Abstract: Systems and devices for bone fracture fixations are described. The system enables the closed reduction of bone fracture fixation by means of a conformable fixed-angle fracture fixation device. The fixed angle fracture fixation device utilizes a series of fixation elements to secure the fracture at multiple fixed angles reducing the risk of nonunion, implant failure and the likelihood for patients to undergo subsequent operations.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Railcar coupling knuckles having areas of improved structure, improved surface characteristics, and reduced stress under loading, and systems and methods for shot peening railcar components such as, but not limited to, coupling knuckles. Such shot-peening systems and methods may include robotic and/or fixed-position shot-peening devices equipped with shot-emitting mechanisms for expelling shot media against desired areas of a railcar component.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel energy generator system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the system includes a vehicle body and a plurality of body panels forming the vehicle body. At least one of the body panels comprises a vehicular solar panel. A method of generating and utilizing electrical power in a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Railcar coupling knuckles having areas of improved structure, improved surface characteristics, and reduced stress under loading, and systems and methods for shot peening railcar components such as, but not limited to, coupling knuckles. Such shot-peening systems and methods may include robotic and/or fixed-position shot-peening devices equipped with shot-emitting mechanisms for expelling shot media against desired areas of a railcar component.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing a transportation component's resistance to failure comprising shot-peening at least one area of the component to create a compressive surface layer on the component.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing neointima stenosis are disclosed. The methods generally involve the use of a TGF? inhibitor, a SMAD2 inhibitor, an FGF Receptor agonist, a Let-7 agonist, or a combination thereof, to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) of vascular endothelial cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC) at sites of endothelial damage. The disclosed methods can therefore be used to prevent or inhibit neointimal stenosis or restenosis, e.g., after angioplasty, vascular graft, or stent. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the patency of biodegradable, synthetic vascular grafts using a composition that inhibits Endo-MT. A cell-free tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and processes for manufacturing railcar components, such as railcar wheels, using carbon nanofiber composite materials.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system is disclosed. The method comprises applying an ultrasonic field to a reductant-containing liquid in the reductant storage device to generate a mist of the reductant-containing liquid, and selectively introducing an amount of mist to an exhaust system coupled to the catalyst based on an engine operating condition.

Abstract: The present invention also provides methods and compositions for imaging and evaluating, e.g., blood flow or inflammation in a subject. Such evaluations are important in a number of clinical diagnoses, including assessing organ damage associated with angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, cancer, atherosclerosis, and the like, as well as assessing vessel leakages associated with aneurisms, diffuse bleedings after trauma, and the like.

Abstract: A socketless integrated circuit (IC) contact connector is provided with an electrically conductive support post. An electrically conductive spring has a first end connected to the post, and a second end. An electrically conductive first wire has a first end connected to the spring second end, and a second end. An electrically conductive loop with a loop neck is connected to the first wire second end. Typically, the loop is formed in the first wire second end. The spring and loop work in cooperation to engage an IC contact.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel energy generator system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the system includes a vehicle body and a plurality of body panels forming the vehicle body. At least one of the body panels comprises a vehicular solar panel. A method of generating and utilizing electrical power in a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for accumulation of media invention includes a series of upper and lower transport belts for feeding media seriatim along a path of travel. An accumulator pocket is positioned between the upper and lower drive belts along the path of travel. An upper and a lower accumulator ramp is positioned adjacent the accumulator pocket are moveable between a first position and a second position. The first accumulator ramp position is such that the lower ramp is positioned to engage media moved seriatim along the path of travel to guide the media to form a forward accumulation of media in the accumulator pocket. The upper accumulator ramp second position is such that the upper accumulator ramp is positioned to engage media moved seriatim along the path of travel to guide the media to form a reverse accumulation of media in the accumulator pocket.

Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine, a method of operating the engine including operating the engine at a first non-stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio for a first duration; operating the engine at a second non-stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio for a second duration, wherein the second relative air/fuel ratio is on an opposite side of a stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio as the first relative air/fuel ratio, and wherein the second duration is of sufficient length to allow at least one of one of a substantial saturation of oxygen storage sites in the catalytic device and a substantial regeneration of oxygen storage sites in the catalytic device; and operating the engine at a third non-stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio for a third duration, wherein the third relative air/fuel ratio is on a same side of the stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio as the second relative air/fuel ratio and is further from the stoichiometric relative air/fuel ratio than the second relative air/fuel

Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine, a catalytic device for treating emissions from the engine, an upstream oxygen sensor positioned upstream of the catalytic device, a downstream oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the catalytic device, and a controller configured to determine a NOx storage capacity of the catalytic device from a difference between a signal received from the upstream oxygen sensor and a signal received from the downstream oxygen sensor, a method of operating the engine is disclosed, the method including operating the engine at a rich air/fuel ratio for a first interval; adjusting a temperature of the catalytic device to a diagnostic temperature for measuring an oxygen uptake by the catalytic device; operating the engine at a lean air/fuel ratio for a second interval; and adjusting the temperature of the catalytic device to an operating temperature.

Abstract: Hinged receivers are provided in the space above the wearer's ears on either side of a helmet, and protective eyewear received within the receivers is accommodated for stowage in a space toward or at the front of the helmet.