Abstract: A sensory system (10, 100) for improving and/or restoring sensation to a foot or hand of a patient. The system (10, 100) includes at least one force sensor (12, 102) implanted subcutaneously within a finger or palm of a hand or on a plantar surface of a foot of a patient and a base unit (18, 104) that is worn externally by the patient or is implanted subcutaneously in the patient. The force sensor (12, 102) is configured to transmit wireless communication signals to the base unit (18, 104) in response to and concerning forces sensed by the force sensor, and base unit (18, 104) is configured to apply peripheral nerve stimulation based on the wireless communication signals received from the force sensor (12) or to transmit the sensory data to a separate neural implant (106). The force sensor (12, 102) transmits the wireless communication signals to the base unit (18, 104) by magnetic human body communication (mHBC).

Abstract: A copper electroplating solution comprising a copper salt, a source of halide ions, and a linear or branched polyhydroxyl. The copper electroplating solution is used to deposit copper having a high density of nanotwinned columnar copper grains on a substrate. The linear or branched polyhydroxyl may comprise a reaction product between 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol and aminic alcohol or ammonium alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods useful for error correction of nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, a first plurality of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide mismatch are fragmented by exposure to a molecule having unidirectional mismatch endonuclease activity. The nucleic acid molecules are cut at the mismatch site or near the mismatch site, leaving a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule having a mismatch at the end or near end of the molecule. The nucleic acid molecule is then exposed to a molecule having unidirectional exonuclease activity to remove the mismatched nucleotide. The missing nucleotides can then be filled in by the action of, e.g., a molecule having DNA polymerase activity. The result is double-stranded nucleic acid molecules with a decreased frequency of nucleotide mismatches.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for compressing plasma are described in which plasma pressures above the breaking point of solid material can be achieved by injecting a plasma into a funnel of liquid metal in which the plasma is compressed and/or heated.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods useful for error correction of nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, a first plurality of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide mismatch are fragmented by exposure to a molecule having unidirectional mismatch endonuclease activity. The nucleic acid molecules are cut at the mismatch site or near the mismatch site, leaving a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule having a mismatch at the end or near end of the molecule. The nucleic acid molecule is then exposed to a molecule having unidirectional exonuclease activity to remove the mismatched nucleotide. The missing nucleotides can then be filled in by the action of, e.g., a molecule having DNA polymerase activity. The result is double-stranded nucleic acid molecules with a decreased frequency of nucleotide mismatches.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods useful for error correction of nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, a first plurality of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide mismatch are fragmented by exposure to a molecule having unidirectional mismatch endonuclease activity. The nucleic acid molecules are cut at the mismatch site or near the mismatch site, leaving a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule having a mismatch at the end or near end of the molecule. The nucleic acid molecule is then exposed to a molecule having unidirectional exonuclease activity to remove the mismatched nucleotide. The missing nucleotides can then be filled in by the action of, e.g., a molecule having DNA polymerase activity. The result is double-stranded nucleic acid molecules with a decreased frequency of nucleotide mismatches.

Abstract: Examples of a modular compression chamber for use in a compression system are disclosed. The modular compression chamber comprises a plurality of individual modules and a plurality of fasteners to attach the plurality of modules in an interlocking fashion to form the chamber. The modules have a pre-determined geometry and size to form a compression chamber with a desired geometry and size. The plurality of fasteners keeps each of the individual modules in compression with neighboring modules so that the formed chamber maintains its integrity during operation. The modules can comprise a plurality of pressure wave generators to generate a pressure wave within the chamber. In one embodiment, the pressure wave generators have a pre-determined geometry and size and are configured to interlock with the neighboring generators forming the individual modules. The fasteners are configured to maintain intimate contact between side walls of the adjacent pressure wave generators.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for compressing plasma are described in which plasma pressures above the breaking point of solid material can be achieved by injecting a plasma into a funnel of liquid metal in which the plasma is compressed and/or heated.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Examples of a modular compression chamber for use in a compression system are disclosed. The modular compression chamber comprises a plurality of individual modules and a plurality of fasteners to attach the plurality of modules in an interlocking fashion to form the chamber. The modules have a pre-determined geometry and size to form a compression chamber with a desired geometry and size. The plurality of fasteners keeps each of the individual modules in compression with neighboring modules so that the formed chamber maintains its integrity during operation. The modules can comprise a plurality of pressure wave generators to generate a pressure wave within the chamber. In one embodiment, the pressure wave generators have a pre-determined geometry and size and are configured to interlock with the neighboring generators forming the individual modules. The fasteners are configured to maintain intimate contact between side walls of the adjacent pressure wave generators.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods useful for error correction of nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, a first plurality of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide mismatch are fragmented by exposure to a molecule having unidirectional mismatch endonuclease activity. The nucleic acid molecules are cut at the mismatch site or near the mismatch site, leaving a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule having a mismatch at the end or near end of the molecule. The nucleic acid molecule is then exposed to a molecule having unidirectional exonuclease activity to remove the mismatched nucleotide. The missing nucleotides can then be filled in by the action of, e.g., a molecule having DNA polymerase activity. The result is double-stranded nucleic acid molecules with a decreased frequency of nucleotide mismatches.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for compressing plasma are described in which plasma pressures above the breaking point of solid material can be achieved by injecting a plasma into a funnel of liquid metal in which the plasma is compressed and/or heated.

Abstract: A system and method for the automatic linking of expired, current, and future insurance policies is provided. Within each insurance policy is a plurality of conditions frequently used in the determination of an insurance policy premium or rate quote. Such terms are calculated based upon information either associated with or obtained from a particular policyholder. By automatically linking policy information and policy terms from prior insurance policies, information previously submitted by a policyholder or calculated in regards to activity on a particular policy is used in automatic calculation and generation of a future policy term. Thus, straight-thru processing is achieved via organizing of prior policies for assistance in renewals, loss ratio calculations, shifts in payroll numbers (i.e., the number of employees insured under a single policy), and previous claim activity under the same type of policy.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods useful for error correction of nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment of the invention, a first plurality of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide mismatch are fragmented by exposure to a molecule having unidirectional mismatch endonuclease activity. The nucleic acid molecules are cut at the mismatch site or near the mismatch site, leaving a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule having a mismatch at the end or near end of the molecule. The nucleic acid molecule is then exposed to a molecule having unidirectional exonuclease activity to remove the mismatched nucleotide. The missing nucleotides can then be filled in by the action of, e.g., a molecule having DNA polymerase activity. The result is double-stranded nucleic acid molecules with a decreased frequency of nucleotide mismatches.

Abstract: Examples of a pressure wave generator configured to generate high energy pressure waves in a medium are disclosed. The pressure wave generator can include a movable piston with a guide through which a piston control rod can move or slide. The pressure wave generator can include a transducer coupled to a medium. During an impact of the piston on the transducer, the control rod can slide in the guide, which can reduce stress on the rod. The pressure wave generator can include a damper to decelerate the control rod, independently of the piston. Impact of the piston on the transducer transfers a portion of the piston's kinetic energy into the medium thereby generating pressure waves in the medium. A piston driving system may be used to provide precise and controlled launching or movement of the piston. Examples of methods of operating the pressure wave generator are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.