Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided and applied to graphically represent the history of changes to a datastore maintaining a plurality of datastore records, each datastore record of the plurality of datastore records comprising at least one sector, as a directed acyclic graph to facilitate making, undoing, and redoing independent changes without regard to any explicit branching structure. Current records store content, a log directed acyclic graph relates various changes, and a current change record mapping relates each sector of each datastore record to a respective current change record. Changes by users requiring moderation are independently overlayed upon changes visible to additional users, with changes being approved and conflicting changes being resolved by administrating users.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of bodily lumens and sphincters are disclosed. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inducing an inflammatory response and development of fibrosis, collagen, and/or scar tissue. In some embodiments, scaffolds may be composed of a matrix of filaments. Application of the methods and devices disclosed herein to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other sphincter disorders are discussed. Biodegradable scaffolds configured to induce an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of bodily lumens and sphincters are disclosed. Some embodiments include methods and devices for inducing an inflammatory response and development of fibrosis, collagen, and/or scar tissue. In some embodiments, scaffolds may be composed of a matrix of filaments. Application of the methods and devices disclosed herein to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other sphincter disorders are discussed. Biodegradable scaffolds configured to induce an inflammatory response are also disclosed.

Abstract: Conversational image editing and enhancement techniques are described. For example, an indication of a digital image is received from a user. Aesthetic attribute scores for multiple aesthetic attributes of the image are generated. A computing device then conducts a natural language conversation with the user to edit the digital image. The computing device receives inputs from the user to refine the digital image as the natural language conversation progresses. The computing device generates natural language suggestions to edit the digital image based on the aesthetic attribute scores as part of the natural language conversation. The computing device provides feedback to the user that includes edits to the digital image based on the series of inputs. The computing device also includes as feedback natural language outputs indicating options for additional edits to the digital image based on the series of inputs and the previous edits to the digital image.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate weight lifting exercises is disclosed. The apparatus includes a palm plate having a hook portion configured to receive a weight bar. A detent is rotationally connected to the palm plate and configured to constrain the weight bar within the hook member in a closed position. An optional thumb lever may be connected to the detent to facilitate opening and closing the detent.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate weight lifting exercises is disclosed. The apparatus includes a palm plate having a hook portion configured to receive a weight bar. A detent is rotationally connected to the palm plate and configured to constrain the weight bar within the hook member in a closed position. An optional thumb lever may be connected to the detent to facilitate opening and closing the detent.

Abstract: A two-part joint replacement device for replacing damaged soft joint tissue, such as a meniscus or cartilage tissue. In one form, the device may include a free floating soft joint tissue replacement component comprising a first tissue-interface surface shaped to engage a first anatomical (bone and/or cartilage) structure of a joint having damaged soft tissue. The device may also include a free floating rigid base component comprising a second tissue-interface surface shaped to engage a second anatomical (bone and/or cartilage) structure of the joint. The free floating soft joint tissue replacement component may be shaped to slidably interface with the rigid base component. In another form, the free floating soft joint tissue replacement component and the rigid base component are fixed together.

Abstract: A virtual pet breeding system that allows users of the game to buy virtual pets for their account which can be bred to obtain or generate new virtual pets (offspring) that are added to the user's account, wherein at least some of the offspring can materialize into a physical toy or object for the user to enjoy in the real world. In particular, some virtual offspring will be paired with a redemption code which allows the user to order and/or receive a real world/physical item resembling the virtual offspring that was produced from the virtual breeding.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and circuitries are provided for generating an acceleration current in response to a threshold temperature being reached. In one example, temperature based acceleration current source circuitry includes a first temperature sensitive device, a second temperature sensitive device, differential trigger circuitry, and an acceleration current source. The first temperature sensitive device is configured to generate a first signal that varies responsive to temperature changes at a first rate. The second temperature sensitive device is configured to generate a second signal that varies responsive to temperature changes at a second rate. The differential trigger circuitry is configured to generate a trigger signal based on a difference between the first signal and the second signal. The acceleration current source circuitry is configured to output an acceleration current in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: An example of a power supply system includes a switching voltage regulator comprising at least one switch configured to conduct an input current to generate an output voltage responsive to a switching signal and based on an input voltage. The system also includes a current regulator configured to generate a current sample voltage based on an amplitude of the input current relative to a reference current defining a maximum average amplitude setpoint of the input current to set a switching time defining a switching period of the at least one switch. The system also includes a switch controller configured to provide the switching signal to control the at least one switch based on an amplitude of the output voltage relative to a reference voltage and based on the switching time.

Abstract: A meniscus replacement device for replacing damaged soft tissue at a host knee includes a first component comprising a first tissue-interface surface shaped to free-floatingly interface with tissue structure of one of a femur and a tibia in a knee joint having a damaged soft tissue, and comprises a second component comprising a second tissue-interface surface shaped to free-floatingly interface with a second tissue structure of the other of the femur and the tibia in the knee joint. The second component may include a containment cavity receiving at least a portion of the first component. In another form, the free floating soft joint tissue replacement component and the base component are fixed together. In some aspects, the second tissue-interface surface is shaped to fit contours of a natural tibia plateau. In some aspects, the first tissue-interface surface is shaped to fit contours of a femoral surface.

Abstract: A system has an input and an output. The system includes a voltage converter, including first transistor coupled to the input and to a first switching node, second transistor coupled to the first switching node and to ground, third transistor coupled to a second switching node and to the output, fourth transistor coupled to the second switching node and to ground, and an inductor having a first terminal coupled to the first switching node and a second terminal coupled to the second switching node. The system also includes a controller coupled to the voltage converter, the controller including a state machine and a plurality of drivers to control the transistors of the voltage converter. The state machine is adaptable to cause the second and fourth transistors to conduct and the first and third transistors not to conduct, in response to current through the inductor being less than a current threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and related process for producing a high-strength weld between two glass components. Chucks clamp and move respective first ends of the glass components toward each other inside an enclosure, where the second ends are heated, softened, and welded together in a weld zone. The enclosure has layers of stacked quartz glass bricks and allows the weld zone to cool slowly and avoid stress. A propane quartz melting torch directs a flame inside the enclosure and toward the second ends as the glass components move toward each other. The flame softens the second ends and creates substantially smooth polished surfaces in the weld zone having an increased hydroxide content. At least 80% of the weld zone has a hydroxide content greater than about 10 ppm average in a 10 ?m depth from the surface and the tensile strength of the weld zone is above about 10 MPa.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.

Abstract: A system has an input and an output. The system includes a voltage converter, including first transistor coupled to the input and to a first switching node, second transistor coupled to the first switching node and to ground, third transistor coupled to a second switching node and to the output, fourth transistor coupled to the second switching node and to ground, and an inductor having a first terminal coupled to the first switching node and a second terminal coupled to the second switching node. The system also includes a controller coupled to the voltage converter, the controller including a state machine and a plurality of drivers to control the transistors of the voltage converter. The state machine is adaptable to cause the second and fourth transistors to conduct and the first and third transistors not to conduct, in response to current through the inductor being less than a current threshold.

Abstract: An example of a power supply system includes a switching voltage regulator comprising at least one switch configured to conduct an input current to generate an output voltage responsive to a switching signal and based on an input voltage. The system also includes a current regulator configured to generate a current sample voltage based on an amplitude of the input current relative to a reference current defining a maximum average amplitude setpoint of the input current to set a switching time defining a switching period of the at least one switch. The system also includes a switch controller configured to provide the switching signal to control the at least one switch based on an amplitude of the output voltage relative to a reference voltage and based on the switching time.

Abstract: An apparatus for detachably fastening an NMR probe head with a pedestal box to an NMR magnet system of an NMR spectrometer has a holding system rigidly connected to the magnet system. A base plate of the holding system fastens detachably to the probe head pedestal box. A receiving device on or in the base plate receives all electric, electronic, optical, pneumatic, and thermal feed lines and optionally discharge lines required for the operation of the probe head. A lower side of the base plate in contact with an upper side of the pedestal box comprises multiple connecting elements into which the feed lines and discharge lines merge. The upper side of the pedestal box comprises receiving elements into which the feed lines and discharge lines from the connecting elements merge in a predetermined relative assembled position.

Abstract: A power electronics unit may include a circuit board and a cooling device. The circuit board may include at least one electronic component which, in a heat transfer region, is disposed flat against an electronics side of the circuit board. The cooling device may include at least one impingement jet chamber through which a cooling fluid is flowable from an inlet to an outlet. The cooling device may further include at least one nozzle plate having at least one flow nozzle. The at least one nozzle plate may be arranged in and divide the at least one impingement jet chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, which may be fluidically connected to one another via the at least one flow nozzle. The at least one flow nozzle may accelerate and conduct the cooling fluid towards the heat transfer region of the at least one electronic component.

Abstract: A method and monitoring unit for security-relevant input on a graphical user interface are provided. A computer generates image data that are transmitted to a display via an image data line. The user interface has at least one graphical operator control element that is selectable by an input device. A monitoring unit is connected to the image data line and reads image data for a security function. The monitoring unit is supplied with input information from the input device, and is connected to a confirmation apparatus via a secure signal path for user confirmation. The monitoring unit ensures and/or checks whether a detected selection of the operator control element is represented correctly, and, in the event of a user confirmation for a represented selection of the operator control element, enables or triggers an associated security-relevant operator control command. This allows secure input even with non-security-certifiable input devices.