Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and low cost technology for diagnosis and identification of implantable medical devices in real time. Developing new ultrasound activated coatings is important to broaden the utility of in vivo marking by ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound responsive macro-phase segregated micro-composite thin films were developed to be coated on medical devices composed of multiple materials and with multiple shapes and varying surface area. The macro-phase segregated films having silica micro-shells in polycyanoacrylate produces strong color Doppler signals with the use of a standard clinical ultrasound transducer. Electron microscopy showed a macro-phase separation during slow curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive, as air-filled silica micro-shells were driven to the surface of the film. The air sealed in the hollow space of the silica shells acted as an ultrasound contrast agent and echo decorrelation of air exposed to ultrasound waves produces color Doppler signals.

Abstract: Example embodiments involve a metrics collection system for collecting software usage metrics from one or more client devices at deployments. A computer, such as a server configured to execute the metrics collection system, collects software usage metrics (e.g., as a metrics submission from a client device) of the software product at the deployment, identifies a metrics type of the software usage metrics collected, assigns the software usage metrics to a metrics category, and calculates and updates a metrics score of the metrics category, based on the software usage metrics collected.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump pet water fountain is provided which includes a bowl defined by a peripheral wall extending upwardly from a floor. The bowl is configured to hold water. The housing divides the basin into a drinking basin and an interior basin. The housing includes an upright sidewall extending from a floor and a cap. The housing also defines an elevated water reservoir with a spout. A rotating cone is positioned within the housing and driven by a motor. The cone has a water inlet and a top opening adjacent the cone top opening. During operation, the rotation of the cone forces water to climb the interior surface of the cone through centrifugal force, where the water is deposited within the reservoir and returned to the drinking basin through the spout.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for highly efficient DNA sequence alterations. The method is useful for editing chromosomes, to engineer cellular markers through insertion of genes, or to create epigenetic changes by using cas9-enzyme fusions where the enzymes can be DNA epigenetic modifying enzymes or chromatin modifying enzymes, etc. The technology also differs from all previously known technologies in that the CRISPR/Cas system can function in ways that are “clean”, i.e. they have not been in contact with any virus, or are carried DNA molecules that can insert into the chromosome in unintended locations.

Abstract: A pet litter box (10) includes a housing (12) having a base portion (14), a grid portion (16), and a top portion (18). The base portion has a floor (20) and a raised, peripheral ledge (22) with a vertical wall (28) and a horizontal wall (30). The pet litter box has a removable tray (40). The horizontal wall includes air vents (56). Each air vent has an upwardly extending hood (58) having a rear wall (60), two oppositely disposed end walls (62) which define an outwardly facing air outlet opening (64). Each side air outlet opening is in fluid communication with a bottom air inlet opening (66) extending through the ledge horizontal wall. The air inlet opening is in fluid communication with ambient air external of the litter box. The grid portion 16 has a generally flat floor (72) with a grid of holes (74) there through.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump pet water fountain is provided which includes a bowl defined by a peripheral wall extending upwardly from a floor. The bowl is configured to hold water. The housing divides the basin into a drinking basin and an interior basin. The housing includes an upright sidewall extending from a floor and a cap. The housing also defines an elevated water reservoir with a spout. A rotating cone is positioned within the housing and driven by a motor. The cone has a water inlet and a top opening adjacent the cone top opening. During operation, the rotation of the cone forces water to climb the interior surface of the cone through centrifugal force, where the water is deposited within the reservoir and returned to the drinking basin through the spout.

Abstract: A pet litter box (10) includes a housing (12) having a base portion (14), a grid portion (16), and a top portion (18). The base portion has a floor (20) and a raised, peripheral ledge (22) with a vertical wall (28) and a horizontal wall (30). The pet litter box has a removable tray (40). The horizontal wall includes air vents (56). Each air vent has an upwardly extending hood (58) having a rear wall (60), two oppositely disposed end walls (62) which define an outwardly facing air outlet opening (64). Each side air outlet opening is in fluid communication with a bottom air inlet opening (66) extending through the ledge horizontal wall. The air inlet opening is in fluid communication with ambient air external of the litter box. The grid portion 16 has a generally flat floor (72) with a grid of holes (74) there through.

Abstract: A stage includes a first transistor including an input terminal to which a clock signal is applied and a control terminal connected to a first node; a first capacitor including terminals respectively connected to the first node and an output terminal of the first transistor; a second transistor including an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the first transistor, a control terminal connected to a second node, and an output terminal to which a low voltage is applied; a third transistor including an output terminal connected to the second node, a control terminal connected to the first node, and an input terminal to which the low voltage is applied; and a fourth transistor including an input terminal connected to the first node and an output terminal to which the low voltage is applied, wherein the fourth transistor is switched according to an output signal of a next stage.

Abstract: A stage includes a first transistor including an input terminal to which a clock signal is applied and a control terminal connected to a first node; a first capacitor including terminals respectively connected to the first node and an output terminal of the first transistor; a second transistor including an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the first transistor, a control terminal connected to a second node, and an output terminal to which a low voltage is applied; a third transistor including an output terminal connected to the second node, a control terminal connected to the first node, and an input terminal to which the low voltage is applied; and a fourth transistor including an input terminal connected to the first node and an output terminal to which the low voltage is applied, wherein the fourth transistor is switched according to an output signal of a next stage.

Abstract: An integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic apparatus. The apparatus includes a solar thermal module, and a photovoltaic module comprising a plurality of solar cells configured in a polymeric material. The apparatus has an amorphous material configured between the thermal solar module and the photovoltaic module. The amorphous material has a semi-viscous, thermally conductive, and mastic characteristic to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of either or both the photovoltaic module or the solar thermal module during an operating time. The apparatus has an aperture region provided on a first side of the photovoltaic module and the solar thermal module is overlying a second side of the photovoltaic module. The thermal solar module, the photovoltaic module, and the amorphous material form an integrated thermal solar module.