Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device comprises a first microfluidic channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a first point of the first microfluidic channel to a second outlet via a first valve, a third microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a second point of the first microfluidic channel to a second inlet via a second valve, the second point being located between the first point and the first outlet, and at least one circuit for opening the first valve and the second valve. The first and the second valves are arranged to be initially closed, Upon opening of the first and the second valve during use, the flow direction through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point is reversed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a consumable sample partition device and it assembly and use. The sample partition device can be used to test a sample for absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). The sample partition device partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are generally directed to an improved vector normalization instruction. An embodiment of a method includes responsive to receipt by a GPU of a single instruction specifying a vector normalization operation to be performed on V vectors: (i) generating V squared length values, N at a time, by a first processing unit, by, for each N sets of inputs, each representing multiple component vectors for N of the vectors, performing N parallel dot product operations on the N sets of inputs. Generating V sets of outputs representing multiple normalized component vectors of the V vectors, N at a time, by a second processing unit, by, for each N squared length values of the V squared length values, performing N parallel operations on the N squared length values, wherein each of the N parallel operations implement a combination of a reciprocal square root function and a vector scaling function.

Abstract: While texting, a user is able access, share, and control rich media without leaving the texting application. The rich media are provided directly within the executing texting application. The texting application includes an embedded widget for controlling the rich media. Rich media includes, among other things, video clips, streaming audio, a map application, a movie-time application, a social movie-site application, a dynamically controllable image, or promotional media. Different mobile devices executing the texting applications communicate through a server that allows additional functionality, such as syncing the play of video clips and hosting and pushing the promotional media.

Abstract: Nanozymes capped with a radical-scavenging capping agent are disclosed for use in biosensing assays with improved sensitivity. The radical-scavenging capping agent facilitates the capture and retention of one or more radicals for enhancing a catalytic reaction. In some example embodiments, the nanozyme capped by the radical-scavenging capping agent is capable of catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or molecular oxygen. The capped nanozymes may be incorporated with an electrode, such as the working electrode of an electrochemical sensor, for achieving enhanced catalytic activity and a lower limit of detection. In some example embodiments, the radical-scavenging capping agent is or includes thiocyanate.

Abstract: Compositions that include cationic surfactants and methods of synthesizing compositions that include cationic surfactants. The surfactants include a quaternary amine and a saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain with 4 to 28 carbons. The surfactants can be generated by reacting a fatty acid modified with an amino alkyl group and an epihalohydrin in the presence of a base. The cationic surfactants can be generated by reacting a fatty acid modified with an amino alkyl group, an epihalohydrin, and a carboxylic acid. The cationic surfactants can be generated by reacting a carboxylic acid, an epihalohydrin, and a catalyst to afford a halo-substituted alkyl ester, followed by reacting the halo-substituted alky ester with a fatty acid modified with an amino alkyl group.

Abstract: A light source unit includes: a sealed semiconductor laser package including a laser diode that includes an emitter region from which laser light is emitted, the emitter region located at a surface of the laser diode, and a window member configured to transmit the laser light; a first lens structure configured to receive the laser light transmitted through the window member and create an image of the emitter region on an image plane; and a second lens structure configured to convert the laser light having passed through the image plane into a collimated or converged beam, and to emit the collimated or converged beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an animal-protein-free botulinum toxin composition to treat a disease, disorder or condition in a patient in need thereof whereby the animal-protein-free botulinum toxin composition exhibits a longer lasting effect in the patient compared to an animal-protein-containing botulinum toxin composition.

Abstract: While texting, a user is able access, share, and control rich media without leaving the texting application. The rich media are provided directly within the executing texting application. The texting application includes an embedded widget for controlling the rich media. Rich media includes, among other things, video clips, streaming audio, a map application, a movie-time application, a social movie-site application, a dynamically controllable image, or promotional media. Different mobile devices executing the texting applications communicate through a server that allows additional functionality, such as syncing the play of video clips and hosting and pushing the promotional media.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manufacturing the polymer-coated fertilizers with a controlled release in a single pass. The system has a feeding mechanism connected to a first chill roll to supply the articles to the first cavities provided on the first roll to store and hold the articles. A first machine produces and applies a first polymer film on the articles held in the first chill roll to coat the articles partially with the first polymer film. The partially coated articles are transferred to a second chill roll placed at a side or on a top of the first chill roll. A second machine produces and applies the second polymer film on the partially coated articles in the second chill roll so that the articles are encapsulated by the first and second polymer films. A collector mechanism receives the encapsulated articles from the second chill roll.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product may evaluate a packaging material to determine various metrics associated with the packaging material. A test apparatus may be used to evaluate packaging material using a take up drum capable of sensing containment force imparted upon the drum by packaging material applied thereto, and in some instances, simulated flaws may be formed in a web of packaging material to evaluate a packaging materials response to such flaws when under tension.

Abstract: A system and approach for developing a periodic water usage profile and demand for controlling a water heater. A mode may be selected for demand for a certain amount of water of a particular temperature range to be available for use from the water heater. Data on hot water usage may be collected and the usage profile and demand may be calculated from the data. The water heater may be programmed to operate in a certain fashion based on the usage profile and demand. A control knob may be on the water heater control to select a particular demand. Control of the water heater may be operated from a remote device connected in a wireless or wired fashion. An optimization program may be implemented in the control of the water heater for achieving one or more beneficial goals related to water heater performance and hot water production.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing height above landing surface for an aircraft, processing that sensed height information to provide information useful to the aircraft pilot for assisting with the landing and flare-to-land maneuver, and providing the processed information in a peripheral vision display indicating landing conditions sequentially without interfering with pilot vision and focus on the landing area.

Abstract: A feeding bottle has a first layer and optionally a second layer. The feeding bottle offers an improved user experience by mitigating against spills, leaks, improving feeding comfort, or offering information to the user about the feeding environment. The feeding bottle has a reusable liner that is compatible with breast pumps. The liner stores fluid such as breast milk in the freezer. The liner is adaptable to feeding bottle holders, collars, and/or nipples and thus facilitates feeding infants. The liner is adaptable to breast pumps, a liner cap, and one or more of a bottle holder, collar and nipple, such that the liner offers a pump, store, feed solution that is reusable and simplifies the number of parts required for any/all of pumping, storing and feeding activities.