Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel compounds capable of binding to PCSK9, thereby modulating PCSK9 biological activity. Also provided are compositions comprising these compounds, methods of preparing the compounds, and methods for use of the compounds in the treatment of PCSK9-related conditions and diseases.

Abstract: Generating synthesized speech audio data on behalf of a given user in a conversation. The synthesized speech audio data includes synthesized speech that incorporates textual segment(s). The textual segment(s) can include recognized text that results from processing spoken input, of the given user, using a speech recognition model and/or can include a selection of a rendered suggestion that conveys the textual segment(s). Some implementations dynamically determine one or more prosodic properties for use in speech synthesis of the textual segment, and generate the synthesized speech with the one or more determined prosodic properties. The prosodic properties can be determined based on the textual segment(s) used in speech synthesis, textual segment(s) corresponding to recent spoken input of additional participant(s), attribute(s) of relationship(s) between the given user and additional participant(s) in the conversation, and/or feature(s) of a current location for the conversation.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an imager mounted with and directed to a rear of the vehicle and outputting image data, a vehicle speed sensor mounted with the vehicle and outputting vehicle speed data, and an image processor receiving the image data and the vehicle speed data. The image processor is programmed to monitor a signal from the vehicle speed sensor and, when the signal from the vehicle speed sensor indicates a vehicle speed above a predetermined minimum speed, execute a feature extraction function to locate a hitch ball mounted to the vehicle in the image data.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an imager mounted with and directed to a rear of the vehicle and outputting image data, a vehicle speed sensor mounted with the vehicle and outputting vehicle speed data, and an image processor receiving the image data and the vehicle speed data. The image processor is programmed to monitor a signal from the vehicle speed sensor and, when the signal from the vehicle speed sensor indicates a vehicle speed above a predetermined minimum speed, execute a feature extraction function to locate a hitch ball mounted to the vehicle in the image data.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that generate a summary storyboard from a plurality of image frames. An example computer-implemented method can include inputting a plurality of image frames into a machine-learned model and receiving as an output of the machine-learned model, object data that describes the respective locations of a plurality of objects recognized in the plurality of image frames. The method can include generating a plurality of image crops that respectively include the plurality of objects and arranging two or more of the plurality of image crops to generate a storyboard.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one hole transport material, such as a conjugated polymer, and at least one dopant, providing improved thermal stability. Compositions can be applied to substrates and used in HIL and HTL layers and organic electronic devices such as light emitting devices such as OLEDs or OPVs. The conjugated polymer can be a polythiophene, including a 3,4-substituted polythiophene or a regioregular polythiophene. The dopant can be a silver salt such as silver tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate. Improved methods of making dopant are provided.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one hole transport material, such as a conjugated polymer, and at least one dopant, providing improved thermal stability. Compositions can be applied to substrates and used in HIL and HTL layers and organic electronic devices such as light emitting devices such as OLEDs or OPVs. The conjugated polymer can be a polythiophene, including a 3,4-substituted polythiophene or a regioregular polythiophene. The dopant can be a silver salt such as silver tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate. Improved methods of making dopant are provided.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one hole transport material, such as a conjugated polymer, and at least one dopant, providing improved thermal stability. Compositions can be applied to substrates and used in HIL and HTL layers and organic electronic devices such as light emitting devices such as OLEDs or OPVs. The conjugated polymer can be a polythiophene, including a 3,4-substituted polythiophene or a regioregular polythiophene. The dopant can be a silver salt such as silver tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate. Improved methods of making dopant are provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for raising funds for multiple objectives using gift cards. It describes systems and methods for easier, more effective, and more efficient to fundraising for worthy causes, particularly in ways that capitalize on synergies while minimizing waste. The fundraising organization is able to raise funds for its own operations while at the same time providing benefits to other organizations such as small artisan co-ops. The fundraising system and method is directed to the object of providing a regular captive market and efficient distribution opportunity for artisan co-ops in impoverished societies by creating an incentive structure for raising funds through schools and school-related activities or the like.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices configured to detect the level of a biomarker in a body fluid. In some examples, the device includes two or more electrodes for electrochemical detection of the biomarker in the body fluid. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method applicable for generating ultraviolet laser light having a wavelength in the 200-nm range and/or 250-nm range; in some embodiments, using a single fiber laser pump source (in some embodiments, a pulsed source). In some embodiments, the invention provides methods of generating 250-nm or 200-nm photons using a mode-locked 1000-nm fiber laser and efficient 4th/5th harmonic frequency up-conversion. In other embodiments, the invention uses continuous wave (cw) single-frequency fiber lasers and external resonant frequency conversion. In still other embodiments, the invention uses cw single-frequency optically-pumped semiconductor lasers (OPSLs) and electrically driven vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and externally resonant frequency conversion. All of these produce both of the ultraviolet wavelengths of interest.

Abstract: A spill-resistant beverage container having a liquid freshness detector and notification device is described. The spill-resistant beverage container is comprised of cup, a beverage temperature sensor, a processing electronic circuit and a display device. The temperature sensor and processing electrical circuit are mounted within an enclosure on the bottom of the cup and the display device emits light or sound when the beverage temperature does not have a desired value.

Abstract: A remote control unit that learns commands from associated remote control units associated with specific pieces of electronic equipment is described. The remote control unit stores commands that are learned and in addition stores time delays that are needed to provide the desired sequential operation of electronic equipment. The remote control unit, upon pressing a single button, sends a replica of signals and delays that a user would use when interacting with the pieces of electronic equipment. The remote control unit further has a prohibited operation window wherein a signal cannot be sent from the remote control unit.

Abstract: A crossbow (10) includes a barrel (11) which carries a bow (13) which includes limbs (15, 16) having outer ends (17, 18). A bowstring (22) is carried between the limb ends (17, 18) and is movable between a relaxed position and a cocked position. When so moving, the cables (23, 24), which are part of a compound rigging system (19), and which extend between the limb ends (17, 18), will want to vibrate causing an undesirable noise. But such is thwarted or otherwise minimized by tubular sheaths (27, 28) positioned around the cables (23, 24) to engage the cables (23, 24).

Abstract: A real-time learning (RTL) neural network is capable of indicating when an input feature vector is novel with respect to feature vectors contained within its training data set, and is capable of learning to generate a correct response to a new data vector while maintaining correct responses to previously learned data vectors without requiring that the neural network be retrained on the previously learned data. The neural network has a sensor for inputting a feature vector, a first layer and a second layer. The feature vector is supplied to the first layer which may have one or more declared and unused nodes. During training, the input feature vector is clustered to a declared node only if it lies within a hypervolume defined by the declared node's automatically selectable reject radius, else the input feature vector is clustered to an unused node. Clustering in overlapping hypervolumes is determined by a decision surface.

Abstract: A Brillouin enhanced four wave mixing phase conjugate mirror corrects phase aberrations of a coherent electromagnetic beam and birefringence induced upon that beam. The stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) phase conjugation technique is augmented to include Brillouin enhanced four wave mixing (BEFWM). A seed beam is generated by a main oscillator which arrives at the phase conjugate cell before the signal beams in order to initiate the Brillouin effect. The signal beam which is being amplified through the amplifier chain is split into two perpendicularly polarized beams. One of the two beams is chosen to be the same polarization as some component of the seed beam, the other orthogonal to the first. The polarization of the orthogonal beam is then rotated 90.degree. such that it is parallel to the other signal beam. The three beams are then focused into cell containing a medium capable of Brillouin excitation.

Abstract: A power transfer arrangement provides regulated power transfer from a station to a contactless portable data card without the need for regulation circuitry on the card itself. The station includes a primary coil for magnetically coupling power to a secondary coil, located on the card, when the data card is brought into close association with the station. The arrangment includes a microprocessor, a power amplifier including the primary coil, a variable voltage source and apparatus for measuring current flow in the primary coil. When the portable data card is not in close association with the station, the microprocessor causes the variable voltage source to provide a sequence of stepped voltages. Quiescent current flow is measured at each step and stored in memory. When the portable data card is brought into close association with the station, the microprocessor causes the variable voltage source to provide a sequence of stepped voltages. Active current flow is measured at each step and stored in memory.