Abstract: The invention concerns methods of determining the state of charge of a half-cell within a redox flow battery, the method comprising: (i) measuring the rate of change in equilibrium half-cell reduction potential of the electrolyte as charge is passed into the electrolyte solution within the cell; and (ii) correlating said rate of change in equilibrium half-cell reduction potential with the state of charge of said half-cell. Other aspects of the invention concern balancing the state of charge of a flow battery and methods of calibrating an oxidation/reduction probe.

Abstract: A method for delivering ultrasound can include positioning at least a focal zone of a transducer of an ultrasound probe proximate to targeted tissue of a patient. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to a first portion of the targeted tissue for a predetermined amount of time to create a first focal lesion in the targeted tissue. The method can include at least temporarily ceasing power to the transducer so as to at least temporarily cease delivery of ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue at least substantially continuously and along a predefined treatment path.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a method for making a cDNA library. In some embodiments the method may comprise reverse transcribing mRNA to produce DNA:mRNA hybrids, treating the DNA:mRNA hybrids with RNAseH to produce mRNA fragments, and reverse transcribing the mRNA fragments.

Abstract: MR imaging and intervention functions are localized within a single device. At least one integrated coil device which has at least one RF coil, a housing which encases the RF coil and provides an anatomically conformal surface, and a plurality of apertures. The integrated coil device slides along a guide rail system to adjust the size of a patient anatomical imaging region. The apertures in the integrated coil device are available to secure tool holder grid plate inserts or other interventional device guides. The inserts assist in holding the soft tissue for diagnostic imaging and provide support for biopsy/interventional instrument guides. The integrated MR imaging and interventional coil device works in combination with a prone patient support structure, an adaptive torso sling, and also features an open architecture design for improved patient access. The device also works for supine or side imaging procedures.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly for receiving at least a portion of an ultrasound probe therein includes a body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A first opening may be located at the proximal end of the body. The first opening may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the probe therein. A second opening may be proximate the distal end of the body. A membrane may cover the second opening.

Abstract: Methods and kits for depleting amplicons that correspond to undesired RNA species present in a sample are provided. The disclosed methods and kits employ a blocker that anneals with at least a portion of the undesired RNA, resulting in a duplex that is not a suitable substrate for ligating an adapter to the end of the undesired RNA.

Abstract: Coordinatively saturated titanium (IV) coordination compounds containing catecholate ligands can be desirable active materials for flow batteries and other electrochemical energy storage systems. Such coordination compounds can be formed advantageously via an intermediate composition containing a coordinatively unsaturated titanium (IV) coordination compound. More specifically, such compositions can include a coordinatively unsaturated titanium (IV) coordination compound having a coordination number of 5 or less and containing two catecholate ligands, wherein the composition is substantially free of non-ligated catechol compound.

Abstract: The circulation rates of the electrolyte solutions in a flow battery can impact operating performance. Adjusting the circulation rates can allow improved performance to be realized. Flow battery systems having adjustable circulation rates can include a first half-cell containing a first electrolyte solution, a second half-cell containing a second electrolyte solution, at least one pump configured to circulate the first electrolyte solution and the second electrolyte solution at adjustable circulation rates through at least one half-cell in response to a value of Pexit/I or I/Penter, and at least one sensor configured to measure net electrical power entering or exiting the flow battery system, and an amount of electrical current passing through the whole cell. I is the electrical power passing through the whole cell. Pexit is net electrical power exiting the system in a discharging mode, and Penter is net electrical power entering the system in a charging mode.

Abstract: A method for delivering ultrasound can include positioning at least a focal zone of a transducer of an ultrasound probe proximate to targeted tissue of a patient. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to a first portion of the targeted tissue for a predetermined amount of time to create a first focal lesion in the targeted tissue. The method can include at least temporarily ceasing power to the transducer so as to at least temporarily cease delivery of ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue at least substantially continuously and along a predefined treatment path.

Abstract: Crossover of active materials in an electrochemical cell can detrimentally impact operating performance, particularly for flow batteries. Flow batteries with tolerance toward crossover of active materials can incorporate a first half-cell containing a first electrolyte solution that includes a coordination complex as a first active material, and a second half-cell containing a second electrolyte solution that includes an unbound form of an organic compound as a second active material. The coordination complex contains a redox-active metal center and an organic compound bound to the redox-active metal center. The unbound form of the organic compound in the second electrolyte solution is the same as the bound organic compound in the first electrolyte solution, or an oxidized or reduced variant thereof. Catechol and substituted catechols can be particularly desirable organic compounds for inclusion in the coordination complex and the second electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Productive electrochemical reactions can often occur most effectively in proximity to a separator dividing an electrochemical cell into two half-cells. Parasitic reactions can often occur at locations more removed from the separator. Parasitic reactions are generally undesirable in flow batteries and other electrochemical systems, since they can impact operating performance. Flow batteries having a decreased incidence of parasitic reactions can include, a first half-cell containing a first electrode, a second half-cell containing a second electrode, a separator disposed between the first half-cell and the second half-cell and contacting the first and second electrodes, a first bipolar plate contacting the first electrode, and a second bipolar plate contacting the second electrode, where a portion of the first electrode or the first bipolar plate contains a dielectric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for determining the ratio of oxidized and reduced forms of a redox couple in solution, each method comprising: (a) contacting a first stationary working electrode and a first counter electrode to the solution; (b) applying a first potential at the first working electrode and measuring a first constant current; (c) applying a second potential at the first working electrode and measuring a second constant current; wherein the sign of the first and second currents are not the same; and wherein the ratio of the absolute values of the first and second currents reflects the ratio of the oxidized and reduced forms of the redox couple in solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of determining the state of charge of a half-cell within a redox flow battery, the method comprising: (i) measuring the rate of change in equilibrium half-cell reduction potential of the electrolyte as charge is passed into the electrolyte solution within the cell; and (ii) correlating said rate of change in equilibrium half-cell reduction potential with the state of charge of said half-cell. Other aspects of the invention concern balancing the state of charge of a flow battery and methods of calibrating an oxidation/reduction probe.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's arms and upper body includes an endless belt of hingedly connected articulating panels guided in channels of a supporting frame. A pair of hand grip assemblies are slidably attached to the endless belt through a ratcheting mechanism that allows relative movement of the hand grip assemblies in a first direction while preventing said relative movement in a second direction. Movement of the endless belt may be retarded by a tensioning mechanism and completely ceased by a braking mechanism actuated by signals provided from first and second sensors provided on the supporting frame.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's arms and upper body includes an endless belt of hingedly connected articulating panels guided in channels of a supporting frame. A pair of hand grip assemblies are slidably attached to the endless belt through a ratcheting mechanism that allows relative movement of the hand grip assemblies in a first direction while preventing said relative movement in a second direction. Movement of the endless belt may be retarded by a tensioning mechanism and completely ceased by a braking mechanism actuated by signals provided from first and second sensors provided on the supporting frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces for facilitating and using an electronic book service may include a plurality of settings and/or configurations.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for providing ultrasound may include a shaft operatively connected to a motor. A housing may include a receptacle for receipt of at least a portion of the shaft therein, two spaced-apart therapy elements, and an imaging element positioned between the therapy elements. The imaging element and the therapy elements may be spatially oriented in a confocal beam configuration. The assembly may be sized and shaped to pass through a trocar port.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly for receiving at least a portion of an ultrasound probe therein includes a body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A first opening may be located at the proximal end of the body. The first opening may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the probe therein. A second opening may be proximate the distal end of the body. A membrane may cover the second opening.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's arms and upper body includes an endless belt of hingedly connected articulating panels guided in channels of a supporting frame. A pair of hand grip assemblies are slidably attached to the endless belt through a ratcheting mechanism that allows relative movement of the hand grip assemblies in a first direction while preventing said relative movement in a second direction. Movement of the endless belt may be retarded by a tensioning mechanism and completely ceased by a braking mechanism actuated by signals provided from first and second sensors provided on the supporting frame.

Abstract: A piezoelectric buzzer includes a vibrating layer capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 260° C. for at least five minutes while still maintaining its ability to vibrate and produce a buzzing sound at a level of at least 80 dB, and a high temperature piezoelectric material having a Curie temperature in excess of 260° C. and one or more of the following properties: a planar coupling coefficient (kp) of at least about 0.5; a longitudinal coupling coefficient (k33) of at least about 1500; and a mechanical quality factor (Qm) of at least about 2000. The piezo material may have a combination of these properties such that the product (kp2)(k33)(Qm) is at least about 1.5×106. The piezoelectric material may have a base formula of PbxSr(1-x)(Mn1/3Sb2/3)(1-y)(ZrzTi1-z)yO3 with x ranging from 0.95 to 0.99, y ranging from 0.92 to 0.97, and z ranging from 0.45 to 0.55, and may further include dopants in the amounts of about 0.4% CeO2, about 1% CuO, and about 4% Nb2O5.