Abstract: Among other things, a lignin-based structural material and a method of making the lignin-based structural material are described. The method of making this lignin-based structural material may utilize significantly less energy than the manufacture of traditional structural materials. The lignin-based structural material may include lignin, an acid, a polymer, and an aggregate filler. The method of making this lignin-based structural material may also be capable of mitigating carbon dioxide by sequestering carbon (in the form of the lignin) and thus offsetting emissions from traditional structural material manufacturing.

Abstract: Among other things, a lignin-based structural material and a method of making the lignin-based structural material are described. The method of making this lignin-based structural material may utilize significantly less energy than the manufacture of traditional structural materials. The lignin-based structural material may include lignin, an acid, a polymer, and an aggregate filler. The method of making this lignin-based structural material may also be capable of mitigating carbon dioxide by sequestering carbon (in the form of the lignin) and thus offsetting emissions from traditional structural material manufacturing.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate sensing and tallying defecation events of subjects, such as participants in clinical trials for treatments for treating digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic constipation. Systems and methods may also be used by individual patients for sensing and tallying defecation events, and resulting data may be reviewed by a healthcare provider when evaluating patient gastrointestinal health and/or treatments.

Abstract: Multiport assemblies comprising one or more optical ports for receiving an external optical fiber connector for making an optical connection along with useful mounting features for securing the multiport assembly are disclosed. The multiport assembly comprises a mounting member having an aperture and a standoff that is coupled to a shell. The standoff extends outward from a lower surface of the shell to allow easy mounting to irregular surfaces. In another embodiment, the multiport assembly may comprise a second mounting member with an aperture and standoff that is received in a rear shell aperture to inhibit damage to the multiport assembly if a fastener is over-tightened during mounting. In further embodiments, the multiport assembly may comprise a dust plug having a locking feature and a keying port that is received in an optical port for inhibiting dirt, dust or debris from entering when the optical port is not in use.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatuses directed to a container for storing a liquid, the container including a textured surface configured to increase the liquid's dissolved oxygen content, the textured surface having fluid-obstructions configured to disrupt a flow of the liquid in at least one direction, said disruptions being effective to decrease a surface tension associated with the liquid and increasing a surface area associated with the liquid.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor package includes: providing a die carrier; disposing a semiconductor die on the die carrier, the semiconductor die having one or more contact pads on a first main face thereof; applying an encapsulant at least partially to the semiconductor die, the encapsulant embedding at least one electrical connector, the electrical connector being connected with a contact pad or with the die carrier and extending to a main face of the encapsulant; and depositing at least one electrical layer onto the main face of the encapsulant and an exposed end of the at least one electrical connector.

Abstract: Provided is small arms ammunition projectile (24) and manufacturing method having a core (10) with a longitudinal core axis, a forward portion (18), and a rearward end (14). The core (10) has a rear portion (16) with an edge (26) that may be chamfered or radiused, a first portion (28) being frustoconical, and a second portion (30) adjacent the first portion (28) being substantially cylindrical. The jacket (12) has a longitudinal axis (99) and longitudinally extending socket (45) to receive the rear portion (16) of the core (10). The socket (45) has a socket bottom (46), a first socket portion (50) being frustoconical, and a second socket portion (52) adjacent the first socket portion (50) being substantially cylindrical.

Abstract: Multiport assemblies comprising one or more optical ports for receiving an external optical fiber connector for making an optical connection along with useful mounting features for securing the multiport assembly are disclosed. The multiport assembly comprises a mounting member having an aperture and a standoff that is coupled to a shell. The standoff extends outward from a lower surface of the shell to allow easy mounting to irregular surfaces. In another embodiment, the multiport assembly may comprise a second mounting member with an aperture and standoff that is received in a rear shell aperture to inhibit damage to the multiport assembly if a fastener is over-tightened during mounting. In further embodiments, the multiport assembly may comprise a dust plug having a locking feature and a keying port that is received in an optical port for inhibiting dirt, dust or debris from entering when the optical port is not in use.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor, a pedestal and an electrically conductive header having a header cavity. The pressure sensor includes, an electrically conductive sensing layer having a sensor diaphragm, an electrically conductive backing layer having a bottom surface that is bonded to the sensing layer, an electrically insulative layer having a bottom surface that is bonded to a top surface of the backing layer, and a sensor element having an electrical parameter that changes based on a deflection of the sensor diaphragm in response to a pressure difference. The pedestal is bonded to the electrically insulative layer and attached to the header within the header cavity.

Abstract: An abrading device includes a funnel and an outlet orifice disposed within the funnel for passage of abrasive material, where a distance between the outlet orifice and a bottom end of the funnel is adjustable. An exhaust tube is coupled to the funnel for withdrawal of spent abrasive material from the funnel.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that include (i) determining a level of soluble ST2 in a biological sample from a subject, (i) comparing the level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample to a reference level of soluble ST2 (e.g., a level of soluble ST2 in the subject at an earlier time point), and (iii) selecting, implanting, replacing, or reprogramming an implanted cardiac device, e.g., an ICD, CRT, or CRT-D device, for a subject having an elevated level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample compared to the reference level of soluble ST2, or selecting a subject for participation in, or stratifying a subject participating in, a clinical study of a treatment for reducing the risk of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) event. Also provided are methods for evaluating the risk of a VTA event in a subject. Also provided are kits for performing any of these methods.

Abstract: A portable flexure fixture including a fixture housing, a translatable plug, a load ring, and a support ring. The fixture housing includes a first end opposite a second end, a plug receiving opening extending into the first end and a test opening extending into the second end. The support ring is disposed in the fixture housing. The translatable plug is insertable into the plug receiving opening of the fixture housing and is translatable in both a sample engaging direction and a sample releasing direction. Further, the load ring is coupled to the translatable plug and is positioned at a sample facing end of the translatable plug such that translation of the translatable plug in the sample engaging direction translates the load ring in the sample engaging direction and translation of the translatable plug in the sample releasing direction translates the load ring in the sample releasing direction.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor, a pedestal and an electrically conductive header having a header cavity. The pressure sensor includes, an electrically conductive sensing layer having a sensor diaphragm, an electrically conductive backing layer having a bottom surface that is bonded to the sensing layer, an electrically insulative layer having a bottom surface that is bonded to a top surface of the backing layer, and a sensor element having an electrical parameter that changes based on a deflection of the sensor diaphragm in response to a pressure difference. The pedestal is bonded to the electrically insulative layer and attached to the header within the header cavity.

Abstract: A portable flexure fixture including a fixture housing, a translatable plug, a load ring, and a support ring. The fixture housing includes a first end opposite a second end, a plug receiving opening extending into the first end and a test opening extending into the second end. The support ring is disposed in the fixture housing. The translatable plug is insertable into the plug receiving opening of the fixture housing and is translatable in both a sample engaging direction and a sample releasing direction. Further, the load ring is coupled to the translatable plug and is positioned at a sample facing end of the translatable plug such that translation of the translatable plug in the sample engaging direction translates the load ring in the sample engaging direction and translation of the translatable plug in the sample releasing direction translates the load ring in the sample releasing direction.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that include (i) determining a level of soluble ST2 in a biological sample from a subject, (i) comparing the level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample to a reference level of soluble ST2 (e.g., a level of soluble ST2 in the subject at an earlier time point), and (iii) selecting, implanting, replacing, or reprogramming an implanted cardiac device, e.g., an ICD, CRT, or CRT-D device, for a subject having an elevated level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample compared to the reference level of soluble ST2, or selecting a subject for participation in, or stratifying a subject participating in, a clinical study of a treatment for reducing the risk of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) event. Also provided are methods for evaluating the risk of a VTA event in a subject. Also provided are kits for performing any of these methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that include (i) determining a level of soluble ST2 in a biological sample from a subject, (i) comparing the level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample to a reference level of soluble ST2 (e.g., a level of soluble ST2 in the subject at an earlier time point), and (iii) selecting, implanting, replacing, or reprogramming an implanted cardiac device, e.g., an ICD, CRT, or CRT-D device, for a subject having an elevated level of soluble ST2 in the biological sample compared to the reference level of soluble ST2, or selecting a subject for participation in, or stratifying a subject participating in, a clinical study of a treatment for reducing the risk of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) event. Also provided are methods for evaluating the risk of a VTA event in a subject. Also provided are kits for performing any of these methods.

Abstract: An abrading device includes a funnel and an outlet orifice disposed within the funnel for passage of abrasive material, where a distance between the outlet orifice and a bottom end of the funnel is adjustable. An exhaust tube is coupled to the funnel for withdrawal of spent abrasive material from the funnel.

Abstract: An abrading device includes a funnel and an outlet orifice disposed within the funnel for passage of abrasive material, where a distance between the outlet orifice and a bottom end of the funnel is adjustable. An exhaust tube is coupled to the funnel for withdrawal of spent abrasive material from the funnel.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a base having at least one high-pressure contact portion and a diaphragm positioned over the base and having an external top surface facing away from the base and internal surfaces facing the base. The internal surfaces comprising a raised perimeter surrounding an interior, a raised central boss within the interior, and a raised boss arm contiguous with and extending from the raised perimeter toward the interior. At least one of the raised boss arm and raised central boss are aligned with and contact a high-pressure contact portion of the base during an over-pressure event.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a base having at least one high-pressure contact portion and a diaphragm positioned over the base and having an external top surface facing away from the base and internal surfaces facing the base. The internal surfaces comprising a raised perimeter surrounding an interior, a raised central boss within the interior, and a raised boss arm contiguous with and extending from the raised perimeter toward the interior. At least one of the raised boss arm and raised central boss are aligned with and contact a high-pressure contact portion of the base during an over-pressure event.