Abstract: Reducing system downtime during memory subsystem maintenance in a computer processing system is disclosed. In some aspects, a computer processing system comprises a computer processor communicatively coupled to a plurality of memory sockets, each of which interfaces with a memory module and includes a gate control. The computer processor is further communicatively coupled to a dedicated non-volatile storage device. Upon detection of a memory health condition requiring replacement of a memory module, access to the memory module is blocked, and data is transferred from the memory module to the dedicated non-volatile storage device. A memory address range of the memory module is then remapped to the dedicated non-volatile storage device, such that subsequent memory access requests to the memory module are rerouted to the dedicated non-volatile storage device. The memory socket of the memory module is then gated, allowing maintenance to be performed while maintaining system availability.

Abstract: A device for binding a cable about a fractured bone to stabilize a fracture includes a slot including a distal opening sized to receive an enlarged end of a cable and a proximal opening sized to permit the cable to slide therethrough while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethough and a bore sized to slidably receive the cable, the bore extending to a proximal opening in combination with a locking element channel extending to a distal end opening into the bore and a locking element movable into a locking position in which a distal end of the locking element extends into the bore to engage a portion of the cable received therein and lock the cable in a desired position within the bore.

Abstract: A request to establish a voice communications session between a user of a telephonic device and an interactive voice response (IVR) system of a call handling system is received by a dynamic call control engine. A resource requirement for the voice communications session is determined. Resource usage data for multiple call handling systems is accessed by the dynamic call control engine. A particular call handling system from among the multiple call handling systems is selected based on the resource usage data and the resource requirement. A connection to be set up between the telephonic device and the particular call handling system to allow the user of the telephonic device to participate in the voice communications session with an IVR system of the particular call handling system is enabled.

Abstract: A bone plate system for internal fixation of bone fractures includes a bone plate having a plurality of bone plate holes. The holes are constructed to receive either a non-locking, locking, or variable-angle locking bone screw. The holes have discrete columns of teeth or thread segments arranged around the inner surface of the hole for engaging threads on the heads of locking and variable-angle locking bone screws. Conventional locking bone screws engage the bone plate coaxially with the central axis of the bone plate hole. Variable-angle locking bone screws can engage the bone plate at a selectable angle within a range of selectable angles relative to the central axis of the bone plate hole. The head of the variable-angle locking screw is at least partially spherical, and the thread thereon has a profile that follows the arc-shaped radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the screwhead.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cerclage member about a bone within a living body comprises a crimp including a first space extending longitudinally therethrough from a first space proximal opening to a first space distal opening, the first space sized and shaped to slidably receive a cerclage member therein and a second space extending parallel to the first space from a second space proximal opening to a second space distal opening, the second space including a proximal portion to receive the cerclage member and a distal portion decreasing in cross-sectional area and an insert that, when inserted into the second space distal opening adjacent to a cerclage member, a decreasing cross-sectional area of the second space distal portion forces the insert laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the second space, pinching and locking the cerclage member against movement relative to the crimp.

Abstract: A bone plate system for internal fixation of bone fractures includes a bone plate having a plurality of bone plate holes. The holes are constructed to receive either a non-locking, locking, or variable-angle locking bone screw. The holes have discrete columns of teeth or thread segments arranged around the inner surface of the hole for engaging threads on the heads of locking and variable-angle locking bone screws. Conventional locking bone screws engage the bone plate coaxially with the central axis of the bone plate hole. Variable-angle locking bone screws can engage the bone plate at a selectable angle within a range of selectable angles relative to the central axis of the bone plate hole. The head of the variable-angle locking screw is at least partially spherical, and the thread thereon has a profile that follows the arc-shaped radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the screwhead.

Abstract: A request to establish a voice communications session between a user of a telephonic device and an interactive voice response (IVR) system of a call handling system is received by a dynamic call control engine. A resource requirement for the voice communications session is determined. Resource usage data for multiple call handling systems is accessed by the dynamic call control engine. A particular call handling system from among the multiple call handling systems is selected based on the resource usage data and the resource requirement. A connection to be set up between the telephonic device and the particular call handling system to allow the user of the telephonic device to participate in the voice communications session with an IVR system of the particular call handling system is enabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to single chamber containers with internal indentions having rigid, semi-flexible and/or collapsible walls, upon which flexible seals are placed to form separate compartments. Between these compartments is a rigid, semi-flexible and/or collapsible section that may have optional cutting rings welded. By applying pressure and/or suction on one or more of the container portions, the seal is either pressure or mechanically broken. After a quick agitation, the consumer simply opens the discharge end and is ready to enjoy an instantly mixed beverage.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone comprises a cable block including a first lumen extending from a first proximal opening in a proximal face of the cable block to a first distal opening in a distal face thereof, the first lumen being configured to receive a cerclage cable including an enlarged end. The cable block further includes a second lumen extending from a second proximal opening in the proximal face to a second distal opening in the distal face and being configured to receive a portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethrough. The cable block includes a slot connecting distal portions of the first and second lumens and being at least as large as the second lumen in combination with a crimpable locking member including a channel configured to receive the portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end.

Abstract: Composite constructs of polymer matrices and polymeric microgels, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The addition of the microgels to polymeric matrices retains the overall mechanical properties of the matrices and enables cell spreading, invasion and vascularization. Using fibrin as a model system, composite fibrin constructs with microgels are described, in which microgels form unique interconnected pockets within the fibrin matrix. The microgel assembly is driven by the polymerization dynamics of fibrin, and the architecture of these interconnected pockets can be tuned. The composite constructs support cell spreading, migration and infiltration more efficiently than do control matrices. The composite constructs can be used attract cells and/or to deliver therapeutic, diagnostic, nutraceutical, prophylactic and cosmetic agents to a desired site.

Abstract: The invention relates to single chamber containers with internal indentions upon which flexible seals are placed to form separate compartments. Between these compartments is a contractible section upon which a cutting ring is welded. By applying pressure downward from the top, the contractible area retracts and the cutting ring reaches and pierces the seal. After a quick agitation, the consumer simply opens the discharge end and is ready to enjoy an instantly made beverage.

Abstract: A device for binding a cable about a fractured bone to stabilize a fracture includes a slot including a distal opening sized to receive an enlarged end of a cable and a proximal opening sized to permit the cable to slide therethrough while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethough and a bore sized to slidably receive the cable, the bore extending to a proximal opening in combination with a locking element channel extending to a distal end opening into the bore and a locking element movable into a locking position in which a distal end of the locking element extends into the bore to engage a portion of the cable received therein and lock the cable in a desired position within the bore.

Abstract: A device for binding a cable about a fractured bone to stabilize a fracture comprises a slot including a distal opening sized to receive an enlarged end of a cable and a proximal opening sized to permit the cable to slide therethrough while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethough and a bore sized to slidably receive the cable, the bore extending to a proximal opening in combination with a locking element channel extending to a distal end opening into the bore and a locking element movable into a locking position in which a distal end of the locking element extends into the bore to engage a portion of the cable received therein and lock the cable in a desired position within the bore.

Abstract: A user is visually assisted when fixing an implant with a locking element in, or on, a bone. The location of a guide instrument for guiding the locking element relative to the implant is set by a target apparatus. The implant can be rotated and/or positioned by moving the target apparatus. The guide instrument carries at least one x-ray marker. An x-ray device records an x-ray image of the target region of the locking element and the x-ray marker. The orientation and position of a projected straight line, which forms a projection of a longitudinal axis of the guide instrument in the image plane, is determined from the position and/or form of the image of the x-ray marker. A superposed illustration is calculated of the x-ray image with a graphical element indicating the orientation and position of the projected straight line and the superposed illustration is output on a display.

Abstract: A bone plate system for internal fixation of bone fractures includes a bone plate having a plurality of bone plate holes. The holes are constructed to receive either a non-locking, locking, or variable-angle locking bone screw. The holes have discrete columns of teeth or thread segments arranged around the inner surface of the hole for engaging threads on the heads of locking and variable-angle locking bone screws. Conventional locking bone screws engage the bone plate coaxially with the central axis of the bone plate hole. Variable-angle locking bone screws can engage the bone plate at a selectable angle within a range of selectable angles relative to the central axis of the bone plate hole. The head of the variable-angle locking screw is at least partially spherical, and the thread thereon has a profile that follows the arc-shaped radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the screwhead.

Abstract: A method and a system assess a relative pose of an implant and a bone of a patient. The method includes: acquiring multiple medical X-ray images of the bone with the implant preliminarily mounted to the bone; providing a database of virtual 3D implant models and selecting the implant used; fitting the virtual implant to the medical X-ray image; selecting a bone model; and fitting the chosen bone model to the medical X-ray image. The system and method now allow directly in the operation room to assess the relative pose of the implant and the bone/bone fragments by a comparison of the medical image and the respective virtual image both having the same orientation in view. The resulting image is an image of the matching virtual 2D image of the implant used and the real medical image taken from the C-arm X-ray device.

Abstract: A device for reducing a bone fracture includes (a) a first arm extending from a handle at a proximal end to a distal end having a first substantially spherical tip; (b) a second arm extending from a handle at a proximal end to a distal end having a second substantially spherical tip, the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm; and (c) an insert removably attachable to the first or second tips. The insert includes a connection mechanism lockingly engaging the first or second spherical tips. Also, the insert includes a first face sized and shaped to be seated over a target portion of skin in an operative configuration. The first face has a first substantially planar portion and a second substantially curved portion attached thereto. The first and second portions define a contour conforming to a contour of skin's target portion.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone comprises a cable block including a first lumen extending from a first proximal opening in a proximal face of the cable block to a first distal opening in a distal face thereof, the first lumen being configured to receive a cerclage cable including an enlarged end. The cable block further includes a second lumen extending from a second proximal opening in the proximal face to a second distal opening in the distal face and being configured to receive a portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethrough. The cable block includes a slot connecting distal portions of the first and second lumens and being at least as large as the second lumen in combination with a crimpable locking member including a channel configured to receive the portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end.

Abstract: A device for treating a bone comprises a cable block including a first lumen extending from a first proximal opening in a proximal face of the cable block to a first distal opening in a distal face thereof, the first lumen being configured to receive a cerclage cable including an enlarged end. The cable block further includes a second lumen extending from a second proximal opening in the proximal face to a second distal opening in the distal face and being configured to receive a portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end while preventing the enlarged end from passing therethrough. The cable block includes a slot connecting distal portions of the first and second lumens and being at least as large as the second lumen in combination with a crimpable locking member including a channel configured to receive the portion of the cable extending from the enlarged end.