Abstract: A first constituent member configured such that a plurality of panels overlaps and a second constituent member configured such that a plurality of panels overlaps are included, in which a first link member that can be expanded and contracted is connected to the first constituent member, a second link member that can be expanded and contracted is connected to the second constituent member, each of the constituent members can be expanded and contracted by expansion and contraction of each of the link members, the first constituent member and the second constituent member can relatively be rotated around rotation axes and also can removably be connected, the first link member and the second link member are connected to both ends of connecting link arm members via a free joint respectively, and the first link member and the second link member can be separated from each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a surgical tool. Exemplary embodiments can comprise a surgical port, a tracking element configured for coupling to a surgical tool, and a camera mounted to a proximal end of the surgical port and configured to capture image data associated with the tracking element.

Abstract: Methods of determining and characterizing photosynthesis in plant parts of one or more plants includes capturing a plurality of images of the plant parts of the one or more plants with a sensor are provided. Fluorescence of the plant parts of the one or more plants can be measured by storing a sensor image of observed fluorescence. Light absorbed by the plant parts of the one or more plants can be estimated by observing red and/or infrared reflectance of the plant parts. A characteristic of photosynthesis such as linear electron flow in plant parts of the one or more plants can be derived using the measured fluorescence of the plant parts, the reflectance and the light absorbed by the plant parts, and/or the three-dimensional model comprising the plant parts of the one or more plants. Related apparatus and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing a lesson to a user of the system. The lesson may be a behavioral lesson or a teaching lesson, such as where knowledge or skill is being imparted to the user. In one aspect, the inventions include a sensor apparatus, the sensor apparatus generating an output indicative of a user's actions. Memory is provided for storing an individual user profile including at least a plan and a display. A processor and associated storage comprising a computing platform to generate user feedback.

Abstract: A sensor insert is provided for measuring head dynamics and kinematics. The sensor insert includes at least one sensor embedded in the insert. The insert is configured to fit relatively substantially immovably within a portion of a user's external auditory canal passing through the temporal bone. A system including the sensor and insert further includes an electronic data collection and processing unit connected to the sensor. A method of measuring head dynamics and kinematics involves use of the aforementioned system to detect and collect data measuring head dynamics and kinematics of a user's skull for analysis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides ICOSL specific antigen binding molecules which are isolated from immunized and synthetic Elasmobranchii derived libraries. In particular, the present invention relates to shark Variable New Antigen Receptor (VNAR) domains that specifically bind and neutralize the activity of human Induced Co-Stimulatory Ligand (ICOSL). The neutralizing VNAR domains are isolated from two independent sources; an immunized nurse shark library and a synthetic spiny dogfish framework fusion library. The molecules may be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions and used in medicine.

Abstract: A hook assembly includes a base having a chamber, a hook portion provided on a bottom of the base, and a lean indicator mounted in the base via a second pivotal portion. The base includes an opening, a window portion, and an adhesion portion which is adhered to a surface. The adhesion portion and the opening are provided on a back plate. The base includes two first pivotal portions. A center of each first pivotal portion is spaced from the surface at a spacing. The lean indicator includes first and second faces. The first face has a feature different from that of the second face. A central axis of the second pivotal portion does not pass through a center of gravity of the lean indicator. The central axis of the second pivotal portion is spaced from each edge of the lean indicator at a distance slightly larger than the spacing.

Abstract: Provided is a method for generating pancreatic bud cells, having the step of culturing PDX1+/NKX6.1? cells in a medium containing KGF, EGF and a BMP inhibitor. The culturing step may be performed in suspension cultures or in adherent cultures. When the cells are cultured in adherent cultures, the cells may be cultured in a medium further containing a ROCK inhibitor or a nonmuscle myosin II inhibitor.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring spectral reflectance of a surface, the apparatus comprising: a chamber comprising a wall formed having an aperture defined by an aperture boundary; a light source mounted to the chamber and having a field of illumination (FOI) configured to intersect the aperture at an illumination intersection; and an optical fiber mounted to the chamber and having a field of view (FOV) configured to intersect the aperture at an imaging intersection; wherein the chamber is configured so that when the aperture is positioned on a surface the chamber substantially prevents light from entering a volume of the chamber.

Abstract: Provided are compositions for and methods of producing hydrogen. For example, the compositions comprise nanocrystals, a catalyst, a source of electrons, and an aqueous medium. The nanocrystals, catalyst, aqueous medium, and, optionally, the source of electrons are present as a mixture. The methods produce hydrogen by exposing the compositions to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., solar flux).

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilizes photonics, particularly lasers, and biometric feedback for physiological and neurological stimulation. While many areas of the body are candidates, such laser stimulation is particularly directed to the outer ear. Lasers positioned over the ear stimulate targets on the outer ear for pain and stress management and regulation of the autonomic nervous system to affect symptoms and clinical conditions. Laser positioning, wavelength, aiming, focus, power, power density, timing, and sequencing are managed and modified dynamically in real time to effect a personalized and effective treatment protocol.

Abstract: Metal nanomaterials and nanostructures may be formed via shearing force in the presence of a reactant.

Abstract: Instruments, assemblies and methods are provided for undertaking imaging techniques (e.g., microscopic imaging techniques). The present disclosure provides improved imaging techniques, equipment and systems. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous microscopy/imaging assemblies with single-frame sample autofocusing using multi-LED illumination. The present disclosure provides for assemblies and methods for single-frame rapid sample autofocusing without a z-scan. Potential applications for the disclosed assemblies/methods include, without limitation, whole slide imaging, optical metrology, wafer inspection, DNA sequencing and other high-throughput imaging applications where the sample may need to be scanned over a large field of view. The assemblies/methods advantageously utilize multiple LEDs for sample illumination. A captured image includes multiple copies of the sample, and one can recover the distance between these copies. The distance is directly related to the defocus distance.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) square-lattice photonic crystal (PhC) based on a circular hollow dielectric cylinder and flat dielectric cylinders include a high-refractive-index dielectric cylinder and a low-refractive-index dielectric background, the PhC structure is formed by arranging unit cells in a square-lattice; one lattice constant of the square-lattice PhC is a; each unit cell includes a circular hollow dielectric cylinder and flat dielectric cylinders; and the circular hollow dielectric cylinder is connected to four flat dielectric cylinders; a width D of the flat dielectric cylinder is 0.01a to 0.2a, an outer diameter R of the circular hollow dielectric cylinder is 0.1a to 0.5a, and a ratio T of a difference between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the circular hollow dielectric cylinder to the outer diameter of the circular hollow dielectric cylinder is 0.01 to 0.99.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for analyzing droplets are disclosed. A described microfluidic device includes a substrate and a microfluidic channel formed on the substrate. The microfluidic channel includes passages where each passage has a mask pattern configured to modulate a signal of a droplet passing through that passage, such that droplets passing through the passages produce signals. The microfluidic device also includes a detector configured to detect the signals. Methods of analyzing droplets with a microfluidic device having a microfluidic channel formed on a substrate are disclosed. A described method includes passing droplets through the passages, modulating signals from the droplets using mask patterns, formed on the passages; and detecting the signals.

Abstract: Provided herein are scalable photoreactors that can include a membrane-free water-splitting electrolyzer and systems that can include a plurality of membrane-free water-splitting electrolyzers. Also provided herein are methods of using the scalable photoreactors provided herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a compound of the formula (I): wherein X, X1, R1—R4 and R7 are defined herein, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I) and methods of treating an HIV infection comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I), to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Differing from traditional alloys often containing one primary elemental composition, the present invention reforms a conventional superalloy to a high-entropy superalloy by redesigning the elemental compositions of the conventional superalloy based on a mixing entropy formula. Particularly, this high-entropy superalloy shows advantages of light weight and low cost under the premise of containing a low amount of expensive metal composition. The proposed high-entropy superalloy of the present invention comprises a primary elemental composition and at least one principal strengthening elemental composition, wherein the primary elemental composition has a first element content of at least 35 at % and each of the principal strengthening elemental compositions have a second element content of over 5 at %.

Abstract: Fluidic devices with a primary transport nanochannel(s) intersected by at least one nanoscale manifold for active control of capture, manipulation and transport of analyte molecules. The at least one manifold can be an array or network of nanochannels, nanoslits or nanoelectrodes joined to a common voltage or pressure source. A respective nanoscale manifold can be configured to allow for precise and active control of driving forces applied to the primary transport nanochannel(s) to drive molecular transport through the various regions along the transport nanochannel(s). The at least one manifold can generate monotonic force gradients with a limited or reduced number of independent input potentials and/or pressures applied to the device.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hop plant cultivar named ‘OR91331’ is disclosed, characterized by having an early mature date, resistance to downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli [Miyabe & Takah.] G. W. Wilson) and powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis [Wallr.] U. Braun & S. Takam); vigorous with high yield potential; high alpha acids; high oil content; and high amounts of some essential oil components implicated in driving beer flavor and aroma such as myrcene, cymene, methyl heptanoate, linalool, citronellol, and terpineol.