Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for processing natural language communications. A computing device receives a set of natural language communications. The computing device generates a word index from the communications and generates, from the word index, a set of topics, each topic including two or more words. For each topic, the computing device generates a score indicative of an amount of semantic information represented by the topic. The computing device then discards topics that are supersets or subsets of other topics. The computing device presents the remaining topics based on to the score of each topic.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for processing natural language communications. A computing device receives a set of natural language communications. The computing device generates a word index from the communications and generates, from the word index, a set of topics, each topic including two or more words. For each topic, the computing device generates a score indicative of an amount of semantic information represented by the topic. The computing device then discards topics that are supersets or subsets of other topics. The computing device presents the remaining topics based on to the score of each topic.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing device comprising a) an input unit for delivering a time varying electric input signal representing an audio signal comprising at least two sound sources, b) a cyclic analysis buffer unit of length A adapted for storing the last A audio samples, c) a cyclic synthesis buffer unit of length, where L is smaller than A, adapted for storing the last L audio samples, which are intended to be separated in individual sound sources, d) a database having stored recorded sound examples from said at least two sound sources, each entry in the database being termed an atom, the atoms originating from audio samples from first and second buffers corresponding in size to said synthesis and analysis buffer units, where for each atom, the audio samples from the first buffer overlaps with the audio samples from the second buffer, and where atoms originating from the first buffer constitute a reconstruction dictionary, and where atoms originating from the second buffer constitute an analysis d

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing device comprising a) an input unit for delivering a time varying electric input signal representing an audio signal comprising at least two sound sources, b) a cyclic analysis buffer unit of length A adapted for storing the last A audio samples, c) a cyclic synthesis buffer unit of length, where L is smaller than A, adapted for storing the last L audio samples, which are intended to be separated in individual sound sources, d) a database having stored recorded sound examples from said at least two sound sources, each entry in the database being termed an atom, the atoms originating from audio samples from first and second buffers corresponding in size to said synthesis and analysis buffer units, where for each atom, the audio samples from the first buffer overlaps with the audio samples from the second buffer, and where atoms originating from the first buffer constitute a reconstruction dictionary, and where atoms originating from the second buffer constitute an analysis d

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: Dimethicone copolyol polymers are synthesized from dimethicone copolyol macromers. Polymers containing the macromer repeating units are useful in a variety of applications including personal care, textile and industrial formulations to deliver softness, lubricity, fixative, humidity resistance, water repellency, gloss, surface modification, and surfactant properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-purpose alkali-swellable and alkali soluble associative polymers, which are the polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising: (a) at least one acidic vinyl monomer; (b) at least one nonionic vinyl monomer; (c) a first associative monomer having a first hydrophobic end group; (d) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a second associative monomer having a second hydrophobic end, a semihydrophobic monomer and a combination thereof; and, optionally, (e) one or more crosslinking monomers or chain transfer agents. When monomer (d) is an associative monomer, the first and second hydrophobic end groups of monomers (c) and (d) have significantly different hydrophobic and/or steric character from one another. The multi-purpose associative polymers surprisingly provide desirable rheological and aesthetic properties in aqueous media.

Abstract: Dimethicone copolyol polymers are synthesized from dimethicone copolyol macromers. Polymers containing the macromer repeating units are useful in a variety of applications including personal care, textile and industrial formulations to deliver softness, lubricity, fixative, humidity resistance, water repellency, gloss, surface modification, and surfactant properties.

Abstract: A dental handpiece (10) of the type having a body (11), a head (13) and a neck (12), is improved by having at least one portion of the handpiece (10) formed by metal injection molding or MIM. The use of MIM allows for improved fabrication and function. According to one aspect of the invention, the head (13) and neck (12) of the handpiece (10) are MIM-formed as a single or unitary piece.

Abstract: Priority inheritance is implemented across a distributed system, preferably by use of a mutual exclusion object, referred to as a pseudo-mutex, which provides operations for communicating priority of a task which is held to a different connected processor or node of a network and generating a dummy local command of priority at least equal to that of the held task at the remote processor or node in collaboration with a real-time operating system and middleware. The remote real time operating system then carries out priority inheritance in the normal manner to raise the priority of a blocked task, thus reversing any preemption of that task at the remote processor or node. The increase in priority avoids preemption of lower priority processes and thus increases the execution speed of the executing thread to release the existing lock at an earlier time; allowing a lock to be obtained by the higher priority thread.

Abstract: Forceps are provided with a bifurcated gripping nose on one end adapted to pivotally engage an implant while a rod passes between the branches of the bifurcated gripping nose. The forceps further define a fulcrum adjacent the gripping nose. The pivotally engaging gripping nose and included fulcrum permit a surgeon to urge the rod into an opening in the implant with a single instrument while securely gripping the implant. With the implant pivotally engaged by the gripping nose, movement of the forceps towards the rod brings the fulcrum into contact with the rod and further movement urges the rod into an opening in the implant. In an alternative form, the gripping nose is laterally offset to urge a laterally offset rod into alignment with the implant upon rotation of the forceps.

Abstract: Forceps are provided with a bifurcated gripping nose on one end adapted to pivotally engage an implant while a rod passes between the branches of the bifurcated gripping nose. The forceps further define a fulcrum adjacent the gripping nose. The pivotally engaging gripping nose and included fulcrum permit a surgeon to urge the rod into an opening in the implant with a single instrument while securely gripping the implant. With the implant pivotally engaged by the gripping nose, movement of the forceps towards the rod brings the fulcrum into contact with the rod and further movement urges the rod into an opening in the implant. In an alternative form, the gripping nose is laterally offset to urge a laterally offset rod into alignment with the implant upon rotation of the forceps.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided in which command and feedback signals are processed to develop an analog error signal for application to a servo drive to position a controlled element. The command signals are in the form of pulses each of which corresponds to a certain incremental distance of movement. The feedback signals are developed from phase shifts of a low frequency resolver signal, such phase shifts being proportional to movement of the element. Such feedback signals are applied to a resolver digitizer circuit which develops a train of resolver pulses in response to the phase shift represented by each feedback signal. Each such resolver pulse corresponds to the same incremental distance of movement as a command pulse and both the resolver pulses and the command pulses are applied to a comparator and error signal circuit in which any cumulative error in either direction is stored as a digital number and is converted to an analog error signal of the proper polarity.