Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of a connection between a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component may each comprise a tubular component. Additionally, the second component is secured to the first component via a coupler which is constructed to establish a hydraulic chamber between the coupler and at least one of the first component and the second component. Application of hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber causes a desired preloading of the first component and the second component across the connection.

Abstract: A new and distinct Spiraea cultivar named ‘SMSJMLA’ is disclosed, characterized by a uniquely dwarf, dense plant habit, dark foliage and dark ink flowers. Plants have a strong flowering habit. The new variety is a Spiraea, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Spiraea cultivar named ‘SMSJMLG’ is disclosed, characterized by a uniquely dwarf, dense plant habit, light green foliage and medium pink flowers. Plants have a strong flowering habit. The new variety is a Spiraea, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: In some examples, a system includes a color cluster learning engine and a color recognition engine. The color cluster learning engine may be configured to obtain a set of training images, process the training images to obtain clusters of pixel colors for the training images, identify learned color clusters from the clusters of pixel colors obtained from the training images, and label the learned color clusters with color indicators. The color recognition engine may be configured to receive an input image for color identification, process the input image to obtain a particular cluster of pixel colors that covers the highest number of pixels in the input image, match the particular cluster to a particular learned color cluster labeled with a particular color indicator, and identify a color of the input image as specified by the particular color indicator.

Abstract: A new and distinct Viburnum cultivar named ‘SMNVODR’ is disclosed, characterized by strong rusty red/orange new growth and bright yellow-green mature foliage. Plants are compact with strong basal branching with foliage resistant to leaf burn in the full sun. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Viburnum cultivar named ‘SMNVDMDO’ is disclosed, characterized by abundant distinctively orange fruits. Plants have strong, vigorous growth and flower abundantly in containers, producing full plants with good flower coverage. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Viburnum cultivar named ‘SMNVPTFD’ is disclosed, characterized by a distinctive low growing, prostrate plant habit. Plants produce large, showy white flowers. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is provided in a high sub-atmospheric pressure region of an ion source, between an ionization chamber and a vacuum region of a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or an ion mobility-mass spectrometer. The electrode assembly is spaced at a distance from an outlet of an ion transfer device. A voltage source imparts a potential difference between the ion transfer device and the electrode assembly to accelerate ions emitted from the outlet to a collision energy. The collision energy is effective to cause collisional heating of ions in the high sub-atmospheric pressure region without voltage breakdown. The collision energy may be set to cause unfolding of folded biomolecular ions and/or dissociation of ions.

Abstract: Force modules and assemblies for use in orthodontic corrections include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, biasing member (e.g. spring), and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The biasing member is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force, which provides a desired corrective force. The outer body, plunger, biasing member, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire. Various connectors for coupling an orthodontic force module to a buccal tube portion of a molar bracket are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is provided in a high sub-atmospheric pressure region of an ion source, between an ionization chamber and a vacuum region of a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer, an ion mobility spectrometer, or an ion mobility-mass spectrometer. The electrode assembly is spaced at a distance from an outlet of an ion transfer device. A voltage source imparts a potential difference between the ion transfer device and the electrode assembly to accelerate ions emitted from the outlet to a collision energy. The collision energy is effective to cause collisional heating of ions in the high sub-atmospheric pressure region without voltage breakdown. The collision energy may be set to cause unfolding of folded biomolecular ions and/or dissociation of ions.

Abstract: Orthodontic force modules and assemblies for use in correcting class II and/or class III malocclusions include an elongate hollow outer body extending between proximal and distal ends, a plunger, spring, and push rod. The plunger and push rod are slidably received within different ends of the hollow outer body. The spring is positioned within the hollow outer body and provides an expansion force which provides a desired corrective force. The outer body, plunger, spring, and push rod can be configured in a telescoping relationship in order for the components to be telescopically compressed and expanded during use. The distal end can include a bendable pin or latch mechanism for attachment to a buccal tube. The push rod can include a hook, hole, or slot for attachment to an archwire. Various connectors for coupling an orthodontic force module to a buccal tube portion of a molar bracket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Lagerstroemia cultivar named ‘SMLIPINK102’ is disclosed, characterized by vibrant pink blooms, appearing early in the season. Plants have a compact stature and are very floriferous. The new variety is a Lagerstroemia, normally used for ornamental horticulture purposes.

Abstract: A new and distinct Potentilla cultivar named ‘SMPFMY’ is disclosed, characterized by, good mildew resistance, large, strong yellow flowers and continuous blooming. The new variety is a Potentilla, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘HMUPSI’ is disclosed, characterized by a vibrant mophead inflorescence and strong re-blooming characteristics. Plants are semi-dwarf, compact and bloom on both old and new wood Flowering stems are exceptionally strong. The new variety is a Hydrangea, normally produced as an ornamental plant for containers or gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Viburnum plant named ‘SMNVPTFD’ is disclosed, characterized by a distinctive low growing, prostrate plant habit. Plants produce large, showy white flowers. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Viburnum plant named ‘SMNVDMDO’ is disclosed, characterized by abundant distinctively orange fruits. Plants have strong, vigorous growth and flower abundantly in containers, producing full plants with good flower coverage. The new variety is a Viburnum normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Syringa cultivar named ‘SMNSHBBL’ is disclosed, characterized by sweet scented, large, double violet-blue flowers arranged on large panicles. Plants have a good resistance to mildew. The new variety is a Syringa normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Syringa cultivar named ‘SMNJRPI’ is disclosed, characterized by distinctive pink flowers on plants with re-blooming characteristics. The new variety is a Syringa normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Syringa cultivar named ‘SMNJRPU’ is disclosed, characterized by sweet scented, purple flowers. Plants are dwarf and compact with re-blooming characteristics. The new variety is a Syringa normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘SMNHSDD’ is disclosed, characterized by a large lace-cap inflorescence, and double individual flowers. Flowers are blue in the presence of aluminum. Plants are re-blooming. The new variety is a Hydrangea, normally produced as an ornamental plant for containers or gardens.