Abstract: A start-up routine for a mass spectrometer is performed automatically upon switching ON the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises a plurality of functional modules connected thereto, each module operable to perform a predetermined function of the mass spectrometer in use. The start-up routine comprises detecting which functional modules are present in the set of a plurality of functional modules connected to the mass spectrometer, and performing one or more steps of the start-up routine based upon the results of the detection.

Abstract: A handheld three-dimensional (3D) measuring system operates in a target mode and a geometry mode. In the target mode, a target-mode projector projects a first line of light onto an object, and a first illuminator sends light to markers on or near the object. A first camera captures an image of the first line of light and the illuminated markers. In the geometry mode, a geometry-mode projector projects onto the object a first multiplicity of lines, which are captured by the first camera and a second camera. One or more processors determines 3D coordinates in the target mode and the geometry mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter housing having a bowl and a head. The bowl is configured to house a portion of a filter cartridge. The bowl has an annular groove disposed about a rim of the bowl. The head is configured to mate with the bowl. The head includes an inlet, outlet, and a pair of levers. The inlet is to receive a flow of fluid into the filter housing. The outlet is to release the flow of fluid from the filter housing. The pair of levers are to draw the bowl partially into the head. Each lever has a first arm configured to mate with the annular groove, a second arm having a bearing surface, and a pivot disposed between the first arm and the second arm. A force upon the bearing surface urges the bowl into the head to form a seal.

Abstract: A start-up routine for a mass spectrometer is performed automatically upon switching ON the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises a plurality of functional modules connected thereto, each module operable to perform a predetermined function of the mass spectrometer in use. The start-up routine comprises detecting which functional modules are present in the set of a plurality of functional modules connected to the mass spectrometer, and performing one or more steps of the start-up routine based upon the results of the detection.

Abstract: A particle isolation apparatus 100 for isolating particles from a suspension sample, includes a droplet dispenser device 10 for collecting the suspension sample from a carrier substrate 20 and for dispensing droplets onto a target substrate 30, a mechanical pump device 40 being coupled with the droplet dispenser device 10 for loading a dilution liquid into the droplet dispenser device 10 and for aspirating a first portion of the suspension sample into the droplet dispenser device 10, and a syphon pump device 50 being coupled with the droplet dispenser device 10 and being arranged for aspirating a second portion of the suspension sample into the droplet dispenser device 10. Preferably, the droplet dispenser device 10 is configured for dispensing single particle droplets on the target substrate 30. Furthermore, a method of isolating particles from a suspension sample is described.

Abstract: A particulate plug for removing a preservative from a solution, suspension, or emulsion comprising a drug is presented. The plug comprises microparticles of oxidized polyolefin (OxPO). The microparticles are irregular-shaped rigid aggregates and are sized and packed to yield a hydraulic permeability greater than 0.01 Da. The OxPO have absorbed portions of a preservative to be removed and/or a drug for delivery in solution, as can the copolymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter housing having a bowl and a head. The bowl is configured to house a portion of a filter cartridge. The bowl has an annular groove disposed about a rim of the bowl. The head is configured to mate with the bowl. The head includes an inlet, outlet, and a pair of levers. The inlet is to receive a flow of fluid into the filter housing. The outlet is to release the flow of fluid from the filter housing. The pair of levers are to draw the bowl partially into the head. Each lever has a first arm configured to mate with the annular groove, a second arm having a bearing surface, and a pivot disposed between the first arm and the second arm. A force upon the bearing surface urges the bowl into the head to form a seal.

Abstract: A handheld three-dimensional (3D) measuring system operates in a target mode and a geometry mode. In the target mode, a target-mode projector projects a first line of light onto an object, and a first illuminator sends light to markers on or near the object. A first camera captures an image of the first line of light and the illuminated markers. In the geometry mode, a geometry-mode projector projects onto the object a first multiplicity of lines, which are captured by the first camera and a second camera. One or more processors determines 3D coordinates in the target mode and the geometry mode.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamic profile data ingestion are described. The system may process profile data associated with one device, such as a mobile device, to associate it with another device, such as a vehicle. For example, when a connection is made between the first device and the second device, the profile data associated with the first device may be associated with the second device, in a manner using a remote system. The remote system may temporarily associate the profile data with the second device, enabling the system to interpret a command using the profile data.

Abstract: Methods for preparing mammalian cells for perfusion cell culture processes that improve the growth and productivity of the cells are provided. Also provided are cell culture methods that involve subjecting mammalian cells to one or more perfusion procedures, which involve generating a solids phase and a liquid phase with a continuous flow centrifuge, and utilizing at least a portion of the solids phase to sustain, maintain and/or initiate a new cell culture. Perfusion bioreactor systems and components thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A wall-mounted scratching structure assembly for cats includes a mounting frame affixed to a vertical surface, the mounting frame including a wall-facing surface mounted against the vertical surface, a post-facing surface facing away from the vertical surface, and an attachment mechanism affixing the mounting frame to the vertical surface. The attachment mechanism may further allow a plurality of assemblies to be connected so as to create a stable, continuous climbing path for a cat.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system has an articulating pivot for wiping a curved glass surface of a vehicle. The articulating pivot has a pivot shaft assembly (64) having a first pivot ball (160) separated by a distance from a second pivot ball (166). The pivot shaft assembly is encased in an outer housing (158) and each pivot ball is supported by a bearing. A pinion gear is integrated with one of the first pivot ball, the second pivot ball, and/or the pivot shaft. A rack gear is integrated into one of the bearings and/or the housing. Rotational movement of the pinion gear along the rack gear articulates the pivot shaft as the pivot shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A dual-purpose container and diversion device for animals includes a base and a perimeter wall attached to the base. An inner surface and outer surface of the container combine to form an overall surface. The device includes at least a linear fault region in the overall surface having a lesser tensile strength and including at least a first non-intersecting open curve forming a first planar section; the at least a linear fault region may include at least a second curve defining a bracing component. The device is convertible to a second configuration forming a diversion device for an animal, by fracture of the at least a linear fault region to form at least a first flap and rotation of the at least a flap into a second position; conversion may include movement of the at least a bracing component to support the at least a flap in the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to low-power dynamic offset calibration of an error amplifier. An analog linear voltage regulator circuit tracks changes between a reference voltage and a regulated voltage to keep the regulated voltage as close as possible to the reference voltage. The analog linear voltage regulator includes an error amplifier that measures the error between the reference and regulated voltages and feedback circuitry. The error amplifier and feedback circuitry should be calibrated to correct for any offset within the circuits. The described offset calibration technique not only compensates for the offset in the error amplifier but also cancels any mismatch in the feedback network. During operation, conditions such as temperature and supply voltage may vary causing the offset to change. The technique is low power and dynamically cancels the offset even when the linear regulator is operating to supply the desired voltage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modified mammalian cells having reduced or eliminated expression of certain cellular proteins, CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex knockout strategies for making such cells, and methods of using such cells, e.g., in the context of cell-based therapy or as host cells in the production of a product of interest.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamic contact ingestion are described. A system may interpret a voice command received from a first device based on contact data or other information associated with a second device connected to the first device. For example, when a data connection is made between the first device and the second device, the first device may receive the contact data and send the contact data to a remote system. The remote system may temporarily associate the contact data with the first device, enabling the remote system to interpret a voice command received from the first device using the contact data. The remote system may use the contact data to perform disambiguation, enabling the remote system to initiate outbound calls, announce inbound calls, and/or the like. When the second device is disconnected from the first device, the remote system may remove the association between the contact data and the first device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating digital flash cards that include links to content from one or more digital content sources, referred to herein as a flash card mode. The mode allows a user to create a digital flash card by selecting a portion of a digital content source and performing a create command. The created flash card includes at least two virtual sides and a first side of the flash card identifies the location of the selected portion of digital content. The location may be identified, for example, by a canonical fragment identifier (CFI). Text can then be entered for a second side of the flash card. Flash cards can be shared with other users, and because the flash cards only identify locations of content within digital content sources, the mode is well-suited to handle sources including digital rights management (DRM) protection, for example.

Abstract: Provided herein are deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase) inhibitors for use in methods of enhancing a therapeutic efficacy of an immunotherapy agent in a subject in need thereof and in methods of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the methods comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase) inhibitor and the immunotherapy agent, and optionally further comprising administering to the subject one or more selected from an effective amount of an inhibitor of thymidylate biosynthesis, and an effective amount of an anthracycline or other topoisomerase II inhibitor.

Abstract: A particulate plug for removing a preservative from a solution, suspension, or emulsion comprising a drug is presented. The plug comprises microparticles of oxidized polyolefin (OxPO). The microparticles are irregular-shaped rigid aggregates and are sized and packed to yield a hydraulic permeability greater than 0.01 Da. The OxPO have absorbed portions of a preservative to be removed and/or a drug for delivery in solution, as can the copolymer.