Abstract: A transaction card can be manufactured from rigid materials, such as glass, stone, or ceramics. First, a rigid layer of a transaction card can be placed within a first recess of a first metallic sheet. The first recess can comprise a lip and an opening. Next, a binding layer can be placed on top of the first rigid layer of the transaction card where the binding layer comprises a binding medium. A second rigid layer can be placed on top of the binding layer. A second metallic sheet can be placed on top of the first metallic sheet where the second metallic sheet has a second recess with a lip and an opening. Next, the first metallic sheet can be fused together with the second metallic sheet to form a fused metal sheet. The fused metal sheet can be cut along a border of the opening of the first recess.

Abstract: A storytelling interface comprising a map panel and a genealogy panel, and methods for using the same, are described. The storytelling interface facilitates dynamic and automatic scaling and relocation of the map panel based on a user's location within the genealogy panel, which facilitates a continuous scrolling operation to navigate between different sections of the genealogy panel. The storytelling interface facilitates a user receiving, viewing, and interacting with DNA and ethnic communities results determined from DNA testing, and allows a user to navigate through pertinent communities in both time and/or space.

Abstract: A pointing controller enables interaction with virtual objects in a virtual or augmented reality environment. The pointing controller comprises a form factor that enables it to be securely positioned in the user's fingers during a pointing gesture. The pointing controller tracks a pointing direction in three-dimensional space based on motion of the pointing controller. The pointing controller furthermore includes one or more control elements such as buttons or touch interfaces to enable additional interactions.

Abstract: Provided are photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include at least one radiation-absorbing component comprising a copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorin and/or bacteriochlorin and/or a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed photoacoustic imaging contrast agents either singly or in combination for generating an image of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof. Further provided are compositions and methods for multiplex photoacoustic imaging of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof using photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of the presently disclosed copper-complexed and/or manganese-complexed chlorins and/or bacteriochlorins and/or derivatives thereof simultaneously.

Abstract: A transaction card can be manufactured from rigid materials, such as glass, stone, or ceramics. First, a rigid layer of a transaction card can be placed within a first recess of a first metallic sheet. The first recess can comprise a lip and an opening. Next, a binding layer can be placed on top of the first rigid layer of the transaction card where the binding layer comprises a binding medium. A second rigid layer can be placed on top of the binding layer. A second metallic sheet can be placed on top of the first metallic sheet where the second metallic sheet has a second recess with a lip and an opening. Next, the first metallic sheet can be fused together with the second metallic sheet to form a fused metal sheet. The fused metal sheet can be cut along a border of the opening of the first recess.

Abstract: A pointing controller worn by a user enables intuitive control of various connected smart devices. Users may indicate which device is to be controlled by pointing in the direction of the smart device (or a proxy object) and performing a predefined action to select the device for control. Once selected, the user may interact with the smart device by performing various gestures or interactions with one or more control elements integrated into the pointing controller. The smart device may provide feedback using visual or auditory indicators on the smart device, or by sending a control signal to the pointing controller or other device in proximity to the user that provides haptic, auditory, or visual feedback.

Abstract: Tumor-derived cell-free DNA from the aqueous humor is assayed for diagnosis, and therapeutic prognosis of retinoblastoma demonstrating eyes with a more aggressive phenotype (with the presence of gain of 6p) and those that have a higher likelihood of responding to therapy. This also allows for evaluation of tumor response to therapy and a marker of recurrent or residual disease that requires further therapy. This method avoids direct biopsy of retinoblastoma, which is contraindicated due to risk of extraocular tumor dissemination. Somatic chromosomal copy number alterations of tumor-derived cell-free DNA provides significant prognostic value; the presence of gain of 6p was associated with a 10× increased risk of a tumor NOT responding to chemotherapy with local consolidation and requiring enucleation to cure the child of disease. AH testing also provides accurate indicators of progression of retinoblastoma and its response to therapy over the course of treatment.

Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: A pointing controller enables interaction with virtual objects in a virtual or augmented reality environment. The pointing controller comprises a form factor that enables it to be securely positioned in the user's fingers during a pointing gesture. The pointing controller tracks a pointing direction in three-dimensional space based on motion of the pointing controller. The pointing controller furthermore includes one or more control elements such as buttons or touch interfaces to enable additional interactions.

Abstract: A storytelling interface comprising a map panel and a genealogy panel, and methods for using the same, are described. The storytelling interface facilitates dynamic and automatic scaling and relocation of the map panel based on a user's location within the genealogy panel, which facilitates a continuous scrolling operation to navigate between different sections of the genealogy panel. The storytelling interface facilitates a user receiving, viewing, and interacting with DNA and ethnic communities results determined from DNA testing, and allows a user to navigate through pertinent communities in both time and/or space.

Abstract: A method for providing feedback to a skier, comprising: receiving, by a feedback computer, sensor data from a plurality of sensors associated with the skier, the sensor data representing a movement of the skier during a ski run; receiving, by the feedback computer, video data representing a video recording of the skier during the ski run; after the ski run, synchronizing, by the feedback computer, the sensor data and the video data; and simultaneously displaying, on a display screen in electrical communication with the feedback computer, the video recording and the sensor data.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of transaction cards incorporating aluminum or aluminum alloys. The aluminum can be extracted or recycled from a retired aircraft. Other materials can also be incorporated into the transaction card to provide sufficient weight and rigidity to the transaction card. Stainless-steel can be incorporated into the construction of the card in combination with aluminum to provide a desired user experience.

Abstract: A transaction card is described that includes a first layer, a second layer, a loop antenna, an inductive illumination antenna, and a light-emitting element. At least a one of the first layer and the second layer has a transparent planar portion through which light transmits. The loop antenna is inset between the first layer and the second layer. The light-emitting element has a first terminal and a second terminal. The inductive illumination antenna is inset between the first layer and the second layer and positioned proximate to the loop antenna such that, when the transaction card is positioned in a magnetic field, the inductive illumination antenna is induced with a current from the loop antenna. The inductive illumination antenna is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: Provided are photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include at least one radiation-absorbing component comprising a bacteriochlorin, a metallobacteriochlorin, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed photoacoustic imaging contrast agents either singly or in combination for generating an image of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof. Further provided are compositions and methods for multiplex photoacoustic imaging of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof using photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of the presently disclosed bacteriochlorins, metallobacteriochlorins, and/or derivatives thereof simultaneously.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, computer-readable storage media, and computer systems for associating received medical imaging data with stored medical imaging data. Medical imaging data associated with a patient is received from a client device. The medical imaging data includes an image object, one or more data objects related to the image object, and metadata associated with the patient encoded in Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) format. The metadata includes personal information about the patient, and time and location at which the DICOM image file was captured. The received metadata is compared with existing metadata associated with multiple existing patients to identify a subset of the existing patients who may be a potential match to the patient. Selection of an existing patient from among the subset is requested. When received, the medical imaging data is associated with the existing patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for a double-sided credit card and a method of manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the double-sided credit card comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side comprises a first antenna configured to transmit electronic signals to execute transactions linked to a first financial account, while the second side comprises a second antenna configured to transmit electronic signals to execute transactions linked to a second financial account. An electronic blocker layer is positioned between the first side and the second side such that the electronic signals executing transactions linked to the first financial account is blocked from interfering with the electronic signals executing transactions linked to the second financial account.

Abstract: Provided are fluorescent microparticles and/or nanoparticles that have a polymeric matrix and at least one porphyrinic macrocycle associated therewith. The porphyrinic macrocycles associated with the presently disclosed fluorescent microparticles and/or nanoparticles are in some embodiments selected from the group consisting of porphyrins (including 17,18-didehydrophorbines), chlorins (including phorbines), bacteriochlorins (including bacteriophorbines), and isobacteriochlorins (including isobacteriochlorins containing a fused “E” ring). In some embodiments, the porphyrinic macrocycles have structures selected from Formulas I and H.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of transaction cards incorporating aluminum or aluminum alloys. The aluminum can be extracted or recycled from a retired aircraft. Other materials can also be incorporated into the transaction card to provide sufficient weight and rigidity to the transaction card. Stainless steel can be incorporated into the construction of the card in combination with aluminum to provide a desired user experience.