Abstract:
A method and apparatus include a primary transformer coil, a secondary transformer coil, and a center tapped inductor coupled to the secondary transformer coil. A first switch may be in electrical communication with the center tapped inductor and may be configured to affect the first output voltage. A second switch may be in electrical communication with the center tapped inductor and may be configured to affect the second output voltage. In a particular example with an analog current (AC) output voltage, the two output voltages are out of phase to each other. In a direct current (DC) implementation, the transformer may be operated to output a positive and a negative output voltage. The apparatus may function as a resonant converter, or may operate in non-resonant mode. In one implementation, an H bridge may provide reactive power support. An inductor filter may be in electrical communication with the secondary transformer coil. Where desired, a diode bridge may be in electrical communication with the primary transformer coil.
Abstract:
An apparatus for coaptation of first and second severed nerve segments. The apparatus includes a plurality of nerve-engaging features or coupling members that each connect to another coupling member to form coupling pairs. The coupling pairs are advantageously movable relative to each other to permit nerve swelling, inhibit nerve compression, and facilitate delivery of pharmaceutical agents.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides a method of modifying thin film composite membrane support structures. In particular, the disclosure provides method of modifying thin film composite membrane support structures with poly(dopamine) for use with engineered osmosis applications.
Abstract:
An interventional photoacoustic imaging system and method for cancer treatment comprises an optical source for applying laser energy to optically excite a treatment area, a needle, ablation tool or catheter for inserting the optical source into a body of a patient adjacent the treatment area, and an ultrasonic transducer for detecting the acoustic waves. A processor receives the raw data from the ultrasound system and processes it to thereby form a photoacoustic image of the tissue in real time. As such, image formation may be performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.
Abstract:
Provided herein are nucleic acid constructs and methods for producing or enhancing the production of group II intron RNP particles in eukaryotic cells. The present methods comprise introducing at least one nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleic acid encoding a modified or wild type group II intron RNA and a wild-type or modified group II intron-encoded protein into the eukaryotic cell, and maintaining the cell under conditions that allow for expression of the group II intron RNA and the group II intron-encoded protein in the cell. The nucleic acid encoding the group II intron RNA is operably linked to an RNA polymerase I, an RNA polymerase II, or an RNA polymerase III promoter, and the nucleic acid encoding the group II intron-encoded protein is operably linked to an RNA polymerase II promoter. In certain embodiments, a subcellular localization signal is attached to the group II intron-encoded protein.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus include an n-doped layer having a first applied charge, and a p - -doped layer having a second applied charge. The p - -doped layer may be positioned below the n-doped layer. A p + -doped buffer layer may have a third applied charge and be positioned below the p - -doped layer. The respective charges at each layer may be determined based on a dopant level and a physical dimension of the layer. In one example, the n-doped layer, the p - -doped layer, and the p + -doped buffer layer comprise a lateral semiconductor manufactured from silicon carbide (SiC).
Abstract:
Method and apparatus include a circuit having a duty cycle and interleaving modulation configured to realize high density and efficient energy transfer. The circuit may efficiently achieve higher step-down voltage ratios with fewer electrical components. For example, as few as seven electrical devices, such as switches and diodes, may be used to realize at least a four-to-one conversion ratio. The high density of the circuit is advantageous to meet shrinking space demands. A modulator may interleave signals sent to the electrical components (e.g., switching devices via driver circuitry). The driver signals may include a duty cycle of l/(nc+l), where nc is (n-l)/3, and n is the number of devices.
Abstract:
A method for facilitating the avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object includes the following steps: a) providing a neural network, b) evolving a good driver, c) evolving a crash predictor, and d) outputting a graded warning signal.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods of disrupting DNA substrates in eukaryotic cells and methods of introducing exogenous polynucleotides into target sites in the DNA substrates In certain embodiments the methods comprise introducing a purified group II intron ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle into the host cell. In certain embodiments the method comprises introducing a group II intron RNP particle and a DNA construct comprising an exogenous polynucleotide flanked by sequences that are homologous to sequences that flank the target site in the endogenous DNA substrate. In certain embodiments, the methods also involve introducing magnesium ions into the eukaryotic cells.
Abstract:
Compositions for treating a wellbore include an exothermic additive capable of initiating an exothermic event following contact with a carrier fluid. The exothermic additive can have a coating that delays the exothermic event after contact with the carrier fluid. Methods disclosed herein include emplacing a fluid loss treatment composition in an interval of a wellbore, the fluid loss treatment including: a metallic fluid loss additive; an exothermic additive; and a carrier fluid; and reacting the exothermic additive to initiate an increase in temperature m the interval of the wellbore above a melting point of the metallic fluid loss additive; and converting the metallic fluid loss additive to a molten fluid loss additive; and treating the interval of the wellbore with the molten fluid loss additive.