Abstract: Instrumentation systems that facilitate the reproducible deployment and placement of fixation device such as a screw, via an aligned, percutaneous access and approach, designed to relieve lower back pain and possibly improve disc health and prevent progression or transition of disease. Information about methods and equipment for accessing and preparing bone for subsequent delivery of a bone screw such as a facet screw across a facet joint. Some of the many teachings contained herein address a system of visual indicators may be used in connection with a bore cutter that operates around an anchored guide wire to avoid dislodging the anchored guide wire.

Abstract: The invention provides improved Raman spectroscopy-based methods and systems for the quantitative analysis of selected analytes using lateral flow binding assay test strips.

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic apparatuses that are advantageously adapted for the Raman spectroscopic analysis of fluid samples, such as biological fluid samples, deposited on test strip substrates. The tests strips may be include a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) surface for deposition and analysis of a sample and/or may be lateral flow binding assay type test strips.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in vitro detection of an analyte in a body fluid sample using low resolution Raman spectroscopy are disclosed. The body fluid analyzer includes a disposable strip for receiving a sample of body fluid on a target region, the target region including gold sol-gel to provide surface enhanced Raman scattering. A light source irradiates the target region to produce a Raman spectrum consisting of scattered electromagnetic radiation that is separated into different wavelength components by a dispersion element. A detection array detects at least some of the wavelength components of the scattered light and provides data to a processor for processing the data. The results of the processed data are displayed on a screen to inform a user about an analyte within the body fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis of a sample using Raman spectroscopy, which employs a multi-mode radiation source and a spectral filter, are disclosed. The source radiation produces a Raman spectrum consisting of scattered electromagnetic radiation that is separated into different wavelength components by a dispersion element. A detection array detects a least some of the wavelength components of the scattered light and provides data to a processor for processing the data. The resulting spectroscopic data has higher resolution and stability than conventional low-resolution Raman systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in vitro detection of an analyte in a blood sample using low resolution Raman spectroscopy are disclosed. The blood analyzer includes a disposable strip for receiving a sample of blood on a target region, the target region including gold sol-gel to provide surface enhanced Raman scattering. A light source irradiates the target region to produce a Raman spectrum consisting of scattered electromagnetic radiation that is separated into different wavelength components by a dispersion element. A detection array detects a least some of the wavelength components of the scattered light and provides data to a processor for processing the data. The results of the processed data are displayed on a screen to inform a user about an analyte within the blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-resolution Raman spectroscopic systems and methods for in situ monitoring of drug-eluting devices in a lumen of a subject. A preferred system can employ multi-mode radiation in making in situ Raman spectroscopic measurements of the lumen and/or device. For example, a system can include a light source such as a multi-mode laser, and a light detector to measure spectral patterns and differentiates spectral features of drugs released in a target region. Drug-release curves can be extrapolated or otherwise predicted using the Raman spectrum taken during or subsequent to device insertion and/or activation.

Abstract: A smokable filler material includes an aerosol forming material (e.g., glycerin) and as binding agent. Tobacco extracts and/or pieces of tobacco laminae can be incorporated into the smokable filler material, and/or the smokable filler material can be blended with tobacco cut filler. The amount of aerosol forming material within the smokable filler material typically is at least about 20 percent, based on the weight of that smokable filler material. Cigarettes are provided by wrapping the smokable filler material in a paper wrapping material. A typical paper wrapping material has a porosity of less than about 5 CORESTA units.

Abstract: A cigarette includes a filter element including a carbon-containing paper or a paper containing molecular sieves. The paper contacts the filter material, such as cellulose acetate tow, within the filter element, either by circumscribing the filter material or by being gathered with non-carbon-containing filter material. The paper is useful as a plug wrap for a filter element. In several embodiments, longitudinal grooves are provided on the periphery of the filter element.

Abstract: A cigarette includes a filter element including a carbon-containing paper or a paper containing molecular sieves. The paper circumscribes filter material, such as cellulose acetate tow, within the filter element. The paper is useful as a plug wrap for a filter element.

Abstract: An improved shearing blowout preventer having improved shearing rams for shearing a tubing string extending through the bore of the preventer body. The shear rams include a shear ram having an upper shear blade and a ram having a lower shear blade. The upper shear blade includes a flat surface under the blade with a recess therein for a sealing element and a pair of surfaces spaced apart and below the flat surface under the blade and a tapered conical recess in the rear end of the blade to receive the fish that is sheared and to control the shape of the upper end of the sheared fish. The ram with the lower shear blade includes a tapered conical surface in the center portion of the blade and extending below the cutting edge of the blade. This recess coacts with the recess below the upper shear blade to shape the cut fish so that it does not flatten and to maintain a substantial opening in its upper end without exceeding maximum dimension.

Abstract: A smokable filler material includes an aerosol forming material (e.g., propylene glycol and glycerin) and a binding agent (e.g., ammonium alginate). Tobacco extracts and/or pieces of tobacco laminae can be incorporated into the smokable filler material, and/or the smokable filler material can be blended with tobacco cut filler. The amount of aerosol forming material within the smokable filler material typically is at least about 20 percent, based on the weight of that smokable filler material. Cigarettes are provided by wrapping the smokable filler material in a paper wrapping material. A typical paper wrapping material has a porosity of less than about 5 CORESTA units. Cigarettes cn include two layers of circumscribing paper wrapping materials. Cigarettes also can include filter elements.

Abstract: Cigarettes have a smokable filler blend comprising 60 to 75 percent tobacco cut filler and 25 to 40 percent of a second smokable cut filler consisting essentially of 50 to 70 percent calcium carbonate, 15 to 45 percent pyrolyzed cotton linters, and 7 to 12 percent polysaccharide binder. The blend is contained in a paper wrapper having a permeability from about 40 to about 75 CORESTA units. Cigarettes normally include a filter element and are air diluted to an air dilution level of from 40 to 65 percent. The smokable blend preferably is blended with a tobacco essence, and the nicotine content of the blend is greater than 2 percent. Cigarettes exhibit resistances to draw between 80 and 150 mm water pressure drop at 17.5 cc/sec. air flow. Cigarettes exhibit FTC "tar" to nicotine ratios less than 9.