Abstract: A method for optimizing an existing generator system based on photovoltaic cells and provided with an existing photovoltaic panel or a group of existing photovoltaic panels, each panel having a first plurality of cells of a first type interconnected in series or in series/in parallel. The method includes: determining an operating voltage of the panel(s); producing additional panel module(s) having a second plurality of thin-film cells of a second type and having a different band gap width than the cells of the panel(s), the additional module(s) being configured to supply an operating voltage equal, within ±10%, to the voltage of the panel(s); positioning the additional module to overlap on or under the panel or one of the panel(s), the module being connected in parallel to the panel(s), or positioning several additional modules to overlap on or under several panels, the several modules being connected in parallel to panels.

Abstract: Ear-fitting headphone attachment apparatus, systems that utilize the aforementioned attachment apparatus, and methods of its manufacture and use. In one aspect, an attachment apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes a coiled wire having an interference dimension. The coiled wire includes an attachment point for the attachment of a decorative item. In another embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes an extruded or injection molded tube of material. A pair of wires wraps around the tube of material in opposite direction, the pair of wires residing around an outside perimeter of the tube of material and entering into the tube of material where it exits at a bottom portion of the tube of material. In yet another embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes a woven textile having a crosshatch pattern associated therewith. In yet another embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes thin metal strips that collectively have a crosshatch pattern associated therewith.

Abstract: The present application provides for use of a somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) during the hyperacute stroke phase as marker for predicting the outcome of endovascular treatment in a patient suffering from acute ischemic stroke, wherein when the SEP ipsilateral to the stroke site has an amplitude from 60% to 100% with respect to the corresponding SEP contralateral to the stroke site this is indicative of good outcome of the endovascular treatment, whereas when the SEP ipsilateral to the stroke site has an amplitude from 0% to 20% with respect to the corresponding SEP contralateral to the stroke site this is indicative of bad outcome of the endovascular treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper system for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive arm and a wiper which are connected to one another by a connecting device which comprises a connector secured to the wiper and a connecting shaft, the drive arm comprising a first end via which it is attached to a drive means, and a second end, opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction of the drive arm, the connecting device comprising a receiving housing for receiving the connecting shaft, the receiving housing comprising an entrance by means of which the connecting shaft is received in the receiving housing and a locking zone for locking the connecting shaft, characterized in that the locking zone is positioned between the entrance of the receiving housing and the second end of the drive arm.

Abstract: A reduced volume drumhead has a layer of porous material and a ring of compressible material. The ring of compressible material is fixed to the underside of the layer of porous material in a substantially centered or coaxial position with the porous material stretched across a hoop in tension. The ring may be formed of a foam or similar material with compressibility and stretchability under tension and defines an open central area of the drumhead for striking. The ring may be formed of segments and thus include one or more circumferential breaks with spacing. The drumhead provides natural tonal characteristics and has a natural feel when struck.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an in vitro method for determining the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy in the absence of chemotherapy in a patient with HER2+ breast cancer comprising the detection and/or quantification of the expression of HER2 in an isolated biological sample of the patient, either (1) before or (2) before and during the anti-HER2 therapy in the absence of chemotherapy treatment. The present invention also refers to the use of a gene expression product of HER2 as a as an in vitro marker for determining the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy in the absence of chemotherapy in a patient with HER2+ breast cancer, or alternatively as an in vitro marker for deciding or recommending whether to initiate an alternative medical regime to anti-HER2 therapy without chemotherapy in a patient with HER2+ breast cancer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating a superconducting integrated circuit that includes wiring layers comprising low-noise material are described. A superconducting integrated circuit can be implemented in a computing system that includes a quantum processor. Such a superconducting integrated circuit includes a first set of one or more wiring layers that form a noise-susceptible superconducting device that can decrease processor when exposed to noise. The superconducting integrated circuit can further include a second set of one or more wiring layers that form a superconducting device that is less susceptible to noise. Fabricating a superconducting device that contains low-noise material can include depositing and patterning a wiring layer comprising a first material that is superconductive in a respective range of temperatures and depositing and patterning a different wiring layer comprising a second material that is superconductive in a respective range of temperatures.

Abstract: In general, present invention concerns an integrated wood-to-xylochemicals biorefinery, enabling production of renewable phenol, phenolic oligomers, propylene, and carbohydrate pulp from lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where R1-R6, a, b, and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image sensor structure and a manufacturing method thereof. A detection structure layer and a blind pixel structure layer are used. The detection structure layer and the blind pixel structure layer are effectively combined and further formed by ion implantation. Thus, the space ratio of a single pixel is reduced, the integration and device sensitivity are improved, and the blind pixel array and the pixel array are also in the same environment, thereby further improving the detection sensitivity and reducing the detection error.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising: seatback; a seat bottom mounted pivoting relative to the seatback and a track comprising a fixed element and a mobile element moveable relative to the fixed element. The seat bottom pivots relative to the mobile element of the track. The seatback slides relative to the fixed element of the track. The seatback pivots relative to the fixed element of the track, around the mobile transverse axis. A stop limits the movement of the seatback. The seat bottom is shaped for pulling on the seatback and causing the rotation of the seatback, in case of movement of the mobile element of the track relative to the fixed part once the stop blocks the movement of the seatback.

Abstract: A downhole tool of this disclosure includes a set/reset ring located adjacent a gauge ring which is opposite at least one sealing member. The set/reset ring is arranged to move between an unset diameter at least equal to the unset diameter of the sealing member and a set diameter at least equal to the set diameter of the sealing member. The set/reset ring is like a coil spring having at least two full turns and, therefore, a 360° face surface when in its unset and set diameters. When a setting mandrel moves toward the sealing member, the sealing member moves to its set diameter and the set/reset ring moves into its set diameter. When the setting mandrel moves away from the sealing member, the sealing member returns to its unset diameter and the set/reset ring returns to its unset diameter.

Abstract: A safety harness comprises shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a weight distribution assembly interconnecting the shoulder straps and the waist strap. The weight distribution assembly is configured and arranged to transfer a load from proximate the shoulder straps to proximate the waist strap.

Abstract: In order to provide smaller, faster and less error-prone circuits for sorting possibly metastable inputs, a novel sorting circuit is provided. According to the invention, the circuit is metastability-containing.

Abstract: There is described a terahertz illumination source for terahertz imaging.