Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise endoscopes for viewing inside a cavity of a body such as a vessel like a vein or artery. These endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is inserted into the body cavity to provide illumination therein. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise disposable endoscopes that can be fabricated relatively inexpensively such that discarding these endoscopses after a single use is cost-effective. The endoscope may comprise a lens holder on a distal end of the endoscope for collection of light reflected from surfaces within the body in which the endoscope is inserted. This lens holder may have an inner cavity through which light passes along an optical path. Reflective surfaces on sidewalls of the inner cavity may direct light along this optical path. The endoscope may further comprise an elongated support structure for supporting a plurality of lenses disposed along the optical path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.

Abstract: A wafer support system comprising a segmented susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. A plurality of spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the segmented susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the segmented susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer.

Abstract: A disk-based storage system for storing a plurality of data segments responds to a direction-selection signal by autonomously providing the data segments in a selected sequence so as to be concatenated together to define a continuous data stream. The disk-based storage system comprises nonvolatile storage including rotating disk media having a plurality of addressable locations. Each of the data segments is stored in a respective one of the addressable locations. Each of the addressable locations has a leading end and a trailing end. A first one of the addressable locations has a trailing end on a first track, and a second one of the addressable locations has a leading end on a second track, the second track being spaced from the first track. The non-volatile storage provides for locally storing a doubly-linked list of pointers.

Abstract: Compounds, methods and compositions are provided for inducing natriuresis in a mammal. Methods for isolating and synthesizing the natriuretic compounds are also provided. Therapeutic methods using the natriuretic compounds are also provided. The natriuretic compounds are capable of inducing sodium excretion in a mammal without inducing corresponding prolonged potassium excretion.