Abstract: A nondestructive system and method for high resolution thermal imaging in metal casting applications is provided to detect defects and starts with the article under test being subjected to a thermal gradient, followed by infrared images taken thereof. The creation of the thermal gradient results in any defects reacting differently to the thermal gradient application to accentuate the defect in the infrared image. The apparatus for conducting the tests in one embodiment includes a single channel sensor, remote cable, and a laptop controller with real time image processing software. This hardware provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The apparatus enables crisp, clear imagery of various metal casting defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution thermal imaging in medical applications has a single channel EMI shielded sensor, remote cable, and laptop controller with real time image processing software. The apparatus provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables crisp, clear imagery of the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Various medical applications which would benefit from high resolution thermal imagery are presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional thermal imaging in medical applications, said apparatus comprising a power supply, user interface controls, focal plane array (FPA), electronics, and optics. It provides two real-time viewable IR channels for binocular vision with a variable focus distance which can be optimized at any distance from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables 3-D vision in the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Potential medical applications are discussed and presented.

Abstract: A nondestructive system and method for high resolution thermal imaging in metal casting applications is provided to detect defects and starts with the article under test being subjected to a thermal gradient, followed by infrared images taken thereof. The creation of the thermal gradient results in any defects reacting differently to the thermal gradient application to accentuate the defect in the infrared image. The apparatus for conducting the tests in one embodiment includes a single channel sensor, remote cable, and a laptop controller with real time image processing software. This hardware provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The apparatus enables crisp, clear imagery of various metal casting defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution thermal imaging in medical applications has a single channel EMI shielded sensor, remote cable, and laptop controller with real time image processing software. The apparatus provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables crisp, clear imagery of the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Various medical applications which would benefit from high resolution thermal imagery are presented.

Abstract: A novel metal/ceramic hybrid material in which the void space of the ceramic is filled with metal. The metal may be bonded to the ceramic, for example by formation of a metal oxide. The metal may be introduced into the ceramic as small particles in a suspension then heated to melt the metal, allowing bonding to the ceramic or better filling of the void space. The hybrid material may be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method of using modified xanthine molecules as a binding agent is disclosed. Xanthine molecules with at least one substitution of a methyl group at the N1, N3, N7, or N9 position bind to intercalating molecules efficiently. This method can be applied to inhibiting intercalating molecules from binding to nucleic acids, as well as removing intercalating molecules that have been bound to nucleic acids. This method can also be applied to synthesize an efficient drug delivery system for compounds that have low solubility in aqueous media, including anti-neoplastic agents. The method can also be applied to flurosecently labeling nucleic acids.

Abstract: A system and method for dispersing living cells onto an area of a subject lacking normal, healthy skin, such as an open wound surface, to form three dimensional epithelial tissue is provided. The cells are dispersed using an air-jet sprayer after being suspended in a soluble media such as dextran. The cells may be dispersed directly onto the area or onto a tissue scaffold or synthetic substance that promotes wound healing.

Abstract: Compositions containing purified nucleic acid wherein the nucleic acid acts as an antioxidant. Such compositions also include materials subject to oxidative damage such as antioxidants, vitamins, lipids, foods and pharmaceuticals. The invention also includes methods for preparing such compositions. These methods include dissolving the nucleic acid and a hydrophilic material in an aqueous solution, which may later be dried or further processed. Additionally, nucleic acid may be coupled with a molecule having hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions and then solubilized in a hydrophobic material. It may also be shaped into small aggregates and added to a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A novel metal/ceramic hybrid material in which the void space of the ceramic is filled with metal. The metal may be bonded to the ceramic, for example by formation of a metal oxide. The metal may be introduced into the ceramic as small particles in a suspension then heated to melt the metal, allowing bonding to the ceramic or better filling of the void space. The hybrid material may be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Surfaces containing high purity silica (silicon dioxide) exhibit high loading potential for nucleic acids. Formulations containing nucleic acids and materials which mask the electrostatic interactions between the nucleic acids and surfaces are disclosed. By masking the phosphate charges of the nucleic acids, undesired interactions may be minimized or eliminated, thereby allowing the covalent bonding of the nucleic acids to the surface to proceed. The use of such formulations additionally minimizes nonspecific binding of the nucleic acids to the surface. Examples of materials to be included in such formulations include cations, xanthines, hexoses, purines, arginine, lysine, polyarginine, polylysine, and quaternary ammonium salts.

Abstract: Diagnostic devices are disclosed which contain porous material. The porous material preferably comprises silica and alumina. Chemical and/or biological molecules can be bound to the porous material in high concentrations while both having high accessibility to molecules in solution, and retaining their natural conformation. Such diagnostic devices may be used for a wide array of assays including protein (e.g. ELISA) and nucleic acid (e.g. hybridization on chips or beads) detection and/or quantification methods.

Abstract: Compositions containing purified nucleic acid wherein the nucleic acid acts as an antioxidant. Such compositions also include materials subject to oxidative damage such as antioxidants, vitamins, lipids, foods and pharmaceuticals. The invention also includes methods for preparing such compositions. These methods include dissolving the nucleic acid and a hydrophilic material in an aqueous solution, which may later be dried or further processed. Additionally, nucleic acid may be coupled with a molecule having hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions and then solubilized in a hydrophobic material. It may also be shaped into small aggregates and added to a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: Polymers that are biocompatible are useful for various medical purposes such as tissue repair, reconstruction and wound healing. A method and composition for producing a biocompatible polymer formed from nucleic acids is disclosed. The nucleic acid polymer may be used to form a hybrid with an existing polymer to create a copolymer. The nucleic acids may be also be selected to encode particular proteins which may then be expressed in a biological tissue.

Abstract: An implantable infection shield and system for drug delivery in vascular tissue includes a relatively non-biodegradable porous linked fibrous biomaterial which controls and directs cell growth and angiogenesis from adjacent vascular tissue into the implant. Infection shield embodiments stimulate cell growth and angiogenesis from adjacent vascular tissue which effectively blocks passage of pathogenic microorganisms along percutaneously implanted objects. In embodiments for drug delivery, a reservoir of the same biomaterial may contain either (1) a cell culture system enclosed within a porous sealable interior chamber or (2) a biodegradable matrix in which one or more drugs are dispersed. After implantation of a reservoir of the first embodiment in an organism, cultured cells obtain food and oxygen via diffusion in tissue fluid through the porous walls of the interior chamber, while metabolic products, including drugs, diffuse away from the cell culture in an analogous manner.

Abstract: Porous materials are disclosed having densities of at least about 6 pounds per cubic foot (96.1 kg/m3). The materials comprise silica and/or alumina. The porous materials are useful as supports for binding various chemical and biological molecules. The materials are useful as supports for analytical processes such as ELISA, blotting, and hybridization assays. The materials can be used as reinforcement agents for organic, inorganic, or metallic materials.

Abstract: An implantable infection shield and system for drug delivery in vascular tissue includes a relatively non-biodegradable porous linked fibrous biomaterial which controls and directs cell growth and angiogenesis from adjacent vascular tissue into the implant. Infection shield embodiments stimulate cell growth and angiogenesis from adjacent vascular tissue which effectively blocks passage of pathogenic microorganisms along percutaneously implanted objects. In embodiments for drug delivery, a reservoir of the same biomaterial may contain either (1) a cell culture system enclosed within a porous sealable interior chamber or (2) a biodegradable matrix in which one or more drugs are dispersed. After implantation of a reservoir of the first embodiment in an organism, cultured cells obtain food and oxygen via diffusion in tissue fluid through the porous walls of the interior chamber, while metabolic products, including drugs, diffuse away from the cell culture in an analogous manner.

Abstract: Sunscreen formulations containing nucleic acids are disclosed. The formulations can be used to reduce sunburns, the occurrence of skin cancer, and the occurrence of other ultraviolet radiation caused conditions. The nucleic acids are preferably DNA.

Abstract: Surfaces containing high purity silica (silicon dioxide) exhibit high loading potential for nucleic acids. Formulations containing nucleic acids and materials which mask the electrostatic interactions between the nucleic acids and surfaces are disclosed. By masking the phosphate charges of the nucleic acids, undesired interactions may be minimized or eliminated, thereby allowing the covalent bonding of the nucleic acids to the surface to proceed. The use of such formulations additionally minimizes nonspecific binding of the nucleic acids to the surface. Examples of materials to be included in such formulations include cations, xanthines, hexoses, purines, arginine, lysine, polyarginine, polylysine, and quaternary ammonium salts.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides novel and unique fused fibrous compounds for addition to and manufacture of bone and dental cement systems and methods of making the same. The preferred embodiment of the fused fibrous compound material made therefrom comprises a rigid three-dimensional network of fibers fused together at their points of contact wherein said network is greater than 60% by volume void space, has mean pore diameters greater than 10 microns, or both. The fused fibrous compound is preferably manufactured from fibers and a fusion source and is added to the composition in particle form.