Abstract: A system for planning an operation includes a communication interface and processor(s). The processor(s) is/are configured to: receive an indication that the drone is part of a set of assets, wherein the set of assets are tasked with performing element(s) of task(s), and the set of assets comprises a plurality of drones; communicate information pertaining to the element(s), wherein: 1) the information pertaining to the element(s) is communicated with at least one other drone; 2) the information pertaining to the element(s) is based at least in part on information obtained by sensor(s) of the set of assets; and 3) the information pertaining to the element(s) is used in connection with determining a plan to perform the task(s); and communicate information pertaining to the plan to perform the task(s), wherein the information pertaining to the plan to perform the task(s) is communicated with at least one other drone.

Abstract: A build powder characterization system for an additive manufacturing (AM) machine includes a build powder collection system, a build powder analyzer, and a controller. The build powder collection system configured to collect build powder during an AM machine build campaign. The build powder analyzer configured to receive from the build powder collection system the collected build powder, to analyze selected build powder properties, and to communicate to a controller data reflecting properties of the collected build powder. The controller is configured to process data, received from the build powder analyzer, reflecting properties of the collected build powder.

Abstract: A powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) machine includes a build plate configured to function as a platform to support one or more parts built using the PBF AM machine. The build plate further includes a thermal history indicator positioned on the build plate, attached to the build plate, or physically integrated with the build plate such that the thermal history indicator experiences the same temperature as the build plate. The thermal history indicator is configured to display a durable visual indication of achievement of a temperature associated with a post-processing step performed after the one or more parts are built on the build platform.

Abstract: A system generating an environment for an operation using a set of assets includes processor(s) configured to: obtain data associated with task(s) to be performed by a set of assets, wherein: 1) the set of assets comprises semi-autonomous drones and 2) the data associated with the task(s) comprises parameter(s) pertaining to a geographic location in which at least one asset is to perform the task(s); determine a discretized representation of the geographic location, wherein the discretized representation comprises discrete elements each corresponding to a volume associated with the geographic location; annotate the discretized representation to create an annotated representation with the parameter(s) pertaining to the geographic location with a subset of the discrete elements based on a determination that the parameter(s) pertain to the geographic location; determine a plan to perform the task(s), wherein the plan is based on the annotated representation; and cause the task(s) to be performed.

Abstract: Coating compositions may combine durability and stain resistance with reduced environmental emissions and health risks. A coating composition may comprise an isocyanate component, an amine-functional resin comprising an aspartic amine, a reactive silicone component having a molecular weight of at least of 500, and TiO2 in an amount of at least 5 wt. %. The coating composition may further comprise a cure retardant in an amount of at least 5 wt. % and a solvent in an amount of up to 20 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for obtaining a metabolic signature in a subject, said method being applicable for a range of purposes, including diagnosing disease, monitoring disease progression and/or determining a suitable treatment plan.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an engine with a plurality of cylinders, a fueling system to provide fuel to the plurality of cylinders, an air intake system to provide air to the plurality of cylinders through respective ones of a plurality of intake valves, and an exhaust system to release exhaust gas from the plurality of cylinders through respective ones of a plurality of exhaust valves. During engine braking, an amount of fuel is injected into one or more cylinders involved in the engine braking during the compression stroke thereof to improve engine braking performance.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of a patella bone plate. In some examples, the patella bone plates may include a contoured body with a longitudinal axis, and with a radius of curvature, a plurality of contoured arms and extending superiorly from the contoured body, the plurality of contoured arms spaced apart from the longitudinal axis, the plurality of contoured arms, a plurality of holes, a hook, the hook having a radius of curvature configured to allow the hook to extend around an apex of the patella, a hole located on the hook, the hole defining a distal fixation screw path that is substantially parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis. In various examples, the contoured body may have a single arm with a staggered hole arrangement. The plurality of holes may include variable angle holes, locking holes, fixation holes, slots, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for forecasting response to lupus nephritis (LN) therapy in individual diagnosed with childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). The methods may include the step of detecting each protein in a protein set in a sample obtained from an individual in need thereof. The protein set may include ceruloplasmin, kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), adiponectin, hemopexin, and NGAL.

Abstract: A task analysis data store may contain electronic records representing task analysis items for an enterprise. A back-end application computer server may receive, from a remote user device, first step data about task objectives for task identifier and update the task analysis data store. The server may then automatically evaluate the first step data in accordance with a first step data evaluation rule. When the first step data complies with the first step data evaluation rule, the server may permit receipt of second step data about a task analysis and update the task analysis data store. The server may then automatically evaluate the second step data in accordance with a second step data evaluation rule. When the second step data complies with the second step data evaluation rule, the server may permit receipt of third step data about analysis presentation and update the task analysis data store.

Abstract: A data memory system is described, where there may be an asymmetry in the time needed to write or erase data and the time needed to read data. The data may be stored using a RAID data storage arrangement and the reading, writing and erasing operations on the modules arranged such that the erasing and writing operations may be performed without significant latency for performing a read operation. Where a failure of a memory module in the memory system occurs, methods for recovering the data of the failed module are disclosed which may selected in accordance with policies that may relate to the minimizing the possibility of irretrievable data loss, or degradation of latency performance.

Abstract: Variable angle holes in bone plates structured to facilitate the formation of axial compression or tension of a bone, or which can assist in bone distraction. The variable angle hole can extend about a central axis and includes an inwardly extending wedge wall. The variable angle hole can be sized to receive insertion of a fixation element at a location at which a central longitudinal axis of the fixation element is axially offset from the central axis of the variable angle hole by an offset distance at least when the fixation element is initially driven into bone at least in a transverse direction. The wedge wall can be configured to be engaged by a portion of the fixation element in a manner that axially displaces at least one of the bone plate, the fixation element, and/or bone(s) in a direction that can generally reduce or increase the offset distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-countersinking bone screw and a system and a method for countersinking a bone screw or fastener used in connection with an orthopedic implant such as, for example, an intramedullary nail. The bone screw includes one or more cutting features configured to self-countersink the head of the screw. The system and method utilize instrumentation including a plurality of markings or indicia configured to indicate a position of the head of the screw relative to an outer surface of the patient's bone. In use, the method enables a surgeon to quickly and easily countersink one or more bone screws used to couple an IM nail to a patient's bone without requiring additional instrumentation to form a countersunk hole in the patient's bone.

Abstract: A task analysis data store may contain electronic records representing task analysis items for an enterprise. A back-end application computer server may receive, from a remote user device, first step data about task objectives for task identifier and update the task analysis data store. The server may then automatically evaluate the first step data in accordance with a first step data evaluation rule. When the first step data complies with the first step data evaluation rule, the server may permit receipt of second step data about a task analysis and update the task analysis data store. The server may then automatically evaluate the second step data in accordance with a second step data evaluation rule. When the second step data complies with the second step data evaluation rule, the server may permit receipt of third step data about analysis presentation and update the task analysis data store.

Abstract: Variable angle holes in bone plates structured to facilitate the formation of axial compression or tension of a bone, or which can assist in bone distraction. The variable angle hole can extend about a central axis and includes an inwardly extending wedge wall. The variable angle hole can be sized to receive insertion of a fixation element at a location at which a central longitudinal axis of the fixation element is axially offset from the central axis of the variable angle hole by an offset distance at least when the fixation element is initially driven into bone at least in a transverse direction. The wedge wall can be configured to be engaged by a portion of the fixation element in a manner that axially displaces at least one of the bone plate, the fixation element, and/or bone(s) in a direction that can generally reduce or increase the offset distance.

Abstract: A data memory system is described, where there may be an asymmetry in the time needed to write or erase data and the time needed to read data. The data may be stored using a RAID data storage arrangement and the reading, writing and erasing operations on the modules arranged such that the erasing and writing operations may be performed without significant latency for performing a read operation. Where a failure of a memory module in the memory system occurs, methods for recovering the data of the failed module are disclosed which may selected in accordance with policies that may relate to the minimizing the possibility of irretrievable data loss, or degradation of latency performance.

Abstract: A self-standing foldable composite container apparatus comprises, preferably, a vertical cuboid body, namely having the shape of a square prism, rectangular prism, or cube. The container apparatus may be made from one or a plurality of layers of woven polymeric material, further having plastic inserts therein to maintain the shape thereof, reinforce the sides thereof, and further allow the containers to self-stand. The top and bottom of the container apparatus may comprise covers that may be relatively flat, the top cover having a flap openable by one or more zippers and having at least a pair of lifting loops for lifting the same with a forklift or other like lifting mechanism. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A collinear reduction clamp including a compression rod, an arm, and an advancing mechanism for moving the compression rod relative to the arm. In some examples, the rod may include a cannulated bore to enable a bone screw to be inserted therein. The rod may also include a cap. The cap including a bone screw washer. In use, a bone screw can be inserted through the cannulated bore of the rod, the bone screw passing through the washer thereby coupling the washer to the bone screw thereby enabling both the bone screw and the washer to be inserted into the patient's bone directly at the compression site. In some examples, the cannulated bore may be used in combination with first and second tubes and a guidewire to enable a cannulated bone screw to be inserted therein. In some examples, the arm may be configured as a length adjusting arm.

Abstract: A starter generator located within a sump region of a turbofan engine and coupled to an adapter shaft. The adapter shaft rotationally coupled to the high pressure shaft, forward of a high pressure shaft bearing, and secured by a spanner nut. The engine makes use of two pluralities of electrical conductors, the first extends through an electrical conduit defined by a forward strut extending from the sump region to the outward casing, the second extends axially away from the electric starter. Each of the first plurality of electrical conductors makes reversible contact with a respective one of the second plurality of electrical conductors via an elbow/pin connector, producing a tight turn in area of limited space.