Abstract: A cartridge and an associated apparatus for preparing a biological sample includes a reaction chamber configured to be closed by a substrate carrying the biological sample, where the reaction chamber is connected to a fluidic inlet system and a fluidic outlet system. When the substrate closes the reaction chamber, the fluidic inlet system, the reaction chamber, and the fluidic outlet system constitute a fluidic system that is closed to an environment outside the cartridge with respect to an exchange of liquids. Further, a pressure-driven flow through the reaction chamber may be induced by actuation of deformable membranes formed in the cartridge.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (100) comprising at least one passive valve (PV, 120, 130), the passive valve being constituted by a sequence of a first carrier layer (CL 1) with an aperture providing a passage (P 1) for fluid flow, a first binding layer (BLI) with a first opening, a flexible layer (FL) with a through-hole (TH), a second binding layer (BL2) with a second opening, and a second carrier layer (CL2). Moreover, the flexible layer (FL) can move within a valve chamber (VC) constituted by the openings. Depending on the pressure difference across the passive valve (PV), the flexible layer (FL) can bend towards the first carrier layer (CLI) and close the aperture, while it opens the passage (P1) when bending in the opposite direction. Two of such properly oriented passive valves together with an intermediate active valve (AV) can constitute a one-stroke pump. A method for manufacturing such a fluidic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 3D printed eyewear frame having an integrated hinge. Advantageously, the integrated hinge assembly is a crossed spring hinge. Methods of manufacturing a 3D printed eyewear frame are likewise provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for computing a weighted-average-based position of a shear wave in a temporal domain based on a sampling of shear wave displacements along a propagation path of the shear wave. The weighted-average-based position is, for example, by displacement observed at a plurality of times that correspond to sampling, and represents a time of arrival of the shear wave at a location being sampled along the propagation path. Further, times of arrival of the shear wave at respective locations along the propagation path are functionally related to known inter-location distances to derive shear-wave group velocity. The derived shear-wave group velocity serves as an input into algorithms for estimating a shear elasticity of a medium, such as a body tissue, for purposes of a clinical diagnosis and therapy assessment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against/and or that can specifically bind Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R) with improved affinity and/or avidity, and/or that have an improved efficacy and/or potency, and which are capable of (partially, or preferably totally) blocking the IL-6/IL-6R interaction and/or inhibit signalization through IL-6, IL-6R and/or the IL-6/IL-6R complex. The invention further relates to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences.

Abstract: A display backlight comprises an edge-lit lightguide having an array of light out-coupling structures to enable light to escape from the lightguide at the location of the light out-coupling structures. A light source arrangement is used for providing light into the lightguide at one or both of the opposite side edges. The light source arrangement is controllable to provide a selected one of at least first and second light outputs into the lightguide, the two light outputs having a different angle to the general plane of the lightguide and resulting in light which escapes from the lightguide with a different range of exit angles. In this way, a directional backlight output is enabled, based on the way light is coupled into a lightguide. This provides a simple structure only requiring control of the light provided to the lightguide. The backlight may for example enable an auto stereoscopic display to be formed without the need for a lenticular array.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method and system for determining an optimization schedule comprising: executing, via the computer processor, a volume forecast determination for at least one ATM device to generate forecast data, wherein the volume forecast comprises a withdrawal forecast and a deposit forecast; executing, via the computer processor, a simulation based on the forecast data to develop a set of possible schedules for the at least one ATM, wherein the simulation considers one or more identified uncertainties; automatically, via the computer processor, generating one or more fault risks based at least in part on the one or more identified uncertainties; and automatically, via the computer processor, determining an optimal schedule for the at least one ATM device based on the one or more fault risks.

Abstract: A method implemented on an augmented reality (AR) electronic device includes identifying a retail store at a current location of a user of the AR electronic device. An identity of the retail store is sent to a server computer. Information is received from the server computer regarding rewards card programs offered by the retail store. The information regarding the rewards card programs offered by the retail store is displayed on the AR electronic device.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a first entity may create a profile by providing content via an interface or a first interface. A second entity may manage one or more aspects of the profile via a second interface. The amount of control the second entity has over one or more portions of the profile may be related to or based on content of the profile or a relationship between the first entity and the second entity. For example, the second entity may screen content of the profile from public view. Additionally, profiles may be searched internally within an organization or externally, such as for outsourcing or to provide vendors or clients with more customized solutions. In this manner, profile management is provided.

Abstract: A patterning apparatus for a lithographic apparatus, the patterning apparatus including a patterning device support structure configured to support a patterning device having a planar surface; a patterning device conditioning system including a first gas outlet configured to provide a first gas flow over the planar surface in use and a second gas outlet configured to provide a second gas flow over the planar surface in use, wherein the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet are arranged at different distances perpendicular to the planar surface; and a control system configured to independently control a first momentum of gas exiting the first gas outlet and a second momentum of gas exiting the second gas outlet or to independently vary the first gas flow and/or the second gas flow over the planar surface of the patterning device.

Abstract: A biopsy device is provided having a shaft and a tubular member. The shaft may be movably accommodated within the tubular member and may have a longitudinal axis and a distal end with a bevel. At least two channels are formed within the shaft in a longitudinal direction of the shaft, each channel forming an opening in the bevel surface, wherein an optical fiber is accommodated within each of the channels. Furthermore, a recess for accommodating tissue to be extracted may be formed in the shaft adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The bevel is facing upwardly whereas the recess is facing sidewardly.

Abstract: A test circuit is operable in ATPG mode and LBIST mode. The test circuit includes a clock selection circuit. The clock selection circuit includes clock logic circuitry to receive an LBIST mode signal and an ATPG mode signal and to generate an indication of whether the test circuit is operating in either the ATPG mode or the LBIST mode, a multiplexing circuit to receive an ATPG clock and a functional clock as input and output a selected one of the ATPG clock and the functional clock, and a clock gate circuit enabled in response to enable signals. The enable signals are an inverse of a selected one of the ATPG clock and the functional clock. The clock gate circuit receives the indication of whether the test circuit is operating in either the ATPG mode or the LBIST mode and generates a test clock as a function of the indication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a total cost of ownership method and system for technology components, applications or business units. The system provides financial reporting costs in information technology terms in order to build a bridge between technology and finance organizations. The method and system utilize data from systems of record for assets and charges, extract this data and deliver output reports and visualizations on the data processing and analysis in order to drive a Total Cost of Ownership for technology components, applications or business units. The method includes bringing data from disparate sources into the computer processor accessing at least one storage medium, validating the data by a Data Quality Engine, processing the data by matching the at least one charge to the at least one asset and performing data analytics and reporting on the Total Cost of Ownership.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air purification system (10) including an air purification apparatus (100) comprising an air inlet (112); an air outlet (114) for expelling air in a target direction (116) into a region and including an adjustment mechanism (121) arranged to adjust said target direction in response to a target direction adjustment signal from a control system for aiming the air outlet at the face of a person in said region; at least one pollutant removal structure (101) in between the air inlet and the air outlet; and an air displacement apparatus (113) for displacing air from the air inlet to the air outlet through the at least one pollutant removal structure, and a sensor (151, 160, 135) adapted to determine a breathing parameter of the person, wherein the air purification apparatus is configured to expel said air as a function of said breathing parameter. A computer program product for configuring such a control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control unit (10) for a cooking hob has at least one viewing window (24). The control unit (10) is attached or attachable below the viewing window (24) and has a plurality of control elements (12) operable from a top side of the control unit (10). At least one display (14) is arranged on the top side of the control unit (10). A control panel (16) forms an unmovable part of the control unit. A number of elastic elements (30) are for resiliently supporting the display (14) on the control unit (10). The control unit (10) has a display frame (18) for at least partially enclosing the display (14). The display frame (18) includes a sealing lip (28) on its upper side and the elastic elements (30) at its lower side. A cooking hob has at least one control unit (10).

Abstract: A method is presented of allocating communication time slots contained in repeating frames for communication between an inductive wireless power transmitter and at least two inductive wireless power receivers, wherein the power transmitter and the power receivers are arranged to communicate by means of modulation and demodulation of an inductive power signal. The transmitter sends synchronization messages marking the start of the communication time slots and the frames, and messages indicating if a time slot is unallocated. A receiver may send, during an unallocated time slot, send a message to the transmitter requesting allocation of the unallocated communication time slot. The transmitter subsequently sends messages to indicate if the communication was successfully received, and if the allocation request is granted.

Abstract: A display backlight comprises an edge-lit waveguide having an array of light out-coupling structures which for example each comprise a projection into the waveguide. Each projection has a beam redirecting face which is at an angle a to the normal. The angle a and the refractive index of the waveguide as well as outside the waveguide (over the output face) are designed to satisfy various relationships, which ensure that the optical output can be selected to be within a desired angular range in a generally forward direction (and thus not clipped).

Abstract: A system, method and tangible computer readable storage medium for storing a computer-implemented guideline, wherein the computer-implemented guideline includes a plurality of device independent nodes, determining a current state of the computer-implemented guideline, wherein the current state relates to one of the device independent nodes, retrieving device features relating to a device on which the one of the device independent nodes of the computer-implemented guideline is to be performed, modifying the one of the device independent nodes based on the device features to generate a device specific node and instantiating the device specific node on the device.