Abstract: A distraction frame includes a table mount for removably mounting the distraction frame to a surgical table; at least one horizontal strut mounted to the table mount; at least one vertical strut mounted to the at least one horizontal strut; and at least one distractor mounted to the at least one vertical strut, wherein the at least one distractor is configured for connection to a limb of a patient and for applying a distraction force to the limb of the patient; wherein the table mount comprises at least one wheel for selectively supporting the table mount above the floor and the at least one horizontal strut comprises at least one caster for selectively rollably supporting the at least one horizontal strut on the floor so that the distraction frame can be selectively moved to the surgical table supported by the at least one wheel and the at least one caster.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for adapting settings/operations of a remote microphone device associated with an auditory prosthesis based on a desired/preferred listening direction of a recipient of the auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis worn by a recipient and a remote microphone device, which are configured to wirelessly communicate with one another, are both positioned in the same spatial area. At least one of a recipient-specified (e.g., recipient-preferred) region of interest within the spatial area, or a recipient-specified listening direction, is determined. Based on a determined relative positioning (e.g., location and orientation) of the remote microphone device and the auditory prosthesis, operation of the remote microphone device is dynamically adapted so that the remote microphone device can focus on (e.g., have increased sensitivity to) sounds originating from the recipient-specified region of interest/listening direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions for producing immediate and sustained immunity to infectious viral and bacteriological pathogens. A univalent immunogenic composition is disclosed comprising an isolated antigen and a polynucleotide formulated into a nanoparticle or liposome. Furthermore, multivalent immunogenic compositions are disclosed comprising multiple univalent immunogenic compositions. Also disclosed, are methods of inducing protective or therapeutic immune responses in individuals comprising administering one or more univalent immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present application provides novel heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also provided are methods for preparing these compounds. These compounds are useful for inhibiting ERK1/2. By administering to a patient in need a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the compounds of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z, J, M, and R1 to R8 are defined herein, these compounds are effective in treating conditions associated with dysregulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. A variety of conditions can be treated using these compounds and include diseases which are characterized by abnormal cellular proliferation. In one embodiment, the disease is cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of amplifying and detecting biothreat pathogens in complex samples (e.g., blood), as well as related panels and compositions (e.g., systems, cartridges, and kits).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of amplifying and detecting pathogens and drug resistance markers (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes) in complex samples (e.g., blood), as well as related panels and compositions (e.g., primers, probes, magnetic particles, systems, cartridges, and kits). The methods, panels, and compositions can be used for comprehensive detection of pathogens and drug resistance markers for patient identification, patient selection, optimization of therapies, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of detecting and sequencing target nucleic acids in complex samples (e.g., blood), as well as related panels and compositions (e.g., systems, cartridges, and kits).

Abstract: A modular solution mining method may include the steps of: providing an injection wellbore, the injection wellbore including a horizontal injection portion, in which the horizontal injection portion includes a toe end and heel end; providing a production wellbore, in which the production wellbore includes a horizontal production portion that is proximate to the toe end; injecting a solvent into the horizontal injection portion; generating a turbulent solvent flow proximate to the toe end to generate a mineral solution and an initial cavern proximate to the horizontal production portion; and motivating the mineral solution from the initial cavern, into the horizontal production portion, and to a surface location. Optionally, the method may include the step of repositioning the turbulent solvent flow to be closer to heel ends to generate mineral solution and subsequent caverns further from horizontal production wellbore.

Abstract: A polymeric scaffold useful for conjugating with a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) to form a PBRM-polymer-drug conjugate is described herein. The scaffold includes one or more terminal maleimido groups. Also disclosed is a PBRM-polymer-drug conjugate prepared from the scaffold. Compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of detecting or determining aging and/or oxidative damage in tissue, including placental tissue, skin, kidney and brain tissue. One embodiment provides a method for detecting or determining aging in body tissue, comprising measuring one or more markers of aldehyde oxidase 1 (AOX1) expression or activity in a biological sample, wherein the level of AOX1 expression or activity, or of the one or more markers, is indicative of aging in the tissue. Also provided herein are methods of treating a disease or condition associated with ageing or oxidative damage in one or more cells or tissues, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an inhibitor of AOX1.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving an acceleration electrode of a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The drive unit includes a power converter comprising a switching element and pulsing circuitry that can form output pulses suitable for driving an acceleration electrode of a mass spectrometer. The drive unit also includes a controller that is configured to synchronise operation of the switching element with the pulsing circuitry.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving an acceleration electrode of a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The drive unit includes a power converter comprising a switching element and pulsing circuitry that can form output pulses suitable for driving an acceleration electrode of a mass spectrometer. The drive unit also includes a controller that is configured to synchronise operation of the switching element with the pulsing circuitry.

Abstract: A bulk material handling method includes: a) receiving and pneumatically conveying bulk material via pressurized dilute phase, dense phase, and/or hybrid dilute/dense phase, and/or vacuum drawn conveyance into bulk material containers (a112, c276); b) storing the bulk material in the containers (a112, c276); c) dispensing the bulk material from the containers (a112, c276) into a bulk material transporter (b100); d) transporting the transporter (b100) from the containers to a bulk material transmitting vessel (d240); and e) discharging the bulk material from the transporter (b100) into the transmitting vessel (d240), including releasing the bulk material from the transporter (b100) into the transmitting vessel (d240), and pneumatically transmitting the bulk material out of the transmitting vessel (d240) to downstream bulk material processing equipment. Discharging also may include rejecting the bulk material from the transporter (b100) to a waste container (W).

Abstract: A node in a power distribution system is described. The node includes an electrical connection to a single-phase power signal from an AC mains power source, a wireless communication interface configured to receive a first phase synchronization message, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether the first phase synchronization message is acceptable and detect a zero-crossing event on the single phase power signal subsequent to the receipt of the first phase synchronization message in response to determining that the first phase synchronization message is acceptable. The controller is further configured to calculate a time difference between the receipt of the first phase synchronization signal and the detected zero-crossing event, determine a local phase angle based on the time difference, and establish an identity of the single phase power signal based on the local phase angle.

Abstract: Systems for determining a phase of a device coupled to an electrical distribution system. The system includes a number of gateway devices configured to transmit a synchronization signal. The gateway device receives a node response message from a first node device that includes a duration value indicating a time between a receipt of the transmitted synchronization signal and a detected zero crossing. The gateway device compares the duration value against duration values received from node devices with a known phase connection and determines a phase of the first node device based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present application provides novel heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also provided are methods for preparing these compounds. These compounds are useful for inhibiting ERK1/2. By administering to a patient in need a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the compounds of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z, J, M, and R1 to R8 are defined herein, these compounds are effective in treating conditions associated with dysregulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. A variety of conditions can be treated using these compounds and include diseases which are characterized by abnormal cellular proliferation. In one embodiment, the disease is cancer.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for adapting settings/operations of a remote microphone device associated with an auditory prosthesis based on a desired/preferred listening direction of a recipient of the auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis worn by a recipient and a remote microphone device, which are configured to wirelessly communicate with one another, are both positioned in the same spatial area. At least one of a recipient-specified (e.g., recipient-preferred) region of interest within the spatial area, or a recipient-specified listening direction, is determined. Based on a determined relative positioning (e.g., location and orientation) of the remote microphone device and the auditory prosthesis, operation of the remote microphone device is dynamically adapted so that the remote microphone device can focus on (e.g., have increased sensitivity to) sounds originating from the recipient-specified region of interest/listening direction.

Abstract: A cable for transmitting electricity may include a core including a first conductive material, a core shield surrounding the core, an insulation layer surrounding the core shield, the insulation layer comprising a material providing electrical insulating properties, an insulation shield surrounding the insulation layer; and at least one of the following at least partially surrounding the insulation shield: (a) a bedding layer including a first semi-conductive material, (b) a tape layer including a metallic tape intercalated with an insulating tape, and (c) a protection layer.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving an acceleration electrode of amass spectrometer is disclosed. The drive unit includes a power converter comprising a switching element and pulsing circuitry that can form output pulses suitable for driving an acceleration electrode of amass spectrometer. The drive unit also includes a controller that is configured to synchronise operation of the switching element with the pulsing circuitry.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for adapting settings/operations of a remote microphone device associated with an auditory prosthesis based on a desired/preferred listening direction of a recipient of the auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis worn by a recipient and a remote microphone device, which are configured to wirelessly communicate with one another, are both positioned in the same spatial area. At least one of a recipient-specified (e.g., recipient-preferred) region of interest within the spatial area, or a recipient-specified listening direction, is determined. Based on a determined relative positioning (e.g., location and orientation) of the remote microphone device and the auditory prosthesis, operation of the remote microphone device is dynamically adapted so that the remote microphone device can focus on (e.g., have increased sensitivity to) sounds originating from the recipient-specified region of interest/listening direction.