Abstract: An audio processing unit (APU) is disclosed. The APU includes a buffer memory configured to store at least one frame of an encoded audio bitstream, where the encoded audio bitstream includes audio data and a metadata container. The metadata container includes a header and one or more metadata payloads after the header. The one or more metadata payloads include dynamic range compression (DRC) metadata, and the DRC metadata is or includes profile metadata indicative of whether the DRC metadata includes dynamic range compression (DRC) control values for use in performing dynamic range compression in accordance with at least one compression profile on audio content indicated by at least one block of the audio data.

Abstract: Audio content coded for a reference speaker configuration is downmixed to downmix audio content coded for a specific speaker configuration. One or more gain adjustments are performed on individual portions of the downmix audio content coded for the specific speaker configuration. Loudness measurements are then performed on the individual portions of the downmix audio content. An audio signal that comprises the audio content coded for the reference speaker configuration and downmix loudness metadata is generated. The downmix loudness metadata is created based at least in part on the loudness measurements on the individual portions of the downmix audio content.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including program loudness metadata and audio data in the bitstream, and optionally also program boundary metadata in at least one segment (e.g., frame) of the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, e.g., including by performing adaptive loudness processing of the audio data of an audio program indicated by the bitstream, or authentication and/or validation of metadata and/or audio data of such an audio program. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.

Abstract: Trusted communication between a first computing device and a second computing device in a transaction process is established as follows. A communication channel is established between the first computing device and the second computing device. The first computing device provides a secure communication to the second computing device, this secure communication comprising cryptographic material encrypted by a first cryptographic method. The second computing device decrypts the secure communication using a key already available to it. The first and the second computing device then communicate where trusted communication is required by a second cryptographic method using the cryptographic material. A suitable first computing device and second computing device are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided employing a helper strain system for promoting genetic alterations in a fungal host cell, e.g., a filamentous fungal host cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing particle analysis through flow cytometry at comparatively high event rates and for gathering high resolution images of particles.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for increasing a diameter of an initial pair of holes that includes a first hole defined through a first component and a second hole defined through a second component. The cutter assembly includes a pilot member having a pilot diameter corresponding to a tolerance of misalignment of the first hole and the second hole. Further included is a cutter section associated with the pilot member wherein the cutter section has a cutting diameter larger than the pilot diameter and the cutter section is configured to produce a second pair of aligned holes in the first and second components having a diameter dimension of that of the cutting diameter.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a downhole tool and related method is disclosed. The guide assembly comprises a guide housing, flappers, and a driver. The guide housing has a passage to receive the downhole tool therethrough. The flappers are movably positionable about the passage to selectively reduce an inlet thereto. The driver comprises a translator rotationally coupled to the flappers via the rods and an actuator to rotate the translator. The flappers are rotatable between the closed and the open position by the driver whereby passage of the downhole tool into the passage is selectively permitted. The translator may be a cam, gear, or rotary driver. The actuator may axially or rotationally drive the translator.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to detecting an optical signal and/or optical power in a ferrule-less optical fiber. In certain embodiments, one or more optical detectors are incorporated into an adapter that is configured to interface with a connectorized or non-connectorized ferrule-less optical fiber. The optical detector detects the presence or absence, and/or the optical power level, of the optical signal being transmitted through ferrule-less optical fiber and produces an electrical output representative of the detected optical signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system with a minute measure of pulsatility in a flow of a fluid is described that comprises a first pump configured to flow the fluid to a junction at a first flow rate that comprises a measure of pulsatility; and a second pump configured to flow a portion of the fluid from the junction at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate to produce a flow of the fluid at a third flow rate from the junction with a minute measure of pulsatility.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing process performance in a biological process comprising at least one process step, the method comprising: (a) an identification phase, in which at least seven factors are identified, wherein a factor is defined as a feature of or within a process that when modified will affect the performance of the process, and wherein the factors are selected from at least one process factor and at least one genetic factor; (b) a factor screening phase, in which individual and combined contributions to process performance of each of the at least seven factors are determined, such that at least one multi-factorial interaction is identified; and (c) a refinement phase, in which higher order interactions that result in an increase in process performance between the at least seven factors are identified and tested. The method may be incorporated within automated laboratory and design of experiment systems.

Abstract: A sterile enclosure to bring a non-sterile hand-held electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet into a sterile field comprises a rigid frame, a rigid base and a device holder configured to accept the hand-held device thereon. The use of the device holder to contain the hand-held device prior to engaging with the base and positioning the device therein, allows avoiding contamination of sterile components during use. A sterility indicator is also provided to continuously monitor the sterile enclosure for a possible breach in sterility while inside the sterile field.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing particle analysis through flow cytometry at comparatively high event rates and for gathering high resolution images of particles.

Abstract: A system for connecting a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter includes various alternative improvements, including improvements to the shutter, the alignment device, and the adapter in general.

Abstract: The present set of embodiments relates to systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system and determining data processing settings for a flow cytometer. Systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system require accurate measurement and interpretation of fluctuations within the fluid delivery system. Systems and methods for determining data processing settings require an accurate measurement of peak times among various channels and being able to adjust time delay settings wherein peak time is the measurement of time elapsed from the beginning of the data collection time window to the highest peak in the window.

Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus for an optical configuration in a flow cytometer that allows for independent adjustment of focusing for each light source. Such systems, methods, and apparatuses require a final focusing element to be moved near the beginning of the optical train and for each optical element coming after the final focusing element to be configured to accommodate converging light beams while minimizing the introduction of aberrations into those beams.

Abstract: A heat shield for a turbocharger has a disc-like configuration. The heat shield includes an outer radial portion, an outer wall, a connecting wall, and an inner wall. The outer radial portion is disposed circumferentially around an axis of the heat shield. The outer wall extends from the outer radial portion in a first axial direction. The connecting wall extends radially inward substantially perpendicularly from the outer wall. The inner wall extends substantially perpendicularly from the connecting wall in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system with a minute measure of pulsatility in a flow of a fluid is described that comprises a first pump configured to flow the fluid to a junction at a first flow rate that comprises a measure of pulsatility; and a second pump configured to flow a portion of the fluid from the junction at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate to produce a flow of the fluid at a third flow rate from the junction with a minute measure of pulsatility.

Abstract: Audio content coded for a reference speaker configuration is downmixed to downmix audio content coded for a specific speaker configuration. One or more gain adjustments are performed on individual portions of the downmix audio content coded for the specific speaker configuration. Loudness measurements are then performed on the individual portions of the downmix audio content. An audio signal that comprises the audio content coded for the reference speaker configuration and downmix loudness metadata is generated. The downmix loudness metadata is created based at least in part on the loudness measurements on the individual portions of the downmix audio content.

Abstract: A method of establishing a secure channel for communication between a first computing device and a second computing device is described. The method uses an elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman protocol, wherein G is an elliptic curve generator point and the first computing device has a unique private key dc with a public key Qc=dc G certified by a party trusted by the second computing device. The first computing device generates (520) a blinding factor r and sends (540) a blinded public key R=r·Qc to the second computing device. The second computing device generates (510) an ephemeral private key dt and a corresponding ephemeral public key Qt=dt G and sends Qt to the first computing device. The first computing device generates (530) Kc=KDF(r dc·Qt) and the second computing device generates (550) Kt=KDF(dt·R), where KDF is a key derivation function used in both generation operations, to establish a secure channel between the first computing device and the second computing device.