Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are implantable devices for replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint, comprising (i) a metatarsal component comprising a substantially convex bearing surface; or (ii) a phalanx component comprising a substantially concave bearing surface; or (iii) both. In various embodiments, also provided are methods of treating hallux valgus by replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint with one or more of the provided implantable devices.

Abstract: Generation of standardized noise signals that provide mathematically correct noise with no errors and no loss of data, and can generate the noise of specific environments based on the transfer function of that environment are discussed. Various embodiments can generate synthetic data sets based on natural data sets that have similar scaling behavior. Fractional scaling digital filters, containing the fractional scaling characteristics of one or more of the eleven fundamental forms of basic building block transfer functions which incorporate the scaling exponent, can be encoded on FPGA devices or DSP chips for use in digital signal processing. Fractional Scaling Digital Filters allow fractional calculus, and thus fractional filtering (e.g.

Abstract: Machine semantic perception is discussed. One example system can comprise an environmental knowledgebase (KB) associating features with properties, and an interface component receiving sensor data associated with observed properties. The KB and sensor observations can be encoded in bit-matrix and bit-vector representations, respectively, for efficient storage and computation. A perception component can perform semantic perception on observed properties based on the KB. The perception component can determine explanatory features associated with the observed properties through abductive reasoning, and determine discriminatory properties associated with the explanatory features through deductive reasoning. These can be executed in an iterative and interleaved Perception Cycle for efficient computation of minimum actionable explanations of observations.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for sentiment extraction are provided herein. From a corpus or group of social media data which includes one or more expressions pertaining to a topic, target topic, or a target, one or more candidate expressions may be extracted. Relationships between one or more pairs of candidate expressions may be identified or evaluated. For example, a consistency relationship or an inconsistency relationship between a pair may be determined. A root word database may include one or more root words which facilitate identification of candidate expressions. Among one or more of the root words may be seed words, which may be associated with a predetermined polarity. To this end, polarities may be determined based on a formulation which assigns polarities to a sentiment expression, candidate expressions, or an expression as a constrained optimization problem.

Abstract: A device for measuring and characterizing solid-state devices or integrated circuits at RF frequencies up to 1.0 THz and beyond is provided that includes a transmitting photomixing probe structure and a receiving photomixing probe structure. The transmitting photomixing probe structure and the receiving photomixing probe structure are ac-coupled to the solid-state device or integrated circuit in a contact-free manner.

Abstract: The subject innovation is directed to hierarchical structures characterized by ultrahigh surface area and methods of fabricating the same, as well as attachment of functional species to these structures to alter interactions of these hierarchical structures with their environments, such as by making them permanently or reversibly hydrophilic. One such example hierarchical structure can include a solid substrate, an intermediate layer, at least one plurality of nanoscale attachments that are strongly bonded to the intermediate layer, and an oxygen containing species coating the at least one plurality of nanoscale attachments.

Abstract: Piezoelectric transducer arrays and methods of making the same are discussed. Such an array can include a piezoelectric film comprising a plurality of segments. Adjacent segments can be separated by trenches of a plurality of trenches in the piezoelectric film. Additionally, such an array can include a plurality of electrodes attached to the plurality of segments.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention comprise modeling a subject's state and the influence of training treatments, or actions, on that state to create a training policy. Both state and effects of actions are modeled as probabilistic using Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) techniques. Utilizing this model and the resulting training policy with subjects creates an effective decision aid for instructors to improve learning relative to a traditional scenario selection strategy.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an evanescent microwave microscopy probe and methods for making and using the same. Some embodiments relate to a probe which is constructed of silver. Other embodiments relate to a method of measuring an unknown property a target material, comprising moving the probe away from the target material, taking a first measurement, moving the probe such that it touches the target material, taking a second measurement, and comparing the first and second measurements in order to measure the unknown property.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for analysis of real-time user-generated text messages. The methods and systems allow analysis to be performed using term associations and geographical and temporal constraints.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention comprise modeling a subject's state and the influence of training scenarios, or actions, on that state to create a training policy. Both state and effects of actions are modeled as probabilistic using Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) techniques. The POMDP is well suited to decision-theoretic planning under uncertainty. Utilizing this model and the resulting training policy with real world subjects creates a surprisingly effective decision aid for instructors to improve learning relative to a traditional scenario selection strategy. POMDP provides a more valid representation of trainee state and training effects, thus it is capable of producing more valid recommendations concerning how to structure training to subjects.

Abstract: A system and method for a comparative web search engines, search result summarization, web snippet processing, comparison analysis, information visualization, meta-clustering, and quantitative evaluation of web snippet quality are disclosed. The present application extends the capabilities of web searching and informational retrieval by providing a succinct comparative summary of search results at either the object or thematic levels.

Abstract: A composite language model may include a composite word predictor. The composite word predictor may include a first language model and a second language model that are combined according to a directed Markov random field. The composite word predictor can predict a next word based upon a first set of contexts and a second set of contexts. The first language model may include a first word predictor that is dependent upon the first set of contexts. The second language model may include a second word predictor that is dependent upon the second set of contexts. Composite model parameters can be determined by multiple iterations of a convergent N-best list approximate Expectation-Maximization algorithm and a follow-up Expectation-Maximization algorithm applied in sequence, wherein the convergent N-best list approximate Expectation-Maximization algorithm and the follow-up Expectation-Maximization algorithm extracts the first set of contexts and the second set of contexts from a training corpus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for generating an ensemble classifier may include transforming multidimensional training data into a plurality of response planes. Each of the response planes includes a set of confidence scores. The response planes are transformed into a plurality of binary response planes. Each of the binary response planes include a set of binary scores corresponding to one of the confidence scores. Combinations of the binary response planes are transformed into sets of diversity metrics according to a diversity measure. A metric is selected from the sets of diversity metrics. A predicted performance of a child combination of the recognition algorithms corresponding to the combinations is generated. The predicted performance is based at least in part upon the metrics. Parent recognition algorithms are selected from the recognition algorithms based at least in part upon the predicted performance. The ensemble classifier is generated and includes the parent recognition algorithms.

Abstract: A computed tomography scanner may include a component mounting assembly, an x-ray tube, a filter assembly, and a detector assembly. The filter assembly filters an x-ray fan or cone beam generated by the x-ray tube such that the x-ray beam comprises a high dose portion and one or more low dose portions. The filter assembly reduces the photon count of the low dose portions. The x-ray tube may be coupled to the component mounting assembly at a first end and the detector assembly coupled at a second end that is opposite from the first end. The component mounting assembly is rotatable about a rotation axis. The detector assembly includes an array of individual detector elements capable of detecting x-ray photons of the x-ray beam. The high dose portion strikes a high resolution region of the detector assembly and the low dose portion strikes a low resolution region of the detector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hierarchical structure characterized by ultrahigh surface area comprising: a solid substrate; an intermediate layer; and at least one plurality of nanoscale attachments that are strongly bonded to the intermediate layer. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a hierarchical structure comprising: selecting and preparing a parent substrate, wherein the preparing may optionally include cleaning or activation; modifying the substrate surface to form an intermediate layer; attaching at least one plurality of nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, onto the intermediate layer; optionally attaching a second plurality of nanoscale attachments, wherein the nanoscale attachments are selected from nanotubes, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, onto the first plurality of nanoscale attachments and intermediate layer.

Abstract: A composition and method for the treatment of neurodegeneration and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The composition and method comprising providing fluoxetine, simvastatin, and optionally, an antioxidant.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are implantable devices for replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint, comprising (i) a metatarsal component comprising a substantially convex bearing surface; or (ii) a phalanx component comprising a substantially concave bearing surface; or (iii) both. In various embodiments, also provided are methods of treating hallux valgus by replacing all or a portion of a metatarsophalangeal joint with one or more of the provided implantable devices.

Abstract: A system and methods to permit a health care provider and a patient to remotely communicate information corresponding to the patient's medical condition with each other, both visually and audibly, via communication link in real time. The system may comprise a first and second interface units each comprising a camera, a microphone, a display, and a speaker. The camera and microphone of the first interface unit may permit real-time video and audio, respectively, to be transferred to the display and speaker of the second unit. Likewise, the camera and microphone of the second interface unit may permit real-time video and audio, respectively, to be transferred to the display and speaker of the first unit.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are braces for use in supporting the metatarsophalangeal joint, reducing or maintaining the intermetatarsal angle, enhancing or maintaining alignment of the hallux, or combinations thereof in a subject having hallux valgus.