Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a vacuum chuck. The vacuum chuck includes a forming surface having a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a curved region. The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end define a longitudinal axis, and the curved region defines a radius of curvature along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of elongate grooves are formed into the forming surface in the curved region. Each elongate groove of the plurality of elongate grooves has a length, a width, and a depth extending into the forming surface. The length of each elongate groove is greater than the width. At least one conduit is configured for connection to a vacuum source and is disposed beneath the forming surface. The at least one conduit extends transversely across the plurality of elongate grooves, and the at least one conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of elongate grooves.

Abstract: A method and system of performing an authentication of a person in order to activate a smart card for access to a secured resource is disclosed. The system and method are configured to collect image data and compare the image data to facial model data stored on the smart card. The system detects whether there is a match between the image data and any facial signatures previously collected and stored in the smart card. If there is a match, the system verifies an identity of the person and can be configured to automatically activate the smart card for a limited period of time.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for providing a hybrid low power, high bandwidth media transport protocol between media sinks and media sources by splitting control and synchronization commands to a low power communication interface, and media data to a high bandwidth unidirectional communication interface. Media sinks need not transmit via the high bandwidth unidirectional communication interface, reducing power consumption, which may be particularly beneficial for small devices with limited battery capacity such as wireless earbuds.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for secure communications, and more specifically to securing communications on previously air-gapped equipment using post-quantum encryption. A system can include: a first technology environment comprising at least one first technology component, the at least one first technology component comprising a first Post-Quantum Encryption (PQE) module; a second technology environment comprising at least one second technology component, the at least one second technology component comprising a second PQE module; a demilitarized zone (DMZ) environment having at least one DMZ processor; and a communications network, where the first technology environment, the second technology environment, and the DMZ environment are networked together across the communications network such that communications between the first technology environment and the second technology environment pass through the DMZ environment, the communications being encrypted using PQE.

Abstract: Provided herein are high energy ion beam generator systems and methods that provide low cost, high performance, robust, consistent, uniform, low gas consumption and high current/high-moderate voltage generation of neutrons and protons. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale generation of neutrons and protons for a wide variety of research, medical, security, and industrial processes.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. A wound dressing apparatus can comprises a wound contact layer, at least one absorbent layer, an electronics unit comprising a negative pressure source unit, and a cover layer. The electronics unit can comprise a plurality of sensors positioned on a printed circuit board and an inlet protection mechanism of the negative pressure source unit comprises a first recess in fluid communication with a first sensor and the outlet or exhaust mechanism negative pressure source unit comprises a second recess in fluid communication with a second sensor.

Abstract: A medical device and its method of use includes a catheter, at least two electromagnetic sensing coils located within the distal tip of the catheter, and a multi-element planar ultrasound transducer array located within the distal tip of the catheter and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy. The device also includes an imaging system coupled to the ultrasound transducer and is used for creating an image of tissue in a first target plane that extends orthogonally from the catheter body. The medical device also includes a backscatter evaluation system for use in receiving and evaluating the acoustic spectral characteristics of tissues within a second target area within the first target plane.

Abstract: Genetically modified microorganisms that have the ability to convert carbon substrates into chemical products such as 2,3-BDO; 1,4-BDO; isobutyraldehyde; isobutanol; 1-butanol; n-butanol; ethanol; fatty alcohols; and fatty acid methyl ester are disclosed. For example, genetically modified methanotrophs that are capable of generating 2,3-BDO; 1,4-BDO; isobutyraldehyde; isobutanol; 1-butanol; n-butanol; ethanol; fatty alcohols; and fatty acid methyl ester at high titers from a methane source are disclosed. Methods of making these genetically modified microorganisms and methods of using them are also disclosed. These microorganisms and methods make use of molecular switches to regulate gene expression.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical flow port, a biopharmaceutical liquid container assembly, and a method for manufacturing the biopharmaceutical flow port and the biopharmaceutical liquid container assembly are described. The biopharmaceutical flow port includes a hose barb coupled to an elliptic body. The hose barb includes a bore. The elliptic body includes a flow passage, a first edge, and a second edge. The flow passage is fluidly coupled to the bore. The first edge extends from the elliptic body away from the flow passage in a first direction and the second edge extends from the elliptic body away from the flow passage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The biopharmaceutical liquid container assembly includes a biopharmaceutical liquid container with an opening and the biopharmaceutical flow port coupled to the biopharmaceutical liquid container within the opening and in fluid communication with a volume of the biopharmaceutical liquid container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating fluid stasis employ an airstream to move static fluid to one or more natural drainage areas for static fluid. A system for treating fluid stasis includes an airstream nozzle and an airflow generator for supplying an airflow to the airstream nozzle. The airflow nozzle is configured to output an airstream configured to be directed onto a patient to induce shear-thinning of static fluid and movement of static fluid toward one or more natural drainage areas for static fluid.

Abstract: A headphone for spatial audio rendering includes a first database having an impulse response pair corresponding to a reference speaker location. A head sensor provides head orientation information to a second database having rotation filters, the filters corresponding to different azimuth and elevation positions relative to the reference speaker location. A digital signal processor combines the rotation filters with the impulse response pair to generate an output binaural audio signal to transducers of the headphone. Efficiencies in creating impulse response or HRTF databases are achieved by sampling the impulse response less frequently than in conventional methods. This sampling at coarser intervals reduces the number of data measurements required to generate a spherical grid and reduces the time involved in capturing the impulse responses. Impulse responses for data points falling between the sampled data points are generated by interpolating in the frequency domain.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to protect flows in piping systems using minimal spare components. Some embodiments may provide: a first piping subsystem configured to receive a portion of the input flow; a second piping subsystem configured to receive the portion of the input flow by substituting for the first subsystem; a test subsystem configured to detect whether each of the first and second subsystems is able to vent when at least one, in the each subsystem, of a respective pressure and a respective pressure rate satisfies first and second criteria, respectively; and first and second pilots configured to detect a maximum pressure and a maximum pressure rate, respectively, of the portion of the first and second subsystems.

Abstract: Migration of human peripheral leukocytes in response to chemotactic factors during pregnancy. The methods include determining the likelihood of a pregnant subject undergoing delivery within about 7 days by obtaining peripheral leukocytes from the pregnant subject and determining a chemotactic activity of the leukocytes, wherein an increased likelihood of delivery within about 7 days is indicated when the chemotactic activity is at a level characteristic of a full term pregnancy. Chemotactic activity is assessed by measuring migration of peripheral leukocytes towards a chemoattractant which is a factor present in a sample comprising human fetal membrane obtained from a full term pregnant subject. Other biomarkers or F-actin polarization of peripheral leukocytes are also indicative of the likelihood of a pregnant subject undergoing delivery. Further methods disclosed include minimizing complications of preterm delivery by administration of an IL-1 antagonist when there is a likelihood of preterm delivery.

Abstract: Provided herein are combination therapies comprising a KRasG12C inhibitor (e.g. Compound 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) and a VEGF antagonist (e.g., bevacizumab) and methods of using such combination therapies.

Abstract: A smart glasses system includes smart glasses configured to be worn by an individual. The smart glasses include a display and a camera configured to obtain one or more images. One or more processors are communicatively coupled to the smart glasses and are configured to receive the one or more images and to process the one or more images to identify characteristics of damage to a property. The one or more processors are also configured to generate, based on the characteristics of the damage to the property, a mitigation protocol. The one or more processors are further configured to provide an output indicative of one or more steps of the mitigation protocol to the smart glasses for presentation to the individual via the display.

Abstract: System and methods for routing requests for both assisted communications and non-assisted communications with devices operated by deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) users using a single number are described. A network component may determine whether to use routing that directs such requests to an assistance system based on the type of communications requested and one or more identifiers in a request. If a communications request includes a DHH user device's identifier and communications type that are represented in assistance routing data, the network component may forward that request to an assistance system. Otherwise, the network component may route such a request normally. A DHH user may request a suspension of the assistance routing for a period of time and/or until reinstatement of the assistance routing is requested.

Abstract: A system includes: a golf range; targets on the golf range; a building including golf bays including golf ball dispensers, each including a receptacle, a passageway, a gateway, and a display device embedded in the golf ball dispenser; at least one golf ball sensor; one or more computers communicatively coupled with the at least one golf ball sensor and the golf ball dispensers, the one or more computers being configured to track a golf ball in flight on the golf range, identify where the golf ball lands on the golf range, identify the golf bay from which the golf ball was hit, and present information, regarding the golf ball hit from the golf bay, on the display device of the golf ball dispenser associated with the golf bay, the information being in accordance with where the golf ball lands on the golf range.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a backsheet is provided. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that comprises superabsorbent particles containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermoplastic body having regions with varied material composition and/or porosity. Powder blends comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a sacrificial porogen and an inorganic reinforcement or filler are molded to form complementary parts with closely toleranced mating surfaces. The parts are formed discretely, assembled and compression molded to provide a unitary article that is free from discernible boundaries between the assembled parts. Each part in the assembly has differences in composition and/or porosity, and the assembly has accurate physical features throughout the sections of the formed article, without distortion and nonuniformities caused by variable compaction and densification rates in methods that involve compression molding powder blends in a single step.

Abstract: Provided herein are high energy ion beam generator systems and methods that provide low cost, high performance, robust, consistent, uniform, low gas consumption and high current/high-moderate voltage generation of neutrons and protons. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale generation of neutrons and protons for a wide variety of research, medical, security, and industrial processes.