Abstract: An example, ureteroscope includes a handpiece at least defining a working channel port and a laser fiber port. The ureteroscope also includes a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The catheter at least defines a working channel and a laser fiber channel that is distinct from the working channel. In other word, the catheter defines a dedicated laser fiber channel that is distinct from the working channel. The working channel and the laser fiber channel are connected (either directly or indirectly) to the working channel port and the laser fiber port, respectively.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: A ureteroscope system including a handpiece, a catheter, and a control system is described. The handpiece having a proximal end region, a distal end region opposite to the proximal end region, and an interior region. The catheter extends from the distal end region of the handpiece, and includes an active bend portion distal to the handpiece. The control system includes a sensor positioned in the interior region of the handpiece and configured to detect movement of the handpiece. The control system includes a motor positioned in the interior region of the handpiece and operably coupled to the sensor effective to activate the motor when the sensor detects movement of the handpiece. The ureteroscope system includes one or more wires secured to the active bend portion of the catheter and adjustable responsive to activation of the motor effective to at least partially bend the active bend portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A method and system include receiving current data values for a group of vehicles, each of the current data values being generated by vehicles in the group of vehicles, and retrieving data external to the group of vehicles. They further include processing the data using two or more machine learning algorithms to identify a set of selected data values based on current operation and processing the set of selected data values, using a first and second machine learning algorithm, to generate predicted efficiency values for each vehicle. They further include determining if a predicted efficiency value of a first vehicle in the group of vehicles is less than a predicted efficiency for a second vehicle in the group of vehicles, comparing operational characteristics of the first and second vehicle based on the determination, and providing a message in order to improve efficiency for the first vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: Provided herein are oligonucleotides, trimeric peptides, and peptide-oligonucleotide-conjugates. Also provided herein are methods of treating a muscle disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides, trimeric peptides, and peptide-oligonucleotide-conjugates described herein.

Abstract: An example tube with an elongated cross-section includes an inlet, an outlet downstream from the inlet, and an intermediate portion between the inlet and the outlet. The tube exhibits an elongated cross-section because at least the intermediate portion exhibits a width that is significantly greater than the thickness thereof. The elongated cross-section of the intermediate portion relative to its width allows the tube to be at least one of more flexible than or allows the intermediate portion to be positioned underneath a patient while minimizing the risk of bed sores relative to at least some conventional tubes.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed a urine collection device suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person may include a receptacle that defines an interior volume and receives a penis of the user. The receptacle can include an interior layer and an exterior layer. The interior layer can form one or more apertures. The urine collection device can include an air inlet in fluid communication with the interior volume. The urine collection device can include an outlet in fluid communication with the interior volume and configured to enable extraction of fluid from the receptacle. The outlet can retain a tube coupled to a vacuum source which extracts urine, air, or a combination thereof from the receptacle by applying a negative pressure to the interior volume of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are described. The method includes generating a set of current values associated with at least one component included on a moving vehicle and providing the set of current values over a wireless network. The values are generated by one or more sensors. An edge computing device receives the current values. The method further includes processing the set of current values in real-time using at least one machine learning algorithm to identify a value of a point in time for a failure of one of the at least one component based on the set of current values and at least one set of past values received. The past values are stored in a memory. The set of current values are transmitted with a low time latency between the generating the set of current values and the processing of the set of current values.

Abstract: A device suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person may include a receptacle and an elongate member. The receptacle can define a volume and include one or more channels and a passage. The one or more channels can direct the flow of urine to a collection region proximal to the passage. The passage can be used to extract urine from the device by coupling a vacuum pump to the passage and applying a negative pressure. The elongate member can include a distal end and a proximal end. A curved portion of the elongate member can be formed between the distal and proximal ends. The curved portion can be positioned between the thighs of the user and proximal to a perineum of the user to retain the device in a fixed position relative to the user.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: Provided herein are oligonucleotides, trimeric peptides, and peptide-oligonucleotide-conjugates. Also provided herein are methods of treating a muscle disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides, trimeric peptides, and peptide-oligonucleotide-conjugates described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure provides platinum(IV) prodrug perfluoroaryl peptide conjugates that can be used to treat cell proliferative disorders, such as those associated with malignant tumor cells. The conjugates can improve the delivery of platinum(IV) prodrugs to glioma cells.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: A method of making a laser mirror in which a mirror substrate has at least a one micron size nodular defect includes depositing a planarization layer over the mirror substrate and the nodular defect, depositing a layer of silicon dioxide over the planarization layer, and etching away a portion of the layer of silicon dioxide. The method also includes thereafter, depositing a layer of hafnium dioxide over the layer of silicon dioxide and repeating the steps of depositing a layer of silicon dioxide, etching away a portion of the layer of silicon dioxide, and depositing a layer of hafnium dioxide until the nodular defect is reduced in size a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: A method of making a laser mirror in which a mirror substrate has at least a one micron size nodular defect includes depositing a planarization layer over the mirror substrate and the nodular defect, depositing a layer of silicon dioxide over the planarization layer, and etching away a portion of the layer of silicon dioxide. The method also includes thereafter, depositing a layer of hafnium dioxide over the layer of silicon dioxide and repeating the steps of depositing a layer of silicon dioxide, etching away a portion of the layer of silicon dioxide, and depositing a layer of hafnium dioxide until the nodular defect is reduced in size a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A data processing system determines for all tasks in a project, material requirements and constraints, resource requirements and constraints, and a task uncertainty model. A task sequence and a critical chain are determined and an estimated project schedule including a project buffer is constructed. At the beginning of a project execution time interval the data processing system determines a criticality value for every task using the task uncertainty model, current criticality factor information, and task status information for tasks that are in-work. Project tasks are then prioritized based at least in part on task criticality. Tasks are assigned and executed and, at the end of the time interval, task status information is passed back to the data processing system for use in redetermining task criticality and reprioritizing the tasks for the next time interval.

Abstract: Planarization of defects in laser mirror and other optical component manufacture is disclosed. The planarization is performed by first depositing a relatively thick planarization layer, then carrying out a sequential deposition and etch process. The technique takes advantage of the non-uniform material removal rate as a function of etchant incident angle, and effectively buries the inclusion in a thick film with a near planar top surface. The process enables faster, more reliable manufacture of a non-defective high fluence multilayer mirror particularly suitable for high energy laser applications.

Abstract: A suction control unit placed on an endoscope to control application of suction through at least one of two working channels of the endoscope. The suction unit has first and second valves with first and second valve openings, at a proximal end, that lead through to a distal end, which is adapted to be placed on the first and second ports of the two working channels. The suction unit has a channel extending between the first and second valves, an opening extending from a front wall to a rear wall of the housing and through the channel, and a switcher having a handle and a shaft with a through hole. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a first position, suction is applied to both the working channels. When the shaft is placed within the opening and in a second position, suction is applied to only one of the two working channels.