Abstract: A method for providing a demand-response (DR) signal assignment includes initializing reinforcement learning (RL) agents, each having an exploration scheme and being assigned to a consumer, with initial models about respective RL environments of the consumers. The RL agents send the models to an optimizer. The optimizer computes a DR signal assignment using the models. The RL agents send DR signals in accordance with the DR signal assignment to the consumers so as to aggregately achieve a load reduction by the consumers over a time window. The RL agents monitor the consumers over the time window, and update the models based on the monitoring.

Abstract: A method for training a machine learning model includes calculating auxiliary regression targets (ARTs) for a training data set, modifying an input neural network architecture to provide a modified neural network architecture that includes a parallel neural network layer stack for regressing the ARTs, and training the modified neural network architecture on the ARTs in addition to original machine learning problem targets for the training data set.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ratchet retracting handles and related methods for automatically retracting a stylet during insertion of a bone anchor.

Abstract: A method for decentralized multi-task learning includes publishing metadata associated with a first task. A plurality of parameter vectors associated with a set of similar tasks to the first task is obtained and the set of similar tasks is associated with a plurality of other participants. A parameter vector associated with a machine learning dataset for the first task is trained based on a loss function associated with the first task and the plurality of parameter vectors associated with the set of similar tasks. The parameter vector associated with the machine learning dataset for the first task is published.

Abstract: A method for generating robust solutions to optimization problems using machine learning includes receiving an instance of an optimization problem. A solution to the instance is computed using a model. A cost-maximizing environment realization is generated for the solution. A cost of the solution in the cost-maximizing environment realization for the solution is used as feedback to update the model.

Abstract: A method for negotiating a solution to a joint optimization problem includes: transmitting a machine-readable constraint proposal specifying one or more machine-readable constraints to each of a plurality of agents; and receiving, from each of the plurality of agents, a machine-readable counter-proposal specifying one or more additional or alternative machine-readable constraints. The method further includes computing a solution compatible with each of the one or more machine-readable constraints and the one or more additional or alternative machine-readable constraints; and communicating, to each of the plurality of agents via a machine-to-machine protocol, the computed solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bone screws and assemblies thereof for surgical procedures of the spine including but not limited to posterior spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bone screws and assemblies thereof for surgical procedures of the spine including but not limited to posterior spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bone screws and assemblies thereof for surgical procedures of the spine including but not limited to posterior spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bone screws and assemblies thereof for surgical procedures of the spine including but not limited to posterior spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes bone screws and assemblies thereof for surgical procedures of the spine including but not limited to posterior spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: A system, and method of using the system, for changing the angle of a bone of a subject is provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: A jointed rod assembly for use in a spinal fixation construct involves a caudal rod portion connectable to an adjustment mechanism, and a cranial rod portion connectable to the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the caudal and cranial rod portions relative to one another about a joint axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the caudal and cranial rod portions. The caudal and cranial rod portions may be dimensioned to be compatible with other pieces of hardware commonly used for spinal fixation, such as bone anchors (e.g., pedicle screws), occipital plates, reducers, and others. The caudal and cranial rod portions are composed of a strong, rigid, non-absorbable, biocompatible material. The jointed rod assembly may be advantageously used in spinal fixation systems and methods of spinal fixation.

Abstract: A system, and method of using the system, for changing the angle of a bone of a subject is provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: A jointed rod assembly for use in a spinal fixation construct involves a caudal rod portion connectable to an adjustment mechanism, and a cranial rod portion connectable to the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the caudal and cranial rod portions relative to one another about a joint axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the caudal and cranial rod portions. The caudal and cranial rod portions may be dimensioned to be compatible with other pieces of hardware commonly used for spinal fixation, such as bone anchors (e.g., pedicle screws), occipital plates, reducers, and others. The caudal and cranial rod portions are composed of a strong, rigid, non-absorbable, biocompatible material. The jointed rod assembly may be advantageously used in spinal fixation systems and methods of spinal fixation.

Abstract: A method for training a machine learning model includes calculating auxiliary regression targets (ARTs) for a training data set, modifying an input neural network architecture to provide a modified neural network architecture that includes a parallel neural network layer stack for regressing the ARTs, and training the modified neural network architecture on the ARTs in addition to original machine learning problem targets for the training data set.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spinal fixation system comprising a telescoping spinal rod, as well as methods of its use and a guide tower for use therewith. The telescoping rod can be extended after it has been inserted into the patient below the fascia, which permits it to be extended in the sub-fascial space.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for reducing a rod into a saddle of a fixation member includes a distal end for engaging the saddle and a proximal end. A reducing device is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The reducing device is operative to reduce the rod into the saddle. The reducing device defines a throughbore. The throughbore provides access there through by a first drive member to secure a plug to the saddle.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spinal fixation system comprising a telescoping spinal rod, as well as methods of its use and a guide tower for use therewith. The telescoping rod can be extended after it has been inserted into the patient below the fascia, which permits it to be extended in the sub-fascial space.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for reducing a rod into a saddle of a fixation member includes a distal end for engaging the saddle and a proximal end. A reducing device is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The reducing device is operative to reduce the rod into the saddle. The reducing device defines a throughbore. The throughbore provides access there through by a first drive member to secure a plug to the saddle.