Abstract: Chemical foaming agents having p-toluenesulfonyl groups. Processes for preparing foamed polyolefin compositions using chemical foaming agents having p-toluenesulfonyl groups. Articles of manufacture containing formed polyolefins prepared using chemical foaming agents having p-toluenesulfonyl groups.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fusing bones of the human body. The apparatus comprises a bone plate which generally is a member having one or more fixation apertures, configured to receive fasteners, and an insert aperture. The bone plate comprises a semi-rigid material, such as a biocompatible metal or Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possessing a tensile strength suitable for immobilizing bones. A convertible insert is configured to be retained within the insert aperture. The convertible insert is configured to optimally direct a fastener towards a chosen point of purchase for fixating or compressing bones. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the fusion plate. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at a substantially right angle relative to the fusion plate.

Abstract: A kyphoplasty system includes various instruments which can be selectively used in a surgical theater (e.g., during a surgical operation on a patient) or a surgical training environment. The kyphoplasty system can include one or more of a kyphoplasty apparatus, a prone table mat, a connector system, a bone introducer needle, and a biopsy device. The kyphoplasty system may also include a training system for use in the training environment.

Abstract: A first stream containing 1,3-butadiene, C4 acetylenes, and optionally C3 hydrocarbons, is mixed with a portion of the liquid recycle stream from a C4 acetylene hydrogenation reactor containing hydrogenated C4 acetylenes and a molecular hydrogen-containing stream, the resulting mixed stream is then fed to a C4 acetylene hydrogenation reactor to selectively hydrogenate the C4 acetylenes in the crude butadiene stream without appreciable 1,3-butadiene conversion.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) read and write power levels includes an RFID module that generates RF signals, a digital step attenuator that attenuates RF signals, an antenna that transmits attenuated RF signals, and an RF shield that isolates the antenna from an RFID label supply roll. A floor read power is determined by iteratively interrogating an RFID label while decreasing the RF signal power until the label fails to respond to the interrogation. A ceiling read power is determined by iteratively interrogating the RFID label while increasing the RF signal power until multiple labels respond to the interrogation. The read power level is set between the floor read power and the ceiling read power. The write power level is determined by iteratively attempting to program the RFID module while increasing the write power from the read power level until successfully written.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data indicative of an image of a face of an unknown user of the computing device while the computing device is in a reduced access mode locked state. The method also includes determining whether the unknown user is the known user by at least comparing the image of the face of the unknown user to one or more images of a plurality of images of a face of a known user of the computing device. The method further includes setting the computing device to an increased access mode in response to determining that the unknown user is the known user.

Abstract: A system for controlling a propulsion system of a vehicle includes a switching system including a first switching device connecting a battery system to a first set of windings of an electric motor, and a second switching device connecting the battery system to a second set of windings. The system also includes a controller configured to transition the propulsion system from an initial propulsion mode in which an initial voltage is applied to the electric motor, to a target mode in which a target voltage is applied. The transitioning includes controlling the first switching device to provide current to the first set of windings at the initial voltage to produce torque, and subsequently controlling the second switching device to cause the battery system to apply the target voltage to the second set of windings while the current is provided to the first set of windings at the initial voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides an oral solid formulation comprising (a) a controlled release component comprising a core comprising levodopa, wherein the core is coated with a muco-adhesive coating and the muco-adhesive coating is externally coated with an enteric coating; and (b) an immediate release component comprising levodopa. The invention further provides a method for making and using the oral solid formulation.

Abstract: The present invention concern systems and methods for maintaining diversity in AI and ML environments through the cooperation of various AI and ML systems such that they optimize for social and cultural diversity. The examination of behavior, infrastructure, and governance, mimicking of genetic biodiversity, and application of the foregoing to machine reasoning mitigates the tendency of systems to find optimized or single best solutions. AI and ML environments may thus derive multiple diverse solutions that contribute to richer ecosystems in which human beings may function and thrive.

Abstract: A method for gaming. The method includes receiving an audio command used for controlling game play of a video game for a player, wherein the audio command originates from the player. The method includes providing the audio command to an artificial intelligence (AI) model trained to normalize one or more sounds of the player to one or more expected sounds of the video game. The method includes normalizing the audio command using the AI model to control the game play.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed to correlate census measurement data with panel data. An example system includes accessing means to access a message sent from a requesting device in response to accessing media that includes a tag causing the requesting device to send the message to a monitoring entity with an identification of a geographic location of the requesting device and media identifying information. The example system also includes identification means to determine locations of a plurality of panelist homes and compare the geographic location of the requesting device with the locations of the panelist homes. The example system also includes associating means to identify a user of the requesting device as a panelist residing at the first panelist home and associate the media identifying information with panelist data associated with the first one of the panelist homes.

Abstract: A computer device receives a user input to specify a natural language command. In response to receiving the user input, the computer device generates a semantic interpretation for the natural language command using a trained word similarity model, based on semantic annotations for a published data source. The computer device queries the published data source based on the semantic interpretation, thereby retrieving a dataset. The computer device generates and displays a data visualization based on the retrieved dataset.

Abstract: A food processor system includes a user interface including a plurality of indicators, the user interface configured to receive a user input. A monitoring device is configured to detect at least one property associated with processing one or more food items and generating at least one detection signal. A controller is configured to control operations of a controllable component based on receiving the at least one detection signal, identifying one or more types of food items based on the received at least one detection signal, activating of a first indicator of the plurality of indicators on the user interface, and determining of one or more food processing actions based at least in part on the identified one or more types of food items.

Abstract: A cable system is provided which is configured with both electric wires and a fluid conduit running through the axial passage of a surrounding flexible sheath of the cable. The system allows for communication of electricity over the wires for electrical circuits and concurrent communication of a fire ignition suppressant fluid or gas through the fluid conduit, to all points in an electric circuit using the cable. One or both of a dye or scent can be included in the ignition suppressant fluid.

Abstract: Constructs, devices, and methods for dynamically compressing tissue. An exemplary construct comprises a dynamic tensioning device configured to be implanted in a subject and defining a suture-coupling site. The dynamic tensioning device may be deformable superelastically from a resting state to a stretched state. A suture may be connected to the dynamic tensioning device at the suture-coupling site.