage charge pump and its control circuit generate bipolar output voltages. The charge pump converts a unipolar power source to a set of dual-voltage outputs of opposite polarity that are completely independent of each other. The charge pump includes two voltage-boosting transfer capacitors and two output capacitors. Two-phase operation generates an increased-magnitude output voltage of a negative polarity and another two phases of operation generate an increased output voltage of a positive polarity. The charge pump selectively charges one or both of the bipolar outputs with individual 2-phase charge cycles or with a sequence of charge cycles. When controlled by comparators with unequal reference voltages, the charge pump can force the bipolar outputs to unequal positive and negative voltages. Charge pumping is faster since only 2 phases are needed for charging either the positive or negative output.