Abstract: A system includes a first processor configured to analyze packets received over a communication protocol system and determine one or more congestion indicators from the analysis of the data packets, the one or more congestion indicators being indicative of network congestion for data packets transmitted over a reliable transport protocol layer of the communication protocol system. The system also includes a rate update engine separate from the packet datapath and configured to operate a second processor to receive the determined one or more congestion indicators, determine one or more congestion control parameters for controlling transmission of data packets based on the received one or more congestion indicators, and output a congestion control result based on the determined one or more congestion control parameters.

Abstract: A system for selection of a medical provider (MP) by a requesting patient based on preferences for the MP includes a first model modeling the preferences of a plurality of patients for select MPs and trained on a first training data set. A second model is provided for modeling the preferences of a plurality of MPs for select patients and trained on a second training data set. A controller controls the first and second models to select at least a portion of available MPs in an available MP data set for input of the associated representative information to the first and second model MP inputs. A patient rank calculator accumulates the output patient determined preferences for MPs associated with the selected at least a portion of the available MPs and generates a MP ranking for each of the selected at least a portion of the available MPs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for asset utilization and trigger-based automation. A network management system may receive a receive a network management configuration that identifies a configuration of a set of assets to be allocated to a service. The network management system may generate an asset utilization dataset including a set of utilization values associated with the set of assets generated over a time. The asset utilization data set may be used to train a machine-learning model configured to generated predictions corresponding to a future utilization associated with the set of assets. The network management system may then execute the machine-learning model predict utilization of a first asset. Upon determining that the predicted utilization is greater than a threshold, the network management system may execute an action associated with the set of assets.

Abstract: A cathode emitter assembly includes a cathode tube having a gas feed portion and a plasma outflow portion; an outer annular cathode insert in the plasma outflow portion of the cathode tube; an inner cathode insert in the plasma outflow section of the cathode tube; and an annular plasma emission portion defined between an inner surface of the outer annular cathode insert and an outer surface of the inner cathode insert.

Abstract: A stent and a system comprising a stent and a stent deployment catheter are disclosed. The stent comprises an elongated tubular body defining a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The central lumen is configured for passage of a guide wire therethrough. The stent further comprises a tapered and/or frustoconical distal tip portion disposed at the distal end of the elongated tubular body, wherein the distal tip portion comprises one or more spiral threads. The stent deployment catheter comprises an inner sheath configured to be slidably disposed within the central lumen of the elongated tubular body; and an outer sheath configured to be slidably disposed over the inner sheath. The stent and stent deployment catheter can be configured for placement of the stent within a pancreaticobiliary duct.

Abstract: Illumination devices for impinging light on tissue, for example within a body cavity of a patient, to induce various biological effects are disclosed. Biological effects may include at least one of inactivating and/or inhibiting growth of one or more pathogens, upregulating a local immune response, increasing endogenous stores of nitric oxide, releasing nitric oxide from endogenous stores, and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. Biological effects may include upregulating and downregulating inflammatory immune response molecules within a target tissue. Wavelengths of light are selected based on intended biological effects for one or more of targeted tissue types and targeted pathogens. Light treatments may provide multiple pathogenic biological effects, either with light of a single wavelength or with light having multiple wavelengths.

Abstract: A toothed link is provided for use in a multi-link conveyor chain. The toothed link includes a link body having a first aperture and a second aperture that are configured to house a first pin and a second pin, respectively; and a top edge. The link body further includes an additional aperture that is positioned closer to the first aperture and the second aperture than to the top edge. The additional aperture is spaced from the first and second apertures by at least 2 mm, and the additional aperture is spaced from the top edge by at least 3 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a process for authentication of a user on a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may authenticate with the mobile device, and credentials may be conveyed to a server via a relying device. The mobile device may directly communicate credentials to the relying device. In some examples, the user of the mobile device may authenticate using the mobile device without inputting credentials on the relying device. Credentials conveyed to the server by the relying device and authenticated by the server may permit user access to the relying device or access to an online resource from the relying device.

Abstract: A method of producing a material. The material is produced by the steps of: providing a geopolymer mixture or solution comprising an aluminosilicate and an alkali material; allowing the geopolymer mixture or solution to partially set to form an at least partially set geopolymer including pore spaces; and exposing the at least partially set geopolymer to a metal silicate solution or mixture containing a metal silicate to allow the metal silicate to enter the pore spaces and react to form additional material within the pore spaces. The material may be used in well-cementing and as an abandonment plug.

Abstract: A system for selection of a medical provider (MP) by a requesting patient based on preferences for the MP includes a first model modeling the preferences of a plurality of patients for select MPs and trained on a first training data set comprised of patients and MPs. The patients in the first training data set have rated at least one of the MPs in the first data set by a predetermined set of patient determined preferences. A second model is provided for modeling the preferences of a plurality of MPs for select patients and trained on a second training data set comprised of MPs and patients. The MPs in the second training data set have rated at least one of the patients in the second data set by a predetermined set of MP determined preferences. An available MP data set is provided containing information representative of available MPs for selection thereof by the requesting patient.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and methods are provided for treating diseases and conditions of the nasal, sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, otic and other tissues are provided.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for backfilling the annular gap created as a tunnel boring machine advances through the ground. The fill material is comprised of two components that are combined and mixed together just prior to entering the annular gap. The first component is non-cement slurry consisting of a fluidized bed combustion ash such as coal ash. The second component consists of an alkali silicate such as sodium silicate. Additionally, ordinary Portland cement and/or metakaolin can be added to the grout composition.

Abstract: Provided is a process for authentication of a user on a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may authenticate with the mobile device, and credentials may be conveyed to a server via a relying device. The mobile device may directly communicate credentials to the relying device. In some examples, the user of the mobile device may authenticate using the mobile device without inputting credentials on the relying device. Credentials conveyed to the server by the relying device and authenticated by the server may permit user access to the relying device or access to an online resource from the relying device.

Abstract: An instrument pick is described, which includes a flexible layer and a first nano suction layer attached to a first surface of the flexible layer. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A loss prevention range finder and computer-executable method for locating said range finder. The method comprises activating a loss prevention and locating software application on a smart device, a tracking device, or the like. The method further comprises continuously tracking the location of the range finder relative to a second location of the user device via the loss prevention aspect of the software application. The method further comprises displaying a navigation map on the user device's display. The method further comprises broadcasting a search signal from the user device to the range finder. The method further comprises activating the range finder, is response to the search signal, to transmit location information identifying the second location of the range finder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for emitting electrons from a hollow cathode are provided. The cathode includes a plasma holding region configured to hold a plasma, a gas supply source configured to supply gas to the plasma holding region, and an orifice plate disposed on a periphery of the plasma holding region. The orifice plate comprises a plurality of openings constructed to receive electrons from the plasma. The plurality of openings decouple gas conductance and electrical conductance across the orifice plate. The diameters of the plurality of openings are within a range of 20%-60%, inclusive, of a diameter of a circular opening with an area equal to a sum of the areas of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A method and agent to induce accelerated creep deformation of shale rock formations in the annular gap between a shale formation and non-cemented sections of a casing string have been developed. A fluid containing alkali silicate or a modified alkali silicate is added to the annular space between the shale rock formation and the casing string. The alkali silicate promotes creep deformation of the shale rock, effectively closing the annulus surrounding the casing. It has been found lithium silicate provides the strongest shale-casing bond and is the presently preferred material for closing abandoned wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skin care additive which comprises a diester skin care additive which is the reaction product of a fatty alkoxylated ester and a straight, branched or aromatic polyol or poly acid, where the skin care additive provides improved wet lubricancy and/or reduced skin irritancy. More especially, there is provided a personal hygiene product treated with the skin care additive, as such the invention also relates to providing the care additive as a coating on a personal hygiene product. The present invention may also provide use of such a personal hygiene product comprising said skin care additive to prevent or alleviate dermatitis, and in particular nappy rash.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of genetic constructs, expression cassettes and recombinant vectors comprising such constructs and cassettes for gene therapy and methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The constructs comprise a promoter operably linked to a first coding sequence, which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a second coding sequence, which encodes GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1). The second coding sequence is 3? to the first coding sequence, and the first and second coding sequences are part of a single operon, wherein the genetic construct does not encode aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). The construct is delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subject.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for backfilling the annular gap created as a tunnel boring machine advances through the ground. The fill material is comprised of two components that are combined and mixed together just prior to entering the annular gap. The first component is non-cement slurry consisting of a fluidized bed combustion ash such as coal ash. The second component consists of an alkali silicate such as sodium silicate. Additionally, ordinary Portland cement and/or metakaolin can be added to the grout composition.