Abstract: A system and method for creating a digital elevation model, and for reducing vertical bias and/or root mean square error (RMSE) of an elevation dataset may be provided. The system may include one or more processors configured to receive input data, provide the input data to a neural network (NN), and generate a digital elevation model based on the predicted elevations output by the NN. The NN may be configured to include an input layer; a plurality of hidden layers connected to the input layer, the plurality of hidden layers configured to iteratively analyze the input data and learn nonlinear relationships between the input data and actual elevation; and an output layer connected to the plurality of hidden layers, the output layer configured to output a predicted elevation based on the analysis of the input data.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a neural network for performing vertical error regression analysis is disclosed. The neural network includes an input layer including input data related to a target pixel, a target location, a slope at the target location, population density at the target location, tree canopy height at the target location, vegetation density at the target location, and an Ice, Cloud, and Land Satellite (ICESat) differential map at the target location. The neural network further includes a plurality of hidden layers connected to the input layer, where the plurality of hidden layers is configured to iteratively analyze the input data. The neural network also includes an output layer connected to the plurality of hidden layers, where the output layer is configured to output a predicted vertical error based on the analysis of the input data.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for widening a channel in a treatment site, the channel containing a guide-wire. The channel is widened by advancing an elongated dilation device, which is configured to fit tightly over the guide-wire at the distal tip of the dilation device and to provide a distal dilating surface, over the guide-wire and at least partially through the treatment site. The dilation device comprises a tubular metallic shaft, typically a metal inner tube, for providing sufficient stiffness and column strength for the dilator to be advanced at least partially through the channel, and a flexible sleeve providing a tapered distal tip. The distal end of the dilator defines a leading surface that is shaped to force away portions of a lesion surrounding the guide-wire away from the guide-wire as the distal end is advanced over the guide-wire through the lesion, whereby a channel through the lesion is at least partially dilated.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for substituting polyaromatic hydrocarbons or polyheterocyclic compounds with perfluoroalkyl groups. The methods can include heating a polyaromatic hydrocarbon substrate or a polyheterocyclic compound substrate in the presence of a perfluoroalkyl iodide, typically in a closed system, wherein the heating is sufficient to bring both the polyaromatic hydrocarbons or polyheterocyclic compound, and the perfluoroalkyl iodide, into the gas phase, thereby allowing the substrate to react with the perfluoroalkyl iodide in the gas phase to form polyaromatic hydrocarbons or polyheterocyclic compounds having one or more perfluoroalkyl substituents. The methods allow for the creation of versatile libraries of novel perfluoroalkyl-containing derivatives that can serve as important building blocks and active components in biomedical, electronic, and materials applications.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for widening a channel in a treatment site, the channel containing a guide-wire. The channel is widened by advancing an elongated dilation device, which is configured to fit tightly over the guide-wire at the distal tip of the dilation device and to provide a distal dilating surface, over the guide-wire and at least partially through the treatment site. The dilation device comprises a tubular metallic shaft, typically a metal inner tube, for providing sufficient stiffness and column strength for the dilator to be advanced at least partially through the channel, and a flexible sleeve providing a tapered distal tip. The distal end of the dilator defines a leading surface that is shaped to force away portions of a lesion surrounding the guide-wire away from the guide-wire as the distal end is advanced over the guide-wire through the lesion, whereby a channel through the lesion is at least partially dilated.

Abstract: Flexible sleeve having a leading (distal) edge that can be advanced over a conventional angioplasty guide-wire to facilitate balloon angioplasty catheter and stent catheter crossing complex coronary lesions such as chronic total occlusions or heavily calcified, non-compliant lesions.

Abstract: Method of preparing a clogged animal vessel, e.g. chronic total occlusion of an artery so as to be capable of crossing by a guidewire of an intraluminal device, e.g., angioplasty balloon. The method includes delivering an angiogenic agent to the occlusion site to promote angiogenesis within the occlusion to increases susceptibility to crossing.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encode polypeptides for increasing the rate of growth of plants. Introduction of the polynucleotides into plants produces plants having altered characteristics, such as increased growth, increased leaf area and reduced fertility. Expression of polypeptides in plants or plant cells promotes cell division. Expression of the polynucleotides in plants in the antisense orientation produces plants that are sterile or have smaller leaves.

Abstract: Forward-looking ultrasound transducers are positioned at the tip of a transseptal catheter to facilitate transseptal puncture and interventions within the left atrium, pulmonary veins and mitral valve. Catheter devices and systems are guided by forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging for penetrating from one location within a mammalian patient's body to another location, and/or performing diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. A penetrator, diagnostic, or interventional device (eg. probe, biopsy apparatus, electrode, needle) is positioned at the catheter tip and is advanceable from the catheter to a target location outside of the lumen in which the catheter is positioned. The imaging probe uses forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography that allows one to locate both the target and the medical device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating a campaign tracking platform for social media marketing are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for collecting click information regarding tracking links is provided. A tracking link is generated corresponding to a target source of content through which a subscriber of the social media campaign tracking platform can share the content with third parties via social media. The tracking link has encoded therein structured metadata indicative of a social media action within which the tracking link is contained. Responsive to receiving a click-through event for the tracking link from a requestor, click information is stored in a consumption database associated with the social media campaign tracking platform and the requestor is redirected to the target source.

Abstract: The use of a collagenase containing formulation for degrading collagen within an occlusive atherosclerotic plaque in a chronic fibrotic occlusion, chronically occluded animal tube or cavity. A medical-related apparatus is provided comprising a medical-related device having provided thereto a therapeutic amount of a collagen degrading composition comprising a proteiolytic enzyme containing formulation A method is provided for treating chronically occluded animal tubes and cavities by administering a therapeutic effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme-containing formulation adjacent to an occluding atherosclerotic plaque, waiting for a pre-angioplasty waiting period, followed by crossing the plaque with an angioplasty guide wire.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides which increase the rate of growth of plants were identified. Introduction of the polynucleotides into plants produces plants having altered characteristics, such as increased growth, increased leaf area and reduced fertility. Expression of the polypeptides in plants or plant cells promotes cell division. Expression of the polynucleotides in plants in the antisense orientation may produce plants that are sterile or have smaller leaves.

Abstract: Forward-looking ultrasound transducers are positioned at the tip of a transseptal catheter to facilitate transseptal puncture and interventions within the left atrium, pulmonary veins and mitral valve. Catheter devices and systems are guided by forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging for penetrating from one location within a mammalian patient's body to another location, and/or performing diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. A penetrator, diagnostic, or interventional device (eg. probe, biopsy apparatus, electrode, needle) is positioned at the catheter tip and is advanceable from the catheter to a target location outside of the lumen in which the catheter is positioned. The imaging probe uses forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography that allows one to locate both the target and the medical device.

Abstract: The use of a collagenase containing formulation for degrading collagen within an occlusive atherosclerotic plaque in a chronic fibrotic occlusion, chronically occluded animal tube or cavity. A medical-related apparatus is provided comprising a medical-related device having provided thereto a therapeutic amount of a collagen degrading composition comprising a proteiolytic enzyme containing formulation A method is provided for treating chronically occluded animal tubes and cavities by administering a therapeutic effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme-containing formulation adjacent to an occluding atherosclerotic plaque, waiting for a pre-angioplasty waiting period, followed by crossing the plaque with an angioplasty guide wire.

Abstract: Flexible sleeve having a leading (distal) edge that can be advanced over a conventional angioplasty guide-wire to facilitate balloon angioplasty catheter and stent catheter crossing complex coronary lesions such as chronic total occlusions or heavily calcified, non-compliant lesions.

Abstract: The use of a collagenase containing formulation for degrading collagen within an occlusive atherosclerotic plaque in a chronic fibrotic occlusion, chronically occluded animal tube or cavity. A medical-related apparatus is provided comprising a medical-related device having provided thereto a therapeutic amount of a collagen degrading composition comprising a proteiolytic enzyme containing formulation. A method is provided for treating chronically occluded animal tubes and cavities by administering a therapeutic effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme-containing formulation adjacent to an occluding atherosclerotic plaque, waiting for a pre-angioplasty waiting period, followed by crossing the plaque with an angioplasty guide wire.

Abstract: A method of imaging apoptosis in vivo, using radiolabeled annexin, is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalyst components comprising a compound having a weakly coordinating anion salt and a reactive cation, in particular a compound of the formula MxQy. Preferably, each M is independently a cation with at least one M being a reactive cation as defined herein. Q is a fluorinated polyhedral borate moiety. And x and y are absolute values of the oxidation states of Q and M, respectively. The present invention also provides processes for using the catalyst components defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting a presence of an analyte in a fluid medium. Specifically, the present invention provides a detection probe comprising an analyte affinity compound which has a higher affinity for the analyte in a fluid medium than the fluid medium itself. In this manner, the analyte in the fluid medium is concentrated onto the detection probe. The present invention also provides a method for using the same in qualitative or quantitative analysis of the analyte in a fluid medium.

Abstract: Four floral homeotic genes from Poplar are disclosed. The disclosed nucleic acid molecules are useful for producing transgenic plants having modified fertility characteristics, particularly sterility.