Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for evaluating entities for a target user, the method comprising obtaining, at a server computer, entity data from a plurality of data sources. The entity data is then stored in an entity database. The method further comprises merging the entity data from the plurality of data sources, mapping the entity data to a corresponding entity, and differentiating the entity. Then a relevance is determined associated with the entity data and data source. The method further comprises generating a set of entity evaluations to the target user using the relevance, determining a set of one or more entities relevant to the primary user based on the entity data, user data, and the relevance, with an initial order of relevance, and displaying, on a user device, the set of relevant entities to the target user in the order of relevance.

Abstract: A method for automatically provisioning data for an opaque blockchain based on prior consent includes: receiving a consent request including transaction criteria and at least two digital signatures, the first digital signature generated by a regulating entity and the second digital signature generated by a moderating entity in a blockchain network; validating the first and second digital signature; digitally signing the received consent request using a private key of a first cryptographic key pair; transmitting the digitally signed consent request to the regulating entity; receiving a query request from the regulating entity, the query request including an executable query; executing the executable query to identify transaction data for electronic transactions in compliance with the transaction criteria; and transmitting the identified transaction data to the regulating entity.

Abstract: A method for verification of a data value via a Merkle root includes: storing, in a memory of a processing server, a Merkle root; receiving at least a data value, a nonce, and a plurality of hash path values; generating a combined value by combining the data value and the nonce; generating a first hash value via application of a hashing algorithm to the combined value; generating a subsequent hash value via application of the hashing algorithm to a combination of the first hash value and a first of the plurality of hash path values; repeating generation of the subsequent hash value using a combination of the next hash path value of the plurality of hash path values and the most recent subsequent hash value; and verifying the data value based on a comparison of the Merkle root and the last generated subsequent hash value.

Abstract: A shingle assembly includes a panel that has a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge. An upper coupler is attached to and extends along the upper edge. A lower coupler is attached to and extends along the lower edge and snappily engages an upper coupler of another one of the shingle assemblies. A flange is integrally attached to and extends along the second lateral edge such that the flange and the panel form a unitary member. The flange extends laterally away from the panel. A lip is coextensive with and extends forwardly of an upper edge of the flange and inhibits water from wicking upwardly beyond the upper edge of the flange.

Abstract: Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.

Abstract: Various aspects include systems and methods for analyzing materials in additive manufacturing processes. In some cases, a system includes: an additive manufacturing (AM) printer for printing an AM object, the AM printer including a raw material chamber and a build chamber; a control system coupled with the AM printer configured to control the printing of the AM object; and a material analysis system coupled with the control system and the AM printer, the material analysis system configured to analyze a raw material obtained directly from at least one of the raw material chamber or the build chamber for a defect prior to, or contemporaneously with, additively manufacturing the AM component.

Abstract: A system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of reference members, an inspection system having a profiler device, and an additive manufacturing machine operatively coupled with the inspection system. A computer device scans the mounting plate with the profiler device to obtain position and orientation of the reference members and position and top surface profile data of any parts located on the mounting plate. A transmitting step transmits reference member position and orientation and part position and top surface profile data to the additive manufacturing machine. A detecting step detects mounting plate orientation and position inside the additive manufacturing machine. A combining step combines mounting plate orientation/position inside of the additive manufacturing machine and part position and top surface profile data to calculate a build path program for the additive manufacturing machine. A performing step performs a build process using the build path program to repair the parts.

Abstract: The invention discloses an oral care device (100) comprising a head portion (102) having a protuberance (104) for engaging an interproximal region within an oral cavity. The oral care device (100) also comprises at least one sensor (108) for acquiring motion data for the oral care device, and a processor (110). The processor is configured to determine when the protuberance of the head portion engages an interproximal region in the oral cavity; and determine, based on motion data acquired by the at least one sensor as the protuberance moves between interproximal regions, a position of the head portion of the oral care device in the oral cavity. An oral care system and a method of determining a position of an oral care device in an oral cavity are also disclosed.

Abstract: Light emitting displays and sound systems can be used in cinemas for cinema presentations that integrates a sound system to achieve the same or better immersive conditions in cinema theatres with front projection cinema screens. The screen can be active with light emitters, rather than passive and reflect light projected from a projector. Spaces are formed between adjacent light emitters in the display to allow for sound waves to pass from sound wave emitters positioned behind the screen to a cinema seating area in front of the screen. Loudspeakers may be positioned in the spaces. Diffusers or other structures may be positioned proximate to a front of the screen to facilitate visual performance. In addition or in the alternative, loudspeakers can be positioned in each seat of the viewing seating area that produce sound waves that appear to be coming from a non-seating location in the theatre.

Abstract: Improved techniques for facilitating emergency access to one or more contacts stored on a portable electronic device are disclosed. One or more contacts on the portable electronic device are designated as emergency contacts. While the portable electronic device is password-locked, a request to display the one or more emergency contacts on the password-locked portable electronic device is received. Without requiring a password, the one or more emergency contacts are displayed on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method for posting of auditable, immutable data to a blockchain includes: receiving a blockchain comprised of a plurality of blocks, each block being comprised of at least a block header and one or more transaction values, wherein each transaction value includes at least a transaction hash; receiving a data file associated with a specific transaction hash included in a block in the blockchain, wherein the data file includes one or more variables; modifying at least one of the one or more variables included in the data file; generating a new hash value via application of one or more hashing algorithms to the modified data file; generating a new transaction value based on at least the generated new hash value and the specific transaction hash; digitally signing the generated new transaction value; and electronically transmitting the signed new transaction value.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and are useful in the treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds as well as methods of using the compounds and compositions of the invention in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A layout and measurement tool for measuring and marking the edge of a piece of stock may have a first arm extending from a central portion in a horizontal plane and a second arm extending from the central portion in a vertical plane allowing for simultaneous measurement and marking of the top face of the stock piece and the side of the stock piece without the need to move or reposition the tool.

Abstract: A method for managing fractional reserves of blockchain currency includes: storing, in a first central account, a fiat amount associated with a fiat currency; storing, in a second central account, a blockchain amount associated with a blockchain currency; storing a plurality of account profiles, each profile including a fiat currency amount, blockchain currency amount, account identifier, and address; receiving a transaction message associated with a payment transaction, the message being formatted based on one or more standards and including a plurality of data elements, including a data element reserved for private use including a specific address and a transaction amount; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific address included in the data element in the received transaction message; and updating the blockchain currency amount included in the identified specific account profile based on the transaction amount included in the data element in the received transaction message.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices, systems, and methods that precisely identify a minimum of one predetermined spot which is hidden under a skin. The system comprises a locator device and corresponding implanted target device. The port locator device preferably comprises one magnet with north and south magnetic pole, a body and a suspending component. The body may utilize specific geometry which improves accuracy. The implanted target device may include at least one magnet and at least one target or a plurality of targets and at least one magnet. Various configurations can be provided that precisely identify a single spot or a plurality of spots which are hidden under a skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrode arrays that find use for rapid ablation of a target area of tissue in an organ and in particular to use of the electrode arrays to resect organs to coagulate tissue so that resection can be performed with minimal loss of blood. The target area may include a bulk area of tissue (such as a tumor) or organ (such as a kidney) or a defined target area within a tissue or organ (such as a linear strip, curved strip, cylindrical area, or other shape).

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for use for radio frequency ablation. The systems can include one or more of an ablation tool, power source for use with the ablation tool and a backstop for use in conjunction with the ablation tool during surgical procedures. Preferred ablation tools comprise a series of three or more blade-shaped electrodes disposed in a linear, curved, curvilinear or circular array. The backstops are useful for reducing direct physical and thermal heat transfer injuries to the patient or surgeon during procedures using radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.

Abstract: A system and method of determining and notifying a user when to replace a worn dental cleaning head (104), comprises receiving, from a sensor (106), at least one measured value; calculating, using the measured value, a burn metric of the dental cleaning head; modeling, using the burn metric, an estimated lifetime of the dental cleaning head; determining, from the lifetime model, whether the dental cleaning head is in need of replacement; and notifying the user upon determining that the dental cleaning head is in need of replacement.