Abstract:
Properties of biological tissue may be determined percutaneously and intraoperatively with a needle probe which includes a number of sets of emitting and collecting optical fibers terminating at different locations along the length of the needle. Such an optical fiber arrangement enables tissue information to be gathered across the entire needle length, allowing for the rapid provision of information about the tissue surrounding the needle probe at several positions along the probe.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for reducing or eliminating corrosion of components of a reactor system, including a supercritical water gasification system, are described. The reactor system may include various system components, such as one or more pre-heaters, heat exchangers and reactor vessels. The system components may be configured to receive a reactor fluid corrosive to an inner surface thereof and to separately receive a protective fluid that has a higher density and is substantially immiscible with the reactor fluid. A rotating element may be configured to generate a rotational force that forces at least a portion of the protective fluid to flow in a layer between the reactor fluid and at least a portion of the inner surface, the layer operating to reduce corrosion by forming a barrier between the reactor fluid and at least a portion of the inner surface.
Abstract:
Systems, devices and methods for providing temperature control and/or regulation are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods include at least one endothermic reactant, which can be activated to control a local temperature. In some embodiments, the systems and/or methods include at least one gas producing material, which can allow for the production of gas, which can be trapped for the provision of an insulating volume.
Abstract:
The embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems and methods for produce scanning, wherein the produce scanning devices comprise a light source, a produce stage, and a detector array positioned on the opposing side of the produce stage to the light source, wherein the light source and the detector array form a scanning assembly, and the transmitted light from the light source can reach the detector array. In some embodiments, the light source is a collimated light source, and only the directly transmitted light may reach the detector array. In some embodiments, a collimating filter is positioned between the produce stage and the detector array.
Abstract:
In some examples, a method to monitor an animal may include determining a physiological status of the animal based on a tattoo that includes intelligent ink injected into skin of the animal. The method may also include recording the physiological status of the animal. The method may also include, in response to the physiological status indicating a physiological event or condition, triggering an alert to address the physiological event or condition.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for providing localized cooling of a surface are described. Localized cooling devices may include a thermal element configured to generate a temperature gradient in a cooling interface in contact with the surface. Temperature gradient may operate to facilitate conductive heat transfer from the surface, through the cooling interface, and out into the ambient environment. The thermal elements may include thermoelectric cooling elements (TECs), such as Peltier cooling elements. In some embodiments, the localized cooling devices may be configured to treat swelling associated with periorbital edema by providing convenient, efficient, and continuous cooling of the affected area.
Abstract:
Liposomal detection devices and methods of making and using such devices are disclosed. Such liposomal detection devices may be used to detect microbes by detecting a byproduct of microbial metabolism, or may be used to detect changes in pH and/or changes in temperature. Liposomal detection devices may include a first liposome encapsulating a first destabilizing compound and a second liposome encapsulating a second destabilizing compound. The first liposome may destabilize in response to the detection of the target compound or change to release the first destabilizing compound which may destabilize the second liposome. A matrix, such as a hydrogel matrix, may encase the first liposome and the second liposome.
Abstract:
Ultrasound thin film tags are disclosed. The tags include a pattern of regions, wherein the pattern is configured to create thin film interference when scanned with ultrasound energy. The tags can be placed in various locations within the article including interior surfaces and they can be used to encode a variety of information about the article. Devices and methods for scanning and decoding the tags are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for reducing corrosion of components of a reactor system, such as a supercritical water gasification system are described. A current carrying element may be arranged about the outside surface of a system component, such as a valve, conduit, heater, pre-heater, reactor vessel, and/or heat exchanger. The current carrying element may be in the form of a continuous solenoid, rings, tubes, or rods, including a conductive material, such as copper. A current may be applied to the current carrying element to generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The current may generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The electromagnetic field may force corrosive ions moving within a fluid flowing through the system component to move in pathways away from an inner surface of the system component.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing the build-up or entrapment of fecal matter in the colon. The compositions and methods disclose a delayed release laxative that provides for the release of the laxative if colon-specific conditions are achieved, otherwise the laxative passes out of the body. The condition specific release of laxatives prevents harmful side effects from excessive use of non-delayed release laxatives.