Abstract: An introducer for a radiofrequency needle includes a hollow tube. An introducer for a radiofrequency needle may also include a radiofrequency needle that extends through the hollow tube. The hollow tube includes a first portion that includes a longitudinal axis and a second portion that includes a longitudinal axis, that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first portion and has a distal tissue piercing tip segment and a bevel. The bevel has a heel segment in which the inner edge is rounded. The inner edge is rounded substantially continuously along the heel segment in an amount sufficient to prevent snagging of a radiofrequency needle on the inner edge as the radiofrequency needle is moved during placement.

Abstract: A system is provided for qualifying and analyzing data for at least one business intelligence. A platform receives source data. A data management system transforms raw data and stores it. An analytic engine is included. In operation the data management system receives first, second, and third streams of source data. The first stream is client source data, the second stream is public source data and the third stream is acquired by the data management system. The data management system organizes the first, second and third streams of data into items and their attributes. The analytic engine receives the items with their attributes from the data management system and applies logic to provide multi-dimensional analysis relative to a scale for at least one business intelligence.

Abstract: A method is provided for qualifying and analyzing business intelligence. At a first part of a data management system receives first, second and third streams of data. The first stream is client provided source data, the second is public source data and the third is data management system internal data previously collected and managed source data in the data management system. The three streams of data are organized into items and their attributes at the data management system. The source data is transformed at a data warehouse where it becomes normalized. Logic is applied to provide multi-dimensional analysis of transformed source data relative to a scale for at least one business intelligence. The data warehouse includes updated data from the multi-dimensional analysis. A user interface communicates with the data management system to create statistical information that illustrates impact over time and value.

Abstract: A subsea production and separation system comprising a subsea well drilled into a sea floor; a subsea tree located on the sea floor at a top portion of the subsea well; a manifold located on the sea floor; a well jumper connecting the subsea tree and the manifold; a first sled located on the sea floor; a second sled located on the sea floor; a separator located on the sea floor; a first flowline jumper connecting the manifold to the separator; a second flowline jumper connecting the manifold to the separator; a third flowline jumper connecting the separator to the first sled; a fourth flowline jumper connecting the separator to the second sled; a liquid export line connected to the third flowline jumper; and a gas export line connected to the fourth flowline jumper.

Abstract: A variety of systems, apparatus and methods for deflecting a particle beam are described. An apparatus comprises at least six electromagnetic portions disposed on a plane. Each of the at least six electromagnetic portions is aligned with a radius emanating from an axis normal to the plane and is distanced from the axis to form a volume about the axis. At least six coils are configured for affecting a dipole magnetic field in the volume in response to electrical currents applied to physically opposing coils where a particle beam entering the volume is deflected. Each of the at least six coils is disposed about a one of the at least six electromagnetic portions. A yoke structure is configured for returning a generated magnetic flux.

Abstract: Body lumen occlusion apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: Compounds having a structure of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 and R11 are as defined herein, and wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4 or R5 is F, are provided. Uses of such compounds for treatment of various indications, including prostate cancer as well as methods of treatment involving such compounds are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates methods and apparatus to separate charged species such as carbon nanotubes by their electrical conductivity. Carbon nanotubes of varying electrical conductivity may be separated by hybridizing the nanotubes with nucleic acids such as DNA and then passing a dispersion of the hybrids through an electrochemical cell with an electrical potential on the working electrode which absorbs or desorbs nanotubes of a desired electrical conductivity.

Abstract: MHC class II-restricted Chlamydia-specific CD4 T cell clones recognize infected upper reproductive tract epithelial cells as early as 12 hours post infection. The timing and degree of T cell activation are dependent on the interferon milieu. Different interferons have different effects on T-cell activation; interferon IFN-? blunts IFN-? induced up regulation of epithelial cell surface MHC class II and T cell activation. A subset of CD4 T-cells that was especially good at clearing Chlamydia infections from the genital tracts of infected mice was found to express the genes Casd1 and Plac8. The mouse Casd1 genes shares some 95 percent identity with the human gene. The differential expression of either Plac8 or Casd1 in COD cells in response to an infection of epithelial tissue provides a ready methodology for the identification of individuals exposed to epithelial infections and a tool for developing vaccines against pathogens that infect epithelial tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic microfluidic system includes a separation channel for conveying a sample fluid containing small particles and large particles, flowing substantially parallel, adjacent to a recovery fluid, with which it is in contact. An acoustic transducer produces an ultrasound standing wave, that generates a pressure field having at least one node of minimum pressure amplitude. An acoustic extension structure is located proximate to said separation channel for positioning said acoustic node off center in said acoustic area and concentrating the large particles in said recovery fluid stream.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for heating a slurry to increase a solids concentration of the slurry while maintaining the viscosity of the slurry below a threshold viscosity. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes a fuel slurry preparation system having a slurry tank configured to hold a fuel slurry, the fuel slurry having a solid fuel and a liquid. The fuel slurry preparation system also includes a heat source and a controller configured to control the heat source to heat the fuel slurry to decrease a viscosity of the slurry below a threshold viscosity.

Abstract: An oblong conduit (13) for conditioning molten glass is disclosed. The wall (23) of the conduit is composed of a precious metal, e.g., a platinum-rhodium alloy, and can be equipped with precious metal tabs (29) for supporting the upper surface (25) of the wall so as to reduce sag of that surface at such times as the conduit is at an elevated temperature and is not filled with glass. The precious metal tabs (29) can be received in channels (31) formed in a refractory support structure (27). The refractory support structure (27) can be a laminate of two layers (33,35), where one of the layers (33) has a smaller grain structure than the other layer (35), the layers being held together by an adhesive (37).

Abstract: A dilator apparatus having a body having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis defined therethrough, and a dilation member coupled to the distal end of the body, the dilation member having a dilation body and a first distal nose coupled to the dilation body. Further, the width of the dilation body is larger than a width of the first distal nose.

Abstract: An example turbomachine load management assembly includes a support rod extending from a first rod end to a second rod end that is moveable radially relative to a fan duct, a bearing housing, or both, when the support rod is coupling the fan duct and the bearing housing.

Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate comprising tungsten using a nonselective chemical mechanical polishing composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing silver ions (Ag+) comprising treating element metal silver (Ag0) under high temperature and high pressure, and quickly cooling to directly obtain the silver ions (Ag+).

Abstract: A method of interaction between an automated analytical apparatus for performing an analytical process and a user is disclosed comprising displaying all features necessary for performing the analytical process on a display which is mounted on the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides ?-sulfonamide ?-keto esters and amides in which the ?-keto is protected as a 1,3-dithiolane derivative. Also provided are methods for preparing such esters and amides and for incorporating them into peptides.

Abstract: A suspension linkage that produces a rearward arcing wheel path, comprising of either single or paired pivotally connected members. Cross linked trailing arm members attach pivotally to the frame and a rearmost vertical contact mounting point member with the mounting point for the rear wheel axle, ski or skid protruding below the cross linked trailing arms. This offers benefit for vehicle navigating rough terrain at high speed. The present invention provides a suspension linkage that produces a more rearward arcing wheel path than could be produced by a single pivot placed within the same physical bounds as the pivot points of the invention and introduces desirable ride effects related to accelerating and braking.

Abstract: Methods for forming structures to use in atomic force probing of a conductive feature embedded in a dielectric layer and structures for use in atomic force probing. An insulator layer is formed on the dielectric layer such that the conductive feature is covered. A contact hole penetrates from a top surface of the insulator layer through the insulator layer to the conductive feature. The contact hole is at least partially filled with a conductive stud that is in electrical contact with the conductive feature and exposed at the top surface of the insulator layer so as to define a structure. A probe tip of an atomic force probe tool is landed on a portion of the structure and used to electrically characterize a device structure connected with the conductive feature.