Abstract: A breast shield arrangement (300) for a breast pump comprises a first sealing portion (310), a port (320) and an intermediate portion (330) coupled between the first sealing portion (310) and the port (320). The intermediate portion (330) comprises a circumferentially extending wall defining a first volume (V1) which is adapted to receive a part of a breast, a first end (331), a curved portion (332) and a second end (333). The curved portion (332) comprises a second sealing portion (332c) which is adapted to at least partially seal the curved portion (332) against the nipple (310), the areola (320) or the breast (200) when a vacuum is applied at the port (320) creating a second volume (V2) between the first sealing portion (310, 332c) of the breast (200). The curved portion (332) at the second volume is curved outwardly as seen from the first sealing portion (310).

Abstract: The present invention relates to user guiding during X-ray imaging. In order to provide further guidance during X-ray imaging, a guiding device (10) for visual guidance during X-ray imaging is provided. The guiding device (10) comprises a camera arrangement (12), a display arrangement (14) and a housing structure (16). The housing structure comprises a housing (18) of an X-ray imaging system for housing an X-ray source or an X-ray detector. Further, the camera arrangement is configured to capture image data of a region of interest of a subject in front of the housing. Furthermore, the display arrangement is configured to present the captured image data as a live presentation of the region of interest. Still further, the camera arrangement is mounted to the housing on a first side (20) of the housing, and the display arrangement is mounted to the housing on a second side (22) of the housing, the second side being at least one of the group of lateral and opposite to the first side.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recommending at least one patient interface device from among a plurality of patient interface devices for a patient. The methods and systems monitor an initial stress response of the patient upon being exposed to each of the potential patient interface devices of the plurality and from such monitoring select a device or devices that produce lesser stress responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guidance during a medical intervention. In order to provide an improved navigation support with a facilitated setup, a system (10) for navigation support is provided. An image data input (12) receives a plurality of acquired 2D X-ray images of a subject's body from different angles. A set of markers, which are visible in X-ray images and which are detectable by a navigation system, is assigned to the subject. A marker detecting arrangement (16) is provided that detects a current spatial location of the markers assigned to the subject. A data processor (14) reconstructs a 3D volume of the subject based on the plurality of 2D X-ray images. At least a part of the markers is arranged outside the volume covered by the reconstructed 3D volume of the subject, while the markers are visible in the 2D X-ray images.

Abstract: A mechanism for generating and providing one or more quality measures of a mapping function (for mapping electrical responses of an electrode to a predicted position of that electrode within an anatomical cavity) to a user, such as a clinician. Each quality measure predicts or indicates a quality of a mapping function with respect to a particular part of an anatomical cavity, for instance, indicating a predicted accuracy of the mapping function for predicting a position of an electrode located within a particular portion of the anatomical cavity. A user-perceptible output is provided that indicates the quality measure for the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupler (1) and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a coupler (1) for use in spinal corrective surgery. In accordance with the invention there is provided a coupler (1) comprising a first rod engaging member (2) and a second rod engaging member (3) which are attached to one another such that the rod engaging members (2, 3) may pivot relative to one another, to obtain a determined relationship and then progress to a fixed relationship to each other once definitively fastened. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a coupler (1) which has flexibility and multiple degrees of freedom available to allow manipulation, rotation and/or translation of individual vertebrae whereby allowing manipulations for corrective surgery which are bespoke to a patient.

Abstract: A method of controlling a brushless permanent-magnet motor having a phase winding and a rotor, includes applying voltages of first and second opposing polarities to the phase winding when the rotor is oscillating about a parking position, measuring a plurality of first times, each first time including a time taken for current flowing through the phase winding in response to an applied voltage of the first polarity to exceed a threshold and measuring a plurality of second times, each second time including a time taken for current flowing through the phase winding in response to an applied voltage of the second polarity to exceed the threshold. The method includes determining which of an average magnitude of the plurality of first times and an average magnitude of the plurality of second times has the smaller average magnitude, and determining an amplitude peak of the plurality of times having the smaller average magnitude.

Abstract: This document relates to reinforcement learning. One example includes performing two or more training iterations to update a policy. Individual training iterations can be performed by a training process executing on a training computing device. The training iterations can include obtaining experiences representing reactions of an environment to actions taken by a plurality of remote agent processes according to the policy. The remote agent processes can execute the policy on remote agent computing devices and the experiences can be obtained from the remote agent computing devices over a network. The training iterations can also include updating the policy based on the reactions of the environment to obtain an updated policy and distributing the updated policy over the network to the plurality of remote agent processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vertical garden, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to modular containers for planting plants therein. The vertical garden has upper and lower containers and a connector for connecting the upper and lower container. The connector defines a flow path therein extending from an outlet opening of the upper container through a vertical irrigation and drainage conduit section to a transverse distribution conduit section with a number of outlet feeder holes in the distribution conduit section to distribute liquid into the lower container.

Abstract: The invention is related to CD20 antibodies with improved characteristics. Some embodiments describe antibodies comprising a mouse IgG2; a human IgG1, IgA1 or IgA2 constant region and a variable domain that can bind the epitope “EPANpSEK” on human CD20 expressed on Ramos cells and which antibody has an increased PCD functionality when compared to Rituximab with a constant region of the same isotype.

Abstract: This invention relates to a skeletal support member (1) and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a skeletal support member (1) for use in spinal or intramedullary surgery. In accordance with the invention there is provided a skeletal support member (1) comprising an elongate body with integrally formed inner (2) and outer (3) portions, at least one mechanical attribute of the inner portion (2) differing from a corresponding mechanical attribute of the outer portion (3), and the inner portion (2) being shaped and sized such that a corresponding mechanical attribute of the body varies longitudinally. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a skeletal support member (1) which has varying mechanical properties along the length thereof in at least one direction which may be specifically tailored to allow specific movement and apply corrective forces and moments which are bespoke to a patient.

Abstract: CD20 antibodies with improved characteristics. Some embodiments describe antibodies comprising a mouse IgG2; a human IgG1, IgA1 or IgA2 constant region and a variable domain that can bind the epitope “EPANpSEK” (SEQ ID NO:31) on human CD20 expressed on Ramos cells and which antibody has an increased PCD functionality when compared to Rituximab with a constant region of the same isotype.

Abstract: The invention provides an inspection apparatus for inspecting an object, the apparatus comprising: a measurement system configured to measure: —a first parameter of the object across an area of interest of the object, and —a second parameter, different from the first parameter, of the object at a plurality of locations on the object; a stage apparatus configured to position the object relative to the measurement system during a measurement of the first parameter, wherein the measurement system is configured to measure the second parameter at the plurality of different locations during the measurement of the first parameter and wherein the stage apparatus is configured to position the object relative to the measurement system based on a compliance characteristic of the stage apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to user guiding during X-ray imaging. In order to provide further guidance during X-ray imaging, a guiding device (10) for visual guidance during X-ray imaging is provided. The guiding device (10) comprises a camera arrangement (12), a display arrangement (14) and a housing structure (16). The housing structure comprises a housing (18) of an X-ray imaging system for housing an X-ray source or an X-ray detector. Further, the camera arrangement is configured to capture image data of a region of interest of a subject in front of the housing. Furthermore, the display arrangement is configured to present the captured image data as a live presentation of the region of interest. Still further, the camera arrangement is mounted to the housing on a first side (20) of the housing, and the display arrangement is mounted to the housing on a second side (22) of the housing, the second side being at least one of the group of lateral and opposite to the first side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radio frequency, RF, transmit system for a magnetic resonance examination system, comprising a digital baseband modulator (100) configured for generating a digital baseband signal, a digital feedback control loop (200) configured for injecting a digital pre-distortion signal into the digital baseband signal, an RF amplifier (400) configured for being driven by the pre-distorted digital base band signal and for providing an analog output signal, wherein the digital feedback control loop (200) is configured for controlling the digital pre-distortion signal based on the analog output signal to compensate a non-linearity of the RF amplifier (400). In this way, a continuous feedback control is provided which automatically calibrates a feedforward control.

Abstract: An aqueous binder system is described for a coating composition, the aqueous binder system comprising A) at least 10 wt % water, based on the total weight of the aqueous binder system; B) at least one hydroxyl-functional binder polymer; and C) from 0.1 to 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the aqueous binder system, of at least one quaternary ammonium compound, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a core quaternary ammonium group which has pendant groups as described. A coating composition, a coating, methods and uses are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous binder system for a coating composition, the aqueous binder system comprising A) at least 10 wt % water, based on the total weight of the aqueous binder system; B) at least one hydroxyl-functional binder polymer; and C) from 0.1 to 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the aqueous binder system, of at least one quaternary ammonium compound, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a core quaternary ammonium group which has pendant groups which comprise i) a hydrocarbyl group having 8 to 16 carbon atoms which is a linear or branched, alkyl or alkenyl group; ii) two independent hydroxyl terminated groups, wherein each hydroxyl terminated group comprises from 1 to 10 alkylene oxide residues and wherein the total number of alkylene oxide residues in the quaternary ammonium compound is from 5 to 12; and iii) a CI to C8 hydrocarbyl group; wherein B) and C) are not covalently bonded to each other within the aqueous binder system.

Abstract: The invention is related to CD20 antibodies with improved characteristics. Some embodiments describe antibodies comprising a mouse IgG2; a human IgG1, IgA1 or IgA2 constant region and a variable domain that can bind the epitope “EPANpSEK” on human CD20 expressed on Ramos cells and which antibody has an increased PCD functionality when compared to Rituximab with a constant region of the same isotype.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical energy conversion system (11) which is particularly suited for use in wind energy conversion systems. The system includes two magnetically separated permanent magnet machines (25, 27) linked by a freely rotating rotor (19) housing permanent magnets (39). The first machine is typically a synchronous generator, and the second an induction generator. The synchronous generator (25) has a stationary stator (21) which is connectable to an electrical system such as an electricity grid, and the induction generator (27) has a rotor (17) which is connectable to a mechanical drive system such as, for example, a wind turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide having oxidoreductase activity which comprises the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or a variant polypeptide thereof having 45% or more sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. The invention also relates to a process for the production of 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or production of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMF acid).