Abstract: Provided herein are biodegradable poly(ester amide) elastomers, methods of making the elastomers, and methods of using the elastomers, for example for tissue engineering. The elastomers can be used for preparation of tissue prostheses, such as a heart valve leaflet, a heart valve, cartilage, myocardium, blood vessels, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, or other tissues. Also provided herein are semiquantitative FTIR methods for determining structure of a poly(ester amide) elastomer.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes a plurality of cross flow turbines, each one including fixed curved blades arranged in squirrel cage configuration about an axis of rotation. The turbines are mounted on a floating support on the water, placed directly in the fluid flow and arranged successively one after another with their axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the flow.

Abstract: A method for providing functionality to customer premises equipment including detecting one or more customer premises connected to a wide area network (WAN), wherein each customer premises includes a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE) devices, a local area network (LAN) connecting each of the CPE devices, and an external network communications device for connecting the LAN to the WAN; virtualizing each CPE device from each customer premises to define a plurality of vCPE devices; and providing functionality to the CPE devices via respective vCPE devices. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention may relate to Aeroponic Systems and their individual elements. More particularly to automated systems capable of monitoring and adjusting some if not all of the light, nutrient, water quality and environmental factors required for the propagation and sustained growth of all types of plants. It may also describe methods to support the plants during propagation from seeds and for growth and harvesting. It may describe various methodologies for reducing space requirements and for increasing plant density without detriment to the growth cycles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes: an MRI scanner configured to acquire N+1 or more diffusion-weighted images by differently setting parameter values among the diffusion-weighted images, with regard to N types of parameters, wherein N is a natural number equal to or more than two; and processing circuitry configured to generate a computed diffusion-weighted image having an arbitrary value for at least one of the N types of parameters, based on relationship between signal values of the acquired diffusion-weighted images and the parameter values differently set among the acquired diffusion-weighted images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining beam asymmetry in a radiation treatment system using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) without implementation of elaborate and complex EPID calibration procedures. The beam asymmetry is determined based on radiation scattered from different points in the radiation beam and measured with the same region of interest ROI of the EPID.

Abstract: A method for processing user input entered via a data entry system includes the steps of receiving a signal representative of a contact of one or more fingers singly or in combination against an arbitrary surface; detecting a predetermined number of contacts within a time window; and mapping the predetermined number of contacts to a secondary character from a set of secondary characters.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing data and resources among a plurality of applications on a mobile device is disclosed. Embodiments provide a mobile applications architecture that is able to link applications and share the linked applications simultaneously on an Android (or other operating system) mobile device such as a smart phone or table computer. The mobile applications architecture creates a framework that provides an easy interface for third-party applications to quickly integrate and leverage already constructed components and sharing of data among multiple third-party applications thereby reducing the complexity of newly developed capabilities for mobile applications architecture on not just a single device, but multiple devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inkjet ink comprising: 6-35% by weight of NVC; 5-60% by weight of PEA; 15-35% by weight of a C8.12 alkane diol di(meth)acrylate; a radical photoinitiator; and a colorant, wherein the percentages by weight are based on the total weight of the ink. The present invention further provides an inkjet ink set wherein at least one of the inks in the set, preferably all of the inks in the set, is an inkjet ink as defined above. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of inkjet printing comprising inkjet printing the inkjet ink or inkjet ink set as defined above onto a substrate and curing the ink.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser, in which a filter is arranged between the lower end of a brewing chamber and the upper end of a fluid receptacle, and a beverage brewed by supplying a raw material and water to the chamber and filtered by the filter is received in the fluid receptacle, and is thereafter delivered to a cup along a beverage path. The beverage dispenser includes a pump arranged partway along the beverage path, and that reduces a pressure in the fluid receptacle to draw the beverage from the chamber, and delivers it to the cup. A predetermined quantity of the raw material and a first quantity of water are supplied to the chamber, and thereafter, during the delivering of beverage, a second quantity of water is supplied to the chamber, so that without interruption, the beverage is delivered to and served in the cup C.

Abstract: Video event recorders are coupled to a vehicle power source via an on-board diagnostic system including its power bus, data bus, and scanner port connector. Video event recorders are provided with a power input arranged in conjunction with a standard ODBII type “D” connector. Systems further include an extension cable between the connection and the vehicle event record to accommodate mounting needs associated with each. In advanced versions, both OBD power and data networks are coupled to the vehicle event recorded such that data relating to vehicle diagnostic systems can be captured in a triggered event along with video data. In addition, some versions are provided with special detection mechanism to determine the use state of a vehicle and adjust application of power accordingly. Thus an “in-use” detector is coupled to the vehicle and/or OBD systems to provide feedback which helps to conserve power and regulate the power connections.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for growing marijuana plants, particularly for regulated purposes, for example medical purposes or in some jurisdictions recreational purposes, have automated subsystems with sensors to provide feedback information about system, apparatus and plant growth parameters to one or more controllers so that the one or more controllers can alter one or more parameters to provide optimal conditions for the growing and harvesting of the marijuana plants. In particular aspects, the systems, apparatuses and methods provide for control of odors produced during the growing of marijuana, root management of the marijuana plants and control over important levels of chemicals provided to the plants, for example enzymes and flavor additives.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising Formula I, or salt thereof, wherein X is either chlorine or bromine, Y is either hydrogen or an alkyl group having a carbon chain length from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R is an alkyl group having a carbon chain length from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, except that X is not chlorine when Y is hydrogen and R is an ethyl group. A method of preventing bone erosion in a patient and a method of reducing inflammation in a patient using the compositions of Formula I are disclosed.

Abstract: A solid waste bag unit for solid waste of an analyzer is disclosed. The solid waste bag unit comprises a bag, and an insert, wherein the insert is arranged within the bag. Further, an analyzer and a method for removing solid waste of an analyzer are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gesture detection supporting system for an X-ray diagnosis includes memory circuitry, a sensor, processing circuitry and an attaching instrument. The memory circuitry stores an operation content of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The operation content is related to a gesture by a user. The sensor senses a gesture. The processing circuitry detects the gesture, based on an output from the sensor; acquire the operation content of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, from the memory circuitry, based on a detection result of the gesture; and output operation information to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, based on the operation content. The attaching instrument attaches the sensor to a ceiling of an examination room, an arm for driving an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, an intravenous drip stand, an injector of a contrast agent, an X-ray protective board and/or a display for displaying an X-ray image.

Abstract: A method for separating impurities from process exhaust air is provided and includes the steps of passing a process exhaust air through a separating device comprising a separation unit, regenerating the separating device by passing a regeneration stream therethrough, where outer lateral surfaces of the separation unit are continuously loaded by the process exhaust air and the regeneration stream, dividing the regeneration stream passing through the separating device during regeneration into a first partial stream having an impurity concentration less than a first predetermined limit, and a second partial stream having an impurity concentration equal to or greater than a second predetermined limit, where the second predetermined limit is equal to or greater than the first predetermined limit, returning the first partial stream generated during regeneration to the separating device and directing the second partial stream generated during regeneration to a cleaning device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating atherosclerosis in a subject comprising the use of therapeutic compounds to reduce Reelin in the circulation of the subject, thereby reducing the adhesion of leukocytes to the vascular wall. The invention also provides methods and compositions for reducing leukocyte adhesion to the vascular wall in a subject.

Abstract: A system according to certain aspects improves the process of data restoration and application recovery operations. The system can back up primary data based on network path information associated with a client computing device. When the primary data becomes corrupted or unavailable, a previously backed up copy of the primary data may be used as the primary data to achieve instant application recovery. For example, when a portion of the primary data is requested by a user or an application, the system may identify a corresponding portion in the backed up copy of the primary data and provide the identified portion to the user or the application in a manner transparent to the user or the application. Alternatively, the application running on the client computing device may send a request for the backup copy of the primary data to the secondary storage device upon determining that the requested data is not available.

Abstract: One illustrative artificial lift method includes deriving compressed natural gas (CNG) from liquefied natural gas (LNG) and employing the CNG to hydraulically drive a downhole pump that forces fluid from the well. An illustrative system embodiment includes an evaporator, a controller, and a downhole pump. The evaporator converts LNG into CNG, which the controller employs to alternately pressurize and depressurize a hydraulic line. The downhole pump includes a plunger that performs a pump stroke in response to the pressurization and a return stroke in response to the depressurization; these pump and return strokes operate to force fluid from a well. Further disclosed herein is the use of a virtual pipeline to supply LNG for such artificial lift systems and methods. It includes: liquefying natural gas to fill a transport trailer at an offsite facility; transporting the trailer to a site of a well; and coupling the trailer to surface equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing speed thresholds for a fleet of vehicles are disclosed. Input is used to provide associations between particular weather-relation conditions (such as rain) and arithmetic operations, that may be used to determine a current speed threshold as a function of a local posted speed limit at the current location of a vehicle. The current speed threshold is subsequently used to detect whether vehicles are exceeding the current speed threshold.