Abstract: A silicon material can include particles with a size between about 10 nanometers and 10 micrometers, where the particles can be porous or nonporous, and a coating disposed on the particles, wherein a thickness of the coating can be between about 1 nm and 1 ?m. The coating can optionally include a carbon coating, graphite coating, or a polymeric coating.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and associated method for a micro-adjustable traction element are disclosed herein. The micro-adjustable traction element system includes an outsole for positioning along a substrate of a shoe. The outsole secures a traction element to the outsole while enabling positional micro-adjustment of the traction element along the outsole. In one embodiment of the micro-adjustable traction element system, for each traction element positioned along the outsole, the outsole includes a receiver element configured for variable positioning within a pocket of the outsole to receive the traction element.

Abstract: A device that includes an adaptive acoustic detection circuit and an acoustic sensor device such as a microphone is described. The device includes in addition to the sensor a circuit configured to detect when an input stimulus to the sensor satisfies an adaptive threshold, and further configured to produce a signal upon detection that causes adjustment of performance of the device, wherein the adaptive threshold is a threshold value that varies over time in accordance with detected changes to sound of an environment in which the device is located.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for making genetically modified cells by introducing combinations of genetic variants (designed or random) or constructs (genes or otherwise arbitrary DNA) into a population of cells, and for tracking each variant combination by sequentially building an array of barcodes at a common locus (chromosomal or plasmid), termed the barcode locus. Also described are the cells made by such methods.

Abstract: A capturing device for optically capturing an object to be checked includes a radiation source having a wall which encompasses a recording chamber. The radiation source is configured to emit at least infrared radiation when in a heated state. The wall has at least one insertion opening for inserting the object to be checked into the recording chamber and at least one image-recording opening for recording images of the object to be checked. The capturing device also includes an image-capturing apparatus configured to record images of the object to be checked through the at least one image-recording opening.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system includes an electronic gaming machine configured to execute a wagering game, an overhead display, and a progressive system server. The progressive system server is configured to: (i) receive, from the electronic gaming machine, a message including at least one of a) a progressive jackpot value, b) a progressive jackpot level, and c) a progressive jackpot multiplier, the progressive jackpot value, the progressive jackpot level, and the progressive jackpot multiplier awarded by the electronic gaming machine during the wagering game; (ii) calculate a multiplied progressive jackpot value by multiplying the received progressive jackpot value by the received progressive jackpot multiplier; and (iii) transmit the multiplied progressive jackpot value to the electronic gaming machine, wherein the electronic gaming machine is configured to increase a credit balance associated with the wagering game based on the multiplied progressive jackpot value.

Abstract: The invention features multi-specific fusion protein complexes with one domain comprising IL-15 or a functional variant and a binding domain specific to IL-12 or IL-18.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method executed by data processing hardware of a robot causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include receiving a sensor pointing command that commands the robot to use a sensor to capture sensor data of a location in an environment of the robot. The sensor is disposed on the robot. The operations include determining, based on an orientation of the sensor relative to the location, a direction for pointing the sensor toward the location, and an alignment pose of the robot to cause the sensor to point in the direction toward the location. The operations include commanding the robot to move from a current pose to the alignment pose. After the robot moves to the alignment pose and the sensor is pointing in the direction toward the location, the operations include commanding the sensor to capture the sensor data of the location in the environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for multilayer films, which, in one embodiment may comprise a core layer comprising at least 50 wt. % of high-density polyethylene. Further, the multilayer film may include a first skin layer comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of low-density polyethylene, optionally linear, and at least about 80 wt. % of high-density polyethylene, as well as a second skin layer comprising either: (i) one or more low-density polyethylenes, any or all of them optionally being linear; or (ii) one or more polypropylene-based copolymers. The multilayer film may be oriented in at least one direction.

Abstract: Spacer self-aligned via structures for gate contact or trench contact are described. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of gate structures above a substrate. A plurality of conductive trench contact structures is alternating with the plurality of gate structures. The integrated circuit structure also includes a plurality of dielectric spacers, a corresponding one of the plurality of dielectric spacers between adjacent ones of the plurality of gate structures and the plurality of conductive trench contact structures, wherein the plurality of dielectric spacers protrudes above the plurality of gate structures and above the plurality of conductive trench contact structures. A conductive structure is in direct contact with one of the plurality of gate structures or with one of the plurality of conductive trench contact structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include swellable smart gel sealants and methods of using smart gel sealants. In certain embodiments, the smart gel sealants reversibly swell when exposed to a certain trigger, such as carbonic acid and/or sulfuric acid. In specific embodiments, the smart gel is comprised within a cement composition.

Abstract: A new class of logic gates are presented that use non-linear polar material. The logic gates include multi-input majority gates. Input signals in the form of digital signals are driven to non-linear input capacitors on their respective first terminals. The second terminals of the non-linear input capacitors are coupled a summing node which provides a majority function of the inputs. The majority node is then coupled driver circuitry which can be any suitable logic gate such as a buffer, inverter, NAND gate, NOR gate, etc. In the multi-input majority or minority gates, the non-linear charge response from the non-linear input capacitors results in output voltages close to or at rail-to-rail voltage levels. Bringing the majority output close to rail-to-rail voltage eliminates the high leakage problem faced from majority gates formed using linear input capacitors.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for detecting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as well as for distinguishing relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) MS subtypes with high overall accuracy. Autoantibody antigens and biomarkers, for the diagnosis of MS in general, RRMS and SPMS, as well as for the identification of a subject at risk for developing MS, and for the generation of patient-specific MS autoantibody biomarker profiles are also provided.

Abstract: An installation tool assembly kit for a toilet, comprising an installation wrench and an installation nut, wherein the wrench is configured to be removably coupled to the nut via an upper aperture of the nut, the nut is configured to be threadingly coupled to a flange bolt via a lower aperture of the nut, and the nut upper aperture and nut lower aperture are concentrically aligned. The toilet may be a concealed trap, skirted toilet and/or a pressure-assist toilet.

Abstract: Highly spherical particles may comprise a thermoplastic polymer grafted to a carbon nanomaterial (CNM-g-polymer), wherein the particles have an aerated density of about 0.5 g/cm3 (preferably about 0.55 g/cm3) to about 0.8 g/cm3. Said CNM-g-polymer particles may be useful in a variety of applications including selective laser sintering additive manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A mount for securing an element such as a radar transceiver on a vehicle includes a bracket securable to a vehicle bumper or other component. A cover plate is securable to the vehicle component opposite the bracket, and fasteners are extended through the cover plate and the bracket to clamp the bracket and the cover plate against opposite sides of the vehicle component, with the radar transceiver or other element located between the cover plate and a base of the bracket. An alignment arrangement may be included to permit changes to the positioning of the radar transceiver or other element between the cover plate and the base of the bracket for proper transceiver alignment. A process of securing a radar transceiver or other element on a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to integrated systems, methods and apparatuses for assisting individuals in managing acute life-threatening conditions. A system in accordance with the current disclosure may comprise an electronic circuit configured to be attached to a container of a medication and one or more devices in communication with the electronic circuit in a private network. In an aspect, the one or more devices may work in concert to determine the safety level of an individual based on predetermined usage settings. In some aspects, the system may be configured to determine whether a medication would expire before its manufactured expiry date. In another aspect, the system may assist an individual in locating a medication. In a further aspect, the system may determine whether an individual is having an anaphylactic reaction. In some aspects, the system may detect a known allergen and alert the individual.

Abstract: A tire having a transponder comprises: a crown which has a crown reinforcement with an axial end at each edge, joined at each of its axial ends to a bead, which has an inner end, by a sidewall; a carcass reinforcement which is formed of adjacent first wires and is anchored in each bead around a spiral formed by second wires; the transponder comprising a core defining a first axis, a first cover wire helically wound around the core and an electrical insulation device; and the first cover wire comprising at least two conductive wire elements galvanically connected to an electronic chip comprising a radiofrequency transceiver component. The thickness of the elastomer mixture separating the outer cover wire, which is located furthest outwards from the first axis, and the reinforcements is greater than 0.5 millimeter.

Abstract: A leadless pacing device may include a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and one or more electrodes supported by the housing. The housing may include a body portion and a header. A distal extension may extend distally from the header of the housing, the distal extension including one or more electrodes. The header may include a guide wire port and a guide wire lumen may extend from the guide wire port through the header of the housing and through the distal extension. A fixation member may extend from the header of the housing. The header may be formed from an over mold process.

Abstract: A portable two-way protective respirator system to be worn by a person that filters ambient air of harmful viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminant particles and vapor components for safe and fresh breathing by the wearer, while also removing any harmful viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminant particles and vapor components from the person's exhaled airstream before it is emitted to the surrounding community to protect other persons therein is provided according to the invention. The system comprises a respirator mask connected by a flexible hose to an air inflow blower fan unit containing filter media that produces an incoming airstream for a first chamber contained inside the respirator mask free of those harmful contaminant particles and vapor components.