Abstract: A computer system displays a representation of a field of view of the one or more cameras, including a representation of a portion of a three-dimensional physical environment that is in the field of view of the one or more cameras. The computer system receives a request to add a first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras. In response to receiving the request to add the first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras and in accordance with a determination that the first virtual effect requires a scan of the physical environment, the computer system initiates a scan of the physical environment to detect one or more features of the physical environment and displays a user interface that indicates a progress of the scan of the physical environment.

Abstract: A visual assistive stand includes a base; a vertical arm; and a horizontal attachment arm. The base has a configured receptacle for attaching the vertical arm. The vertical arm and the base have a detachable magnetic attachment. The horizontal attachment arm includes magnets.

Abstract: A visual assistive stand includes a base; a vertical arm; and a horizontal attachment arm. The base has a configured receptacle for attaching the vertical arm. The vertical arm and the base have a detachable magnetic attachment. The horizontal attachment arm includes magnets.

Abstract: A window treatment retention system may include a roller shade assembly and one or more retention brackets that at least partially enclose the roller shade assembly and do not interfere with operation of the roller shade assembly. The retention brackets may be configured to absorb an impact force associated with detachment of the roller shade assembly from a mounted position. The retention brackets may deflect upon absorbing the impact force, and may limit displacement of the detached roller shade assembly from the mounted position. The retention brackets may deflect such that the roller shade assembly does not pass through openings defined by the retention brackets. The retention brackets may deflect such that the width of at least one of the openings defined by the retention brackets does not expand beyond a distance that is equivalent to the diameter of a roller tube of the roller shade assembly.

Abstract: A method for expression of engineered constructs containing sequences coding for functional genes of interest in E. coli strains. Here tceA and tceB are fused to an inducible, active promoter to optimize transcription of the open reading frames, and an introduced consensus Shine-Dalgarno sequence allowing for optimal ribosome binding and translation of the open reading frames, and codons optimized for expression in E. coil. This over-expressed protein is then used to design appropriate mass spectro metric methods for environmental detection.

Abstract: According to some embodiments described herein, a bi-directional amplifier may include a first interface port configured to receive a first signal. The bi-directional amplifier may also include a second interface port. The second interface port may be communicatively coupled to the first interface port and may be configured to receive a second signal. The second interface port may be communicatively coupled to the first interface port such that the first signal propagates from the first interface port to the second interface port and such that the second signal propagates from the second interface port to the first interface port. The bi-directional amplifier may also include a common amplifier communicatively coupled between the first interface port and the second interface port such that the common amplifier is configured to receive and amplify both the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting and mitigating oscillation in an amplifier. The amplifier is configured to sample a signal being amplified to determine whether the amplifier is oscillating. In addition, the status of the amplifier can be verified based on the apparent signal levels of the signals being amplified. The gain of the amplifier is then adjusted in accordance with whether the amplifier is oscillating or as necessary to maintain gain that is compatible with the system within which the amplifier is operating.

Abstract: The temperature of a patient is a significant predictor of death in heart failure patients. Temperature provides a window into the physiology of the patient's underlying condition and may be used as an early marker for CHF exacerbations. The patient's temperature is taken to form a time series of temperature values. In accordance with some embodiments, the time series of temperature values is converted to the frequency domain by, for example, a discrete Fourier Transform. The frequency domain representation then is analyzed for a marker indicative of the worsening condition of the patient. In accordance with other embodiments, the patient's time series of temperature values is analyzed for a marker using, for example, Cosinor analysis. In yet other embodiments, both the time and frequency domain temperature data is analyzed for markers of the patient's worsening medical condition.

Abstract: According to some embodiments described herein, a bi-directional amplifier may include a first interface port configured to receive a first signal. The bi-directional amplifier may also include a second interface port. The second interface port may be communicatively coupled to the first interface port and may be configured to receive a second signal. The second interface port may be communicatively coupled to the first interface port such that the first signal propagates from the first interface port to the second interface port and such that the second signal propagates from the second interface port to the first interface port. The bi-directional amplifier may also include a common amplifier communicatively coupled between the first interface port and the second interface port such that the common amplifier is configured to receive and amplify both the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A system of detecting signal power may include a first interface port configured to receive a first signal. The system may also include a second interface port communicatively coupled to the first interface port and configured to receive a second signal. The second interface port may be communicatively coupled to the first interface port such that the first signal propagates from the first interface port to the second interface port and such that the second signal propagates from the second interface port to the first interface port. The system may further include a common signal detector communicatively coupled between the first interface port and the second interface port such that the common signal detector is configured to receive both the first and second signals and is configured to detect a first power level of the first signal and a second power level of the second signal.

Abstract: According to some embodiments described herein, a system of directing signals may include a common port and a first-direction path configured for a first-direction signal that propagates in a first direction. The system may also include a second-direction path configured for a second-direction signal that propagates in a second direction that is opposite the first direction of the first-direction signal. Additionally, the system may include a power splitter/combiner that may include a first port communicatively coupled to the first-direction path, a second port communicatively coupled to the second-direction path and a third port communicatively coupled to the common port. The power/splitter combiner may be configured to receive the first-direction signal from the first-direction path at the first port and direct the first-direction signal to the third port such that the first-direction signal is directed toward the common port and away from the second-direction path.

Abstract: A system of detecting signal power may include a first interface port configured to receive a first signal. The system may also include a second interface port communicatively coupled to the first interface port and configured to receive a second signal. The second interface port may be communicatively coupled to the first interface port such that the first signal propagates from the first interface port to the second interface port and such that the second signal propagates from the second interface port to the first interface port. The system may further include a common signal detector communicatively coupled between the first interface port and the second interface port such that the common signal detector is configured to receive both the first and second signals and is configured to detect a first power level of the first signal and a second power level of the second signal.

Abstract: According to some embodiments described herein, a system of directing signals may include a common port and a first-direction path configured for a first-direction signal that propagates in a first direction. The system may also include a second-direction path configured for a second-direction signal that propagates in a second direction that is opposite the first direction of the first-direction signal. Additionally, the system may include a power splitter/combiner that may include a first port communicatively coupled to the first-direction path, a second port communicatively coupled to the second-direction path and a third port communicatively coupled to the common port. The power/splitter combiner may be configured to receive the first-direction signal from the first-direction path at the first port and direct the first-direction signal to the third port such that the first-direction signal is directed toward the common port and away from the second-direction path.

Abstract: A system of providing filter isolation may include a first filter configured to pass a first frequency range and a second filter configured to pass a second frequency range. The system may also include a circulator communicatively coupled to the first filter at a first port of the circulator and communicatively coupled to the second filter at a second port of the circulator. The circulator may be configured to receive a first signal at a third port of the circulator and direct the first signal from the third port to the first port and away from the second port. The circulator may also be configured to receive a second signal filtered by the second filter at the second port of the circulator and direct the second signal from the second port to the third port and away from the first port.

Abstract: According to some embodiments described herein, a system of providing filter isolation may include a first filter configured to pass a first frequency range and a second filter configured to pass a second frequency range. The system may also include a signal splitter/combiner communicatively coupled to the first filter at a first port of the signal splitter/combiner and communicatively coupled to the second filter at a second port of the signal splitter/combiner. The signal splitter/combiner may be configured to receive a first signal filtered by the first filter at the first port of the signal splitter/combiner. The signal splitter/combiner may also be configured to direct the first signal from the first port to a third port of the signal splitter/combiner and away from the second port such that the signal splitter/combiner directs the first signal away from the second filter.

Abstract: A common-direction duplexer may include a common port, a first-band port, and a second-band port. The common-direction duplexer may also include a first filter between the common port and the first-band port. The first filter may be configured to pass a first frequency range and filter out a second frequency range and a third frequency range. The first and second frequency ranges may be associated with a first-direction signal transmitted in the first and/or second frequency range. The third frequency range may be spectrally between the first and second frequency ranges and may be associated with a second-direction signal that propagates in a direction opposite that of the first-direction signal. The common-direction duplexer may also include a second filter between the common port and the second-band port. The second filter may be configured to pass the second frequency range and filter out the first and third frequency ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile device cradle, having a body and one or more docking members attached to the body for removably receiving a mobile device capable of sending and receiving communications via a communication network in the form of signals, an integrated antenna capable of communicating signals to and from the mobile device; and an integrated bidirectional amplifier in the body having a first and a second amplifier; a connection to a power adapter. Optionally, embodiments include a means for charging a battery of the mobile device. The mobile device cradle can be mounted inside a vehicle and used to improve the signal between the mobile device and the communication network.