Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently produce alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of alkanes and related molecules. Other materials, methods, and compositions are also described.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing hydroxy aldehydes, such as hydroxypivaldehyde, is provided. Specifically, the process employs an alkaline additive for separating by-product amine salts from a hydroxy aldehyde and other reaction products formed in the process of preparing a hydroxy aldehyde using an amine catalyst.

Abstract: A filtration method is disclosed for recovering purified polyether polyol comprising the steps of providing an aqueous solution of a polyether polyol containing an alkali metal catalyst residual formed from a transesterification process utilizing an alkali metal catalyst, contacting the aqueous solution with a stoichiometric excess of magnesium sulfate, magnesium sulfite or a combination thereof to form a second aqueous solution, wherein said stoichiometric excess is based on the amount of said alkali metal catalyst residual.

Abstract: A method for producing methoxypolyethylene glycols includes the following steps: (1) after the reactor is washed by water, nitrogen is filled in the reactor to elevate the pressure and then the reactor is vacuumized to completely remove water and reduce the oxygen content in the reactor; (2) nitrogen is filled in the rector and pressure is elevated, and then methanol and sodium methoxide as the catalyst in methanol is added into the reactor, and then warming up; (3) ethylene oxide is added into the reactor at 800˜1200 kg/h to process the pre-reaction; (4) ethylene oxide is added into the reactor at 8000˜12000 kg/h to process the reaction after methanol and ethylene oxide in the reactor are completely reacted; (5) the pressure of reaction product is reduced and pH of reaction product is adjusted to 5˜7 after the reaction is finished, and then the reaction product is transferred to the tank yard.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe absolute alcohol of high quality free from an off-odor and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a method for producing an absolute alcohol containing not more than 0.4 mg/L of acetal by subjecting a raw material alcohol to a zeolite membrane treatment, the raw material alcohol being obtained by distilling a crude alcohol, and having an alcohol concentration of not less than 95 v/v %, and the raw material alcohol containing not more than 5 mg/L of acetaldehyde and not more than 60 mg/L of a total amount of organic impurities. According to the present invention, an absolute alcohol can be produced, which absolute alcohol is highly safe to the human body and has a quality that no off-odor is felt by human senses. In addition, the contents of diacetyl and crotonaldehyde in the raw material alcohol may be set at levels not more than particular values, respectively.

Abstract: Compositions including chlorinated propenes and a phenolic antioxidant are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a MOF shaped body in the form of spheres, MOF shaped bodies in the form of spheres and a method of uptake of at least one substance for the purposes of its storage, separation, controlled release, chemical reaction or as support utilizing MOF shaped bodies in the form of spheres.

Abstract: Low metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for producing the same are provided. Low metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is produced by a process of contacting metal-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil with an acidic ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid groups. Low metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is removed from spent acidic ion-exchange resin after ion-exchange.

Abstract: Provided is a polyalphaolefin (PAO) fluid including a polymer of one or more C8 to C12 alphaolefin monomers. The PAO has a viscosity (Kv100) from 300 to 900 cSt at 100° C.; a viscosity index (VI) greater than 250; a pour point (PP) less than ?25° C.; a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) less than 2.0 as synthesized; a residual unsaturation (Bromine Number) less than 2.0; and a glass transition temperature Tg less than ?60° C. The PAO also has no crystallization peak as measured by differential scanning calorimetry and high thermal stability. A process to make and use the PAOs, including those having any combination of characteristics above is also provided. The PAOs are useful as synthetic base stocks and co-base stocks in lubricating oils, e.g., industrial lubes.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for alkylating and hydrogenating a light cycle oil. The process can include passing the light cycle oil, one or more C2-C6 alkenes, and hydrogen through a reaction vessel containing an alkylation zone and a hydrogenation zone. Generally, the hydrogen is at least partially comprised from a hydrocarbon product stream from a fluid catalytic cracking zone.

Abstract: A heated petroleum-derived hydrocarbon is contacted with a triglyceride feed in a thermal cracking zone to decompose and remove impurities prior to hydrotreating the mixture to fuel range hydrocarbon. This process allows the use of a variety of low cost triglyceride feeds while reducing fouling of process equipment and catalyst. The process also reduces the use of chemicals required for conventional degumming of triglyceride feeds.

Abstract: The process converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing a diesel fuel product having a sulfur content of 15 wppm or less (e.g., 10 wppm or less) from feed sources that include a biocomponent feedstock. The biocomponent feedstock can be initially co-processed with a mineral feed in a fluidized bed stage, such as an ebullating bed processing stage. Ebullating bed processing can mitigate the impact of the biocomponent feed on other hydrotreatment aspects of a diesel boiling range feed. Challenged biocomponent feeds can be handled by introducing the biocomponent feed into the ebullating bed reactor in a manner that reduces the fouling impact of the feed.

Abstract: Methods for treating or rejuvenating a spent catalyst are disclosed. Such methods can employ a step of halogenating the spent catalyst, followed by decoking the halogenated spent catalyst.

Abstract: In a process for producing para-xylene, benzene and/or toluene is alkylated with methanol in the presence of a catalyst under conditions including a temperature of at least 500° C. and an H2O partial pressure of at least 12 psia (83 kPaa). The catalyst comprises from 5 to 15 wt % ZSM-5, phosphorus or a compound thereof and a binder and has been steamed at a temperature of at least 900° C. The steamed catalyst has no more than two peaks in the 31P MAS NMR spectrum in the range of 0 to ?50 ppm.

Abstract: A system for measuring radiation dose comprises an excitation device adapted for directing an energy wave at a volume of a substance comprising gas-filled microparticles, a detector for detecting a response signal emitted and/or modified from the volume of the substance comprising gas-filled microparticles; and a control unit. The control unit is adapted for calculating a dose of ionizing radiation previously received by the volume of the substance based on the response signal. A method includes measuring a received dose of ionizing radiation and using a contrast agent for non-invasive in-situ dosimetry.

Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating neurological injury and conditions, in particular symptoms and complications arising from or caused by a stroke. These treatment methods can include the steps of generating a pulsed electromagnetic field from a pulsed electromagnetic field source and applying the pulsed electromagnetic field in proximity to a target region.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating neurological injury and conditions, in particular neurological pain. These treatment methods can include the steps of generating a pulsed electromagnetic field from a pulsed electromagnetic field source and applying the pulsed electromagnetic field in proximity to a target region.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer-readable storage media for monitoring and managing patient discomfort are provided. Inputs are received from ambient sensors located in a clinical care room. Based on a determination that the inputs exceed predetermined thresholds, it is determined that the patient is experiencing discomfort. Various measures are automatically initiated to help diminish the patient's discomfort. The measures include aromatherapy, visual relaxation therapy, audio therapy, and automatic administration of pain relief.

Abstract: A mechanized dildo, including a motor driven coaxial plurality of longitudinally spaced drive cams, and corresponding sets of passive cams that operate within an elastic phallic sleeve to locally cyclically expand a girth of the sleeve. Optional vibratory elements are positioned proximate a distal extremity of the sleeve, and in a laterally extending arm that is formed for clitoral stimulation. A battery powered control handle provides multiple operating modes and speeds.

Abstract: The present application discloses endoscopy systems and devices for use therewith, wherein such systems and devices are designed for use in foreign body retrieval procedures. Moreover, the present application discloses methods of retrieving foreign bodies using the provided systems and devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a foreign body retrieval device capable for use with an endoscope is provided. The retrieval device comprises a housing and a capture tool disposed within and movable relative to the housing. The housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one cavity. The proximal end of the housing is configured for attachment to the distal end of an endoscope and the distal end comprises an opening for at least partially receiving a foreign body in the at least one cavity. The capture tool defines an at least partially closeable aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, device or tool for performing endoscopic (that is, minimally invasive) surgery. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a video endoscope whilst in another embodiment of the invention includes an endoscopic surgical tool which, when equipped with one of a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments, can be used by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures inside a body. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments designed to work co-operatively with the endoscopic surgical tool. In another embodiment of the present invention, a video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes the video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool and a suite of at least one endoscopic surgical instrument.

Abstract: A laparoscope for introduction into a body cavity includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. Each of the proximal and distal portions has an outer surface. The distal portion is disposed in a bent configuration relative to the proximal portion once inserted into the body cavity. At least one illumination device is disposed on the outer surface of the distal portion and is in electronic communication with a control unit. At least one image capturing device is disposed adjacent the illumination device and is in electronic communication with the control unit and a display unit.

Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

Abstract: The illumination system comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly including a base and an elongated member extending from the base. The base defines a central axis and has an opening for receipt of a surgical instrument. The elongated member defines a passageway for passage of at least a portion of the surgical instrument and is adapted to assume a substantially rolled configuration in a normal unstressed condition thereof. When in the rolled configuration, the elongated member is rolled transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device (10) for determining a heart rate of a person (20), comprising a heart rate measurement unit, a motion measurement unit for measuring the motion of a body part (12), and a processing unit. The processing unit is adapted to measure a signal quality of the heart rate signal and accordingly switch between two calculation modes: If the signal quality is above a predefined threshold, the heart rate is calculated based on the heart rate signal. If the signal quality is so poor that a reliable calculation of the heart rate is technically not possible anymore based on the heart rate signal, the processing unit switches to its second calculation mode, in which the heart rate is estimated based on the motion signal by estimating a heart rate constant, which depends on the frequency of the motion signal, and defining an exponential development of the heart rate, starting at the last reliably measured heart rate and finishing at the estimated heart rate constant.

Abstract: The current technology is relevant to a system having an implantable medical device, where the system is configured to identify a patient condition comprising cardiac dysynchrony, configured to notify a clinical user of the identified condition and configured to identify a therapy appropriate for the identified condition.

Abstract: An implantable fluorescent concentrator is configured to be inserted in vivo as a subcutaneous light source for optical absorption spectroscopy of surface-near tissue layers. As a result, certain and reliable results of the optical absorption spectroscopy are achievable. Furthermore, various analytes with different absorption properties are certainly and reliably quantifiable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for extracting information from detected characteristic signals. A data stream (26) derivable from electromagnetic radiation (14) emitted or reflected by an object (12) is received. The data stream (26) comprises a continuous or discrete time-based characteristic signal ( ; 98) comprising at least two main components (92a, 92b, 92c) related to respective complementary channels (90a, 90b, 90c) of a signal space (88). The characteristic signal ( ; 98) is mapped to a defined component representation (, , , ; , ) under consideration of a substantially linear algebraic signal composition model so as to specify a linear algebraic equation. The linear algebraic equation is at least partially solved under consideration of an at least approximate estimation of specified signal portions ( , , ). Consequently, an expression highly indicative of the at least one at least partially periodic vital signal (20) can be derived from the linear algebraic equation.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for analyzing a physiological signal detected from an individual. The system may include a physiological signal detection module configured to detect the physiological signal of the individual, a wavelet formation module configured to form a wavelet based on the physiological signal, and a wavelet transform module configured to generate a scalogram by transforming the physiological signal with the wavelet based on the physiological signal.

Abstract: Methods for heart rate measurement based on pulse oximetry are provided that can tolerate some degree of relative displacement of a photoplethysmograph (PPG) heart rate monitor device. In some methods, artifact compensation based on a reference signal is performed on the PPG signal data to remove artifacts in the signal that may be caused, for example, by changes in ambient light and/or motion of a person wearing the monitor device. The reference signal used for artifact compensation may be generated using an LED of a complementary wavelength to that of the LED used to generate the PPG signal, or by driving an LED at a lower current than the current applied to generate the PPG signal.

Abstract: An ear sensor provides physiological parameter monitoring. The ear sensor may comprise an in-ear portion configured to fit in an ear of a user. The in-ear portion may include at least one light emitter configured to emit light into an ear tissue site of the user and at least one light detector configured output a signal responsive to at least a portion of the emitted light after attenuation by ear tissue of the ear tissue site.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring system includes: a light emitter emitting a first light beam and a second light beam; a light receiver outputting first and second signals in accordance with light intensities of the first and second light beams that have been passed through or reflected from a living tissue of a subject; a first calculating section acquiring a light attenuation of the first light beam based on the first signal and a light attenuation of the second light beam based on the second signal; a second calculating section acquiring a blood-derived light attenuation based on the light attenuation of the first and second light beams; a third calculating section acquiring information relating to a blood oxygen saturation based on a change amount of the blood-derived light attenuation associated with pressurization of the living tissue; and an outputting section outputting the acquired information.

Abstract: Sensor devices including dissolvable tissue-piercing tips are provided. The sensor devices can be used in conjunction with dissolvable needles configured for inserting the sensor devices into a host. Hardening agents for strengthening membranes on sensor devices are also provided. Methods of using and fabricating sensor devices are also provided.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor applies a stabilization voltage between a working electrode and a reference electrode to allow the amperometric current to stabilize before powering measurement electronics configured to measure the amperometric current and communicate the measured amperometric current. The electrochemical sensor consumes less power while applying the stabilization voltage than during the measurement. The measurement is initiated in response to receiving a measurement signal at an antenna in the eye-mountable device.

Abstract: In aspects of the present disclosure, a no coding blood glucose monitoring unit including a calibration unit is integrated with one or more components of an analyte monitoring system to provide compatibility with in vitro test strip that do not require a calibration code is provided. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and kits for providing the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into a host's peripheral vein or artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive blood glucose sensor, comprising: a substrate, a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a blood glucose sensing unit, wherein the first metal layer is formed on the one surface of the substrate and has a microstrip antenna in the internal thereof, the second metal layer is formed on the other surface of the substrate, and the blood glucose sensing unit is electrically connected to the first metal layer and the second metal layer. In the present invention, the non-invasive blood glucose sensor can be used to measure a numerical value of the blood glucose in a human body by way of disposing the non-invasive blood glucose sensor near the human body, without using any body-invading ways, for example, the acupuncture treatment; therefore the inconveniences and incorrect measurements resulting from the body-invading ways can be avoided.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence observation apparatus including a light source; a section generating a fluorescence image of an object; a section generating a reference image of the object; a section generating a corrected image in which emphasized are pixels of the reference image corresponding to pixels each having luminance value equal to or more than a first threshold value in the fluorescence image; a display unit displaying the reference image or the corrected image; a bleeding state determining section determining whether or not a bleeding region of the subject detected based on the reference image is more than a predetermined range; and a section switching between displaying the reference image on the display unit if the determining section determines that the region is not more than the range, and displaying the corrected on the image display if the determining section determines that the region is more than the range.

Abstract: A system for medical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment is described, including a medical band comprising one or more sensors configured to gather data associated with at least one symptom of a medical condition and a communications facility configured to communicate with another device, a memory configured to store the data, a notification facility configured to provide a notification, and an application implemented on the another device, the application configured to determine the medical condition using the data and to provide an instruction to the medical band. The notifications may be alarms, may be designed to prompt movement, or may be associated with a drug regimen.

Abstract: System and method for and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.

Abstract: A head-mountable EEG electrode-containing device is provided based on radially adjustable electrodes to fit the wearer's unique head size and shape. The head-mountable device with an electrode array positioned therein includes multiple head-mountable device sections that are interconnected by mechanical fasteners to facilitate sizing and positioning of the head-mountable device. An array of resilient sleeves is positioned within each head-mountable device section. Each resilient sleeve houses an individual electrode and is deformable for self-orienting. The deformation of the sleeve is such that a central axis passing through the individual electrode housed within the resilient sleeve is maintained in a position approximately normal to a plane tangential to a scalp portion positioned beneath that electrode.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin and a second surface including a plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel. The plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel are disposed on sections of the electrode assembly that are at least partially physically separated and may move at least partially independently of one another to conform to contours of a body of a patient. The electrode assembly is configured to dispense an amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface in response to an activation signal and to provide for a defibrillating shock to be applied to the patient through the amount of the to electrically conductive gel.