Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a model portfolio designed to have substantially the same values, returns, or risk characteristics as a financial instrument. Embodiments include operating a first computer to perform a statistical comparison between said model portfolio and the financial instrument, wherein said statistical comparison compares at least one of the periodic values, returns, and risk characteristics of the model portfolio and the financial instrument over some period of time. The results of the statistical comparison are periodically published throughout a trading day for use by a trader to at least one (i) price and (ii) hedge an investment in the financial instrument. According to embodiments, the model portfolio does not reveal the holdings of a reference asset for the financial instrument.

Abstract: Techniques for installing a robotic arm, such as for use in a product packaging environment are described. In an example, a floor-supported plate may define a number of holes to allow connection of the plate to selected locations in the concrete floor. In an example, holes defined in the plate that are in undesirable locations in the concrete floor may not be used to bolt the plate to the floor. In contrast, holes that are in more favorable locations in the plate can be used to bolt the plate to the floor. The floor-supported plate may also be configured with alignment features that assist in connection of one or more supporting or related systems to the plate. Examples of the systems that may be connected to the plate, and/or aligned by contact with the plate, include conveyor systems, case-providing cassette(s), and pallet location and/or alignment guides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved intra-day valuations of a first portfolio are disclosed herein. Operations include receiving a listing of first identities for a first set of securities of a first portfolio, generating, a second portfolio configured to track the first portfolio, where the second portfolio has second identities that are identical to the first identities and a second set of weightings, calculating an intra-day value for the first portfolio by applying price feed information to the second portfolio in accordance with the second set of weightings, and publicizing the calculated intra-day value for the first portfolio without disclosing a first set of weightings corresponding to the first portfolio.

Abstract: A multiple-modality ablation probe can include a tube configured to transmit mechanical modality energy from a first end to an obstruction in contact with a second end. A first optical transmission media can extend along the tube to transmit laser modality energy from a laser energy source to the obstruction. A connector assembly can be mechanically coupled with the first end of the tube and with the first end of the first optical transmission media. The connector assembly can be configured for user-attachment and detachment of the tube and the first optical transmission media with a mechanical energy source coupling and a laser energy source coupling, respectively.

Abstract: A reverse retropulsion device can include a lithotripter, a collection passage, and an energy directing device. The lithotripter can be configured to deliver energy to tissue located at a tissue forming region. The collection passage can be positionable at or near the body lumen. The energy directing device can be positionable near the lithotripter and the collection passage. The energy directing device can be configured to propel the tissue toward the collection passage.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a model portfolio designed to have substantially the same values, returns, or risk characteristics as a financial instrument. Embodiments include operating a first computer to perform a statistical comparison between said model portfolio and the financial instrument, wherein said statistical comparison compares at least one of the periodic values, returns, and risk characteristics of the model portfolio and the financial instrument over some period of time. The results of the statistical comparison are periodically published throughout a trading day for use by a trader to at least one (i) price and (ii) hedge an investment in the financial instrument. According to embodiments, the model portfolio does not reveal the holdings of a reference asset for the financial instrument.

Abstract: A system for improving a query response includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a query. The processor is configured to determine a categorization for the query using a model. The categorization is associated with a confidence value. The processor is configured to a comparison of the confidence value and a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is determined to maximize a metric and modify the query response based at least in part on the categorization and the comparison.

Abstract: A method of treating a calculi mass can include using an ultrasonic probe to produce acoustic energy and fragment the mass. The method can include varying the frequency at which fragmentation occurs to treat the mass with a resonant frequency. The ultrasonic probe can have a distal tip for contact with the mass, where the tip has a morphology for concentrating stress on the mass. The ultrasonic probe can have two or more ultrasonic horns to allow for higher voltage and power levels.

Abstract: A method of treating a calculi mass can include using an ultrasonic probe to produce acoustic energy and fragment the mass. The method can include varying the frequency at which fragmentation occurs to treat the mass with a resonant frequency. The ultrasonic probe can have a distal tip for contact with the mass, where the tip has a morphology for concentrating stress on the mass. The ultrasonic probe can have two or more ultrasonic horns to allow for higher voltage and power levels.

Abstract: A method of treating a calculi mass can include using an ultrasonic probe to produce acoustic energy and fragment the mass. The method can include varying the frequency at which fragmentation occurs to treat the mass with a resonant frequency. The ultrasonic probe can have a distal tip for contact with the mass, where the tip has a morphology for concentrating stress on the mass. The ultrasonic probe can have two or more ultrasonic horns to allow for higher voltage and power levels.

Abstract: A bridge connected between a first process control loop and a second process control loop wherein the bridge allows alternating current digital signals to pass between the first process control loop and the second process control loop while preventing direct current analog signals from passing between the first process control loop and the second process control loop.

Abstract: A system for improving a query response includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a query. The processor is configured to determine a categorization for the query using a model. The categorization is associated with a confidence value. The processor is configured to determine whether the confidence value is above a first threshold and, in response to the confidence value being above the first threshold, modify the query response based at least in part on the categorization.

Abstract: An acoustic liquid transfer system that includes a processor; a source holding component configured to hold a source microplate; a destination holding component configured to hold a destination microplate; an acoustic transducer configured to cause liquid to transfer between the source and destination microplates; and a controller configured to direct movements, according to an ordered picklist, of one or more of the: source holding component, destination holding component, and acoustic transducer.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the flow rate of formation water and/or the total rate of produced water in a gas well. More particularly, a method and system is provided to determine the flow rates of gas, condensate, and water in gas production using a flowmeter.

Abstract: An interchangeable image display system includes a rigid hard backboard including a backboard front side coated with a protective finish and including at least one photo area, and a backboard back side opposite the backboard front side; one or more rigid hard photo tiles including a photo tile front including an image infused into metal; and a photo tile back; two or more first polarity magnets fixedly attached to the back board front side in each photo area in a first pattern; and two or more second polarity magnets fixedly attached to each of the photo tiles on the photo tile back in a second pattern the mirror image of the first pattern; the second polarity magnets attracted, and removeably attachable to the first polarity magnets.

Abstract: Techniques for installing a robotic arm, such as for use in a product packaging environment are described. In an example, a floor-supported plate may define a number of holes to allow connection of the plate to selected locations in the concrete floor. In an example, holes defined in the plate that are in undesirable locations in the concrete floor may not be used to bolt the plate to the floor. In contrast, holes that are in more favorable locations in the plate can be used to bolt the plate to the floor. The floor-supported plate may also be configured with alignment features that assist in connection of one or more supporting or related systems to the plate. Examples of the systems that may be connected to the plate, and/or aligned by contact with the plate, include conveyor systems, case-providing cassette(s), and pallet location and/or alignment guides.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for improved intra-day valulations of a first portfolio. Embodiments include receiving a listing of first identities for a first set of securities of a first portfolio, generating, a second portfolio configured to track the first portfolio, where the second portfolio has second identities that are identical to the first identities and a second set of weightings, calculating an intra-day value for the first portfolio by applying price feed information to the second portfolio in accordance with the second set of weightings, and publicizing the calculated intra-day value for the first portfolio without disclosing a first set of weightings corresponding to the first portfolio.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), defined herein, are both phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme inhibitors and muscarinic M3 receptor antagonists and are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of a disease of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the flow rate of formation water and/or the total rate of produced water in a gas well. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system to determine the flow rates of gas, condensate, and water in gas production using a flowmeter such as a radiation-free flowmeter.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel 3,5-dichloro,4-(3,4-(cyclo-) alkoxyphenyl)-2-carbonyloxy)ethyl)pyridine compounds which are inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme and muscarinic M3 receptor antagonists, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing them and therapeutic use thereof.