Abstract: Systems and methods for blending fluids are provided. A blended fluid may be obtained by mixing a first fluid from a first fluid source with a second fluid from a second fluid source. The blended fluid may be pumped by a pump arranged downstream of a point at which the first and second fluids are mixed, wherein no other pumps are upstream of the pump. First and second flow control valves that control the flow rate of the first and second fluids, respectively, are adjusted so as to reach a target flow rate of the blended fluid, the blended fluid having a target blend of the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and systems for irrigating particulates during heart pump implantation, and more specifically relates to irrigating and removing particulates that may be released when coring a patient's heart tissue. A method of irrigating particulates during blood pump implantation includes inserting a removable tissue irrigating device into a patient's heart. The removable tissue irrigating device includes a delivery tube and an irrigation conduit extending through the delivery tube. The irrigation conduit is extended out of an opening in the delivery tube to a deployed position from a stored position. The irrigation conduit is substantially disposed within the delivery tube when in the stored position and has a distal portion protruding out of the delivery tube when in the deployed position. Fluid is dispersed from the irrigation conduit into the patient's heart to remove particulates released during and/or after a coring procedure.

Abstract: Four genes, A622, NBB1, PMT, and QPT, can be influenced for increasing nicotinic alkaloid levels in Nicotiana plants, as well as for synthesizing nicotinic alkaloids in non-nicotine producing plants and cells. In particular, overexpressing one or more of A622, NBB1, PMT, and QPT may be used to increase nicotine and nicotinic alkaloid levels in tobacco plants. Non-nicotine producing cells can be engineered to produce nicotine and related compounds by overexpressing A622 and NBB1.

Abstract: A system including includes an intraosseous needle and a handle. The intraosseous needle includes a distal end configured for insertion into a bone and a proximal end configured to extend from the bone. The handle is configured to releasably engage the intraosseous needle. The handle includes a cylindrical body portion, a handle portion, and a channel. The cylindrical body portion includes a distal end configured to receive the proximal end of the intraosseous needle. The handle portion extends from the cylindrical body portion and has a bulb-like cross-sectional shape and opposing first and second substantially planar surfaces. The channel is configured to receive the proximal end of the intraosseous needle.

Abstract: Disclosed are dermatological or cosmetic cream, serum and toner compositions and methods thereof for use in promoting healthy skin. A dermatological composition (cream, toner and serum) is applied to the skin to promote optimal health of the skin. The preferred cream composition is comprised of, reduced glutathione and/or cysteinylglycine, ascorbyl glucoside in a dermatologically acceptable carrier containing a salt composition. Preferably, the salt composition contains sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium. The cream formulations are optionally ionically balanced. Preferably, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate and potassium phosphate are present in sufficient amounts. Toner composition contains sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium ions and optionally bicarbonate ions and preservative(s). The toner formulations are optionally ionically balanced. The preferred serum composition contains ascorbyl glucoside and/or ascorbic acid in a carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically updating a document having a plurality of modifiable fields are disclosed herein. The document receives one or more inputs for one or more fields contained in the document. The macro processor parses the one or more fields to identify the one or more inputs contained therein. The macro processor compares the one or more inputs to one or more rules defined in a macro associated with the document. Based on the comparing, the macro processor modifies the document to include a subset of modifiable fields. The macro processor generates an updated document that includes the subset of modifiable fields. A computing system presents the updated document to an end user for modification.

Abstract: Techniques for subtask assignment for an artificial intelligence (AI) task are described, and may be implemented to leverage a local set of devices to distribute portions of an AI task between the devices. Generally, the described techniques enable AI task allocation based on a variety of factors, such as device capabilities, device availability, task complexity, and so forth.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, devices, systems, and procedures for detecting a proximity of an object (301) in a near-field region of an electromagnetic field of a transmitting antenna array (204; 304; 404) using a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). In aspects, a forward signal for transmission by the antenna elements (308) is generated, at least one VSWR detector (210; 310) coupled to the antenna array (204; 304; 404) measures a power of the forward signal, the forward signal is transmitted, the at least one VSWR detector (210; 310) measures a power of a reflected signal, and the VSWR detector (210; 310) calculates a VSWR. Detected changes in the calculated VSWR are then utilized to detect object (301) proximity in the near-field region. Beamforming weights may be applied to the forward signal and a machine-learned model can be utilized to detect object (301) proximity in the near-field region.

Abstract: There is includes a method and apparatus comprising computer code configured to cause a hardware processor or processors to perform obtaining a block of video data, splitting the block into an L-shaped partition and a second partition, the second partition being one of a rectangular shaped partition and another L-shaped partition, and performing intra prediction of the L-shaped partition by using a reference sample chain, comprising a chain of neighboring reconstructed samples, as reference samples.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums for video encoding/decoding. An apparatus includes processing circuitry that decodes profile information for a plurality of image slices in prediction information of a coded video bitstream. The profile information includes profile identification information of a profile in which each of the image slices in the coded video bitstream is intra coded. The processing circuitry performs intra prediction on each of the image slices in the coded video bitstream. Further, the processing circuitry reconstructs at least one image picture based on the intra prediction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular storage system for barrels. The modular storage system includes a base rick module, an aisle rick module, and an end rick module, whereby a plurality of each module type may be assembled to construct a rickhouse.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating NAFLD, NASH, and atherosclerosis, comprising administering glycine-containing tripeptide molecule, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject.

Abstract: A firearm has a trigger shield configured as a protective loop surrounding a first and second switch of the firearm. Each switch actuates the function of the firearm when activated by a finger to start the firing process. The first switch is on a first side of the protective loop and the second switch is on a second side of the protective loop. Further, the firearm has an emitter mounted on the trigger shield that propagates a light beam to a receiver mounted on an opposite side of the trigger shield. When a finger depresses one of the switches, his/her finger is blocking the light beam and the firearm will not activate and when the finger is moved away from the light beam, the firearm discharges.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock, a bow portion, a latch, a trigger and a foregrip. In some embodiments, the foregrip is supported by the stock and arranged to move with respect to the stock between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination bag and baby carrier that couple together via a harness. The bag and carrier removably couple to the harness with clips and snaps, for example, to allow the use of the bag and carrier at the same time but also to allow the bag to be removed and the user to rest while holding their baby in the carrier. In an embodiment, a sling carrier can be used and is coupled to the harness to hold the baby in a sling-type arrangement.

Abstract: A spring core is provided that includes a plurality of coil springs having an upper portion and a lower portion that collectively define an interior cavity. The spring core further includes a continuous upper fabric layer that covers each coil spring and defines a recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A cushioning layer is positioned atop the continuous upper fabric layer and extends into the recess in the interior cavity of each coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes the spring core, an upper body supporting layer, and a lower foundation layer. Methods of producing a spring core are further provided.

Abstract: An elastomer composition including (a) an elastomer blend component; (b) at least one first odor-reducing component; and (c) at least one second odor-reducing component; the elastomer component (a) including a hydrogenated block copolymer, a propylene polymer, a maleic anhydride grafted polymer, a mineral oil, and a filler, and/or a nucleating agent. The elastomer composition can be particularly suitable for fabricating injection molded non-carpet vehicle flooring with a reduced amount of undesirable odor.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal comprising an openwork body which comprises a front longitudinal wall, a rear longitudinal wall, and a central shaft having a transverse channel configured to receive a spindle fixed to a crank arm. The central shaft provides a connection between an outer side wall and an inner side wall located on the side of the crank arm. The body rotatably mounted about the spindle by at least one bearing. The central shaft extends outwardly toward the outside by two diverging arms delimiting between them a lateral recess provided in the body facing the channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission system that includes a transmission component and an electro-mechanical actuator coupled to the transmission component. The electro-mechanical actuator includes an electric motor and a solenoid that are configured to maintain the transmission component in one of a park position and a non-park position upon receipt of a command. The electric motor and the solenoid are also configured to prevent the transmission component from returning to the park position upon receipt of the command. Further, the electric motor and solenoid are configured to receive the command from a vehicle control system.

Abstract: A flow-through electrolysis cell includes a hierarchical nanoporous metal cathode. A method of reducing CO2 includes flowing the CO2 through the hierarchical nanoporous metal cathode of the flow-through electrolysis cell.