Abstract: A method of artificial-intelligence-based robotic vitrification includes placing at least one oocyte in a buffer or CPA solution. The method includes processing an image object produced by an imaging system, using an AI/ML system, to determine a location of a retrievable target oocyte. The method includes positioning a robotic pipettor at a target physical orientation relative to the retrievable target oocyte. The method includes confirming the robotic pipettor's location at the target physical orientation, using the AI/ML system. The method includes instructing the robotic pipettor to initiate contact with the retrievable target oocyte and apply negative pressure to secure the oocyte to the robotic pipettor. The method includes using a robotic microtool holder to lower a vitrification assembly or cryo-device of any other make into a buffer or CPA solution dish to a position in proximity to the target physical orientation.

Abstract: A method and system for health and lifestyle interventions is provided, the system comprising three modules: an evaluation module, a suggestion module and a user interface module. The evaluation module uses rigorous statistical comparison of the levels before and after the start of the intervention and the suggestion module guides the individual through the process by the user interface module.

Abstract: Compositions and formulations comprising peptide conjugate compounds are provided, including native and modified variants of chlorotoxin peptide conjugated to detectable agents or active agents. Methods of detecting and treating vascular lesions, vascular malformations, and vascular abnormalities including cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) with peptide conjugate compounds are also provided, including methods of imaging and resecting vascular lesions tissues and cells.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for 30 mm×173 mm ammunition rounds. The packaging arrangement has a heavy duty standoff device of defined height, which standoff device mounts a very high strength support plate and a heavy duty restraining plate. The support plate has through holes (of diameter slightly less than the rounds defined maximum diameter) to hold the rounds of in an upside down position and from sliding/moving. The height of the standoff device keeps the rounds from being able to touch the bottom of the metal box. The restraining plate has multiple recessed areas sized to accommodate the back ends of the said rounds. The packaging arrangement is lowered into a metal box with handles for carriage purposes. On top, there are Homosite filler pads, and the box accommodates a top lid.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a transducer design for minimally invasive focused ultrasound (MIFU). The present invention allows flexible control of a focused ultrasound wave using mechanical and electrical control. The transducer array is implemented on a flexible substrate that can be mechanically controlled through two or more physical configurations. As with conventional electronic “steering,” the transducer elements can be controlled electronically to provide adjustable focus of the ultrasound. The combination of mechanical and electronic control provides the device a very flexible method for delivering focused ultrasound. The invention also includes a design that allows integration of ultrasound and endoscopic image guidance. The ultrasound guidance includes anatomical visualization and functional imaging (e.g. blood flow and coagulation of vasculature). The ultrasound imaging transducer is used for thermometry within the region of interest for treatment.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an inner wall that defines an interior of the catheter connector and is transmissive to ultraviolet (UV) light. An outer wall defines an exterior of the catheter connector. One or a plurality of UV light sources is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall or on the outer wall positioned to emit UV light into the interior of the catheter connector. A flow sensor is provided for sensing a flow of fluid in the interior of the catheter connector, and circuitry electrically connects the UV light sources, the flow sensor and a power source, such that electrical power is supplied to the UV light sources when a fluid flows through the interior of the catheter connector.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of preserving or improving microvascular integrity in a patient in need thereof comprising administering pirfenidone therapy to the patient.

Abstract: A flexible, elastic, theraputic, pressure device for men. Two flexible bars are affixed to a flexible soft containment apparatus using superficial pressure meaning toward or at the body surface laterally, along two sides of the penile shaft longitudinally. The device does not reach as far as the glans corona at its distal edge.

Abstract: Devices and methods to assist a user in donning hosiery are provided. The device comprises an elongated flexible blade extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the blade configured to contact at least a portion of a user's foot, the blade having a textured inner surface configured to face towards the user's lower leg, and an smooth opposing outer surface relative to the textured inner surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of preserving or improving microvascular integrity in a patient in need thereof comprising administering pirfenidone therapy to the patient.

Abstract: A contamination-resistant bearing assembly includes an outer ring mounted within a housing and an inner ring rotatably supported from the outer ring. Inboard and outboard seal structures are disposed within a bearing space defined between the rings and prevent contaminants from entering a rolling element lubrication zone. A surface seal may also be included to protect the spherical interface between the housing and outer ring. The improved structure allows dynamic alignment of the bearing assembly when acted on by outside forces and also allows for extended operation under maintenance free conditions with no need for relubrication.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an inner wall that defines an interior of the catheter connector and is transmissive to ultraviolet (UV) light. An outer wall defines an exterior of the catheter connector. One or a plurality of UV light sources is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall or on the outer wall positioned to emit UV light into the interior of the catheter connector. A flow sensor is provided for sensing a flow of fluid in the interior of the catheter connector, and circuitry electrically connects the UV light sources, the flow sensor and a power source, such that electrical power is supplied to the UV light sources when a fluid flows through the interior of the catheter connector.

Abstract: Devices and methods to assist a user in donning hosiery are provided. The device comprises an elongated flexible blade extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the blade configured to contact at least a portion of a user's foot, the blade having a textured inner surface configured to face towards the user's lower leg, and an smooth opposing outer surface relative to the textured inner surface.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of zinc alkyl chain growth products via a catalysed chain growth reaction of an alpha-olefin on a zinc alkyl, wherein the chain growth catalyst system employs a group 3-10 transition metal, or a group 3 main group metal, or a lanthanide or actinide complex, and optionally a suitable activator. The products can be further converted into alpha-olefins by olefin displacement of the grown alkyls as alpha-olefins from the zinc alkyl chain growth product, or into primary alcohols, by oxidation of the resulting zinc alkyl chain growth product to form alkoxide compounds, followed by hydrolysis of the alkoxides.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of zinc alkyl chain growth products via a catalysed chain growth reaction of an alpha-olefin on a zinc alkyl, wherein the chain growth catalyst system employs a group 3-10 transition metal, or a group 3 main group metal, or a lanthanide or actinide complex, and optionally a suitable activator. The products can be further converted into alpha-olefins by olefin displacement of the grown alkyls as alpha-olefins from the zinc alkyl chain growth product, or into primary alcohols, by oxidation of the resulting zinc alkyl chain growth product to form alkoxide compounds, followed by hydrolysis of the alkoxides.

Abstract: A process for the ammoxidation of a saturated or unsaturated or mixture of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon to produce an unsaturated nitrile, said process comprising contacting the saturated or unsaturated or mixture of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon with ammonia and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising molybdenum, vanadium, antimony, niobium, tellurium, optionally at least one element select from the group consisting of titanium, tin, germanium, zirconium, hafnium, and optionally at least one lanthanide selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium and lutetium. Such catalysts are characterized by very low levels of tellurium in the composition. Such catalyst compositions are effective for the gas-phase conversion of propane to acrylonitrile and isobutane to methacrylonitrile (via ammoxidation).

Abstract: A cage for small animals includes a generally closed base having an open top; a grating structure upon the base forming a closed structure for containing an animal therein; and a refuse catcher surrounding the grating structure and removably fastened to the base so as to permit the refuse catcher to be removed from the base by being detached from the base and moved upward away from the base without removing the grating structure from the base. The cage can be a bird cage, wherein the refuse catcher is a seed catcher that is formed of a plurality of mating parts, the parts being releasable attached to each other and to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric article having a frosted and/or surface textured finish made from a polymeric resin comprised of a polymeric matrix and polymeric particles which are substantially spherical, highly crosslinked, have a mean particle size of between 15 and 70 micrometers and have a particle size distribution between 10-110 micrometers.