Abstract:
A solid concentrate is provided having a combination of a transition metal present in an amount ranging from 1000 to 40,000 ppm (weight by metal) and a polyester polymer present in an amount of at least 40 wt. % based on the weight of the concentrate. Concentrates made with highly modified polyester polymers are easy to compound with transition metals forming less brittle polymer upon melt extrusion. Bottle preforms and oxygen scavenging bottles can be made from these concentrates by combining solid polyester particles, solid polyamide particles, and solid these concentrate particles c into an melt processing zone, forming a melt, and forming an article directly from the melt. The b* color and the L* color and the haze levels of the preforms are improved over the preforms made with liquid carriers instead of solid concentrates. The particles are also advantageously simultaneously dried in a drying zone under conditions effective to at least partially remove moisture from the blend to thereby further improve the b* color and L* color.
Abstract:
The immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein BiP(GRP78), or a fragment thereof, provides a reagent for indicating the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The protein used is a recombinant BiP(GRP78) having a defined sequence. A prognostic and/or diagnostic test for RA may be an ELISA or a Western Blot that utilizes the BiP(GRP78) protein or a fragment thereof. Also disclosed are a method of testing for RA using BiP(GRP78) or a cDNA sequence coding therefor. Further disclosed is a method of treating RA by the BiP(GRP78) protein or corresponding cDNA.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system uses an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real-world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architected around a linked list activity table utilized to manage and control the system.
Abstract:
A deflection mechanism for selectively inducing a bend in a catheter body includes an elongated deflection wire extending within a deflection lumen of the catheter body and into a handle. A guide track is formed within the handle and a thumb wheel is mounted proximal to the elongated guide track within the handle and supports a pinion gear; the thumb wheel and the pinion gear are adapted to be rotated about a common thumb wheel axis, which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A rack arm extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the handle and includes runners received by the guide track, an attachment point coupling the deflection wire to the rack arm and a linear rack engaging the pinion gear. Rotation of the thumb wheel in a first direction draws the deflection wire proximally through the deflection lumen.
Abstract:
According to the present invention, a catheter having at least one multi-purpose lumen formed through the catheter terminates proximal a relatively complex-shaped distal portion thereof. In one form of this embodiment, the relatively complex-shaped distal portion comprises a looped portion having diagnostic- and/or ablation-type electrodes coupled thereto and an elongated diameter-adjusting member coupled proximal the distal end of the looped portion. The multi-purpose lumen may be used to alternately accommodate a variety of dedicated materials; such as, (i) a guide wire for initial deployment or later repositioning of the catheter, (ii) a volume or flow of a contrast media and the like, (iii) a deployable hollow needle or tube and the like used to biopsy adjacent tissue or dispense a therapeutic agent into a volume of tissue, and (iv) a cooling fluid, such as saline solution and the like dispensed at least during therapeutic tissue ablation procedures.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system includes tools for analysis and display of a presentation as it is presented.
Abstract:
12A high temperature gas turbine component includes an inner core made of a monolithic ceramic material embedded within an outer CMC shell. The inner core may be formed with a through hole, blind hole, wear pads and the like. A method of making the bushing includes the steps of a) forming an inner core of silicon nitride or silicon carbide; and b) applying a ceramic matrix composite material over substantially all of the inner core.
Abstract:
A method of operating a gas turbine having inner and outer shells, with the inner shell being radially movable relative to rotor bucket tip passage in the inner shell for flowing a thermal medium. A pair of passage portions are formed in each of the aft and forward inner shell sections with axially communicating passageways between the passage portions. A thermal medium, preferably from an off-turbine site, is provided for flow through the second-stage aft inner shell section, along axial passageways along the mid-line of the inner shell to a first passage portion of the forward inner shell section. Cross-over paths flow the thermal medium from the first passage portions to second circumferentially extending passage portions of the forward inner shell section, in turn, in communication with axial passageways extending from the forward section to the aft section. A second pair of passage portions flow the thermal medium to an outlet in the aft section. By controlling the temperature of the thermal medium for flow through the aft and forward sections of the inner shell, the clearance between the shrouds and the tips of the buckets for at least the first and second stages of the turbine is controllably adjusted.
Abstract:
A system including an attachment device having a body with a hollow, axially oriented core and a radially outwardly extending flange coupled to the core. The body has an opening configured to receive a fastener therethrough, and the core has a plurality of slots formed therein. The core is configured such that at least about 20% of a perimeter of at least one location along a length of the core is defined by the slots.