Abstract: An external fixation system for treatment of bones includes first and second clamps for locking pins that are inserted into bones. At least one clamp includes a socket having a recess. An attachment post includes a distal portion configured to be inserted into the socket recess. A tightening nut is rotationally coupled to a shaft of the attachment post and has an internal threading adapted to be threaded to the external threading of the socket. When the tightening nut is rotated to cause the distal portion of the post to be further inserted into the recess, the sides of the distal portion of the post create an interference fit with the sides of the socket recess to lock the post to the first clamp.

Abstract: In some examples, a first computing device of a plurality of computing devices may be a member of a first partition group. For example, the first partition group may correspond to a first partition of multiple partitions of a metadata database. The first partition group may include at least one other computing device. Furthermore, each of the plurality of computing devices may maintain at least one partition of the metadata database so that the metadata database is partitioned into multiple partitions distributed across the computing devices. The first computing device may determine a first time threshold for a heartbeat communication to be sent to the other computing device(s) in the first partition group, and may select a random time before the first time threshold. The first computing device may send, based on the selected random time, the heartbeat communication to the other computing device(s) in the first partition group.

Abstract: In some examples, a first computing device may receive a first request from a second computing device. For example, the first computing device may be able to communicate with a plurality of database nodes, each database node maintaining a portion of a database distributed across the plurality of database nodes. Further, the first computing device may maintain a local cache of a subset of information maintained in the database. The first computing device may send a second request based on the first request to a first database node to cause the first database node to change the data in the database. In addition, the first computing device receives, from a message queue of a plurality of distributed message queues, a cache update message based on the change to the data in the database. The first computing device may update the local cache based on the cache update message.

Abstract: In some examples, a first computing device of a plurality of computing devices may be a member of a first partition group. For example, the first partition group may correspond to a first partition of multiple partitions of a metadata database. The first partition group may include at least one other computing device. Furthermore, each of the plurality of computing devices may maintain at least one partition of the metadata database so that the metadata database is partitioned into multiple partitions distributed across the computing devices. The first computing device may determine a first time threshold for a heartbeat communication to be sent to the other computing device(s) in the first partition group, and may select a random time before the first time threshold. The first computing device may send, based on the selected random time, the heartbeat communication to the other computing device(s) in the first partition group.

Abstract: To eliminate the adverse effects of power swings in a large scale computing system during the life cycle of an application or job, control of several operating characteristics for the collective group of processors is provided. By providing certain levels of coordination for the many processors utilized in large scale computing systems, significant and abrupt changes in power needs can be avoided. In certain circumstances, this may involve limiting the transition between several C-States of the processors involved and the overall power transitions for a large scale system are not detrimental and do not create issues for the data center or local power utility. Some cases will require stepped transitions between C-States, while other cases will include both stepped and modulated transitions. Other cases will incorporate random wait times at the various transitions in order to spread the power consumption involved.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for spacing clapboards that includes a speed square tongue located in the top center of the device. This feature allows a user to quickly and accurately transfer both horizontal and vertical lines, revealing material to be removed around doors and windows. There is a trigger mounted on the ergonomic handle that both locks the tongue in place for transferring horizontal lines, and releases the tongue for transferring vertical lines. Two trays are adjustable in ¼? increments that use pull pins under the trays. The trays can be adjusted for any board up to 10? in height. Desired overlap is achieved by adjusting the position of the bottom tray as desired. Finally a ruler is provided along the side of the tool. A second model that has no handle is also taught.

Abstract: In a large scale computing system, a supervisory system is utilized to monitor the operations and requests of multiple components, and to manage such requests so that overall power considerations for the entire system are considered. The supervisory system has the ability to identify requests and aggregations of simultaneous requests that will create an adverse power effect, and to apply overall control methodologies which will help to minimize these adverse effects.

Abstract: To eliminate the adverse effects of power swings in a large scale computing system during the life cycle of an application or job, control of several operating characteristics for the collective group of processors is provided. By providing certain levels of coordination for the many processors utilized in large scale computing systems, significant and abrupt changes in power needs can be avoided. In certain circumstances, this may involve limiting the transition between several C-States of the processors involved and the overall power transitions for a large scale system are not detrimental and do not create issues for the data center or local power utility. Some cases will require stepped transitions between C-States, while other cases will include both stepped and modulated transitions. Other cases will incorporate random wait times at the various transitions in order to spread the power consumption involved.

Abstract: To eliminate the adverse effects of power swings in a large scale computing system during the life cycle of an application or job, control of several operating characteristics for the collective group of processors is provided. By providing certain levels of coordination for the many processors utilized in large scale computing systems, significant and abrupt changes in power needs can be avoided. In certain circumstances, this may involve limiting the transition between several C-States of the processors involved and the overall power transitions for a large scale system are not detrimental and do not create issues for the data center or local power utility. Some cases will require stepped transitions between C-States, while other cases will include both stepped and modulated transitions. Other cases will incorporate random wait times at the various transitions in order to spread the power consumption involved.

Abstract: In a large scale computing system, a supervisory system is utilized to monitor the operations and requests of multiple components, and to manage such requests so that overall power considerations for the entire system are considered. The supervisory system has the ability to identify requests and aggregations of simultaneous requests that will create an adverse power effect, and to apply overall control methodologies which will help to minimize these adverse effects.

Abstract: To eliminate the adverse effects of power swings in a large scale computing system during the life cycle of an application or job, control of several operating characteristics for the collective group of processors is provided. By providing certain levels of coordination for the many processors utilized in large scale computing systems, significant and abrupt changes in power needs can be avoided. In certain circumstances, this may involve limiting the transition between several C-States of the processors involved and the overall power transitions for a large scale system are not detrimental and do not create issues for the data center or local power utility. Some cases will require stepped transitions between C-States, while other cases will include both stepped and modulated transitions. Other cases will incorporate random wait times at the various transitions in order to spread the power consumption involved.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method performed by a processor for identifying social media posts relevant to a user, the method including the steps of receiving a first plurality of variable weights from a first user and a second plurality of variable weights from a second user, wherein each variable weight corresponds to a variable of a set of variables, receiving, from a social media feed, a social media post of a social media user, calculating, for the social media post, a first relevancy score using a scoring algorithm with the first plurality of variable weights as an input, calculating, for the social media post, a second relevancy score using a scoring algorithm with the second plurality of variable weights as an input, providing, via a user interface, the first relevancy score to the first user, and the second relevancy score to the second user.

Abstract: A hand held gauge that contains all of the essential tools a worker needs to install clapboards. The tool is a hand-held device that has a pair of fixed flanges that are relatively long and extend out sideways from the handle for several inches on each end. The flanges are fixed in place. The tool also has the ability to establish proper measurements for window casings and doorframes. This is done by an adjustable gauge that can be extended forward until the casing or frame is reached. One this spacing is obtained; a worker can quickly transfer the measurement to the next piece of clapboard so that it can be cut. The tool includes a level and a tape measure and an optional straight edge for a marking square, so that simple measurements can be made without having to put down the tool and get another tool, which improves productivity.

Abstract: Methods and kits for monitoring kidney function, and detecting kidney dysfunction and transplant related disease and rejection are disclosed. The method involves analyzing a sample, such as a urine sample, containing protein from an animal for fragments of ?2-microglobulin, wherein the presence of specific ?2-microglobulin fragments is indicative of kidney dysfunction and transplant rejection. In another embodiement, urine samples from an animal are tested for protease activity, such as cathepsin D or napsin A, wherein increased protease activity compared to a control sample is indicative of kidney dysfunction.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmission of free space optical communication system signals employing a spatially-extended light source and method of using the same. A laser beam source directs an optical signal into a free end of a segment of multimode fiber. As the optical signal passes through the segment of multimode fiber, the optical signal is converted into a mode-scrambled optical signal. This mode-scrambled signal may then be used as a spatially-extended light source that is directed outward as an optical beam through the use of a collimating lens.

Abstract: A voice over DSL telephone system for a customer premises. The system includes a network interface device having a DSL filter coupling DSL service from a central office to the customer premises wiring and a switch for automatically connecting POTS service from the central office to the customer premises wiring whenever there is no active integrated access device, IAD, connected to the wiring. A detection circuit detects the presence or absence of the IAD and opens and closes the switch accordingly. Both DSL and POTS ports of an IAD may then be connected to the same customer premises wiring. Telephone sets are coupled to the customer premises wiring through low pass filters which block DSL frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmission of free space optical communication system signals employing a spatially-extended light source and method of using the same. A laser beam source directs an optical signal into a free end of a segment of multimode fiber. As the optical signal passes through the segment of multimode fiber, the optical signal is converted into a mode-scrambled optical signal. This mode-scrambled signal may then be used as a spatially-extended light source that is directed outward as an optical beam through the use of a collimating lens.

Abstract: An interface between a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless communication network having a plurality of cells and a plurality of mobile switching centers (MSCs), and a wireless device. The interface includes a broadband telecommunications network. It also includes an integrated services hub (ISH). The ISH is communicatively coupled to the wireless device and the broadband network. The ISH receives RF communications from the wireless device and converts the RF communications into control and data signals usable by said broadband network. The ISH has an antenna with a first coverage area extending over a pico cell. The interface also comprises a service manager communicatively coupled to the broadband network, to the wireless network, and to the PSTN. The service manager receives the control and data signals from the ISH via the broadband network and forms and provides signaling communications in response to receiving the control and data signals.

Abstract: A door assembly for closing a door opening in a side of a body of a pick-up truck includes a rocker at a bottom portion of the door opening and a roof rail at a top portion of the door opening. The door assembly also includes a first door and second door pivotally connected to the body and joined pillarlessly between an open and closed position. The door assembly further includes a vertical reinforcement assembly disposed within either one of the first door and second door, an upper latch assembly interconnecting the vertical reinforcement assembly and the roof rail, and a lower latch assembly interconnecting the vertical reinforcement assembly and the rocker to resist inward movement of the first door and the second door from the closed position with respect to the body of the pick-up truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmission of free space optical communication system signals employing a spatially-extended light source and method of using the same. A laser beam source directs an optical signal into a free end of a segment of multimode fiber. As the optical signal passes through the segment of multimode fiber, the optical signal is converted into a mode-scrambled optical signal. This mode-scrambled signal may then be used as a spatially-extended light source that is directed outward as an optical beam through the use of a collimating lens.