Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.

Abstract: Foamy macrophages with senescence markers accumulate in the subendothelial space at the onset of atherosclerosis where they drive pathology by increasing expression of key atherogenic and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In advanced lesions, senescent cells promote features of plaque instability, including elastic fiber degradation and fibrous cap thinning, by heightening metalloprotease production. This invention provides methods and materials for treating arthritis by removing senescent cells in or around atherosclerotic plaques, thereby stabilizing the plaques, inhibiting rupture of the plaques and pathological sequelae that manifest as coronary artery disease.

Abstract: A library of heterocyclic compounds has been screened to identify particular compounds that have high inhibitory capacity for the Bcl family of regulatory proteins. Compounds identified as Bcl antagonists have been further screened to select pharmaceutical agents with both high potency and high specificity for eliminating senescent cells in comparison with replicative or quiescent cells of the same tissue type. Particular structures are identified in this disclosure that eliminate senescent cells with an EC50 in the nanomolar range and a specificity around or above 100-fold. In accordance with this invention, heterocyclic compounds provided in this disclosure can be formulated for the treatment of a range of age-related conditions caused or mediated by senescent cells. Such conditions are exemplified by ophthalmic conditions, pulmonary conditions, and osteoarthritis.

Abstract: This invention is based on the discovery that many eye conditions associated with aging are mediated at least in part by cells bearing a senescent phenotype. Senescent cells accumulate with age, and express factors that contribute to the pathophysiology of age related conditions. The data show that in age-matched patients, the severity of age-related conditions correlates with the abundance of senescent cells, and that clearing senescent cells can help abrogate the condition. Small molecule drugs that remove senescent cells from affected tissue in the eye are provided that have special efficacy in treating ophthalmic conditions. They not only inhibit progression of the disease, they can also reverse some of the pathophysiology—such as neovascularization and vaso-obliteration—that lead to vision loss. These senolytic agents have an appropriate dose and specificity profile to be effective in the clinical management of previously intractable ophthalmic conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated particulate extraction from solid parts is disclosed herein, which comprises a test tank (42) and a liquid cleaning medium (46) for washing a test part (48). The principle advantages offered by this invention include the ability to verify that the test tank (42) has met a required tank clean threshold (102) as specified by a percentage reduction of contaminants (78) through the use of a liquid quality sensor (76) which repeatedly measures the contamination level of a liquid cleaning medium (46) exiting the test tank (42). Type I and Type II sampling error are eliminated by verifying that the liquid cleaning medium (46) passing from the test tank (42) has measured contaminants (78) reaching both a maximum value (98) and then falling below a specified tank clean threshold (102) prior to ending the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A technique for adjusting the brightness values of images to be displayed on a stereoscopic head mounted display is provided herein. This technique improves the perceived dynamic range of the head mounted display by dynamically adjusting the pixel intensities (also known generally as “exposure”) of the images presented on the head mounted display based on a detected gaze direction. The head mounted display includes an eye tracker that is able to sense the gaze directions of the eyes. The eye tracker, head mounted display, or a processor of a computer system receives this information, determines an intersection point of the eye gaze and a screen within the head mounted display and identifies a gaze area around this intersection point. Using this gaze area, the processing system adjusts the pixel intensities of an image displayed on the screen based on the intensities of the pixels within the gaze area.

Abstract: Polypeptides, viruses, methods and compositions provided herein are useful for the selective elimination of senescent cells. Method aspects include methods for inducing apoptosis in a senescent cell comprising administering to the cell a polynucleotide, virus, host cell, or pharmaceutical composition described herein. Other methods include expressing a pro-apoptotic gene in a senescent cell comprising administering to the cell the polynucleotide, virus, or pharmaceutical composition as described herein.

Abstract: A system for an aircraft includes a compressor for a vapor cycle cooling system (VCCS) for providing cabin air conditioning; an APU for mechanically driving the VCCS compressor; and a starter-generator-motor (SGM) apparatus operable in any of a starter mode, a generator mode, or a motor mode. The SGM apparatus includes: (i) a first coupling element for coupling the SGM apparatus to the APU such that, in the starter mode, the SGM apparatus is used in driving and starting the APU, (ii) a second coupling element for coupling the SGM apparatus to the VCCS compressor such that, in the motor mode, the SGM apparatus mechanically drives the VCCS compressor, and (iii) a set of electrical power terminals at which, in the generator mode, the SGM apparatus provides electrical output power for powering the aircraft electrical system (including the VCCS condenser fan and VCCS evaporator fans) and, in the starter mode and motor mode, the SGM apparatus receives electrical input power from an external electrical power source.

Abstract: A dispensing package comprising one or more jackets, a screw assembly, and a movable elevator platform; the screw assembly comprising a spindle comprising two external thread portions, which allows for a quick first turn.

Abstract: A dispensing package comprising one or more jackets, a screw assembly, and a movable elevator platform; the screw assembly comprising a spindle comprising two external thread portions, which allows for a quick first turn.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for selectively killing senescent cells and for treating senescence-associated diseases and disorders by administering a senolytic agent. Senescence-associated diseases and disorders treatable by the methods using the senolytic agents described herein include cardiovascular diseases and disorders associated with or caused by arteriosclerosis, such as atherosclerosis; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; osteoarthritis; senescence-associated ophthalmic diseases and disorders; and senescence-associated dermatological diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for selectively killing senescent cells and for treating senescence-associated diseases and disorders by administering a senolytic agent. Senescence-associated diseases and disorders treatable by the methods using the senolytic agents described herein include cardiovascular diseases and disorders associated with or caused by arteriosclerosis, such as atherosclerosis; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; osteoarthritis; senescence-associated ophthalmic diseases and disorders; and senescence-associated dermatological diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that are effective for treatment of various disease states associated with senescence. The disclosed compounds can be used to eliminate senescent cells for disease treatment. The dosing of the compounds includes both single administration and regimens of cycling dosages.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for selectively killing senescent cells and for treating senescence-associated diseases and disorders by administering a senolytic agent. Senescence-associated diseases and disorders treatable by the methods using the senolytic agents described herein include cardiovascular diseases and disorders associated with or caused by arteriosclerosis, such as atherosclerosis; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; osteoarthritis; senescence-associated ophthalmic diseases and disorders; and senescence-associated dermatological diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Foamy macrophages with senescence markers accumulate in the subendothelial space at the onset of atherosclerosis where they drive pathology by increasing expression of key atherogenic and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This invention provides senolytic agents that remove senescent cells that are present in or around atherosclerotic plaques. The agents inhibit or reverse thinning of the fibrous cap on atherosclerotic plaques. This has the effect of stabilizing the plaques, inhibiting rupture and preventing pathological sequelae that manifest as coronary artery disease. Senolytic agents used in this way complement the action of statins and other drugs that cause plaque regression. Thus, senolytic agents and lipid lowering drugs can be used in combination for enhanced therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a crankshaft damper cover for a crankshaft damper of a crankshaft in an engine. In one example, a crankshaft damper cover shaped to fit within a cavity of a crankshaft damper and including an inset and an annular ring embedded within the inset, where the annular ring includes tabs adapted to mate with an inner surface of the crankshaft damper. As one example, the inset may be comprised of a damping material, such as plastic or foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to small edible portions (i.e., bite-sized snacks) comprising a soft nut butter inner core coated with a crunchy grain-based outer coating. The bite-sized snacks have an equivalent spherical diameter of about 1 to 3 cm. Texture analysis of the bite-sized snacks determines that the bite-sized snacks have a soft texture with an average peak force in the range of about 800-5,000 g and an average positive area in the range of about 2,000-15,000 g*sec. The bite-sized snacks unexpected have both a soft and crunchy texture and are surprisingly shelf stable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to methods of forming a laminate structure. In one or more embodiments, the method includes situating an interlayer between a glass substrate and a non-glass substrate having a softening point to form an assembled stack, heating the assembled stack to a temperature in a range of greater than the Tg of the interlayer to less than the softening point of the non-glass substrate and applying a force to at least one of the laminate glass surface and the laminate non-glass surface to bond that counter-balances thermal stress and polymer cure forces during bonding and prevents warpage, distortion and breakage of the laminate. In some embodiments, the interlayer has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at least 10 times greater than the CTE of the glass substrate.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a damper cover for an engine crankshaft damper. In one example, a damper cover may include a frame and an inset, with extensions of the frame adapted to couple to slots of an engine crankshaft damper, and with portions of the inset positioned between each extension and each corresponding slot. As one example, the frame may be comprised of metal and the inset may be comprised of a damping material such as foam or rubber.

Abstract: The disclosure provides techniques for sounding sequence protection in multi-user multiple-input-multiple-output (MU-MIMO) communications for wireless local area networks (WLANs). An access point (AP) may select a station (STA) from multiple STAs in a MU-MIMO group. The AP may then transmit a request-to-send (RTS) frame, where the RTS is addressed to the selected STA. The AP may receive a clear-to-send (CTS) frame from the selected station and may perform, in response to receiving the CTS frame, a sounding sequence with the MU-MIMO group. After completion of the sounding sequence, the AP may transmit MU-MIMO data communications to at least one of the STAs in the MU-MIMO group.