Abstract: A tracking system includes a processor, a communications network, a blockchain, and a cultivator device. Growth data on each of the growing states of a cultivated cannabis batch is generated and stored on the blockchain. An intermediary device generates batch segment data having growth data of the cultivated cannabis batch and post-cultivation processing data for that batch segment. Unique identifiers for an end-user product include a link to stored consumer data on the blockchain that includes a) attestation of the authenticity of the end user product, and b) batch segment data for that batch segment to which the end user product belongs. A consumer device scans an end-user unique identifier and retrieves the consumer data from the blockchain and transmits an efficacy value regarding efficacy to the consumer of the end user product.

Abstract: A mechanism called time-deterministic replay (TOR) that can reproduce the execution of a program, including its precise timing. Without TOR, reproducing the timing of an execution is difficult because there are many sources of timing variability. TOR uses a combination of techniques to either mitigate or eliminate most of these sources of variability. Using a prototype implementation of TOR in a Java Virtual Machine, we show it is possible to reproduce the timing to within 1.85% of the original execution. A study of one of the applications of TOR is described: the detection of a covert timing channel. Timing channels can be used to exfiltrate information from a compromised machine by subtly varying timing of the machine's outputs, TOR can detect this variation. Unlike prior solutions, which generally look for a specific type of timing channel, our approach can detect a wide variety of channels with high accuracy.

Abstract: A mechanism called time-deterministic replay (TOR) that can reproduce the execution of a program, including its precise timing. Without TOR, reproducing the timing of an execution is difficult because there are many sources of timing variability. TOR uses a combination of techniques to either mitigate or eliminate most of these sources of variability. Using a prototype implementation of TOR in a Java Virtual Machine, we show it is possible to reproduce the timing to within 1.85% of the original execution. A study of one of the applications of TOR is described: the detection of a covert timing channel. Timing channels can be used to exfiltrate information from a compromised machine by subtly varying timing of the machine's outputs, TOR can detect this variation. Unlike prior solutions, which generally look for a specific type of timing channel, our approach can detect a wide variety of channels with high accuracy.

Abstract: A portable pet tether that provides a mechanism to secure a pet in a stationary position. The portable pet tether is a dome-shaped device that is placed in a stationary position by driving stakes through anchors provided along the perimeter of the tether. The stakes or mounting nails are driven in the ground and therefore prevents the movement of the tether dome after placement. A clip is provided at the top of the dome in one particular embodiment that provides a means to secure the leash of a pet to the portable pet tether. In another particular embodiment, the portable pet tether includes a retractable leash that attaches directly to a pet's collar.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally provide a new model for surgical support and management. Tasks typically performed in advance of and following a surgery can be performed in an automated and efficiency-optimized manner, particularly in the case of routine or straightforward surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the various parties involved in a surgery can access a surgical support and management system using one or more web pages. The system can perform various tasks associated with the surgical planning, inventory planning, intra-operative support, post-surgery logistics, and billing phases of surgical support and management.

Abstract: A first exemplary method implementation for designing an application programming interface (API) includes: preparing multiple code samples for a core scenario, each respective code sample of the multiple code samples corresponding to a respective programming language of multiple programming languages; and deriving the API from the core scenario responsive to the multiple code samples. A second exemplary method for designing an API includes: selecting a core scenario for a feature area; writing at least one code sample for the core scenario; and deriving an API for the core scenario responsive to the at least one code sample. A third exemplary method for designing an API includes: deriving an API for a scenario responsive to at least one code sample written with regard to the scenario; performing one or more usability studies on the API utilizing multiple developers; and revising the API based on the one or more usability studies.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical method may include positioning a first anchor and second anchor in a first vertebra and a second vertebra, respectively, through a first incision made on a first side of a patient's spine, percutaneously positioning a third anchor in a third vertebra through a second incision distinct from the first incision, advancing the first end of a fixation element from the first incision subcutaneously to the third anchor, and coupling the fixation element to the first anchor, the second anchor, and the third anchor.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.

Abstract: Described is a mechanism for enabling software applications to be upgraded from a remote location without forcing an immediate termination or restart of the application. A starter component is associated with the application such that the starter component is executed on behalf of the application. When executed, the starter component launches an executable file associated with a current version of the application. An updater component then periodically polls a remote location to determine if a newer version of the application is available for download. If so, the updater component downloads the newer version of the application to local storage. The updater component then updates configuration information such that the newer version of the application is executed on subsequent launches of the application by the application starter component.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.

Abstract: Isotopically enriched material can be produced by photopredissociation of gaseous formaldehyde containing mixtures of isotopes of C, H, or O, by laser beams at 32980 cm.sup.-1 or at 32890 cm.sup.-1, or by an argon-ion laser beam at 351.1 nm, or by the tripled frequency of a 1.06 .mu.m neodymium-glass laser beam at approximately 0.35 .mu.m. At wavelengths shorter than 330 nm a paramagnetic gas, especially NO and also O.sub.2 may enhance the enrichment and yield.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming a two-dimensional nuclear radiation image at a location inside an animal body and for transmitting a representation of the two-dimensional image to a location outside the body. In examining an animal body in accordance with the invention, a selected portion of the body is caused to form a nuclear radiation pattern, as by the ingestion or injection of a substance which gives out gamma radiation or by irradiation from an external source. The front end of an invented device is introduced into the body, as by way of a body cavity, to form a two-dimensional image of this nuclear radiation pattern. The middle part of the invented device transmits a representation of this two-dimensional image to the back end of the device, which is at a location outside the animal body which is being examined, where this representation forms an image of the selected animal body portion that can be viewed, recorded or otherwise utilized.

Abstract: .sup.203 Pb-tris complex injected for use in the detection and localization of tumors. The lead-203 is produced from the deuteron bombardment of a thallium target and chemically separated from the thallium. The tris is added which complexes with the lead-203.

Abstract: A monochromatic source excites individual isotopic lines in a well-resolved absorption spectrum for which the upper state is predissociated. Isotopic enrichment is thus achieved in the dissociation products, which may be stable molecules or may be chemically trapped if they are reactive. As an example, isotopic separation of hydrogen and deuterium is performed by exciting formaldehyde with a frequency-doubled ruby laser.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.

Abstract: A banana shaped intevertebral fusion cage having a domed profile, an internal planar wall defining first and second graft chambers, asymmetrically disposed leading and trailing insertion, and an anterior wall recess.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.

Abstract: An installation tool that is useful for the efficient and effective placement of an article, such as an artificial disc, between adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The installation tool can be provided as a kit having modular components which allow the surgeon to select from among a variety of components to assemble an installation tool that is optimized for its intended use. The installation tool of the invention generally includes a pair of opposed levers, each of which has a proximal handle portion and a distal portion. A fulcrum is disposed between the two levers to enable proper operation of the tool. The tool further includes a pusher block that is positioned between the two levers and is selectively movable between an initial location distal of the fulcrum and a final location adjacent the distal end of the levers. The pusher block includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore extending at least partially therethrough.