Abstract: An improved grinding method for manufacturing microfibrillated cellulose.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved, bioreactor-based methods for manufacturing large-scale populations of robust, highly pure, and functional T regulatory cells (Tregs). Also disclosed are expanded Treg populations, cryopreserved Treg populations and methods and uses of these cells in compositions formulated for treating one or more mammalian diseases, including, for example, treatment, prophylaxis, and/or amelioration of one or more symptoms of a human neurodegenerative disorder. In particular, the compositions and methods provided herein find clinical use in the treatment and amelioration of one or more symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological diseases and disorders.

Abstract: A coordinate positioning machine includes a plurality of drive axes, each being a rotary or linear drive axis, for positioning a platform within a working volume of the machine, and a separate linear counterbalance axis for counterbalancing the platform. With this arrangement the counterbalance axis can be substantially invariant to changes in orientation of the drive axes and can be counterbalanced by a simple counterweight. Also, an arrangement wherein the counterbalance axes and force generator are arranged so horizontal movement of the platform causes substantially no net movement of and/or no work to be done on the generator. Also, an arrangement wherein a series of counterbalance axes has at least one rotary counterbalance axis, and the generator is arranged behind or at a predetermined distance from the counterbalance axis. Also, an arrangement having a series of counterbalance axes with at most one rotary counterbalance axis between the generator and ground.

Abstract: Connectors for respiratory assistance systems are disclosed that are configured to at least decrease the proportion of condensate that drains into an inspiratory conduit. The connectors include a setup that causes the portion of a wye-piece connected to an expiratory conduit to be positioned below the portion of the wye-piece connected to the inspiratory conduit. The connector can alternatively, or additionally, include a wye-piece that includes a ball attached to the wye-piece adjacent the inspiratory conduit port such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit port is positioned below the inspiratory conduit port. The connector can alternatively or additionally include a circuit hanger that includes a cradles for both conduits and a ball attached to the circuit hanger adjacent the inspiratory conduit cradle such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit cradle is positioned below the inspiratory conduit cradle.

Abstract: A system is configured to obtain one or more brain wave signals measured by electrophysiological sensors on a person and obtain stimulus data representing a plurality of sensory stimuli presented over time with a plurality of levels. The system is further configured to determine a mathematical model in which the brain wave signals are equal to an expression which comprises a sum of each of a plurality of spatial patterns multiplied with a factor representing activity of a corresponding neural source. The factor comprises a convolution of the stimulus data and stimulus responses for each of the neural sources. The stimulus responses are weighted with a stimulus response amplitude weight per level. The system is further configured to determine the person's sensory capabilities and/or a psychological and/or neurological state of the person based on the stimulus response amplitude weights.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for performing volume and intensity-based activity evaluations. A method may include determining, by a device, a heart rate. The method may include determining, based on the heart rate, a motion threshold amount for a time period. The method may include determining motion data. The method may include comparing the motion data to the motion threshold for the time period. The method may include determining, based on the comparison of the motion data to the motion threshold for the time period, an activity intensity level associated with the heart rate and the motion data. The method may include determining, based on the activity intensity level, an activity score. The method may include sending data indicating the activity score for presentation at a second device.

Abstract: A humidification system for delivering humidified gases to a user can include a heater base, humidification chamber having an inlet, outlet, and associated fluid conduit, and breathing circuit including a supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit. The humidification system can include various features to help make set-up less difficult and time-consuming. For example, the supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit can be coupled into a one-piece circuit to aid set-up. Various components can be color-coded and can have corresponding structures to indicate which components should be connected to one another during set-up. Such features can also help make the set-up process more intuitive for an operator, which can reduce the need for specialized training and reduce the number of potential errors.

Abstract: A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.

Abstract: A cord stopper for moving along a length of cord and releasably engaging the cord includes a body delimiting a channel for passing the cord through the body. The channel defines a first path and a second path for the cord, with the paths being selectable by rotating the body relative to the cord. A cord engagement portion provided along the first path is configured to engage the cord such that movement of the cord stopper along the cord is restricted when the first path is selected. A cord passing portion in the channel is configured to permit the cord stopper to move along the length of the cord when the second path is selected. Further provided are a cord stopper assembly including the cord stopper and the cord, and methods. Methods of using and manufacturing the cord stopper.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a data storage device. A data port transmits data between a host computer system and the data storage device. A non-volatile storage medium stores encrypted user content data and a cryptography engine connected between the data port and the storage medium uses a cryptographic key to decrypt the encrypted user content data. The access controller generates an authorization request for a manager device. The authorization request comprises a certificate. The certificate comprising key data. In response to receiving the key data in a response to the authorization request generated by the manager device, the access controller generates configuration data based on the key data to register the device to be authorized as an authorized device.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to biocompatible polyisobutylene-fiber composite materials and related methods. In one aspect a biocompatible composite material is included. The biocompatible composite material can include a network of fibers comprising one or more polymers to form a substrate and a continuous polyisobutylene matrix that is non-porous and completely surrounds the electrospun fibers. Other aspects are included herein.

Abstract: A system and method adapted to have high sensitivity to the formation of biofilm by mixed community bacteria in fluids. The system enhances corrosion imbalance by differentiating conditions between metal sensor elements immersed in the liquid being monitored. The liquid may be diverted to and flowed through a sample chamber where adjacent sensor elements may reside in different flow velocity or temperature regions. The differentiated conditions allow for different film formation on one of the sensor elements relative to the other, and also more quickly than in the main system from which the sampled liquid has been diverted. The differentiated formation allows the use of measurement of polarization current between the metal sensors to produce data with superior resolution relative to prior methods. The speed of film formation promoted by the differentiated conditions allows for determination of risk of film formation in the main system prior to that film's formation in the main system.

Abstract: Opto-mechanical assemblies, systems, devices and methods for pointing laser and other optical beams, and for directing the field of view of sensors are disclosed. The assemblies consist of thin rotating optical elements of a type that diffracts the optical beam over a wide field of regard in two dimensions, and the angle of incidence of the optical beam or line of sight impinging on the optical elements are dynamically controlled maximizing the diffraction efficiency of the optical elements.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a connector board having a front side and a back side, a connector mounted to the connector board, the connector having a mating end extending outwardly from the front side of the connector board, and a heatsink extending outwardly from the back side of the connector board and aligned with the connector, the heatsink comprising a plurality of fins extending parallel to the connector board for drawing heat through the connector from the front side to the back side of the connector board.

Abstract: A self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes an inner frame and an outer sealing frame. A lower region of the outer sealing frame is coupled to a lower region of the inner frame. At least a portion of the outer frame has a D-shape cross-section for conforming to a shape of a native heart valve annulus. Elongate anchors are positioned outwardly from the outer sealing frame for anchoring to native leaflets. Preferably, the native leaflets are secured between the anchors and an outer surface of the outer sealing frame. A valve body is positioned within an interior lumen of the inner frame and provides a one-way valve mechanism for replacing the function of the native leaflets. For additional stability, a further anchoring mechanism may extend from the inner frame for attachment to a heart wall. The prosthetic heart valve is well-suited for replacing the function of a native tricuspid valve.

Abstract: A method of assembling a display area includes selecting a first tile from a plurality of tiles, each tile of the plurality of tiles includes a predetermined parameter and a plurality of microLEDs defining a plurality of pixels. The selecting the first tile based on a value of the predetermined parameter of the first tile. The method includes selecting a second tile from the plurality of tiles based on a value of the predetermined parameter of the second tile. The method further includes positioning the first tile and the second tile into an array defining at least a portion of the display area. A first edge of the first tile facing a second edge of the second tile. A display device including the display area assembled by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A differential pressure monitor is disclosed herein, which comprises a controller comprising a processor disposed in a housing, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to pre-calibrate a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor before initial use, and subsequently, determine the differential pressure between the first and second sensors during use of the sensors, and display an indicia representative of the differential pressure between the first and second sensors. Corresponding methods and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for prosthetic valves. Examples of prosthetic valves may be configured to anchor to an interior surface of a heart valve. Such prosthetic valves, in examples, may include a single frame that supports a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets. In examples, multiple frames may be utilized to anchor to a heart valve and one or more of the frames may support a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets.

Abstract: A platform and components for an automated consumer retail utility marketplace are provided, including components for machine learning, components for gamification, and components for supporting a related consumer mobile application that enables improved visibility and control by a consumer over its interaction with energy markets.