Abstract: A novel shape memory polymer (SMP)-based device for surgical treatment of an intracorporeal defect (e.g., a void or anomaly) such as an intracranial aneurysm or fistula. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the SMP device is a 3D-printed SMP material sized to specifically fit and thus occlude an intracranial aneurysm (ICA). The SMP device may be delivered to the intracorporeal defect via a catheter having a heating mechanism wherein the SMP device is raised above its glass transition temperature as it is deployed, causing the SMP device to return to its permanent shape after it is deployed into the intracorporeal defect. SMP device delivery systems that include the SMP devices, as well as methods of making and using the devices and systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel shape memory polymer (SMP)-based device for surgical treatment of an intracorporeal defect (e.g., a void or anomaly) such as an intracranial aneurysm or fistula. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the SMP device is a 3D-printed SMP material sized to specifically fit and thus occlude an intracranial aneurysm (ICA). The SMP device may be delivered to the intracorporeal defect via a catheter having a heating mechanism wherein the SMP device is raised above its glass transition temperature as it is deployed, causing the SMP device to return to its permanent shape after it is deployed into the intracorporeal defect. SMP device delivery systems that include the SMP devices, as well as methods of making and using the devices and systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of firing a biofuel is provided. The method includes: introducing the biofuel into a combustion chamber having a first stage and a second stage; combusting the biofuel in a suspended state while flowing from the first stage to the second stage; and introducing a first air stream and a second air stream into the combustion chamber at the first stage and at the second stage, respectively, to facilitate combustion of the biofuel.

Abstract: A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy.

Abstract: The invention concerns fermented dairy products, such as yogurts, suitable for fruit taste enhancement, preferably in fruit containing fermented dairy products. The products comprise specific bacterial strains.

Abstract: A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy.

Abstract: A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy.

Abstract: A startup system for a solar boiler includes a main fluid circuit having a plurality of solar boiler panels for generating power from solar energy. An auxiliary fluid circuit is selectively connected in fluid communication with the main fluid circuit by a plurality of valves. An auxiliary boiler is operatively connected to the auxiliary fluid circuit. The valves connecting the auxiliary fluid circuit to the main fluid circuit are configured to be opened and closed to selectively place the auxiliary boiler in fluid communication with portions of the main fluid circuit to supply heat to the portions of the main fluid circuit in preparation to produce power from solar energy.