Abstract:
Corrosion control in reinforced concrete is generally disclosed. Some example embodiments may include concrete including aggregate, cement, and/or microcapsules distributed within the cement, where the individual microcapsules may include a high pH salt substantially contained within an acid-soluble shell. If the pH of the concrete decreases, the acid soluble shell may swell and/or dissolve, such as below a pH of about 11, which may release the high pH salt. The high pH salt may locally increase the pH of the concrete. By increasing the pH above about pH 11, corrosion of steel rebar may be prevented and/or reduced.
Abstract:
An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.
Abstract:
An example retaining ring removal tool includes a shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, and at least one tapered tab extending axially from the first end of the shaft at a radially outer perimeter of the shaft.
Abstract:
A directory assistance service includes a database and an interface module. The database stores a set of audio advertisements, and the audio advertisements are priced based on a tiered pricing model. The interface module is in communication with the database and receives a directory assistance request from a caller, plays the caller one or more audio advertisements from the database, and charges an advertiser for playing the audio advertisements based on the tiered pricing model.
Abstract:
This invention provides a method for reducing hypertropic scarring resulting from dermal wound healing in a subject in need which comprises administering to the subject an antisense oligonucleotide which inhibits expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in an amount effective to inhibit expression of CTGF and thereby reduce hypertrophic scarring.
Abstract:
A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a substrate including a semiconductor layer on a germanium-containing silicon layer and forming a gate structure on a surface of a channel portion of the semiconductor layer. Well trenches are etched into the semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the gate structure. The etch process for forming the well trenches forms an undercut region extending under the gate structure and is selective to the germanium-containing silicon layer. Stress inducing semiconductor material is epitaxially grown to fill at least a portion of the well trench to provide at least one of a stress inducing source region and a stress inducing drain region having a planar base.
Abstract:
An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple cartridges that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. The actuating device is removably attachable to an actuator arm on a proximal end. A staple applicator cartridge holder is attached to the actuator arm on a distal end. The staple applicator cartridge is mountable in the holder and having a plurality of slots for mounting of radioactive source staples therein. An anvil therein crimps the staples.
Abstract:
Analyte sensors having antioxidant protection are disclosed. By combining antioxidant and/or scavenger agents into polymer matrices that contain sensor moieties, the sensor moieties are protected from reactive oxygen species. Also disclosed are methods of making analyte sensors and methods of inhibiting oxidative degradation of sensing components in hydrated, polymerized analyte sensor systems.
Abstract:
A clot extraction catheter comprises an expandable tubular mesh, a tapered tip fixed to the tubular mesh distal end, a self-expanding rim attached to the tubular mesh proximal end, at least three control wires, an inner sheath, and an outer sheath advancable over the inner sheath. To extract a clot, the catheter is advanced through the clot. The inner sheath is retracted relative to the control wires and the tubular mesh, allowing the rim and the tubular mesh to expand. The tubular mesh is retracted to capture the clot, closed once the clot is captured, constrained proximally by the distal portion of the inner sheath, and retracted with the inner sheath into the outer sheath. The control wires may be manipulated to control the angle of the rim relative to the longitudinal axis of the sheaths, facilitating clot capture and retraction of the tubular mesh into the sheaths thereafter.