Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for using structure from motion (SfM) techniques to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) surface models of tubular patient anatomies, such as the larynx and trachea, from clinical endoscopy videos. The disclosed methods may improve understanding of upper airway disease including vocal fold paralysis, laryngeal cancer, subglottic hemangiomas, subglottic stenosis, tracheal stenosis, tracheal cartilaginous sleeves, complete tracheal rings and tracheomalacia, and allow for quantitative analysis of complex laryngotracheal geometries. Quantitative measures of airway caliber and shape, which are critical for diagnostic purposes, may be obtained using the disclosed methods as a cost-effective and radiation-free alternative to relying on imaging studies. Results have demonstrated excellent resolution of reconstructions, when compared to high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans (surface errors <0.300 mm).

Abstract: An electrical bushing for a transformer housing includes an elongate conductor with a metal annular disk for welded attachment to an edge of an aperture in the housing with an insulating bushing between the conductor and the disk. The insulating bushing includes first and second tubular bushing portions each formed of a cast epoxy resin and each surrounding a portion of the elongate conductor. the first bushing portion is cast on the elongate conductor with an integral bond therewith. The second bushing portion can slide along the exterior surface of the elongate conductor and is threaded onto a male portion of the first bushing portion. The first and second bushing portions have annular abutment surfaces clamping the annular disk therebetween and typically three sealing O-rings are provided at the junction to prevent passage of the transformer liquid from the interior.

Abstract: An electrical bushing for a transformer housing includes an elongate conductor with a metal annular disk for welded attachment to an edge of an aperture in the housing with an insulating bushing between the conductor and the disk. The insulating bushing includes first and second tubular bushing portions each formed of a cast epoxy resin and each surrounding a portion of the elongate conductor. the first bushing portion is cast on the elongate conductor with an integral bond therewith. The second bushing portion can slide along the exterior surface of the elongate conductor and is threaded onto a male portion of the first bushing portion. The first and second bushing portions have annular abutment surfaces clamping the annular disk therebetween and typically three sealing O-rings are provided at the junction to prevent passage of the transformer liquid from the interior.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing formation evaluation in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods may include exciting at a first borehole depth at least one critical refraction wave by steering an acoustic beam transmitted by at least one ultrasonic transmitter to an interface in the formation to intercept the interface at a critical angle; receiving an acoustic signal comprising critical refraction wave data at a logging tool in the borehole; and obtaining a wave property measurement from the critical refraction wave data. The interface may be the borehole wall in an open-hole well or behind casing. Methods include using ultrasonic transmitter(s) to generate the plurality of acoustic beams, identifying critical refraction wave data within the response signal corresponding to the at least one critical refraction wave, and obtaining the wave property measurement from the critical refraction wave data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing formation evaluation in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods may include exciting at a first borehole depth at least one critical refraction wave by steering an acoustic beam transmitted by at least one ultrasonic transmitter to an interface in the formation to intercept the interface at a critical angle; receiving an acoustic signal comprising critical refraction wave data at a logging tool in the borehole; and obtaining a wave property measurement from the critical refraction wave data. The interface may be the borehole wall in an open-hole well or behind casing. Methods include using ultrasonic transmitter(s) to generate the plurality of acoustic beams, identifying critical refraction wave data within the response signal corresponding to the at least one critical refraction wave, and obtaining the wave property measurement from the critical refraction wave data.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating cuttings entrained in a downhole fluid in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods may include using at least one sensor to produce information responsive to a reflection of an emitted wave from downhole cuttings in the borehole, wherein the information is indicative of a parameter of interest relating to the downhole cuttings; and processing the information using at least one processor to estimate the parameter of interest. Methods may include using the at least one acoustic sensor to produce corresponding information from each of a plurality of azimuthally distributed orientations about a bottom hole assembly (BHA); and using the at least one processor to estimate from the information from each of the orientations an azimuthal variation of the parameter of interest. The at least one sensor may include acoustic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating cuttings entrained in a downhole fluid in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods may include using at least one sensor to produce information responsive to a reflection of an emitted wave from downhole cuttings in the borehole, wherein the information is indicative of a parameter of interest relating to the downhole cuttings; and processing the information using at least one processor to estimate the parameter of interest. Methods may include using the at least one acoustic sensor to produce corresponding information from each of a plurality of azimuthally distributed orientations about a bottom hole assembly (BHA); and using the at least one processor to estimate from the information from each of the orientations an azimuthal variation of the parameter of interest. The at least one sensor may include acoustic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: A method of dosing medication includes loading via a computerized system one or more user characteristics for a first user from a user profile for the first user, where the user characteristics include a weight of the first user. A dosing schedule is derived for a first medication from at least one of a type of the first medication and the one or more user characteristics for the first user, and a dosing amount is derived for the first medication from the one or more characteristics for the first user and the derived dosing schedule for the first user. A plurality of timer alerts are set corresponding to the derived dosing schedule, each of the timer alerts indicating the medication and derived dosing amount.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: A constant balance volume control according to the present disclosure may provide a user with the ability to listen to program material originally mixed at a known “reference” level at any other suitable level without experiencing a substantial shift in tonal balance. A constant balance volume control may include two 2nd order biquad filters that are controlled in a continuous manner by the volume control of a system. The filters could be implemented in analog or digital form.

Abstract: A dynamic surround channel volume control applies a variable gain control to the surround channels of a multi-channel system. Thus the levels of the surround channels are related to the main volume control of the system. This maintains a predictable relationship between the surround channels and the main or front channels.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole coiled tubing system. The system includes, a bottom hole assembly, a coiled tubing string attached to the bottom hole assembly, and a conductor comprising an electrical signal carrier disposed within a control line, the conductor is disposed within the coiled tubing string and maintained substantially parallel with the coiled tubing string throughout the coiled tubing string and electrically coupled to the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A dynamic surround channel volume control applies a variable gain control to the surround channels of a multi-channel system. Thus the levels of the surround channels are related to the main volume control of the system. This maintains a predictable relationship between the surround channels and the main or front channels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that perform thermal processing of any of various materials, including materials that ordinarily would be considered waste materials posing problems with disposal. Thermal processing can include energy recovery from the material, conversion of the material, phase change, or other process. An exemplary apparatus includes first and second liquid-processing chambers containing a liquid at a level in the first chamber lower than in the second. A flame chamber and downstream thermocatalytic chamber are immersed in the liquid in first chamber, and a dry loop is immersed in the liquid in the second chamber. The dry loop is coupled to a downstream processed/exhaust gas diffuser immersed in the first chamber. The temperature profile of a fluid stream drops as the stream passes through the apparatus. During passage, at least one thermal process is performed that contributes to the processed gas stream entering the diffuser.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a touchscreen incorporating audio feedback. In one embodiment, the display comprises a printed bistable liquid crystal display assembly, including a plurality of bistable liquid crystal display elements formed by printing at least a portion of each element onto a substrate. In another embodiment, the display comprises an emissive carbon nanotube display assembly, including a plurality of carbon nanotube elements operable to selectively emit electrons such that they strike a phosphor and cause it to emit light.