Abstract: A hierarchical deep-learning object detection framework provides a method for identifying objects of interest in high-resolution, high pixel count images, wherein the objects of interest comprise a relatively a small pixel count when compared to the overall image. The method uses first deep-learning model to analyze the high pixel count images, in whole or as a patchwork, at a lower resolution to identify objects, and a second deep-learning model to analyze the objects at a higher resolution to classify the objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication, a system thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a body and a printed circuit board (PCB) operatively coupled to the body. The PCB comprises a processing unit, a first communication module operatively coupled to the processing unit, and an array of assemblies. The first communication module is configured to communicate with a secondary communication module wirelessly. The array of assemblies comprises at least two rows and at least two columns. Each assembly comprises a switch and a light. The array of assemblies are operatively coupled to the processing unit. Each light is configured to change a state responsive to at least one of a change in state by the switch within the same assembly and a control signal from the first communication module.

Abstract: A hierarchical deep-learning object detection framework provides a method for identifying objects of interest in high-resolution, high pixel count images, wherein the objects of interest comprise a relatively a small pixel count when compared to the overall image. The method uses first deep-learning model to analyze the high pixel count images, in whole or as a patchwork, at a lower resolution to identify objects, and a second deep-learning model to analyze the objects at a higher resolution to classify the objects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is system, including a hand-held tool, for example, a surgical scalpel, integrated with a 9 degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit and a method for tracking the location of the hand-held instrument during manual or robotically-assisted procedures. The system and method has application in the surgical field, wherein instrumented surgical instruments may be precisely tracked throughout a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication, a system thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a body and a printed circuit board (PCB) operatively coupled to the body. The PCB comprises a processing unit, a first communication module operatively coupled to the processing unit, and an array of assemblies. The first communication module is configured to communicate with a secondary communication module wirelessly. The array of assemblies comprises at least two rows and at least two columns. Each assembly comprises a switch and a light. The array of assemblies are operatively coupled to the processing unit. Each light is configured to change a state responsive to at least one of a change in state by the switch within the same assembly and a control signal from the first communication module.

Abstract: A hierarchical deep-learning object detection framework provides a method for identifying objects of interest in high-resolution, high pixel count images, wherein the objects of interest comprise a relatively a small pixel count when compared to the overall image. The method uses first deep-learning model to analyze the high pixel count images, in whole or as a patchwork, at a lower resolution to identify objects, and a second deep-learning model to analyze the objects at a higher resolution to classify the objects.

Abstract: A drug screening device is provided. A method of determining optimal drug concentrations and efficacy in a patient using the device are provided. A method of determining effective chemotherapeutic drugs and effective concentrations thereof using the device is provided. Also, a method of determining safety and efficacy of drugs using the device is provided.

Abstract: A hierarchical deep-learning object detection framework provides a method for identifying objects of interest in high-resolution, high pixel count images, wherein the objects of interest comprise a relatively a small pixel count when compared to the overall image. The method uses first deep-learning model to analyze the high pixel count images, in whole or as a patchwork, at a lower resolution to identify objects, and a second deep-learning model to analyze the objects at a higher resolution to classify the objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication, a system thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a body and a printed circuit board (PCB) operatively coupled to the body. The PCB comprises a processing unit, a first communication module operatively coupled to the processing unit, and an array of assemblies. The first communication module is configured to communicate with a secondary communication module wirelessly. The array of assemblies comprises at least two rows and at least two columns. Each assembly comprises a switch and a light. The array of assemblies are operatively coupled to the processing unit. Each light is configured to change a state responsive to at least one of a change in state by the switch within the same assembly and a control signal from the first communication module.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid. The regulator includes a variable-resistance fluid element and a variable-volume fluid element located downstream of the variable-resistance element. Pressure in the fluid at the outlet of the regulator is controlled by substantially simultaneously changing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and the volume of the variable-volume element. In one example, a decrease in pressure is effected at the outlet by simultaneously increasing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and increasing the volume of the variable-volume element. Some embodiments of the regulator are particularly useful to effect long-term and high-speed pressure changes in high-resistance fluidic channel networks.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid. The regulator includes a variable-resistance fluid element and a variable-volume fluid element located downstream of the variable-resistance element. Pressure in the fluid at the outlet of the regulator is controlled by substantially simultaneously changing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and the volume of the variable-volume element. In one example, a decrease in pressure is effected at the outlet by simultaneously increasing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and increasing the volume of the variable-volume element. Some embodiments of the regulator are particularly useful to effect long-term and high-speed pressure changes in high-resistance fluidic channel networks.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid. The regulator includes a variable-resistance fluid element and a variable-volume fluid element located downstream of the variable-resistance element. Pressure in the fluid at the outlet of the regulator is controlled by substantially simultaneously changing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and the volume of the variable-volume element. In one example, a decrease in pressure is effected at the outlet by simultaneously increasing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and increasing the volume of the variable-volume element. Some embodiments of the regulator are particularly useful to effect long-term and high-speed pressure changes in high-resistance fluidic channel networks.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of a fluid. The regulator includes a variable-resistance fluid element and a variable-volume fluid element located downstream of the variable-resistance element. Pressure in the fluid at the outlet of the regulator is controlled by substantially simultaneously changing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and the volume of the variable-volume element. In one example, a decrease in pressure is effected at the outlet by simultaneously increasing the resistance of the variable-resistance element and increasing the volume of the variable-volume element. Some embodiments of the regulator are particularly useful to effect long-term and high-speed pressure changes in high-resistance fluidic channel networks.

Abstract: An engineered cell growth substrate is provided along with an apparatus containing the substrate. The substrate contains features, including, without limitation: an extracellular matrix mimetic, areas of differing elasticity moduli and/or 3-dimensional engineered formations, such as grooves or protuberances. Methods of fabricating the cell growth substrate, methods of growing cells on the substrate, and methods of evaluating analytes on cells on the substrate also are provided.

Abstract: A method for modulating plant growth is provided whereby seedlings that are grown in containers such as blocks are fertilized at lift. Prior to fertilization, the block, which has numerous plug cavities, is restrained. The seedlings, which are grown in plugs formed in plug cavities, are supported and a bore is drilled into the bottom of the plug. The bore extends to the top of the plug to produce a small port, which serves as a port for expulsion of air during the injection operation. The fertilizer is measured in a metering roller and is then pneumatically injected into the bore in the plug. Upon completion of the injection, the bore is closed to reduce the loss of fertilizer from the plug. The various operations may be automated or performed manually.

Abstract: A drill/injector combination is provided to inject plants that are grown in containers such as blocks at lift with plant growth modulators. The drill/injector combination is comprised of a seedlings holder, a block restraint, a cavity tool apparatus, a metering apparatus, an injection apparatus and optionally, a bore closing apparatus. The combination may be manually operated or may be automated.

Abstract: A drill/injector combination is provided to inject plants that are grown in containers such as blocks at lift with plant growth modulators. The drill/injector combination is comprised of a seedlings holder, a block restraint, a cavity tool apparatus, a metering apparatus, an injection apparatus and optionally, a bore closing apparatus. The combination may be manually operated or may be automated.

Abstract: A method for modulating plant growth is provided whereby seedlings that are grown in containers such as blocks are fertilized at lift. Prior to fertilization, the block, which has numerous plug cavities, is restrained. The seedlings, which are grown in plugs formed in plug cavities, are supported and a bore is drilled into the bottom of the plug. The bore extends to the top of the plug to produce a small port, which serves as a port for expulsion of air during the injection operation. The fertilizer is measured in a metering roller and is then pneumatically injected into the bore in the plug. Upon completion of the injection, the bore is closed to reduce the loss of fertilizer from the plug. The various operations may be automated or performed manually.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to improved, small scale systems and methods able to selectively treat parts of a single cell, including, in certain embodiments, portions of a main body portion of a single cell, and able, in certain embodiments, to establish long-term gradients of active substances within subcellular regions of a single cell. The present invention provides, in some embodiments, techniques for selectively contacting a portion of the surface of a biological cell with a fluid or fluid component carrying a particular potential for a biophysical or biochemical interaction with the cell, and simultaneously contacting a different portion of the surface of the cell with another fluid or fluid component having a different potential for the biophysical or biochemical interaction with the cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to improved, small scale systems and methods able to selectively treat parts of a single cell, including, in certain embodiments, portions of a main body portion of a single cell, and able, in certain embodiments, to establish long-term gradients of active substances within subcellular regions of a single cell. The present invention provides, in some embodiments, techniques for selectively contacting a portion of the surface of a biological cell with a fluid or fluid component carrying a particular potential for a biophysical or biochemical interaction with the cell, and simultaneously contacting a different portion of the surface of the cell with another fluid or fluid component having a different potential for the biophysical or biochemical interaction with the cell.