Abstract: A method is provided for generating single-stranded DNA circles from a biological sample. The method comprises the steps of: treating the biological sample with an extractant to release nucleic acids, thereby forming a sample mixture; neutralizing the extractant; denaturing the released nucleic acids to generate single-stranded nucleic acids; and contacting the single-stranded nucleic acids with a ligase that is capable of template-independent, intramolecular ligation of single-stranded DNA to generate the single-stranded DNA circles. All the steps of the method are performed without any intermediate nucleic acid isolation or nucleic acid purification. The single-stranded DNA circles may be amplified and further analyzed. Also provided is a kit which comprises compositions for carrying out the novel methods.

Abstract: Techniques of deploying fuel cells in a facility are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a location of the receptacle at the facility that the fuel cell is connected upon detecting the fuel connector of the second side of the carrier being coupled to a fuel port at a receptacle at the facility. The method can then include generating and storing, in a database, a fuel cell record indicating that the fuel cell is physically connected to the receptacle at the identified location in the facility and instructing a control device in the facility corresponding to the identified location to provide fuel to the fuel cell via the fuel port, the fuel connector, the connection between the first side and the second side of the carrier, and the fuel inlet of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for receiving a request for a user to perform a plurality of activities with respect to a secure document, a given activity of the plurality activities being assigned based on a known parameter of the user. The system transmits the request to the user, and responsive to detecting an interaction with the request, determines that the known parameter has changed. The system responsively determines requirements for performing the plurality of activities based on a replacement parameter of the user, determines a replacement activity based on the requirements, and transmits a new request to the user, the new request replacing the given activity with the replacement activity.

Abstract: A passive modification device comprising an elongated body extending along a first axis made of a shape memory alloy with a threshold contraction along the first axis at a threshold temperature. The modification device further comprises a passageway extending along a second axis shaped to surround a conduit line extending along the second axis. The modification device further includes a first modifying structure on a first portion of the passageway and a second modifying structure on a second portion of the passageway opposite the first modifying structure. Contraction of the elongated body can cause the first modifying structure and the second modifying structure to move towards each other; where movement of at least one of the first modifying structure or the second modifying structures can be configured to modify the conduit line. The conduit line may comprise mechanical cables, electrical conductors, optical fibers, or brittle portions that readily shatter.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an asset management distributed ledger system for capturing, storing, and providing access to asset information/data. For example, the distributed ledger system may capture and store asset information/data that provides a complete record of an asset and further provide access to the asset information/data via an IUI or search function of the distributed ledger system. The distributed ledger system may include a token-handling subsystem that enables token-based transactions with respect to the distributed ledger and/or implemented via the distributed ledger. A token value (e.g., units of digital currency) may be distributed to users as rewards for making contributions to the distributed ledger and may be redeemed by users as costs associated with accessing the asset information of the distributed ledger.

Abstract: Systems and methods for programming a lead are provided. A first image of an anatomical region depicting an anatomical element and at least a portion of an initial lead and an initial lead parameter associated with the initial lead are received. A second image of the anatomical region depicting at least a portion of the anatomical element and at least a portion of an implanted lead is also received. An implanted lead parameter may be generated for the implanted lead based on a combination of the initial lead parameter and a correlation of the first image with the second image.

Abstract: A combustion section includes a casing that defines a diffusion chamber. The combustion section further includes a combustion liner that is disposed within the diffusion chamber and that defines a combustion chamber. The combustion liner is spaced apart from the casing such that a passageway is defined between the combustion liner and the casing. The combustion section further includes a fuel cell assembly that is disposed in the passageway. The fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells. The plurality of fuel cells extend from an inlet end in fluid communication with the diffusion chamber to an outlet end extending through the combustion liner and in fluid communication with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 for a breathing assistance apparatus, the portable display unit comprising: a display unit housing 3001, 3501, 4000; a screen 3051, 3551, 4051; and a tethering component for tethering the portable display unit 3000, 3500, 4000 with abase unit 50 of the breathing assistance apparatus.

Abstract: A charging ecosystem may comprise: an interconnected battery module; a first battery system comprising a first plurality of the interconnected battery modules; and a second battery system comprising a second plurality of the interconnected battery module. The first battery system may be configured for charging the second battery system. The second battery system may be configured for powering an electric vehicle. The interconnected battery module is adaptable to various interfaces with the first system and the second system.

Abstract: Implantable stents that include strips that are each comprised of main struts connected by first connectors, and adjacent strips are connected by second connectors. The strut connectors have a structure, including areas of expanded or reduced width or thickness, to account for venous applications. When used for venous applications, the stents convey benefit from configurations that improve flexibility (due to the greater elasticity of venous applications) while maintaining enough stiffness to resist pressure on the venous structure in selected areas (such as for the May-Thurner syndrome). The stents include particular structural characteristics that are particularly advantageous for (although not limited to) venous applications.

Abstract: A system and a method for automation of agricultural treatments. The system receives a set of instructions for the agricultural treatment. The set of instructions may include a type of agricultural treatment, and a target location. Further, the system may determine chemical parameters including a composition, a dosage, and a quantity of a chemical required for the agricultural treatment. Further, the system may be configured to navigate the robot to the target location. Further, the system may detect a spraying section based on the type of agricultural treatment. Subsequently, the system may determine a speed of the robot, a proximity of the robot to the spraying section, and a rate of chemical flow. Further, the system may be configured to control the robot. Finally, the system may be configured to dispense the chemical using a spraying equipment.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a three-dimensional scaffold including at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers. The at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers is curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a general direction of the fibers. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for fabricating a three-dimensional scaffold. The method includes: electro spinning a plurality of fibers to produce at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers and forming the at least one layer of highly-aligned fibers into a three-dimensional scaffold without disturbing the alignment of the highly-aligned polymer fibers. A further aspect of the invention provides methods for using a three-dimensional scaffold to treat nerve or spinal cord injury.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for adjusting flash intensity based on retinal pigmentation. In an embodiment, a processor determines a retinal pigmentation of a retina of an eye positioned at an imaging device. The processor commands the imaging device to adjust an intensity of a flash component from a first intensity to a second intensity based on the retinal pigmentation. The processor commands the imaging device to capture an image that is lit by the flash component at the second intensity, and receives the image from the imaging device.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods are described herein for providing authentication across a distributed resource network. The method includes receiving an authentication request associated with a user. The authentication request includes one or more potential physical characteristics. The method also includes identifying a non-fungible token associated with the user. The non-fungible token associated with the user includes one or more stored physical characteristic of the user. The method further includes comparing the one or more potential physical characteristics of the authentication request with the one or more stored physical characteristics of the user. The method still further includes generating an access determination for the authentication request based on the comparison of the one or more potential physical characteristics of the authentication request with the one or more stored physical characteristics of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sealing composition for treating a metal substrate comprising: a polyolefin component; and a colloidal layered silicate. Also disclosed is a system for treating a metal substrate comprising: a cleaner composition; and/or a pretreatment composition for treating at least a portion of the substrate, the pretreatment composition comprising a Group IVB metal; and a sealing composition for treating at least a portion of the substrate treated with the cleaner composition and/or the pretreated composition, the sealing composition comprising a polyolefin component. Also disclosed is a method of treating a substrate comprising contacting at least a portion of a surface of the substrate with any of the compositions disclosed herein or any of the systems disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for forming and installing a retaining ring comprises: feeding a wire in a linear path into a forming die having a circular bore; forming, using the forming die, the wire into a formed ring having a ring shape; transferring the formed ring from the forming die to a transfer puck; and installing the formed ring, as a retaining ring, in a tube of a product assembly. The formed ring is maintained in a constrained state between forming in the forming die and installation in the product assembly. A system for forming and installing a retaining ring into a product assembly includes a forming die configured to form a wire into a formed ring having a ring shape; and a transfer puck to transfer the formed ring from the forming die. The formed ring is maintained in a constrained state from forming through installation.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for transforming a high sulfur ISO 8217 compliant Feedstock Heavy Marine Fuel Oil involving a core desulfurizing process that produces a Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil that can be used as a feedstock for subsequent refinery process such as anode grade coking, needle coking and fluid catalytic cracking. The Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil exhibits multiple properties desirable as a feedstock for those processes including a sulfur level has a maximum sulfur content (ISO 14596 or ISO 8754) between the range of 0.05 mass % to 1.0 mass. A process plant for conducting the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hinged system includes a preassembled hinge module for pivotally coupling a first component to a second component. The preassembled hinge module includes a shaft, a torque element frictionally engaging the shaft, and a housing. The housing includes a cover, a side wall, and a rear wall that define an interior space enclosed within the housing. The interior space receives the torque element inside the housing. The cover defines a first aperture, and the rear wall defines a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture aligned with a pivot axis of the shaft. The shaft extends through at least the first aperture, the interior space, and the second aperture. The shaft is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the first component. The housing is separate from, and configured to be mounted to, the second component.

Abstract: A technology is described for a repeater comprising a modem configured to function as a time division duplex (TDD) uplink/downlink modem configured as a scanning sync detection module (SDM) configured to determine an UL/DL configuration information and scan channels for monitoring information. The modem can be configured to: identify one or more frequency ranges associated with a plurality of cellular carriers; scan the one or more frequency ranges; identify monitoring information that includes cellular carrier specific information for the one or more frequency ranges associated with the plurality of cellular carriers; and provide the monitoring information to the repeater for communication to the remote server.

Abstract: A container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies. The latching assembly may comprise a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member. Additional features of the container may include handles and strength increasing features. The base and lid may also feature attachment points for various accessories. A carry strap may attach to the base of the container to allow a user to lift and carry the container. The container may also have a wheels attached to the bottom portion and/or across the bottom portion to one side of the sidewall structure. In addition, in exemplary containers with wheels, a pull handle may be attached to a side opposite the wheels. The lid may include a lid support member that can act as a molle board to releasably secure items to the lid support member while also providing structural support to the lid.