Abstract: A method operates a binaural hearing aid system with first and second hearing aids. A first audio signal of the first hearing aid is divided into a first high-frequency component and a first low-frequency component. A second audio signal of the second hearing aid is divided into a second high-frequency component and a second low-frequency component. A first provisional division frequency is specified for the division of the first audio signal into the first high-frequency component and the first low-frequency component. A second provisional division frequency is specified for the division of the second audio signal into the second high-frequency component and the second low-frequency component. A division frequency is defined on the basis of the first provisional division frequency and the second provisional division frequency. The first and second audio signals are divided at the division frequency into respective high-frequency components and low-frequency components.

Abstract: A method for operating a hearing system is defined, wherein a sound signal emanating from a sound source is measured by a plurality of microphones, which are fitted in different devices. Each of the microphones detects the sound signal and generates therefrom a microphone signal. The hearing system is binaural and two of the devices are each embodied as a hearing aid. For at least the two microphone signals from the microphones of the hearing aids there is determined an individual reverberation time in each case, and the individual reverberation times are combined in a dataset from which a general reverberation time is determined. An operating parameter of the hearing system is adjusted according to the general reverberation time. A corresponding hearing system is also defined.

Abstract: A method improves a picked-up signal in a hearing system. The hearing system has at least one hearing device, particularly a hearing aid. The hearing aid device has an associated first directional microphone that has an adjustable first directional characteristic with a preferential direction. The first directional microphone converts sound into a first signal that is adopted in the picked-up signal. A speech activity of a user of the hearing system is monitored, and recognition of a speech activity of the user prompts the preferential direction of the first directional characteristic to be adjusted in comparison with a frontal direction of the user such that the sound sensitivity of the first directional microphone undergoes attenuation in the frontal direction.

Abstract: A method transmits an audio signal from a transmitter to a receiver and a hearing device, particularly a hearing aid, contains a communication facility which is provided and configured for transmitting and/or receiving an audio signal according to the method. A hearing device system has two hearing devices and is provided and configured to transmit audio signals between the two hearing devices by their communication facilities according to the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: A method improves a picked-up signal in a hearing system. The hearing system has at least one hearing device, particularly a hearing aid. The hearing aid device has an associated first directional microphone that has an adjustable first directional characteristic with a preferential direction. The first directional microphone converts sound into a first signal that is adopted in the picked-up signal. A speech activity of a user of the hearing system is monitored, and recognition of a speech activity of the user prompts the preferential direction of the first directional characteristic to be adjusted in comparison with a frontal direction of the user such that the sound sensitivity of the first directional microphone undergoes attenuation in the frontal direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for nucleic acid processing. A method for preparing a sequencing set may include providing a template nucleic acid and amplifying the template nucleic acid to provide a complementary nucleic acid. Next, the complementary nucleic acid may be fragmented and barcoded to produce a first set of barcoded fragments comprising a plurality of first barcoded fragments. Next, the plurality of first barcoded fragments may be fragmented to yield a second set of barcoded fragments comprising a plurality of second barcoded fragments.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sample preparation techniques and sequencing of macromolecular constituents of cells and other biological materials.

Abstract: A method for suppressing acoustic feedback in a hearing aid device and a corresponding device and a system. A frequency range to be transmitted by the hearing aid device is divided into two frequency ranges that are separated by a split-band frequency. A transfer function of a feedback path is estimated in a frequency range and assessed for its behavior at the split-band frequency. Depending on the result of the assessment, the split-band frequency is lowered or raised and in the upper frequency range a phase and/or frequency change is applied for suppressing feedback.

Abstract: In a method for operating a hearing aid, an input signal is generated by way of one or more microphones. The input signal is amplified in an amplifier with an adjustable gain factor and output as an amplified input signal by way of a receiver. Furthermore, an OVD (own-voice-detection) parameter is established by an OVD unit. The OVD parameter specifies whether or not the user themselves is speaking. The gain factor is adjusted in a manner dependent on the OVD parameter and additionally adjusted in a manner dependent on noise, in particular stationary noise.

Abstract: An audio signal is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver in a hearing device, particularly a hearing aid. A communication facility configured for transmitting and/or receiving the audio signal. A hearing device system has two hearing devices configured to transmit audio signals between the two hearing devices by way of their communication facilities in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus reduce feedback in a hearing aid device. The method includes the step of acquiring a first feedback transfer function at a first point in time on a feedback path from a signal processing device via an electro-acoustic transducer, an acoustic signal path from the electro-acoustic transducer to an acousto-electric transducer and via the acousto-electric transducer back to the signal processing device. In a further step, a weighted mean value function is determined in a manner dependent on amplitude absolute values of the first feedback transfer function. A second feedback transfer function is estimated by an adaptive filter, wherein coefficients of the adaptive filter are determined in a manner dependent on the weighted mean value function. The adaptive filter is applied to a signal which is derived from an acoustic input signal of the acousto-electric transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reduce feedback in a hearing aid. The method involves a first transfer function, which includes a feedback path, being estimated for a first section of a signal response. A power of a feedback signal from a second transfer function of the feedback path is estimated for a second section of the signal response, and a parameter of the signal processing device and/or of the feedback suppression unit is adjusted on the basis of the estimated power.

Abstract: A method for suppressing interference noise in an acoustic system with a microphone that generates an input signal and a loudspeaker that generates an acoustic signal which partially feeds back to the microphone. A first intermediate signal is formed along a primary signal path as a function of the input signal, and an output signal is formed via a frequency distortion. The output signal is coupled into a signal feedback path. A second intermediate signal is formed in the signal feedback path via a decorrelation and used as an input value for an adaptive filter. The adaptive filter generates a compensation signal which compensates the input signal. A third intermediate signal is formed from the input signal and/or compensated input signal, which is used as an input value for the adaptive filter. The output signal is fed to the loudspeaker for reproduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject based on determining the amounts of at least three biomarkers. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic means and methods for heart failure. In particular, the invention relates to a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject suspected to suffer therefrom comprising determining the amount of at least one cholesterol parameter and/or total sphingomyelins and/or triacylglycerols in a sample of the said subject, and comparing the amount(s) determined in step (a) to a reference, whereby it is diagnosed whether the subject suffers from heart failure, or not. Moreover, the invention pertains to a device for diagnosing whether a subject suffers from heart failure, or not, and to the use, in general, of enzymatic detection agents for at least one cholesterol parameter and/or total sphingomyelins and/or triacylglycerols for diagnosing in a sample of a subject whether the said subject suffers from heart failure, or not. Finally, contemplated is a kit for diagnosing heart failure in subject suspected to suffer therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject based on a group of biomarkers. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: Feedback whistling and external tonal signals are distinguished during feedback suppression. For that purpose an adaptation increment of an adaptive filter of a hearing apparatus for feedback reduction is controlled. A sound signal is picked up by a microphone and a microphone signal is output, from which an earpiece signal for an earpiece is generated. An adaptive filter reduces a feedback signal in the microphone signal. To this end an autocorrelation value of sampled values of the microphone signal, between which a time difference exists, is obtained, and the adaptation increment of the adaptive filter is controlled based on the autocorrelation value. A frequency of an output signal obtained on the basis of the microphone signal is shifted while creating the earpiece signal and the time difference for obtaining the autocorrelation value is controlled as a function of the shifting of the frequency of the microphone signal.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for extracting target objects from a sample. In the method, a stream of sample containing a plurality of target and non-target objects is directed by first and second streams of buffer through a sample inlet channel into a fluid junction and through the fluid junction into a sample waste channel. In response to detecting a target object within the stream of sample, an actuator is energized to close a normally open valve, resulting in a transient burst of cross-flow into the fluid junction that briefly diverts the flow of sample within the fluid junction and results in an aliquot of sample being directed into an aliquot delivery channel. The combination of the valve and the actuator acts as a self-limiting pulse generator.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for manipulating an object within a channel of a microfluidic device using an external electrode. The device has a channel disposed within the device, the channel having no included electrodes. The channel has a wall, at least a portion of which is penetrable by an electric field generated external to the device, the wall being penetrable such that the electric field extends through the wall portion and into a region within the channel. The system includes the microfluidic device and an electrode external to and not bonded to the device. In the method, the external electrode is placed adjacent to the device and energized to generate an electric field that extends through the wall of the device and into the channel, thereby manipulating an object within the channel.