Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for assisting a physician with a hospital discharge decision pertain to collecting patient data from a patient under consideration who is staying at a hospital, estimating a mathematical probability of the patient under consideration being readmitted to the hospital within a predetermined amount of time if the patient under consideration were discharged on that day, wherein the mathematical probability estimate is based upon the collected patient data and patient data collected from a population of former hospital patients who had previously been discharged and whose readmission status is known, and providing information to the physician that assists the physician in deciding whether or not to discharge the patient under consideration, the information being based upon the results of the mathematical probability estimate.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for assisting a physician with a hospital discharge decision pertain to collecting patient data from a patient under consideration who is staying at a hospital, estimating a mathematical probability of the patient under consideration being readmitted to the hospital within a predetermined amount of time if the patient under consideration were discharged on that day, the collected patient data and patient data collected from a population of former hospital patients who had previously been discharged and whose readmission status is known, and providing information to the physician that assists the physician in deciding whether or not to discharge the patient under consideration, the information being based upon the results of the mathematical probability estimate.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

Abstract: A circuit and method for digitizing jitter in a high speed digital signal receives a digital signal using a comparator and supplies a clock signal to a counter. The circuit and method determine the frequency of the digital signal using the clock signal and the counter, and calculate the period of the digital signal based on the frequency (using a logic element). The method and circuit provide a linearized delay for jitter analysis based on the period of the digital signal (using a delay shift circuit) and output a delayed digital signal from the digital signal based on the linearized delay (using a measure delay circuit). The circuit and method supply the digital signal and the delayed digital signal to a programmable unit. The programmable unit comprises flip flops. The circuit and method count transitions of the flip flops within the programmable unit using the counter. The flip flops transition when the digital signal differs from the delayed digital signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides crumb of the type used in making milk and white chocolates with enhanced flavor and/or aroma. It has been found that adding alpha-dicarbonyls, e.g., 2- or 3-carbon alpha-dicarbonyls, can add noticeable caramel and/or toffee notes to the flavor and/or the aroma of the crumb without a concomitant increase in less desirable flavors and aromas, such as burnt or earthy notes.

Abstract: A composition and method of making frozen pellets made with juice includes a composition having at least about 50 weight equivalents of juice and a multipart stabilizer that acts as a gelling agent and a viscosifying agent. Frozen pellets are formed from the composition through cryogenic freezing. The resulting pellets contain a high level of juice and have a creamy taste and mouth feel. The multipart stabilizer results in the frozen pellets being free flowing at temperatures below approximately ?4° F. Moreover, the multipart stabilizer contributes to the pellets having a high resistance to melting and clumping. In some embodiments, the frozen pellets made with juice are blended with frozen pellets made with yogurt to form a frozen food product.

Abstract: A circuit and method for digitizing jitter in a high speed digital signal receives a digital signal using a comparator and supplies a clock signal to a counter. The circuit and method determine the frequency of the digital signal using the clock signal and the counter, and calculate the period of the digital signal based on the frequency (using a logic element). The method and circuit provide a linearized delay for jitter analysis based on the period of the digital signal (using a delay shift circuit) and output a delayed digital signal from the digital signal based on the linearized delay (using a measure delay circuit). The circuit and method supply the digital signal and the delayed digital signal to a programmable unit. The programmable unit comprises flip flops. The circuit and method count transitions of the flip flops within the programmable unit using the counter. The flip flops transition when the digital signal differs from the delayed digital signal.

Abstract: Ingestible compositions that include one or more anionic soluble fibers are provided herein. An ingestible composition can be in solid or liquid form. In certain cases, a solid ingestible composition includes an extruded food product, such as a crispy, that includes one or more anionic soluble fibers. Liquid ingestible compositions that can include one or more alginate anionic soluble fibers and one or more pectin anionic soluble fibers are also provided. Methods for making ingestible compositions are provided, as well as methods for using the ingestible compositions, e.g., to induce satiety or to increase the viscosity of stomach contents.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

Abstract: A microemulsion, including an aqueous component, a lipid, a saccharide, an alcohol, and an emulsifier is described. A process for producing a microemulsion is also described. Food or beverage products including a microemulsion are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring an output of a high-speed data transmission circuit. The apparatus includes a programmable reference voltage generator operable to generate a reference voltage that is variable between a plurality of levels. The apparatus also includes a quantizer to quantize an output of the high-speed data transmission circuit relative to the reference voltage level input thereto. Also included is a clock generator operable to generate a clock having a transitioning time (rise-time, fall-time or both) that is less than one quarter of a minimum switching period of the output of the circuit. Finally, the apparatus includes a sampler operable to sample the quantized output with the clock to produce a plurality of samples which measure the output of the circuit.

Abstract: A wheelchair transporter for transferring a handicapped person, while seated in a wheelchair, from a ground level into an operative position on a motorcycle. The wheelchair is intended for independent use, but is designed to couple with a glide track on the motorcycle. The glide track receives rollers mounted on the wheelchair and guides the wheelchair into operational position on the motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a support unit for stabilization during the transfer of the wheelchair, and in the course of initiating and ending a ride on the motorcycle by a handicapped person seated in the wheelchair, operating the motorcycle.

Abstract: A relatively large sized baler for hay, the baler being mounted upon wheels so that it can be pulled by a tractor across a field for picking up hay, the baler consisting of a box-like frame open at its front end so that the hay can be admitted thereinto, a forwardly and rearwardly movable plunger being provided with a row of teeth for compressing it against a vertically upstanding ramp after which the hay is tied up in its compressed condition and the ramp is then rearwardly downwardly pivoted so that the bale of hay can then be dropped out of the baler.