Abstract: An autonomous module for processing stored data includes a multithreaded processor core (MPC) and a plurality of autonomous memories. Each of the plurality of autonomous memories has a memory bank, a data operator (DO) configured to implement a plurality of selectable memory behaviors, an autonomous memory operator (AMO) configured to implement a state machine to control the memory bank independently of the MPC, and at least one memory input/output (TO) port communicatively coupled with the memory bank, the AMO, and the DO. The at least one memory IO port is configured to receive a read instruction from the AMO, retrieve data from the memory bank, and send the data to the DO. The DO is configured to implement one of the plurality of selectable memory behaviors to update the data and send the updated data to the AMO via the at least one memory IO port.

Abstract: A method for compressing a digital representation of a stimulus includes encoding the digital representation as a feature vector within a feature space. The method also includes multiplying the feature vector with a Jacobian that maps the feature space to a non-Euclidean perceptual space according to a perceptual system that is capable of perceiving the stimulus. This multiplication generates a perceptual vector within the non-Euclidean perceptual space. The method also includes applying an update operator to the perceptual vector to move the perceptual vector in the perceptual space to an updated vector such that the updated vector has a lower entropy than the perceptual vector. The method also includes rounding the updated vector into a compressed vector that is smaller than the feature vector.

Abstract: A surgical stapler and related components and methods are disclosed. The stapler has an anvil having a staple pocket, and a cartridge. The cartridge supports a staple pusher and a B-form staple, the B-form staple having a backspan, a proximal leg, and a distal leg, the backspan having a proximal portion coupled to the proximal leg, a distal portion coupled to the distal leg, and a central portion therebetween. The surgical stapler is configured to cold work at least a portion of the backspan during a deployment of the surgical staple.

Abstract: A surgical staple, stapler, and related methods are disclosed. A surgical staple has a pair of staple legs and a backspan positioned between the pair of staple legs, the backspan and the pair of staple legs formed by bending a wire. At least one recess is positioned in the wire to influence a folding direction of at least one staple leg during tissue stapling. The surgical staple is configured to pierce tissue only once with each staple leg during the tissue stapling.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a mathematical framework and corresponding hardware for defining, manipulating, and using perception according to a non-Euclidean space. Embodiments may be used to approximate existing mappings or to create new mappings for arbitrary stimuli and numerous tasks. An efficient electronic perceptual apparatus projects multivariate input data onto a perceptual manifold using Jacobian matrices, and methods presented herein generate Jacobians so as to replicate non-Euclidean perceptual spaces. Examples of perceptual stimuli that may benefit from the embodiments include digital images, audio, and video. In one example, lossy compression of digital images according to a non-Euclidean space advantageously produces compressed images with lower entropy for a given image quality, or better image quality for a given entropy, as compared to JPEG compression.

Abstract: A method is described for facilitating assessment of susceptibility to stroke. Electrical signals are collected from the brain of a patient under assessment. Data corresponding to the signals is then compared to a standard. The standard may represent a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison suggests susceptibility of the patient to stroke. The comparison can be used to characterize neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility. This can be used in determining the need for additional testing and/or appropriate therapy. This information can also be used in categorizing the patient to determine enrollment in clinical trials. Alternatively, the standard represents a neural signal taken at an earlier time from the patient under assessment. A positive comparison suggests that the condition of the patient is unchanged. A negative comparison suggests that the neural activity of the patient has changed, implying changes in neural blood flow.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the presence of a neurological disorder or otherwise assessing the neurological condition of a patient. The method also allows the assessment of a treatment regimen used by a patient. The method includes the collection and analysis of ERP data. The method of the invention begins by conducting a plurality of ERP trials on a patient. In an embodiment of the invention, the data from the ERP trials is then characterized to produce a characterizing ERP signal vector for the patient. Projections based on the characterizing ERP signal vector are then generated. The projections are compared to information derived from the ERP data of patients having known neurological conditions. To perform diagnosis, the projections are compared to standards, such as one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from known healthy patients, and one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from patients known to have the disorder.

Abstract: A method is described for facilitating assessment of susceptibility to stroke. Electrical signals are collected from the brain of a patient under assessment. Data corresponding to the signals is then compared to a standard. The standard may represent a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison suggests susceptibility of the patient to stroke. The comparison can be used to characterize neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility. This can be used in determining the need for additional testing and/or appropriate therapy. This information can also be used in categorizing the patient to determine enrollment in clinical trials. Alternatively, the standard represents a neural signal taken at an earlier time from the patient under assessment. A positive comparison suggests that the condition of the patient is unchanged. A negative comparison suggests that the neural activity of the patient has changed, implying changes in neural blood flow.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the presence of a neurological disorder or otherwise assessing the neurological condition of a patient. The method also allows the assessment of a treatment regimen used by a patient. The method includes the collection and analysis of ERP data. The method of the invention begins by conducting a plurality of ERP trials on a patient. In an embodiment of the invention, the data from the ERP trials is then characterized to produce a characterizing ERP signal vector for the patient. Projections based on the characterizing ERP signal vector are then generated. The projections are compared to information derived from the ERP data of patients having known neurological conditions. To perform diagnosis, the projections are compared to standards, such as one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from known healthy patients, and one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from patients known to have the disorder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described herein for assessing the susceptibility of a patient to stroke. The method begins with the step of collecting electrical signals from the brain of the patient under assessment. Signal data corresponding to the collected electrical signals is then compared to at least one standard. In an embodiment of the invention, the standard represents a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison result suggests susceptibility of the patient under assessment to stroke. Moreover, the comparison result can be used to characterize the pattern of neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility to stroke. A strong similarity to a standard taken from another patient of known susceptibility suggests that the patient under assessment is experiencing similar neural blood flow and is susceptible to stroke to a similar degree.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the presence of a neurological disorder or otherwise assessing the neurological condition of a patient. The method also allows the assessment of a treatment regimen used by a patient. The method includes the collection and analysis of ERP data. The method of the invention begins by conducting a plurality of ERP trials on a patient. In an embodiment of the invention, the data from the ERP trials is then characterized to produce a single characterizing ERP signal vector for the patient. Projections based on the characterizing ERP signal vector are then generated. The projections are compared to information derived from the ERP data of patients having known neurological conditions. To perform diagnosis, the projections are compared to standards, such as one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from known healthy patients, and one or more characterizing ERP signal vectors from s patient known to have the disorder.

Abstract: The activation of neurons in specific areas of a mammalian brain are determined by measurement of levels of mRNA following administration of an agent that potentially affects neuronal activity. Differential levels of mRNA caused by an agent can be measured, as can the specific distribution of the alteration of neuronal activity. Many mental disorders are associated with the abnormal function of a particular area of the brain. The present invention allows the determination of which area of the brain, if any, is affected by an administered agent. Accordingly, the invention provides a valuable tool for assaying compounds as potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A controllable filter arrangement comprises a filter network for filtering an input signal of the filter arrangement, and a transistor, the transistor being configured as a voltage-follower having a controllable current source in its output circuit for providing a controllable DC transistor output current, an output terminal of the voltage-follower being connected to the filter network such that a cut-off frequency of the filter can be controlled by variation of the DC current supplied by the current source. The filter network may be a single-pole RC network and the output of the follower may be connected to an additional capacitor (or resistor) of the network which is coupled to the junction of the existing capacitor and resistor.