Abstract: Methods for reconstructing a joint include fixating at least one suture inside a joint space, retrieving the at least one suture from inside the joint space, passing the at least one suture through a graft at a location external to the joint space, shuttling the graft into the joint space, and fixating the graft to bone using the at least one suture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing qualitative responses from a plurality of user devices whereby a selection of a next thought object, to deliver to a first user device, may be based on a plurality of qualitative responses received from a plurality of user devices. In a preferred embodiment, a thought object selection computer may compute the selection by determining a filtered set of thought objects by custom selection. In some embodiments, if the quantity of the filtered set of thought objects is greater than a pre-configured amount the selection may be computed by randomly selecting a subset of the filtered set of thought objects. Further filtering the filtered set of thought objects by determining one or more least seen thought objects, and selecting a most diverse thought object, updating the filtered set of thought objects and sending the filtered set of thought objects to the first user device.

Abstract: A photonic structure can include in one aspect one or more waveguides formed by patterning of waveguiding material adapted to propagate light energy. Such waveguiding material may include one or more of silicon (single-, poly-, or non-crystalline) and silicon nitride.

Abstract: Item movement is determined via wireless tracking using RFID data from at least one RFID reader. The RFID data associates RFID tag information with each antenna of the RFID reader that receives the tag information. At least one processer is configured to identify a first appearance of unique tag information in the RFID data. Items may be grouped when their first appearance in RFID data and their antenna association indicates that they first appear in a location within a predetermined amount of time, as indicated by RFID data, and/or when they have all moved from a previous location within a predetermined amount of time, as indicated by different RFID data. A group designation comprises the relevant unique tag information, which may be stored in memory along with a time stamp.

Abstract: A process for the transesterification of methyl-2-ethylhexanoate with triethylene glycol to produce triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate is provided. In the process, methyl-2-ethylhexanoate is combined with triethylene glycol to form a first mixture. The first mixture is heated in the presence of a catalyst to form a second mixture comprising methanol and triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate. Methanol is separated from the second mixture to yield triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate. Na2CO3, Cs2CO3, K2CO3, Rb2CO3, sodium methoxide or titanium isopropoxide are suitable catalysts.

Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a pulse generator comprising a housing, electrodes, and circuitry configured to deliver cardiac pacing via the electrodes. The IMD may further include a lead including at least one of the electrodes, an elongate body, a fixation helix, and a connector segment. A width of the helix transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lead is greatest at a distal end of the helix. A proximal end of the elongate body may be connected to a distal end of the pulse generator, and the helix may be attached to a distal end of the elongate body. The pulse generator may include a first connector tab. A distal end of the connector segment may be configured to receive the proximal end of the elongate body and a proximal end of the connector segment may include at least one second connector member configured to engage the first connector tab.

Abstract: Described herein is a beverage system that is configured to produce beverages having different characteristics, such as different levels of carbonation including producing substantially non-carbonated beverages and carbonated beverages with a single machine. The beverage system includes a beverage appliance and a beverage container. The beverage container includes a beverage material, which can include a flavoring ingredient for a target beverage. The beverage appliance is used to access the beverage material from the beverage container and produce the target beverage. The beverage appliance and beverage container are adaptable to produce the target beverage having any of a range of carbonation levels or other characteristics.

Abstract: A magnetic data recording element for magnetic random access memory data recording. The magnetic data recording element includes a magnetic tunnel junction element that includes a magnetic reference layer, a magnetic free layer and a non-magnetic barrier layer located between the non-magnetic reference layer and the magnetic free layer. The magnetic free layer includes a layer of Hf that causes the magnetic free layer to have an increased perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This increased perpendicular magnetic anisotropy improves data retention and increases thermal stability, by preventing the magnetization of the magnetic free layer from inadvertently losing its magnetic orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an off-road vehicle comprising a frame, including at least one cargo box support member, a suspension movably coupled to the frame, a passenger compartment, an engine, a transmission operatively coupled to the engine, and a cargo box. The cargo box includes a floor and a plurality of upwardly extending sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of the cargo box floor extends over the at least one cargo box support member and wherein the cargo box is removably coupled to the at least one cargo box support members and is removable from the off-road vehicle via the removal of fewer than eight fasteners.

Abstract: A method for performing a biological experiment includes accessing a protocol that specifies operations and prescribes a plurality of conditions for carrying out the biological experiment in a defined space. The method includes performing the sequence of operations according to the protocol; and periodically before or as the sequence of operations are performed, obtaining observations of particular conditions of the plurality, and comparing the particular conditions as observed to the particular conditions as prescribed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adapting user interfaces based on gold standards are proposed. According to certain embodiments, a gold standard is determined based on usage of a software application and other detected factors. Based on the gold standard, at least in part, a user interface is adapted to provide an improved experience for the user of the adaptive user interface.

Abstract: A system includes simulated virtual users that are generated to register for personal email accounts. The virtual users are generated using behavior, demographic, and sociographic profiles. The email accounts receive and interact with email using a server and a simulator according to profile data for the simulated virtual users. The interactions are monitored to determine and simulate deliverability and other information for the personal email accounts. Further, the server and simulator are specific to a certain country or location to act as users in those locations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of manipulating colon tissue of a patient includes a body having a firing mechanism, a shaft assembly, and an end effector operatively connected to the firing mechanism via the shaft assembly. The end effector is configured to receive a cartridge selectively actuated by the selective manipulation of the firing mechanism. A distal end portion of the end effector includes a first end, a second end laterally opposite the first end, and a distal crest laterally positioned between the first and second ends that projects distally beyond the first and second ends. The distal end portion also includes an arcuate distal surface extending along the distal with a radius of curvature configured to be received against the pelvic bowl of the patient to position the end effector relative to colon tissue for manipulating the colon tissue with the cartridge.

Abstract: A solid production system for producing a solid on demand is provided herein. In some aspects, the solid-production system includes a solid ejector arranged to loosen a solid in each of one or more fluid molds indexed into an ejection position relative to the solid ejector, the one or more fluid molds including a bottom surface and side surfaces extending therefrom, wherein the solid ejector is actuatable so as to be urged into contact with and to apply pressure to at least one of the side surfaces of the fluid mold indexed into the ejection position so as to loosen the solid within the fluid mold in preparation for dispensing the solid from the fluid mold.

Abstract: Provided is a modular adapter for a firearm receiver that has a standardized threaded socket for mounting a tubular extension or stock support. The adapter includes a base plug configured to threadably engage the threaded socket of a receiver and a modular adaption element attached to the base plug and against a rear surface of the receiver. The adaption element presents an attachment means for attaching an accessory, such as a stock, to the adaption element.

Abstract: A process for making methyl esters in high yields is provided. The process comprises contacting aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes and methanol with an iron catalyst, to catalyze the dehydrogenative coupling between aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes and methanol. The reaction is highly selective (<99.9%) toward the formation of methyl esters over homoesters and alcohols and operates at temperatures of less than 100° C. for 2-8 hours.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of manipulating tissue of a patient includes a body having a firing mechanism configured to be selectively manipulated by an operator, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly and configured to receive a cartridge for manipulating tissue of a patient. The end effector includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a gap between the distal and proximal end portions, and a guide pin. The guide pin extends from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion and is connected thereto. Thereby, the guide pin is configured to secure the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion and inhibit deflection of the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion.

Abstract: A process for making methyl esters in high yields. The process comprises contacting aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes and methanol with a homogeneous dimeric ruthenium catalyst, to catalyze the dehydrogenative coupling between aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes and methanol. The reaction is highly selective (<99.9%) toward the formation of methyl esters over homoesters and alcohols and operates at temperatures of less than 100° C. for 2-8 hours.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by restoring an ASD patient's gut microbiota. These methods can be used with ASD patient with or without ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. Provided here is a method for ASD treatment in a subject in need thereof comprising or consisting essentially of administering a therapeutic composition comprising a fecal microbe or a fecal microbiota preparation to the subject. Also provided here is a method comprises administering an antibiotic to a human subject; subjecting the human subject to a bowel cleanse; and administering purified fecal microbiota to the human subject. Further provided are evaluation and quantitative characterization of patient symptom improvements upon treatment described here.

Abstract: A photonic structure can include in one aspect one or more waveguides formed by patterning of waveguiding material adapted to propagate light energy. Such waveguiding material may include one or more of silicon (single-, poly-, or non-crystalline) and silicon nitride.