Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1-R7 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.

Abstract: A top reference photobioreactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible floating photobioreactor having a buoyancy tube filled with a gas that is less dense, and a ballast tube filled with a substance, such as saltwater, that is more dense, than the liquid in which the photobioreactor floats. A top reference photobioreactor method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes controlling a depth of the top reference photobioreactor by controlling a volume and/or density of ballast in the ballast tube and/or by controlling a volume and/or density of gas in the buoyancy tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X1 to X4, R1 to R4, A, B, D and m are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are small molecule inhibitors of the formula (I): and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof and processes of making the same. The compounds are useful in treating various diseases and conditions involving chymase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a steerable drilling tool is provided including a rotatable shaft extending through a housing where the shaft and the housing are separated by at least one bearing or two sets of bearings, the shaft having a first portion terminating at a first end of the shaft and a second portion terminating at a second end of the shaft. The steerable drilling tool may further include a drill bit structure operatively coupled to the first portion and a steering subsystem comprising a pair of bearings operatively coupled to the first portion. The steering subsystem may be configured to angulate the shaft by exerting force substantially through the pair of bearings. In certain embodiments, the first portion is between the first end and about one-third of the length of the shaft from the first end towards the second end.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for providing foldable, insertable robotic sensory and manipulation platforms for single port surgery. The device is referred to herein as an Insertable Robotic Effector Platform (IREP). The IREP provides a self-deployable insertable device that provides stereo visual feedback upon insertion, implements a backbone structure having a primary backbone and four secondary backbones for each of the robotic arms, and implements a radial expansion mechanism that can separate the robotic arms. All of these elements together provide an anthropomorphic endoscopic device.

Abstract: A system for making biofuels comprising methane, ethanol, and biodiesel comprises a tank (100) with a sealable lid (120). An algae mass (105), water, and either a yeast or bacterial culture (106) is added to the tank. Under high temperature conditions, sour (CO2-containing) methane is produced and stored in a container (130). Under lower temperature conditions, ethanol and CO2 are produced. Heated or cooled water passed through a water jacket (160) that surrounds the tank maintains the proper temperature within the tank. The CO2 is stored in a second container (270). The sour methane and the CO2 are optionally passed through a scrubber. Scrubbed methane is suitable for use as a fuel and drives a generator (275) that supplies power to various parts of the system. Carbon credits will be available for CO2 that is trapped in the scrubber. A still (185) separates ethanol and water for later use. Biodiesel can also be made in the apparatus by first making ethanol, then employing a transesterification process.

Abstract: A composite materil comprises magnetic particles dispersed in electrically insulating material. The magnetic particles have an aspect ratio greater than 1 (preferably greater than 10) and a concentration sufficiently high to produce negative permeability. The magnetic particles may be magnetic flakes of reduced carbonyl iron of average diameter 50 ?m, average thickness 1 ?m and aspect ratio 50, the magnetic flakes being at least 25% by volume of the composite material. The magnetic flakes may be aligned to produce enhanced permeability. The electrically insulating material may be paraffin wax, particulate PTFE, or another polymer. To control permittivity, the composite material may include an electrically conducting component such as graphite or conductive coatings upon the magnetic flakes.

Abstract: A locking assembly security apparatus engages with a tablet computer or similar device, which is securely locked to it via a plunger lock. A corner pocket engages one corner of the tablet computer, while another proximal lockable corner pocket engages the diagonally opposite corner of the tablet computer. The security apparatus includes a diagonally extending chassis bar between the opposite set of corner pockets. The base of a proximal pocket extends from the diagonally extending chassis bar to the flanges at the proximal end on the other side of the integral hinge pin housing of the proximal pocket, which flips up to permit a corner of the tablet computer to be inserted or disengaged.

Abstract: A system to detect subsurface activity. The system employs vibration sensor pairs, with each sensor pair having a shallow sensor and a deep sensor. Outputs of the sensors of a pair are processed together and events are detected based on the relative values detected by the sensors of the pair. When signal energy departs from a detected background level, the relative amplitude and frequency content of vibrations measured at the shallow and deep sensors may be compared. The comparison may be performed, at least in part, using a classifier that discriminates between subsurface activity and surface to activity. The outputs of sensor pairs may be aggregated to make a determination of whether subsurface activity exists and/or its location. Aggregation may involve comparing the outputs of the same sensor pair at multiple time intervals or may involve comparing the outputs of arrayed sensor pairs.

Abstract: A solar cell receiver for use in a concentrating solar system which concentrates the solar energy onto a solar cell for converting solar energy to electricity. The solar cell receiver may include a solar cell mounted on a support and with one or more III-V compound semiconductor layers. An optical element may be positioned over the solar cell and have an optical channel with an inlet that faces away from the solar cell and an outlet that faces towards the solar cell. A frame may be positioned over the support and extend around the solar cell with the frame having an inner side that extends above the support and faces towards the optical element. An encapsulant may be positioned over the support and contained between the optical element and the frame. The encapsulant may have enlarged heights at contact points with the optical element and the frame and a reduced height between the contact points away from the optical element and the frame. The solar cell receiver may be used in a solar cell module.

Abstract: An intraoral acupressure apparatus made from a model conforming to a user's palate, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be removably retained adjacent to the palate in a predetermined position, relative to acupressure points located on the palate of the user. Various means for securing the apparatus adjacent to the user's palate can be used and the apparatus has one or more projections embedded into the apparatus and extending out from the apparatus into the user's palate at one or more of the acupressure points. These projections into the palate of the user create and stimulate the pressure points that influence corresponding specific body functions to be treated.

Abstract: A method for harvesting algae according to embodiments of the present invention includes filling a reservoir at least partially with a liquid, submerging a bag at least partially in the liquid, the bag containing media, the media comprising algae, the bag comprising a first end, a second end, a harvesting port located closer to the first end than to the second end, and a gas port, delivering gas into the bag through the gas port, and raising the second end of the bag by accumulating the gas at the second end to flow the media toward the harvesting port.

Abstract: A sound device with a motion detector. The device is used to provide a diversion while user occupies the shower, at the same time keeping track of time and alarming the occupant when time has elapsed. For example: A minute after entering the shower, the timer automatically starts and a trivia question is posed to the occupant. The occupant then has a predefined amount of time to come up with the answer. Upon time lapse, the answer is provided with a gentle reminder that your time is over. Any other variations on this principle are possible.

Abstract: A solar cell receiver subassembly for use in a concentrating solar system which concentrates the solar energy onto a solar cell by a factor of 1000 or more for converting solar energy to electricity, including an optical element defining an optical channel, a solar cell receiver having a support; a solar cell mounted on the support adjacent to the optical element and in the optical path of the optical channel, the solar cell comprising one or more III-V compound semiconductor layers and capable of generating in excess of 20 watts of peak DC power; a diode mounted on the support and coupled in parallel with the solar cell; and first and second electrical contacts mounted on the support and coupled in parallel with the solar cell and the diode; and an encapsulant covering the support, the solar cell, the diode, and at least a portion of the exterior sides of the optical element.

Abstract: A nanomaterial can include an outer layer including a ligand. The ligand can include a first monomer unit including a first moiety having affinity for a surface of the nanocrystal, a second monomer unit including a second moiety having a high water solubility, and a third monomer unit including a third moiety having a selectively reactive functional group or a selectively binding functional group. The ligand can be a random copolymer.

Abstract: A plunger-type security lock includes a slotted, cylindrical sliding key receptacle, a ferrule arranged on an outer cylindrical surface of the sliding key receptacle that is configured for attachment to a locking member, a cylindrical plunger, a sliding key including a hooking end and a plunger-contact end that is configured with a key definition and for slidable spring-loaded operation within the slotted, cylindrical sliding key in cooperation with the cylindrical plunger to extend and hook the flexible locking strip and to retract with and lock the locking strip in locking state and a locking mechanism that defines the locking state in cooperation with the key definition.

Abstract: Disclosed are small molecule inhibitors which are useful in treating various diseases and conditions involving chymase.