Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device including a reagent supply apparatus comprising: a solid support 12 formed preferably from cellulose fibrous material having a porosity which allows liquid flow through the material; at least one generally dry reagent 16 stored on a surface of the support at a regent location or locations; the support further being suitable for storing biological sample material 17 in a dry state at a sample location or locations, spaced from the reagent location or locations.

Abstract: A payload launch system includes a launch tube, payload, rocket tube, pressurized motor assembly, and control system. The motor assembly has a launch actuator and an accumulator housing containing compressed gas. The accumulator housing defines a vent opening having a closure. The control system transmits an actuation signal to the actuator in response to a launch request signal to open the closure and cause a discharge of pressure into the launch tube. This causes the rocket tube to launch from the launch tube to a threshold altitude in a single gaseous thrust phase. A method includes deploying a launch system, transmitting a launch actuation signal to the launch actuator via a control system, and opening a closure to allow compressed gas to enter the launch tube, thereby launching the rocket tube from the launch tube to a threshold altitude in the single gaseous thrust phase.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating a matching rule defined by a user, where the matching rule is a clear text rule, and receiving a transaction message that includes patient data from one or more health care facilities, where the patient data includes one or more patient health care events. A custom extension to a relational database is generated based on the received patient data, and the generated matching rules is applied to the received patient data at the custom extension to the relational database. Related patient event records within the custom extension to the relational database are identified and the related patient event records are configured based on the applied matching rule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at at least one location on the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A method includes accessing data related to a series of patient events, and determining whether the data accessed is related to a specific condition. Care pathway data for the condition is generated in response to determining that the accessed data is related to the specific condition. The care pathways data for the condition is stored at a custom extension to a relational database.

Abstract: Embodiments for a backlight unit are provided. In one example, a backlight unit comprises a light guide configured to receive light at a first light interface located at an end of the light guide and output light via a second light interface located at a face of the light guide, and a plurality of light sources configured to inject light into the light guide at the first light interface. The example backlight unit also comprises a graded index film configured to receive light from the second light interface of the light guide, homogenize received light that is incident on the graded index film from within a range of acceptance angles and not homogenize light incident on the graded index film from outside of the range of acceptance angles, and direct the homogenized light toward an eye box.

Abstract: Embodiments for optical diffusion devices are provided. In one example, an optical diffusion device comprises a first optical element including a first diffusing surface, a second optical element including a second diffusing surface, and an adhesive layer optically coupling the first diffusing surface to the second diffusing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments for a high-efficiency, high-uniformity projection screen are provided. In one example, a projection screen comprises an angle-dependent diffusing layer configured to transmit light non-diffusively within a first range of incident angles and transmit light diffusively within a second range of incident angles and a redirective element configured to receive light transmitted through the angle-dependent diffusing layer in one or more directions within the first range of incident angles and redirect the received light back through the angle-dependent diffusing layer in one or more directions within the second range of incident angles.

Abstract: A display system comprises a head-mounted projector including an exit aperture and a projection engine to project image light through the exit aperture. The image light is projected onto a retro-reflective display that reflects image light in a first dimension at above 90% efficiency within a 25 degree exit angular spread and reflects image light in the first dimension below 10% efficiency outside of a 35 degree exit angular spread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Substituted Naphthyridinedione Derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one Substituted Naphthyridinedione Derivative, and methods of using the Substituted Naphthyridinedione Derivatives for treating or preventing HIV infection in a subject.

Abstract: A 3D silhouette sensing system is described which comprises a stereo camera and a light source. In an embodiment, a 3D sensing module triggers the capture of pairs of images by the stereo camera at the same time that the light source illuminates the scene. A series of pairs of images may be captured at a predefined frame rate. Each pair of images is then analyzed to track both a retroreflector in the scene, which can be moved relative to the stereo camera, and an object which is between the retroreflector and the stereo camera and therefore partially occludes the retroreflector. In processing the image pairs, silhouettes are extracted for each of the retroreflector and the object and these are used to generate a 3D contour for each of the retroreflector and object.

Abstract: A pump comprises a rotor arrangement and a stator arrangement. The stator arrangement comprises a first part made from a corrosive resistant material which defines a volume which in use is swept by the rotor arrangement for pumping fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the stator arrangement. A second part of the stator arrangement is made from a thermally conductive material which envelopes the first part so that heat generated in the first part can be transferred to the second part at the interface surface between the two parts. The second part has formed therein at least one duct for conveying a liquid coolant through the second part so that heat can be transferred from the second part to the liquid coolant for cooling the stator arrangement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.

Abstract: A propulsion device for a marine vessel, the propulsion device comprising an electrical machine with integral magnetic gearing, which comprises three members, namely a first or inner rotor comprising a first plurality of permanent magnets, a second rotor in the form of a plurality of ferromagnetic pole pieces, and a stator which is associated with a plurality of 3-phase windings and to the periphery of which a plurality of second permanent magnets are fixed. The magnetic pole piece rotor is connected to a drive shaft provided with a propulsion means for providing propulsion to the marine vessel. The first or inner rotor is free to rotate about the drive shaft. The pole pieces of the second rotor are arranged to magnetically couple the permanent magnets of the first or inner rotor to the second permanent magnets on the stator.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to ANGPTL3 are provided. Monoclonal antibodies that neutralize at least one activity of ANGPTL3 are provided. Methods of treating a disorder of lipid metabolism using neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for treating Th2-mediated immune disorders and enhancing Th1-mediated immune responses in a subject comprising administering to the subject, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a serum-glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods for treating a wide range of autoimmune diseases are also taught. The present invention also provides methods for augmenting the treatment of subjects having viral or parasitic infections, or which have cancerous tumors.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for helping users navigate healthcare facilities. In one embodiment, a patient at a healthcare facility downloads a healthcare support application onto his or her handheld device. The healthcare support application may include content for orienting the patient and helping the patient to make informed decisions, as well content which allows the patient to provide feedback. Additional, personalized content may be provided by a surveillance interface based on a status of the patient. The surveillance interface may include a listening application which detects changes in electronic health records (EHR) related to the patient, and a surveillance application which cross-matches the changes to relevant content, organizes and/or generates personalized content from the relevant content, and pushes the personalized content to the healthcare support application.

Abstract: A system for launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) payload includes a launch tube, liquid rocket, and launch control assembly. The rocket is positioned in the launch tube and contains the UAV payload. A booster assembly may include a canister partially filled with liquid. A gas cylinder is filled with compressed gas. The liquid is pre-pressurized by the gas or mixed with the gas right before launch such that, upon launch, liquid and gaseous thrust stages launch the rocket to a threshold altitude. The UAV payload deploys after reaching the threshold altitude. Optional stability tubes may be connected to the launch tube, which may be buoyant for water-based operations. An optional tether may be connected to the liquid rocket for arresting its flight prior to reaching apogee. The UAV payload is not launched directly by the gas/liquid mix. A method of launching the UAV payload is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.

Abstract: A pump comprises a rotor arrangement and a stator arrangement. The stator arrangement comprises a first part made from a corrosive resistant material which defines a volume which in use is swept by the rotor arrangement for pumping fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the stator arrangement. A second part of the stator arrangement is made from a thermally conductive material which envelopes the first part so that heat generated in the first part can be transferred to the second part at the interface surface between the two parts. The second part has formed therein at least one duct 80 for conveying a liquid coolant through the second part so that heat can be transferred from the second part to the liquid coolant for cooling the stator arrangement.