Abstract: A method for interference avoidance when transmitting a message in a wireless system comprising: dividing a frame into a plurality of time slots, wherein a first plurality of time slots allocated as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) time slots and a second plurality of time slots allocated as contention slots; transmitting a message in a designated TDMA time slot by a corresponding wireless node assigned to the designated TDMA time slot if the designated TDMA time slot is idle; and transmitting the message in a contention slot if the designated TDMA time slot is busy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for executing a quantum computation comprising a plurality gates on a quantum information processor are provided. An initial quantum-logic gate sequence comprising the plurality of gates is received. Then, for each instance in a plurality of instances, a procedure is performed. In each instance of the procedure a respective modified quantum-logic gate sequence is generated by applying a virtual random gate to a first single-qubit gate in the plurality of gates. The respective modified quantum-logic gate sequence is then executed on the quantum device to obtain a respective outcome. The respective outcome across the plurality of instances of the procedure is averaged to obtain a noise-tailored outcome for the initial quantum-logic gate sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices and methods pertaining to medical lead connectors. According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology, disclosed is a lead connector that may include a base member; a flexible circuit configured to support electrical connections; and a casing that includes a bottom casing and a detachable cover member to be placed on top of the bottom casing. The bottom casing may include an array of slot openings to provide access to a surface of the flexible circuit and the lead connector may also include an array of electrode contacts positioned on top of the slot openings. Furthermore, a lead may be configured to be inserted through the lead connector via an opening on both ends of the cover member, wherein the lead pushes the ball contacts downward allowing the ball contacts to make electrical contact with the flexible circuit through the slot opening of the bottom casing.

Abstract: Methods for characterizing a beam parameter associated with an electromagnetic beam of a light source. The light source exposes a phase-shifted target through a set of focal distances relative to a focal plane of a substrate. At each focal distance of the set, registration values are measured and used to determine one or more registration slopes as a function of focal distance. The registration slopes are compared with baseline registration slopes to characterize the current relative state of the beam parameter in question. Beam parameters that may be characterized in this manner include degree of polarization and polarization rotation relative to an initial polarization direction. Phase shift test patterns advantageously used for beam characterization are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treatment of chitin-containing microorganism infection or colonization on an aquatic animal. The methods, systems, and kits provided herein facilitate termination and/or inhibition of proliferation of chitin-containing microorganisms (e.g., Saprolegnia and sea lice).

Abstract: Tyre, in particular cycle tyre, with a device for generating rotation-dependent signals, a method for producing said tyre and a system for controlling a cycle drive with such a tyre. Tyre, in particular cycle tyre, with a device for generating rotation-dependent signals, in which the device is arranged in the tyre (1, 3) or is connected to the tyre and has a signal-generating element (6, 14), which is held in a retaining element connected positively or non-positively to the tyre body, wherein the receiving element is arranged substantially on the outside of strengthening elements or reinforcing elements of the tyre and the signal-generating element is held in the retaining element in such a way that the signal-generating element forms part of the outer surface of the tyre or protrudes beyond the outer surface of the tyre.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing a beam parameter associated with an electromagnetic beam of a light source. The light source exposes a phase-shifted target through a set of focal distances relative to a focal plane of a substrate. At each focal distance of the set, registration values are measured and used to determine one or more registration slopes as a function of focal distance. The registration slopes are compared with baseline registration slopes to characterize the current relative state of the beam parameter in question. Beam parameters that may be characterized in this manner include degree of polarization and polarization rotation relative to an initial polarization direction. Phase shift test patterns advantageously used for beam characterization are described.

Abstract: A shooting game amusement device is disclosed that includes a projectile striker, a rotating self-loading annular magazine that holds game projectiles and transports them to a location close to the striker to allow the striker to propel them toward a target array. The target array includes indicator lights that are activated when the targets are successful stuck by game projectiles and can dispense tickets in response to successful play.

Abstract: A system and method for comparing retirement plans against a selected group of similar plans is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer system for evaluating a retirement plan comprises a computer server having a database comprising a plurality of data defining a plurality of characteristics of each of a plurality of retirement plans, software configured for identifying a subset of the plurality of retirement plans having characteristics comparable to characteristics of a selected retirement plan, software configured for permitting the selection of at least one report from a plurality of report types, and software configured for automatically generating the selected at least one report, where the at least one report comprises an evaluation of the characteristics of the selected retirement plan against the characteristics of the subset of the plurality of retirement plans.

Abstract: A food dispensing device having a frame with first and second sidewalls in spaced parallel relation that house a heating board and a slant board. The slant board is positioned below the heating board and both slope downwardly. Specifically, the heating board has a plurality of slots therein such that juice from a food product flows through the slots and onto the slant board. Adjacent and below the heating board and slant board is a flange that is positioned such that when a food product is placed on the heating board the food product rolls toward the flange and simultaneously juice flows from off the slant board into a juice tray disposed below the flange.