Abstract: A specific type of organ health marker in a companion animal can be improved by adjusting the diet of the animal to increase the amount of a compound which positively or negatively modulates the specific type of organ health marker or adjusting the diet of the animal to decrease the amount of a compound which positively or negatively modulates the specific type of organ health marker. The specific type of organ health marker can be one or more of phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, or gamma-glutamyltransferase.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus including a plurality of network interfaces, including a first network interface and a second network interface. The apparatus also includes a processor with two or more independent processing units, including a first independent processing unit and a second independent processing unit. The apparatus further includes a memory having first instructions and second instructions stored thereon. Execution of the first instructions, cause the first independent processing unit to execute operations associated with a first operating system and communicate, via the first network interface, over a bi-direction communication, with one or more platform computing devices. Execution of the second instructions, cause the second independent processing unit to execute real-time operations associated with a second operating system and communicate, via the second network interface, with one or more computing devices each having one or more sensors thereon.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions for monitoring and analyzing nucleic acid hybridization state using L-DNA probes are described. The methods include adding L-DNA probes that can be fluorescently detected to a system including D-DNA. The L-DNA probes include primer, target, and antisense nucleotide sequences, and fluorescent dye compounds. The L-DNA probes are particularly useful for monitoring and analyzing various parameters during DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A method for executing a network command using synchronized timers. The method includes obtaining, by a first device, a first current time value from a first timer of the first device, determining, by the first device, a time-to-execute value based on the first current time value, sending, from the first device to a second device, a first network command message including the network command and the time-to-execute value, repetitively obtaining, by the second device, a second current time value from a second timer of the second device, comparing, by the second device and in response to receiving the first network command message, the second current time value to the time-to-execute value extracted from the first network command message, and executing, by the second device and in response to the second current time value matching the time-to-execute value, the network command, wherein the first timer and the second timer are synchronized.

Abstract: Techniques for secure mobile payment are provided. A credit or gift card is registered for additional security, such that a secure identifier or personal identification number (PIN) is required for use of the credit or gift card. Registration is not required or even known by the third-party payment service associated with the card. Subsequently, when a consumer attempts to use the card and before payment instructions are sent to the corresponding third-party payment service, the secure identifier or PIN is requested and verified. If properly verified, the payment instructions are forwarded for processing by the third-party payment service.

Abstract: A novel integrated heating, decorative, utilitarian, portable, convertible, storable, fire top barrel; used/new fermentation barrels; comprising of interior storage options, fuel pipelines, ventilation, lighting options, convertible burners, and side tables/accessory options for space adjustments and portability. Novel flexibility to adjust the fire barrel to fit the environment through removable side tables/counter/sill/accessories, and the flexibility to swap designs for events, seasons, or any occasion or occurrence. Novel adjustable top selection to fit environmental needs for design and use. Ease of control by external and/or internal options of fuel line valve controls. Choices on igniting system for adjustable cost options. Utilization of barrel size variation to accommodate travel/utility/use needs.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with the raw water ingress, permeate egress, and reject water egress. The reverse osmosis filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.

Abstract: In one aspect, a stove can include a first cover including a cavity, and a second cover including a cavity. The stove can include a main portion including a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion can define a first opening and the second end portion define a second opening. In a stowed configuration, the first end portion of the main portion can be disposed in the cavity of the first cover and the second end portion of the main portion can be disposed in the cavity of the second cover. In a deployed configuration, the second cover can be arranged so that the cavity of the second cover is facing in a downward direction away from the main portion.

Abstract: A three dimensional [3D] video signal is processed in a video device (50). The device has generating means (52) for generating an output signal for transferring the video data via a high-speed digital interface like HDMI to a 3D display, which selectively generate a 3D display signal for displaying the 3D video data on a 3D display operative in a 3D mode, a 2D display signal for displaying 2D video data on the 3D display operative in a 2D mode, or a pseudo 2D display signal by including 2D video data in the output signal for displaying the 2D video data on the 3D display operative in the 3D mode. Processing means (53) detect a request to display 2D video data on the 3D display, while the 3D display is operative in the 3D mode, and, in response to the detection, the generating means are set to generate the pseudo 2D display signal for maintaining the 3D mode of the 3D display.

Abstract: A computerized system for synchronously adjusting pricing displayed in online advertisements, comprising: a pricing logic module configured to determine a price for an item based on inputs, the pricing logic module configured to receive the information from at least one of an external dealer, manufacturer, and marketing service; and a deal investigator module configured to receive information from the dealer, the deal investigator module being configured to sort the information received from the dealer and to send the information to the pricing logic module, the system being configured to synchronously update pricing in online advertisements based on a price determined by the pricing logic module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for initial cell search and selection using beamforming are described. An apparatus is configured with multiple receive beams and includes an antenna and a processor. The processor is operatively coupled to the antenna and sweeps a respective one of the multiple receive beams during each of multiple synchronization sub-frames, using a pre-defined sweep time and dwell period, to detect a synchronization signal. The processor also obtains symbol timing information and a synchronization signal index from the detected synchronization signal. The obtained synchronization signal index corresponds to a synchronization signal index of the set. The process decodes a first broadcast channel using the obtained symbol timing information, the obtained synchronization signal index and a predefined or blind-coded symbol distance between the detected synchronization signal and the first broadcast channel.

Abstract: A MEMS laser scanner is disclosed for use in a near-eye display including an increased field of view (FOV). In embodiments, one or more polarization gratings may be applied to the mirror of the MEMS laser scanner, which polarization gratings may be configured according to the Bragg regime. Using light of different polarizations, the MEMS laser scanner is able to expand the FOV without increasing the range over which the mirror of the scanner oscillates.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a transmission system including a differential and an electrically powered heating device configured to selectively warm a differential fluid of the differential. The electrically powered heating device is selectively powered to warm the differential fluid.

Abstract: What is described is a compound of formula I consisting of a compound in which R1 is a branched chain alkyl consisting of 10 to 31 carbons; R2 is a linear alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl consisting of 2 to 20 carbons; L1 and L2 are the same or different, each a linear alkylene of 1 to 20 carbons or a linear alkenylene of 2 to 20 carbons; X1 is S or O; R3 is a linear or branched alkylene consisting of 1 to 6 carbons; and R4 and R5 are the same or different, each a hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl consisting of 1 to 6 carbons; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recording streaming audio and video by directing an incoming audio visual stream to a discrete memory region serving as a virtual display. The virtual display is configured with a section visible to the viewer and a section invisible to the viewer, wherein a streaming video is hidden from the user's display under all conditions. The user's browser is pre-loaded with hooks to redirect the video portion of the stream to the invisible section of the virtual memory wherein a video capture tool specifically designed to interact with the hooks can now recognize each function call, and intercept each frame as it is rendered in the GPU. Concurrently, the audio portion of the stream is remapped using an audio indexing application. The GPU framebuffers and audio sinks are multiplexed together and saved to disk. The file is immediately accessible for playback or copying.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of treating a subject with cancer are described. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with the dual characteristics or restoring function of the c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase in cancer cells and in also worsening sublethal lysosomal dysfunction, preferably in combination with an agent capable of making cancer cells more oxidized. The pharmaceutical composition can be administered with an additional therapeutic agent or agents such as an agent that represents an accepted standard of care for the treatment of a particular type being treated. The methods can be used for treating a wide variety of different kinds of cancers, such as brain tumors, breast cancers, melanomas, breast cancers and lymphomas.

Abstract: A pet food composition specifically formulated for a small dog can include a combination of specific amino acids and probiotics to maintain or increase absorption of amino acids. Methods of increasing absorption of amino acids are also provided.

Abstract: We disclose a microfabricated device for both extracting and preconcentrating samples for gas chromatography analysis. The device includes a conduit with at least two sections and multiple ports which may be connected to multiple gas chromatography columns. The inner surface of the conduit may be coated with multiple sorbents which bind volatile analytes with different affinities. The sections of the conduit may be divided by a thermal barrier which inhibits heat transfer between sections. Consequently, each section may be independently heated to encourage desorption of volatile analytes. The disclosed device separates and concentrates volatile analytes into different pools according to their chemical and physical properties before they enter a gas chromatography column that is optimized for that pool. The device reduces the amount of heat and time needed to perform gas chromatography analysis as well as avoids the need for purified gas sources typically used for the moving phase.

Abstract: A trench semiconductor device includes a layer of semiconductor material, an exterior trench pattern formed in the layer of semiconductor material, and an interior trench pattern formed in the layer of semiconductor material, at least partially surrounded by the exterior trench pattern. The exterior trench pattern includes a plurality of exterior trench portions that are each lined with dielectric material and filled with conductive material, and the interior trench pattern includes a plurality of interior trench portions that are each lined with dielectric material and filled with conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a syringe assembly comprising a hollow tubular syringe body, having a proximal end and a distal end, a plunger rod, axially movable in the syringe body between an initial position and a final position. The assembly also includes a support transversally stiff for supporting the plunger rod, the support having a distal end and a proximal end respectively transversally fixed to the syringe body and to the plunger rod, the proximal end of the support being movable with respect to the syringe body.