Abstract: A durability assessment system may receive a request, from a computing system, for a durability index describing an entity. The durability assessment system may determine the durability index based on information about the resource usage by the entity, such as a resource availability score or a resource allocation score. The durability assessment system may compare the obtained resource availability score and resource allocation score to ranges associated with a set of durability indices. Based on the comparison, the durability assessment system may determine a durability index for the entity. The durability index may indicate an ability of the entity to return accessed resources. In some cases, the durability assessment system may provide the durability index to an allocation computing system that is configured to determine whether to grant access to resources based on the durability index.

Abstract: An example computing device is configured to: display an interface that enables configuration of an audio subsystem within a local media playback system and includes one or more configuration options for the audio subsystem based on available playback devices of the local media playback system; receive a first input indicating a selection of a given configuration that comprises a given number of component playback devices each having a respective playback role; determine a set of playback devices that are available for selection as the component playback devices; display a respective visual representation for each component playback device; receive a respective input selecting a given playback device for each component playback device; configure the audio subsystem in accordance with the given configuration based on the selected playback devices; and cause the playback devices in the audio subsystem to play back audio content in synchrony based on their respective playback roles.

Abstract: An asset tracking system includes a tracking device associated with a mobile asset and a centralized device management platform. The tracking device is configured via a set of device configurations. The centralized device management platform includes one or more processors in communication with the tracking device and computer-readable memory encoded with instructions that, when executed, cause the system to receive location data corresponding to a location of the tracking device; evaluate the location data to identify a zone corresponding to a physical region that includes the location of the tracking device; compare an identified zone with a set of location-based rules to identify a rule associated with the identified zone; update the set of device configurations with a device configuration that is associated with an identified rule; and sync an updated set of device configurations to the tracking device to reconfigure the tracking device based on the identified rule.

Abstract: An asset tracking system includes a tracking device associated with a mobile asset and a centralized device management platform. The tracking device is configured via a set of device configurations. The centralized device management platform includes one or more processors in communication with the tracking device and computer-readable memory encoded with instructions that, when executed, cause the system to receive location data corresponding to a location of the tracking device; evaluate the location data to identify a zone corresponding to a physical region that includes the location of the tracking device; compare an identified zone with a set of location-based rules to identify a rule associated with the identified zone; update the set of device configurations with a device configuration that is associated with an identified rule; and sync an updated set of device configurations to the tracking device to reconfigure the tracking device based on the identified rule.

Abstract: Multichannel audio playback devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some examples, a first playback device is configured to receive a source stream of audio content comprising left, right and center input channels. In a first mode, the first playback device is configured to play back audio via a plurality of transducers based on the left, right, and center input channels. In a second mode, in which the first playback device is bonded to second and third playback devices, the first playback device is configured to (i) play back audio via the plurality of transducers based on at least the center input channel, (ii) cause audio to be played via the second playback device based on at least the right input channel, and (iii) cause audio to be played via the third playback device based on at least the left input channel.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a detector such as a nanopore and an enzyme are provided. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a detector, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are PD-L1 binding molecules comprising or conjugated to a toxin, e.g. a Shiga toxin A Subunit derived polypeptide. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 binding molecules are cytotoxic. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 binding molecules are capable of delivering a CD8+ T-cell epitope to an MHC class molecule inside a PD-L1 positive cell. The PD-L1 binding molecules described herein have uses for selectively killing specific cells (e.g., PD-L1 positive tumor cells and/or immune cells); for selectively delivering cargos to specific cells (e.g., PD-L1 positive tumor cells or immune cells), and as therapeutic and/or diagnostic molecules for treating and diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancers and tumors involving PD-L1 expressing cells (e.g., PD-L1 positive tumor cells or immune cells).

Abstract: A durability assessment system may receive a request, from a computing system, for a durability index describing an entity. The durability assessment system may determine the durability index based on information about the resource usage by the entity, such as a resource availability score or a resource allocation score. The durability assessment system may compare the obtained resource availability score and resource allocation score to ranges associated with a set of durability indices. Based on the comparison, the durability assessment system may determine a durability index for the entity. The durability index may indicate an ability of the entity to return accessed resources. In some cases, the durability assessment system may provide the durability index to an allocation computing system that is configured to determine whether to grant access to resources based on the durability index.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: A multi-position clamp is disclosed for positioning and holding a portable friction welding tool adjacent a substrate for friction welding a plurality of fixtures in a precise pattern referenced from a fixed position on a substrate. The clamp has a clamp base temporarily securable at the fixed position on the substrate, a traveling mount comprising a tool mount for receiving said portable friction welding tool, and a connection to the clamp base allowing relative movement of the tool mount over the substrate. Index stops help install the plurality of fixtures in the pattern and an articulated fixture loading system allow positioning and loading successive fixtures without disengaging and removing said portable friction welding tool from connection with the clamp base.

Abstract: The barcode scanner for use with a parcel delivery system is an interface device. The barcode scanner for use with a parcel delivery system is configured for use in delivering packages. The barcode scanner for use with a parcel delivery system forms a wireless communication link with an appropriate authority. The barcode scanner for use with a parcel delivery system reads a bar code that appears on a package. The barcode scanner for use with a parcel delivery system transmits the read bar code and the location of the package to the appropriate authority. The appropriate authority logs the delivery of the package with the bar code. The appropriate authority transmits to the barcode scanner for use with a parcel delivery system the operational details about the next assigned delivery location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: A durability assessment system may receive a request, from a computing system, for a durability index describing an entity. The durability assessment system may determine the durability index based on information about the resource usage by the entity, such as a resource availability score or a resource allocation score. The durability assessment system may compare the obtained resource availability score and resource allocation score to ranges associated with a set of durability indices. Based on the comparison, the durability assessment system may determine a durability index for the entity. The durability index may indicate an ability of the entity to return accessed resources. In some cases, the durability assessment system may provide the durability index to an allocation computing system that is configured to determine whether to grant access to resources based on the durability index.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system of controlling a dental laser system. The system can include a dental laser and a control system for controlling certain functions of the dental laser. A graphical user interface can be used to provide input to the control system. The graphical user interface can include a first display and an second display with selectable segments, and a menu navigation portion located adjacent the second display. Treatment categories, procedures or laser control options can be selected using the interface, and the interface can be updated based on data from the station.

Abstract: A durability assessment system may receive a request, from a computing system, for a durability index describing an entity. The durability assessment system may determine the durability index based on information about the resource usage by the entity, such as a resource availability score or a resource allocation score. The durability assessment system may compare the obtained resource availability score and resource allocation score to ranges associated with a set of durability indices. Based on the comparison, the durability assessment system may determine a durability index for the entity. The durability index may indicate an ability of the entity to return accessed resources. In some cases, the durability assessment system may provide the durability index to an allocation computing system that is configured to determine whether to grant access to resources based on the durability index.

Abstract: A durability assessment system may receive a request, from a computing system, for a durability index describing an entity. The durability assessment system may determine the durability index based on information about the resource usage by the entity, such as a resource availability score or a resource allocation score. The durability assessment system may compare the obtained resource availability score and resource allocation score to ranges associated with a set of durability indices. Based on the comparison, the durability assessment system may determine a durability index for the entity. The durability index may indicate an ability of the entity to return accessed resources. In some cases, the durability assessment system may provide the durability index to an allocation computing system that is configured to determine whether to grant access to resources based on the durability index.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system of controlling a dental laser system. The system can include a dental laser and a control system for controlling certain functions of the dental laser. A graphical user interface can be used to provide input to the control system. The graphical user interface can include a first display and an second display with selectable segments, and a menu navigation portion located adjacent the second display. Treatment categories, procedures or laser control options can be selected using the interface, and the interface can be updated based on data from the station.

Abstract: A multi-position clamp is disclosed for positioning and holding a portable friction welding tool adjacent a substrate for friction welding a plurality of fixtures in a precise pattern referenced from a fixed position on a substrate. The clamp has a clamp base temporarily securable at the fixed position on the substrate, a traveling mount comprising a tool mount for receiving said portable friction welding tool, and a connection to the clamp base allowing relative movement of the tool mount over the substrate. Index stops help install the plurality of fixtures in the pattern and an articulated fixture loading system allow positioning and loading successive fixtures without disengaging and removing said portable friction welding tool from connection with the clamp base.

Abstract: Multichannel audio playback devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some examples, a first playback device is configured to receive a source stream of audio content comprising left, right and center input channels. In a first mode, the first playback device is configured to play back audio via a plurality of transducers based on the left, right, and center input channels. In a second mode, in which the first playback device is bonded to second and third playback devices, the first playback device is configured to (i) play back audio via the plurality of transducers based on at least the center input channel, (ii) cause audio to be played via the second playback device based on at least the right input channel, and (iii) cause audio to be played via the third playback device based on at least the left input channel.