Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of the formula (I), (IIA) or (IIB) for use to treat hyperpigmentation of human skin by inhibiting the activity of human tyrosinase in an animate substrate which is human skin containing human tyrosinase. (I) (IIA) (IIB) where: X is oxygen, sulphur, selenium or tellurium; R is —OH, alkyl, aryl or peptide group: R1 is —OH, alkyl, aryl or peptide group; R2 is —OH, alkyl, aryl or peptide group; n is an integer from 2 to 5; m is an integer from 2 to 4 and p is an integer from 2 to 4.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for generating immunotolerant responses in a subject. Specifically, the invention relates to a composition comprising a sulfated polysaccharide and a bioactive polypeptide for generating an immunotolerant response.

Abstract: A method of constructing a shaft furnace is provided, as well as an assembly and a fixation structure therefor. The method comprises the steps of providing on a first position a furnace segment comprising a ring wall extending along a central axis, and transporting the segment to a second position and operably attaching the segment there to one or more further blast furnace portions. The method further comprises that during said transporting the segment to the second position the segment comprises at least one fixation structure comprising a plurality of tensioned tensile members attached to the wall determining a shape of the segment.

Abstract: Examples of charging a photoconductive layer in an image forming apparatus are described. In one example, a method comprises applying a charging voltage to the photoconductive layer and measuring surface voltages of the photoconductive layer at a plurality of positions on the photoconductive layer. Based on the measured surface voltages, a correction voltage profile is determined. The determined correction voltage profile comprises at least a first correction voltage associated with a first position on the photoconductive layer and a second correction voltage associated with a second position, different to the first position, on the photoconductive layer. The method comprises applying the first correction voltage to the photoconductive layer and applying the second correction voltage to the photoconductive layer.

Abstract: A method of characterizing distortions in a lithographic process, and associated apparatuses. The method includes obtaining measurement data corresponding to a plurality of measurement locations on a substrate, the measurement data comprising measurements performed on a plurality of substrates, and comprising one or more measurements performed on one or more of the substrates for each of the measurement locations. For each of the measurement locations, a first quality value representing a quality metric and a noise value representing a noise metric is determined from the measurements performed at that measurement location. A plurality of distortion parameters is determined, each distortion parameter configured to characterize a systematic distortion in the quality metric and a statistical significance of the distortion parameters from the first quality value and from the noise value is determined. Systematic distortion is parameterized from the distortion parameters determined to be statistically significant.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods according to the present disclosure are configured for use in additive manufacturing. Systems for additive manufacturing can include stand-alone manufacturing units, a series of units on an assembly line, or a high-capacity system with workflow automation features including a conveyor for transporting parts to or from a build area, or a robotic arm for transporting parts or adjusting a system component. An additive manufacturing system (100) can include a flow regulator (130) to change a temperature of a thermoplastic material at or in a tip (150) of a material extrusion nozzle cartridge (171), such as to enable or inhibit flow of the thermoplastic material from the tip. The flow regulator can be configured to provide a specified gas or liquid at a specified temperature, velocity, or volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first receiver configured to receive a first partial radio map and a second partial radio map, a processor configured to compare the first partial radio map and the second partial radio map, and the processor further configured to determine to replace the first partial radio map with the second partial radio map based at least in part on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for providing horticulture light (511) to a crop (1), the method comprising sideways illuminating the crop (1) with the horticulture light (511) of a lighting device (500), the lighting device (500) comprising a grid (530) comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (510) and a plurality of through holes (570), wherein one or more of the plurality of LEDs (510) are configured to provide said horticulture light (511).

Abstract: An architectural covering, comprising a rail and a repositionable handle assembly. The rail has a groove. The assembly comprises a handle with a hole for receiving a fastener, and a fastener receiving member. The fastener receiving member is free to slide along the groove when in an undamped state. A fastener is also provided for mechanically connecting the handle to the fastener receiving member and for clamping the handle and the fastener receiving member in a desired position on the rail.

Abstract: Needle devices are described. The needle devices can have a catheter hub, a needle hub, a housing located between the catheter hub and the needle hub. The housing can have an engagement mechanism to removably attach the housing to the catheter hub. The housing can further include a release element to release the engagement mechanism from the catheter hub to disengage the housing from the catheter hub. A flow regulator can be positioned inside the catheter hub. The flow regulator can include a stem and a sleeve.

Abstract: The tire-changing machine (1) for trucks comprises a bearing frame (2), at least a work unit (3) associated with the frame (2), having at least a supporting element (4) for supporting a wheel which can be operated in rotation around a substantially horizontal first axis (5) and also having a balancing device (10) of the wheel, at least a tool (8) associated with the frame (2) for the removal of the wheel tire, at least one of the supporting element (4) and the tool (8) being mobile with respect to the other in the direction of reciprocal close/away movement and wherein the work unit (3) is connected mobile in rotation to the frame (2) around a second axis (12) of rotation, the supporting element (4) and the balancing device (10) rotating integrally to one another around the second axis (12).

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may provide a method for identifying geo-tagged objects or events and estimating the probability that a vehicle path will intersect with the geo-tagged object or event. Methods may include: determining a first map-matched location and a second map-matched location; determining a plurality of road segments emanating from or leading to the first map-matched location, a portion of which connect between the first map-matched location and the second map-matched location; calculating at least one of a weight or a turn probability for turning onto a road segment for each road segment of the plurality of road segments; and determining, from the weight or the turn probability associated with each road segment of the portion of road segments that connect between the first map-matched location and the second map-matched location, a probability of a path taken between the first map-matched location and the second map-matched location.

Abstract: An LED driver design has a single controller used to drive multiple strings of LEDs. In one aspect there is dynamic threshold voltage setting so that the individual characteristics of the LED strings can be taken into account in the voltage control loop. In another aspect, excess energy is dissipated off-chip in a dedicated heat dissipater, and the routing of current to the heat dissipater is controlled dynamically such that a desired integrated circuit biasing remains stable.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for authorizing a user's access to a limited access network. The process comprises sending an encrypted server random number to a previously registered user. If the user can demonstrate an ability to successfully decrypt the server random number, the user is authenticated and access is authorized. The process further comprises an encrypted user random number. Encryption of the user random number comprises the use of a server-controlled value. The web server's ability to return to the user a decryption of the encrypted user random number serves as confirmation that the web site is legitimate. In a preferred embodiment all communications of login values between the user and the web server are encrypted. In an embodiment a user is provided with a key for encrypting user random numbers and for decrypting server random numbers. The key may be automatically updated on a predetermined schedule.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity comprising the steps: (A) passing a concentrated ionic solution through a first pathway in a reverse electrodialysis unit comprising a membrane stack having electrodes and alternating cation and anion exchange membranes; and (B) passing a dilute ionic solution through a second pathway in said reverse electrodialysis unit, whereby solute from the concentrated solution in the first pathway passes through the membranes to the dilute solution in the second pathway, thereby generating electricity; wherein the concentration of solute in the dilute ionic solution as it enters the reverse electrodialysis unit is at least 0.03 mol/l.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a double stranded RNA comprising a first RNA sequence and a second RNA sequence wherein the first and second RNA sequence are substantially complementary, wherein the first RNA sequence has a sequence length of at least 19 nucleotides and is substantially complementary to SEQ ID NO. 1. Said double stranded RNA is for use in inducing RNAi against Huntingtin exon 1 sequences. The double stranded RNA of to the invention was capable of reducing neuronal cell death and huntingtin aggregates in an animal model.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla plant named ‘Hortmasun’ that is characterized by its mophead type inflorescences with sterile flower sepals that are pink in color with white margins, its sterile flower sepals with a sturdy and thick texture and its strong rooting habit.