Abstract: Systems to retain a battery within, and to eject a battery from, a battery receptacle of a medical device, such as a portable defibrillator, are described. A battery receptacle of a medical device includes an element that is configured to engage an inserted battery to prevent, or reduce, movement of the battery within the receptacle and to assist with removing the battery from the receptacle. In an example, the element is a monolithic structure that includes a retention portion and an ejection portion. The retention portion is positioned at a side wall of the battery receptacle, and the ejection portion terminates in a free end positioned a distance from the side wall. When the battery is inserted into the battery receptacle, the retention portion exerts a retention force on a side surface of the battery, and the ejection portion exerts an ejection force on an end surface of the battery.

Abstract: Compounds that inhibit HIF-2?, and compositions containing the compound(s) and methods for synthesizing the compounds, are described herein. Also described are the use of such compounds and compositions for the treatment of a diverse array of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including cancer- and immune-related disorders that are mediated, at least in part, by HIF-2?.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to using computer vision methods for asset evaluation. A computing platform may receive historical images of a plurality of properties and corresponding historical inspection results. Using the historical images and historical inspection results, the computing platform may train a roof waiver model (which may be a computer vision model) to output inspection prediction information directly from an image. The computing platform may receive a new image corresponding to a particular residential property. Using the roof waiver model, the computing platform may analyze the new image to output of a likelihood of passing inspection. The computing platform may send, to a user device and based on the likelihood of passing inspection, inspection information indicating whether or not a physical inspection should be performed and directing the user device to display the inspection information, which may cause the user device to display the inspection information.

Abstract: A messaging system for exchanging data over a network, configuring an intermediate connection tier system that provides a multi-tier connections messaging framework. The intermediate connection tier system generates, based on the contact data of a user, an intermediate tier of connected user accounts. Each account in the intermediate tier of connected user accounts is provided with messaging privileges with respect to the account of the user, without being associated with expanded access connection tier links, sometimes referred to as friendship links, between their respective accounts with respect to the account of the user.

Abstract: A solid ion conductive layer can include a foamed matrix and an electrolyte material including a hygroscopic material. In an embodiment, the electrolyte material can include a halide-based material, a sulfide-based material, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the solid ion conductive layer can include total porosity of at least 30 vol % for a total volume of the solid ion conductive layer.

Abstract: An integrated photonic system including multiple photonic dies that are laterally aligned using contact between pairs of vertical surfaces. The vertical surfaces can be manufactured by defining, via photolithography processes for example, the shape of the vertical surfaces. Thereafter, the vertical surfaces can be aligned and engaged, thereby optically and mechanically intercoupling the multiple photonic dies.

Abstract: Compounds that inhibit HIF-2?, and compositions containing the compound(s) and methods for synthesizing the compounds, are described herein. Also described are the use of such compounds and compositions for the treatment of a diverse array of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including cancer- and immune-related disorders that are mediated, at least in part, by HIF-2?.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to using computer vision methods to forecast damage. A computing platform may receive historical images comprising aerial images of residential properties and historical loss data corresponding to the residential properties. Using the historical images and the historical loss data, the computing platform may train a computer vision model, which may configure the computer vision model to output loss prediction information directly from an image. The computing platform may receive a new image corresponding to a particular residential property, and may analyze the new image, using the computer vision model, which may directly result in a likelihood of damage score. Based on the likelihood of damage score, the computing platform may send likelihood of damage information and one or more commands directing a user device to display the likelihood of damage information, which may cause the user device to display the likelihood of damage information.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems for identifying and selecting a parking spot using radar-centric occupancy grid (RCOG) maps. An example system includes a processor that can identify available parking spots near a host vehicle using sensor data, including a radar occupancy grid (ROG) map. Parking-spot characteristics of each available parking spot are also determined using the sensor data. The processor can then determine a selected parking spot based on the parking-spot characteristics. The processor or another processor can then control operation of the host vehicle to park in the selected parking spot using an assisted-driving or autonomous-driving system and based on the parking-spot characteristics. In this way, the described system can identify, select, and navigate to a parking spot using a RCOG map without having to rely on infrastructure sensors or pass by open spots.

Abstract: A bladder includes a first polymeric film, a second polymeric film attached to the first polymeric film to form a chamber, and one or more grooves formed in an exterior surface of the chamber. In one configuration, the grooves are formed in the exterior surface of the chamber by subjecting the chamber to a laser-etching process.

Abstract: Devices and techniques including process steps make use of recesses in conductive interconnect structures to form reliable low temperature metallic bonds. A fill layer is deposited into the recesses prior to bonding. First conductive interconnect structures are bonded at ambient temperatures to second metallic interconnect structures using direct bonding techniques, with the fill layers in the recesses in one or both of the first and second interconnect structures.

Abstract: Methods for removing contaminants from aqueous media using polyelectrolyte complexes having a heterogeneous charge distribution are provided. The polyelectrolyte complexes are formed from an amphiphilic anionic random copolymer and a cationic random copolymer are provided. The polyelectrolyte complexes absorb cationic, anionic, or hydrophobic organic molecules and can be easily removed from water.

Abstract: A modular mask including a first module including a frame having two or more openings, and an attaching mechanism lining one or more edges of the two or more openings; and a second module including: a mask body having a first attaching element allowing the attaching mechanism to temporarily hold the mask body in place completely covering a first opening of the two or more openings, and a filter component having a second attaching element allowing the attaching mechanism to temporarily hold the filter component in place completely covering a second opening of the two or more openings.

Abstract: Provided herein are a kit and method for detecting mutations in CTNNB1 and hTERT, and their use in detection and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The kit comprises a first pair of primers, configured to specifically bind sequences flanking the genomic region for amplifying the genomic region in a first PCR reaction; and at least one clamp, each configured to bind to one first allele but not any second allele at an annealing temperature in the first PCR reaction to thereby selectively suppress amplification of the one first allele but still allow amplification of other second allele(s). Kits and methods for detecting mutations in CTNNB1 and hTERT are also provided. A method for detecting or monitoring recurrence of HCC is further disclosed, which comprises determining levels of five DNA markers, including CTNNB1 mutations, hTERT mutations, TP53 mutations, RASSF1A methylation, and GSTP1 methylation.

Abstract: A technique for managing a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)-controlled computing device from a separate mobile computing device is discussed.

Abstract: A mechanism for making more memory available in a computing device featuring dual operating systems uses the device firmware to save the contents of overlapped memory locations being used by the operating systems to non-volatile storage when switching operating systems while speeding up the switching process.

Abstract: Provided herein are a kit and method for detecting mutations in CTNNB1 and hTERT, and their use in detection and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The kit comprises a first pair of primers, configured to specifically bind sequences flanking the genomic region for amplifying the genomic region in a first PCR reaction; and at least one clamp, each configured to bind to one first allele but not any second allele at an annealing temperature in the first PCR reaction to thereby selectively suppress amplification of the one first allele but still allow amplification of other second allele(s). Kits and methods for detecting mutations in CTNNB1 and hTERT are also provided. A method for detecting or monitoring recurrence of HCC is further disclosed, which comprises determining levels of five DNA markers, including CTNNB1 mutations, hTERT mutations, TP53 mutations, RASSF1A methylation, and GSTP1 methylation.

Abstract: A mechanism for allowing a user to prove their identity on touch-based devices employing the use of a touch surface in firmware-controlled environments is discussed. The user may prove his or her identity by entering a series of strokes on the touch-based device to form a word or image. Characteristics of the entered strokes such as stroke order and stroke direction are compared to stored stroke characteristics that were gathered from a drawing of the same word or image during a user enrollment process. If the stroke characteristics comparison is acceptable, the user identity is verified.

Abstract: A mechanism for making more memory available in a computing device featuring dual operating systems uses the device firmware to save the contents of overlapped memory locations being used by the operating systems to non-volatile storage when switching operating systems while speeding up the switching process.

Abstract: A technique for managing a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)-controlled computing device from a separate mobile computing device is discussed.