Abstract: X-ray scatter simulations to correct computed tomography (CT) data can be accelerated using a non-uniform discretization of the RTE, reducing the number of computations without sacrificing precision. For example, a coarser discretization can be used for higher-order/multiple-scatter flux, than for first-order-scatter flux. Similarly, precision is preserved when coarser angular resolution is used to simulate scatter within a patient, and finer angular resolution used for the scatter flux incident on detectors. Finer energy resolution is more beneficial at lower X-ray energies, and coarser spatial resolution can be applied to regions exhibiting less X-ray scatter (e.g., air and regions with low radiodensity). Further, predefined non-uniform discretization can be learned from scatter simulations on training data (e.g., a priori compressed grids learned from non-uniform grids generated by adaptive mesh methods).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (“PEDV”), including novel genotypes thereof, all of which are useful in the preparation of vaccines for treating and preventing diseases in swine and other animals. Vaccines provided according to the practice of the invention are effective against multiple swine PEDV genotypes and isolates. Diagnostic and therapeutic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also a feature of the present invention, as are infectious clones useful in the propagation of the virus and in the preparation of vaccines. Particularly important aspects of the invention include polynucleotide constructs that replicate in tissue culture and in host swine. The invention also provides for novel full length PEDV genomes that can replicate efficiently in host animals and tissue culture.

Abstract: A deck mount system and method is provided that can be installed and relocated easily without damaging the deck. The deck mount system comprises a top bracket with a top bracket plate and top bracket sides for flanking a deck member, a bottom bracket including a bottom bracket plate and bottom bracket sides for overlapping the top bracket sides, and at least one fastener to reversibly attach the top bracket to the bottom bracket for securing the deck mount system to the deck member. The method for attaching the deck mount system comprises placing a deck mount top bracket over a deck member, placing a deck mount bottom bracket under the deck member, and attaching the top bracket to the bottom bracket using at least one fastener, thereby reversibly fixing the top bracket to the bottom bracket around the deck member.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a balloon of a balloon catheter at a prescribed pressure of between about 0.2 psi and 1 psi comprises the step of: generating a vacuum within a reservoir defined in a burette that is part of a fluid management system that is configured to controllably inflating and deflating the balloon by circulating balloon fill media along a fluid circuit, wherein generating the vacuum results in formation of a pressure differential along the fluid circuit, thereby allowing the balloon to be maintained at the prescribed pressure between about 0.2 psi and about 1 psi.

Abstract: This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using a neural network to estimate scatter in X-ray projection images and then correct for the X-ray scatter. For example, the neural network is a three-dimensional convolutional neural network 3D-CNN to which are applied projection images, at a given view, for respective energy bins and/or material components. The projection images can be obtained by material decomposing spectral projection data, or by segmenting a reconstructed CT image into material-component images, which are then forward projected to generate energy-resolved material-component projections. The result generated by the 3D-CNN is an estimated scatter flux. To train the 3D-CNN, the target scatter flux in the training data can be simulated using a radiative transfer equation method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fill media in a balloon catheter are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having an inflatable balloon, a reservoir for fill media, and a first conduit for delivering fill media from the reservoir to the balloon. The system includes a second conduit for returning fill media from the balloon to the reservoir and a pump configured to circulate fill media through the conduits. The system also includes a valve assembly configured for placement in at least three positions. In the first position, fill media is delivered from the reservoir to the balloon to inflate the balloon. In the second position, fill media is drawn out of the balloon and returned to the reservoir. In the third position, fill media circulates through the conduits between the pump and the balloon and is prevented from flowing back to the reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses and methods for packaging and distributing a marine energy storage system. Battery packs including one or more battery cells and a compliant layer enclosed in a sealed housing are disclosed. Vessel hulls with battery packs structurally integrated are disclosed. Vessel hulls with battery packs mounted to an inner surface of an outer hull are disclosed. Vessel hulls including compartments for inserting battery packs are disclosed. Vessel hulls including battery packs mounted in a ballast of the hull are disclosed.

Abstract: A request from a client device is received at a first one of a plurality of compute nodes at a first one of a plurality of data centers of a distributed cloud computing network. A destination of the request is determined. An optimized route for transmitting the request toward an origin server that corresponds with the destination of the request is determined, where the optimized route is based on at least in part on probe data between data centers of the distributed cloud computing network for a plurality of transit connections, and where the optimized route has an IP address that encodes an identification of which of the plurality of transit connections is to be used to deliver the request. The request is transmitted to a next hop as defined by the optimized route over the identified one of the plurality of transit connections.

Abstract: X-ray scatter simulations to correct computed tomography (CT) data can be accelerated using a non-uniform discretization of the RTE, reducing the number of computations without sacrificing precision. For example, a coarser discretization can be used for higher-order/multiple-scatter flux, than for first-order-scatter flux. Similarly, precision is preserved when coarser angular resolution is used to simulate scatter within a patient, and finer angular resolution used for the scatter flux incident on detectors. Finer energy resolution is more beneficial at lower X-ray energies, and coarser spatial resolution can be applied to regions exhibiting less X-ray scatter (e.g., air and regions with low radiodensity). Further, predefined non-uniform discretization can be learned from scatter simulations on training data (e.g., a priori compressed grids learned from non-uniform grids generated by adaptive mesh methods).

Abstract: A method for maintaining a balloon of a balloon catheter at a prescribed pressure of between about 0.2 psi and 1 psi comprises the step of: generating a vacuum within a reservoir defined in a burette that is part of a fluid management system that is configured to controllably inflating and deflating the balloon by circulating balloon fill media along a fluid circuit, wherein generating the vacuum results in formation of a pressure differential along the fluid circuit, thereby allowing the balloon to be maintained at the prescribed pressure between about 0.2 psi and about 1 psi.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device comprising an actuator restraining assembly configured to assist in restraining a catheter shaft in a deflected configuration. The actuator restraining assembly may include a brake element, a release element, a connecting sheath, and a connecting rod disposed in a catheter handle, wherein the connecting sheath and connecting rod are attached to an actuator mechanism, and wherein the at brake element is attached to the connecting sheath and the release element is attached to the connecting rod. The brake element is sized and configured to contact an inner wall of the handle to thereby provide resistance to movement of actuator mechanism in a proximal direction with respect to the handle. In one embodiment, the actuator restraining assembly is configured to allow for temporary, i.e., reversible, restraining of the catheter shaft in the deflected configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using a neural network to estimate scatter in X-ray projection images and then correct for the X-ray scatter. For example, the neural network is a three-dimensional convolutional neural network 3D-CNN to which are applied projection images, at a given view, for respective energy bins and/or material components. The projection images can be obtained by material decomposing spectral projection data, or by segmenting a reconstructed CT image into material-component images, which are then forward projected to generate energy-resolved material-component projections. The result generated by the 3D-CNN is an estimated scatter flux. To train the 3D-CNN, the target scatter flux in the training data can be simulated using a radiative transfer equation method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device comprising an actuator restraining assembly configured to assist in restraining a catheter shaft in a deflected configuration. The actuator restraining assembly may include a brake element, a release element, a connecting sheath, and a connecting rod disposed in a catheter handle, wherein the connecting sheath and connecting rod are attached to an actuator mechanism, and wherein the at brake element is attached to the connecting sheath and the release element is attached to the connecting rod. The brake element is sized and configured to contact an inner wall of the handle to thereby provide resistance to movement of actuator mechanism in a proximal direction with respect to the handle. In one embodiment, the actuator restraining assembly is configured to allow for temporary, i.e., reversible, restraining of the catheter shaft in the deflected configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to simulate and correct for scatter flux detected in a computed tomography (CT) scanner. The scatter flux from a bowtie filter and an anti-scatter grid are pre-calculated to generate respective scatter tables. Scatter from an imaged object is simulated for some views of a CT scan using a three-step radiative transfer equation (RTE) method. Using the simulated scatter flux from these views, an accelerated simulation method, such as a multiplicative method, an additive method, and a kernel-based method, can determine scatter flux for the remaining views. The spatial model for X-ray scatter from the object can be based on a reconstructed image of object, and can be segmented into organs and material components having different scatter cross-sections. A scatter model outside the imaging region can be extrapolated using low-dose scanning, a scout scan, and/or anatomical information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photon-counting detector (PCD) includes a plurality of macro-pixels. The plurality of macro-pixels arranged on a semiconductor crystal has a first face and a second face. The first face and the second face are parallel. Each macro-pixel from the plurality of macro-pixels is configured to acquire projection data for generating a reconstructed image. The plurality of macro-pixels each includes at least one large micro-pixel is disposed within the each macro-pixel and at least two small micro-pixels is disposed within the each macro-pixel. Each of the at least two small micro-pixels has a surface area that is less than a surface area of the at least one large micro-pixel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a canister for a negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the canister includes a receptacle for receiving wound exudate. A filter stack is interposed between the receptacle and the pump assembly and provides a fluid flow path therebetween. The flow path is more easily navigable by gas than by liquid, thereby allowing the pump assembly to apply a negative pressure to the canister without aspirating wound exudate into filters housed within the filter stack.

Abstract: A method for performing magnetic resonance imaging with variable flip angle (VFA) readouts includes preparing longitudinal magnetization of a spin system associated with a subject to a target state, yielding a prepared longitudinal magnetization. The prepared longitudinal magnetization is converted to an image using a VFA readout sequence, wherein the VFA readout sequence comprises a plurality of radio-frequency pulses with corresponding flip-angles varying according to a modulation function.

Abstract: The teachings herein provide an instrument comprising a forceps. The forceps comprise a hand piece; a tubular member connected to the hand piece; and a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw element and a second jaw element. The first jaw element includes a gripping section and a flexing section. The flexing section includes an arcuate section. The second jaw element opposes the first jaw element and includes a gripping section. The tubular member is moveable onto the arcuate section of the first jaw element so that the flexing section of the first jaw element is flexed and the jaw assembly is moved into a closed position. The first jaw element, the second jaw element, or both include a stiffening spine so that the jaw assembly is substantially rigid in the closed position.