Abstract: A method of intensification of natural gas production from the coal beds, comprising exposure of the coal bed to pressure pulsing is disclosed. An embodiment comprises exposure of the coal bed to pressure pulsing in combination with hydraulic fracturing of the coal bed. Another embodiment comprises exposure of the coal bed to pressure pulsing in combination with creation of a cavity in the coal bed by cyclically increasing pressure of the fluid in the well and depressurizing rapidly the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA-targeted 1,2,4-benzotriazine-1,4-dioxides and related analogues, to their preparation, and to their use as hypoxia-selective drugs and radiosensitizers for cancer therapy, both alone or in combination with radiation and/or other anticancer drugs.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to treating glaucoma. For example, devices that can be implanted into a human's eye to treat glaucoma, methods for treating glaucoma, compositions for reducing polypeptide clogging of implanted devices, and methods for making devices for treating glaucoma are provided.

Abstract: Propped fractures in formations from which fluids are produced are described that have wormholes extending out into the formations from the faces of the fractures at locations distant from boreholes. Methods are given for creating such propped fractures having wormholes in which either a closed propped fracture is formed and then the wormholes are formed, or the entire fracture and channel system is formed before the closure occurs.

Abstract: Aqueous humor flow control for managing intraocular pressure in an eye. Excessive pressure due to formation of a fibrous capsule and valve resistance is relieved by bypassing the valve element or by providing a secondary discharge port. Removal of resistance is enabled by physical manipulation, external stimulus, chemical action or biological action. A resistor inserted in an intake conduit provides a predetermined resistance to flow and thus, a desired intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described. The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter membrane capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. The device further includes a debris filter positioned either at the first end or between the first end and the filter providing outflow resistance. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods for delivery of variable tint pigment materials in cosmetic concealer/foundation products generally include anhydrous carrier particles adapted to carry pigment. The pigmentation carrier particles may be optionally admixed with anhydrous (optionally tinted) base formulation material that is suitably adapted to suspend and/or separate the pigmentation carrier particles. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise modified to realize improved site-specific delivery of pigment in customized concentrations in order to achieve a desired result. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide anhydrous pigmentation carrier particles that may be mixed with substantially anhydrous topical base formulations that allow a user to deliver a selected concentration of concealer/foundation tint to a specific region of the skin, for example, in order to obscure a blemish.

Abstract: A composition and method for producing hydrophilic beads for use in topical formulations is described as generally including gellan gum, salts of divalent cations and water. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved production and/or use of hydrophilic beads to achieve a particular desired purpose. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide hydrophilic beads that may be comixed with cosmetic, cosmeceutical and/or topical preparations for surface abrasion or as carriers for the delivery of other compounds; such as, aloe vera, ascorbic acid, active agents, and/or the like.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods for delivery of bio-available compounds in topical preparations generally include anhydrous carrier particles adapted to carry bio-available compounds. The carrier particles may be admixed with anhydrous formulation material that is suitably adapted to suspend and/or separate the carrier particles. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved production and/or use of carrier particles that may be employed to deliver bio-available compounds in order to achieve a desired purpose. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide anhydrous carrier particles that may be mixed with substantially anhydrous topical preparations.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling force applied to and for manipulation of a surgical instrument. Movement and/or forces applied to the surgical instrument are preferably sensed within the apparatus. An actuator is preferably used to apply force to the surgical instrument for control and manipulation of the instrument. The apparatus applies variable force feedback to apply force to the surgical instrument in one or more degrees of freedom to provide an enhanced haptic experience to the user.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming aluminum ingot having shaped ends to avoid alligatoring during rolling.

Abstract: The device includes a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces, wherein the body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. The device further includes a filter membrane capable of providing outflow resistance to aqueous humor flowing through the lumen. The device further includes a debris filter positioned either at the first end or between the first end and the filter providing outflow resistance. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: A method is given for acid fracturing a subterranean formation for improving the flow of fluids. The principal source, optionally the sole source, of the acid is a solid acid-precursor, optionally injected with an additional solid that is inert and that masks a portion of the newly created fracture faces so that the fracture face etching by the acid is not uniform. The method ensures a good flow path for fluids between the fracture tip and the wellbore.

Abstract: A dry solid composition is disclosed that, when added to an aqueous liquid, provides a slurry that can be used in sandstone acid fracturing. The slurry generates hydrofluoric acid downhole to etch the sandstone fracture faces created. The chemical and physical properties of the composition result in very uneven etching of the fracture faces, enhancing the fluid conductivity of the final fracture. Optionally, inert masking materials may be included in the dry composition, or added to the slurry, to increase the inhomogeneity of the etching and further increase the fluid conductivity.

Abstract: An interface device and method for interfacing instruments to a medical procedure simulation system serve to interface peripherals in the form of mock medical instruments to the medical procedure simulation system computer to enable simulation of medical procedures. The interface device includes a housing having a mock bodily region of interest to facilitate insertion of a mock instrument, such as an endoscope tube, into the interface device. The mock bodily region of interest may be pivotable to simulate various patient orientations. The instrument is engaged by a capture mechanism in order to measure rotational and translational motion of the instrument. An actuator is disposed within the interface device to provide force feedback to the instrument. The measured motion is provided to the computer system to reflect instrument motion on the display during the simulation. Alternatively, the interface device may be configured to accommodate instrument assemblies having a plurality of nested instruments (e.g.

Abstract: A method for stimulating thick or multilayered heterogeneous or homogeneous formations in a single trip without packers involves perforating with tubing conveyed perforation, then injecting a self-diverting acid, then moving the tubing string and perforating at a new location, and then injecting additional self-diverting acid. The sequence may be repeated. The acid is preferably a viscoelastic diverting acid. The self-diverting acid may be alternated with conventional treatment fluid. The job is designed to treat the least permeable zone(s) first and maximizes acid efficiency.

Abstract: A method is given for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore with a viscosified fluid. The fluid contains a solid hydrolysable polyacid that upon dissolution and hydrolysis releases an acid that is a breaker for the viscosifying system. Suitable solid hydrolysable polyacids include polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid. The fluid also contains a pH control agent, present in an amount sufficient to neutralize any acid present in the solid hydrolysable polyacid before the injection and to neutralize any acid generated by the solid hydrolysable polyacid during the injection, so that the acid breaker is not available to break the fluid during the injection. In one embodiment the viscosifier is a viscoelastic surfactant fluid system and the solid hydrolysable polyacid is of a size selected to be a fluid loss additive, for example in fracturing or gravel packing.

Abstract: Propped fractures in formations from which fluids are produced are described that have wormholes extending out into the formations from the faces of the fractures at locations distant from boreholes. Methods are given for creating such propped fractures having wormholes in which either a closed propped fracture is formed and then the wormholes are formed, or the entire fracture and channel system is formed before the closure occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a manipulandum, a housing, a sensor and an actuator. The housing has a palpation region spaced apart from the manipulandum. The sensor is coupled to the palpation region of the housing. The sensor is configured to send a signal based on a palpation of the palpation region of the housing. The actuator is coupled to the manipulandum. The actuator is configured to send haptic output to the manipulandum based on the signal.

Abstract: A surgical simulator comprises a display of a graphical surgical instrument, a user manipulatable object, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the simulator to control the graphical image, and a model of a heart, the model comprising a model of the electrical activity of the heart.