Abstract: A method of resolving a number of photons received by a photon detector includes optically coupling a waveguide to a superconducting wire having alternating narrow and wide portions; electrically coupling the superconducting wire to a current source; and electrically coupling an electrical contact in parallel with the superconducting wire. The electrical contact has a resistance less than a resistance of the superconducting wire while at least one narrow portion of the superconducting wire is in a non-superconducting state. The method includes providing to the superconducting wire, from the current source, a current configured to maintain the superconducting wire in a superconducting state in the absence of incident photons; receiving one or more photons via the waveguide; measuring an electrical property of the superconducting wire, proportional to a number of photons incident on the superconducting wire; and determining the number of received photons based on the electrical property.

Abstract: A method includes receiving inputs from a plurality of data providers reflecting the plurality of data providers' respective parameters for providing message channel data; receiving inputs from a plurality of data recipients reflecting the data recipients' respective parameters for receiving message channel data; identifying, using a matching engine, message channel data that matches the parameters of at least one of the plurality of data providers and the parameters of at least one of the data recipients; processing the message channel data in accordance with the parameters of the data providers, the processing step comprising segmenting the message channel data into permitted data segments and non-permitted data segments based on the data providers' parameters; delivering the permitted data segments to the identified data recipients in accordance with their respective parameters; and initiating a request for compensation of the identified data providers in accordance with their respective parameters.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed that include receiving electronic content data associated with an electronic content provider comprising: a content campaign identification associated with a virtual token, and provider-identified platform identifications that identify platforms on which the content campaign may be initiated; receiving input from the user comprising: a user identification, a virtual token identification, a campaign identification that identifies the content campaign associated with the virtual token, and user-identified platform identifications that identify the platforms on which the user consents to be targeted by the content campaign; determining, based on the received electronic content data and user data, the content campaign and platforms the user consents to; and generating a notification to initiate a content campaign targeting the user on the platforms on which the user consents to be targeted; and outputting the generated notification to the platforms on which the user consents to be targeted.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transfer plate lubricant compositions and methods of transporting open containers across stationary transfer plates.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to communication related to predictions. A communication chain is created with multiple chain units, each operating independently to provide prediction services related to a prompt with embedded information therein associated with predictions for the prompt to enable prediction services. A request is received for a requested operation related to a query prompt on one of prediction solicitation, prediction entry, verification entry, and prediction access. If a chain unit for the query prompt, the request is directed to the chain unit to perform the requested operation. If not, a new chain unit is created for the query prompt and the request is forwarded to the new chain unit to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: A computer security system may include an endpoint authentication interface configured to receive one or more user credentials, an endpoint enrollment controller operatively connected to the endpoint authentication interface, and an endpoint access controller operatively connected to the endpoint enrollment controller and configured to enable or disable one or more data connections between a protected device and an endpoint terminal system. An interface interrogator device may receive data from a slave device, analyze the data, and in response to determining whether the slave device is authorized, enable or disable a connection between the slave device and a host device. The computer security system may include the interface interrogator device to further enable or disable connections between the protected device and the endpoint terminal system. Methods of controlling connections between a host computer and a slave device are also disclosed herein. Cable management systems are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling cassettes consistent with sets of seeds are provided. One example computer-implemented method includes, in response to a request for a schedule to fill a plurality of the cassettes, accessing data associated with the cassettes including a seed set specific to each of the cassettes and generating a schedule to fill the plurality of cassettes with seeds, consistent with the seed sets specific to the plurality of cassettes, via a gantry, multiple counting stations, and a filling station, based on a throughput of the gantry, the multiple counting stations, and the filling station. The method then includes executing the schedule at the gantry, the multiple counting stations, and the filling station to fill at least a portion of the plurality of cassettes with the appropriate sets of seeds consistent with the schedule.

Abstract: Hydrogels and preparation of biocompatible, in situ gelling and injectable hydrogels composed of cellulose nanofibrils and using them for tissue and organ repair and regeneration. The present invention demonstrates cellulose nanofibrils with tuned size (fibril length and distribution), high crystallinity, and high purity, variable concentration in water, and controlled charge for injectable hydrogels. The current application discovers that in situ gelling can be achieved by controlling the degree of substitution of cellulose nanofibrils through carboxymethylation. After injection, they can form three-dimensional gels and provide attachment sites and guidance for cells to facilitate tissue and organ repair. They can be also loaded with drugs, growth factors, or signaling molecules to be delivered to targeted locations in the body and released in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An improved method and structure for forming an electrical interconnects mechanism in a Power Distribution Network (PDN) by placing capacitors on the top of the pin array on the printed circuit board (PCB) of the structure to decouple the PDN and results in lower impedance benefitting the frequency range of the PDN effecting a significant performance improvement in the spring-pin inductance from the transmission line. This reduction in impedance reduces the power supply ripple.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of constructing a coax spring-pin socket that furnishes better performance and is easier to manufacture in volume using common dielectrics and copper plating. This is accomplished by, in application, a lamination of PCB dielectric layers. This dielectric block is then drilled, plated, etched, and drilled in steps for the construction of a coaxial structure for the signal pins, and a ground structure for ground pins. This design process that can be quickly adjusted and customized for each design.

Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting and adjusting failed back-drills in PCBs in the process of fabricating a PCB so that the failed back-drill can be screened out or repaired. This is accomplished, by after detecting poor back drills in a PCB, measuring the actual thickness of each PCB board. Next, the measured actual thickness of each PCB board is compared with .the theoretical thickness of each PCB board. The back drill depth for each area of the PCB board is then adjusted for its theoretical thickness and percent variation from the measured thickness.to adjust the poor back drill.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting failed back-drills in PCBs in the process of fabricating a PCB so that the failed back-drill can be screened out or repaired. The present invention accomplishes this by adding a short to ground connection for every back-drill via that will be cut when the back-drill removes the via stub. If the back-drill is bad or failed the short to ground will fail the subsequent electrical tests. The PCB can be repaired by re-drilling the hole or via. The present invention allows for detecting failed back-drills with easy detection in the manufacturing stage using standard equipment and test procedures. This process creates a simple pass-fail measurement that uses an existing common test process to catch failed back drills in the PCB fabrication facility. This allows for easy and cost-effective repair and guarantees back-drill failures do not pass into the field.

Abstract: Electrical structures, methods, and computer program products for radio frequency (RF) de-embedding are provided. A structure includes a first test device, a first through structure corresponding to the first test device, and a first open structure corresponding to the first test device. The structure also includes a second test device having at least one different physical dimension than the first test device but otherwise identical to the first test device, a second through structure corresponding to the second test device, and a second open structure corresponding to the second test device. A method includes determining a first electrical parameter of the first test device in a first DUT structure and a second electrical parameter of the second test device in a second DUT structure based on measured electrical parameters of the first and the second DUT structures, through structures, and open structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and structure for forming an electrical interconnects mechanism in a Power Distribution Network (PDN) by placing capacitors on the top of the pin array on the printed circuit board (PCB) of the structure to decouple the PDN and results in lower impedance benefitting the frequency range of the PDN effecting a significant performance improvement in the spring-pin inductance from the transmission line. This reduction in impedance reduces the power supply ripple.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a crystal growth method includes forming a first member at at least a part of a bottom portion of a hole in a structure body. The hole includes the bottom portion and a side portion. The first member includes a first element. The first element is not adhered to at least a part of the side portion in the forming the first member. The crystal growth method includes growing a crystal member inside the hole by supplying a source material to the hole after the forming the first member. The source material includes a second element. The crystal member includes the second element.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for delivery of custom blended dispensing custom blended personal care beauty products for a beauty service, wherein one or more components of a beauty product are stored where they may be supplied as needed to a dispenser, and where a control mechanism regulates the dosage of beauty components to provide a desired selected personal care beauty product with the characteristics selected. A selection screen display provides an image of a person and the person's hair that may be manipulated to simulate modifications that may include cut or styling and color or other effects. The selections are processed and stored and a formula is generated and communicating to a dispensing device to deliver the product components to produce the formula.

Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

Abstract: A computer security system may include an endpoint authentication interface configured to receive one or more user credentials, an endpoint enrollment controller operatively connected to the endpoint authentication interface, and an endpoint access controller operatively connected to the endpoint enrollment controller and configured to enable or disable one or more data connections between a protected device and an endpoint terminal system. An interface interrogator device may receive data from a slave device, analyze the data, and in response to determining whether the slave device is authorized, enable or disable a connection between the slave device and a host device. The computer security system may include the interface interrogator device to further enable or disable connections between the protected device and the endpoint terminal system. Methods of controlling connections between a host computer and a slave device are also disclosed herein. Cable management systems are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a crystal growth method includes forming a first member at at least a part of a bottom portion of a hole in a structure body. The hole includes the bottom portion and a side portion. The first member includes a first element. The first element is not adhered to at least a part of the side portion in the forming the first member. The crystal growth method includes growing a crystal member inside the hole by supplying a source material to the hole after the forming the first member. The source material includes a second element. The crystal member includes the second element.