Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: Images obtained by a camera system (10) arranged to obtain stereoscopic images of a patient (20) undergoing radio-therapy are processed by a modeling unit (56,58) which generates a model of the surface of a patient (20) being monitored. Additionally the patient monitoring system processes image data not utilized to generate a model of the surface of a patient being monitored to determine further information concerning the treatment of the patient (20). Such additional data can comprise data identifying the relative location of the patient and a treatment apparatus (16). This can be facilitated by providing a number or retro-reflective markers (30-40) on a treatment apparatus (16) and a mechanical couch (18) used to position the patient (20) relative to the treatment apparatus (16) and monitoring the presence and location of the markers in the portions of the images obtained by the stereoscopic camera (10).

Abstract: The disclosed calibration method includes a calibration phantom positioned on an adjustable table on the surface of a mechanical couch, with the phantom's centre at an estimated location for the iso-centre of a radio therapy treatment apparatus. The calibration phantom is then irradiated using the apparatus, and the relative location of the center of the calibration phantom and the iso-centre of the apparatus is determined by analyzing images of the irradiation of the calibration phantom. The calibration phantom is then repositioned by the mechanical couch applying an offset corresponding to the determined relative location of the centre of the calibration phantom and the iso-centre of the apparatus to the calibration phantom. Images of the relocated calibration phantom are obtained, to which the offset has been applied, and the obtained images are processed to set the co-ordinate system of a stereoscopic camera system relative to the iso-centre of the apparatus.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a calibration method including a calibration phantom positioned on an adjustable table on the surface of a mechanical couch, with the phantom's center at an estimated location for the iso-center of a radio therapy treatment apparatus. The calibration phantom is then irradiated using the apparatus, and the relative location of the center of the calibration phantom and the iso-center of the apparatus is determined by analyzing images of the irradiation. The calibration phantom is then repositioned by the mechanical couch applying an offset corresponding to the determined relative location of the center of the calibration phantom and the iso-center of the apparatus to the calibration phantom. Images of the relocated calibration phantom are obtained, and the images are processed to set the co-ordinate system of a 3D camera system relative to the iso-center of the apparatus.

Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a radiation dosage monitoring system including a model generation module configured to generate a 3D surface model of a portion of a patient undergoing radiation treatment, an image detector configured to detect Cherenkov radiation and any subsequent secondary and scattered radiation originating due to the initial Cherenkov radiation emitted from the patient, a processing module configured to determine estimations of radiation applied to the patient utilizing the images from the image detector and the 3D model, and to utilize the determined estimations of radiation applied to the patient together with data indicative of the orientation of a radiation beam inducing emission of the Cherenkov radiation at a time when the radiation beam was applied to generate a 3D internal representation of the location of the portions of a irradiated patient resulting in the emission of the Cherenkov radiation.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a radiation dosage monitoring system including a model generation module configured to generate a 3D surface model of a portion of a patient undergoing radiation treatment, an image detector configured to detect Cherenkov radiation and any subsequent secondary and scattered radiation originating due to the initial Cherenkov radiation emitted from the patient, a processing module configured to determine estimations of radiation applied to the patient utilizing the images from the image detector and the 3D model, and to utilize the determined estimations of radiation applied to the patient together with data indicative of the orientation of a radiation beam inducing emission of the Cherenkov radiation at a time when the radiation beam was applied to generate a 3D internal representation of the location of the portions of a irradiated patient resulting in the emission of the Cherenkov radiation.

Abstract: A head positioning device for use in radio therapy is described for positioning a patient's head. The head positioning device comprises a head plate for supporting a patient's head; a base plate for connection to a mechanical couch; and a head plate adjustment assembly connecting the head plate to the base plate wherein the head plate adjustment assembly is arranged to vary the relative pitch, yaw and roll of the head plate relative to the base plate. The head positioning device is arranged to be attached to a mechanical couch with the head plate and the head plate adjustment assembly cantilevered off the end of the couch and the head plate adjustment assembly suspended beneath the head plate and the base plate.

Abstract: Artificial salivary gland devices and assemblies are provided. The present disclosure provides artificial salivary pump/gland devices and assemblies, and related methods of use. One embodiment utilizes the interstitial/marrow fluid reservoir within the underlying mandibular or maxillary bone as a source for replacement saliva. The salivary pump/assembly, which is implantable in the mandibular or maxillary bone as a dental implant and driven by incidental tooth contact and masticatory forces, harvests interstitial/marrow fluid and treats it via semi-permeable membrane technology and soluble particles as a continuously available saliva replacement. Masticatory forces and tooth contact power the pump to both harvest interstitial/marrow fluid and drive flow through a bed of ion-exchange resins and/or soluble particles to adjust fluid chemistry providing a continuously available saliva-like solution.

Abstract: The disclosed calibration method includes a calibration phantom positioned on an adjustable table on the surface of a mechanical couch, with the phantom's centre at an estimated location for the iso-centre of a radio therapy treatment apparatus. The calibration phantom is then irradiated using the apparatus, and the relative location of the center of the calibration phantom and the iso-centre of the apparatus is determined by analyzing images of the irradiation of the calibration phantom. The calibration phantom is then repositioned by the mechanical couch applying an offset corresponding to the determined relative location of the centre of the calibration phantom and the iso-centre of the apparatus to the calibration phantom. Images of the relocated calibration phantom are obtained, to which the offset has been applied, and the obtained images are processed to set the co-ordinate system of a stereoscopic camera system relative to the iso-centre of the apparatus.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a conjugate of Formula (I-A) or (I) comprising a polypeptide containing n number of tyrosine units, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, dispersed within the amino acid chain having and amino terminus end (A1) and an acid terminus end (A2) of the protein or polypeptide and having a weight average molecular weight equal to or greater than 10,000 Daltons (10 kDa), wherein the conjugate comprises a number m of tyrosine conjugates (modified tyrosine residues) as depicted in Formula (I-A) or (I), where m is at least one and is less than or equal to n: where X, Lg, L and R are as defined herein.

Abstract: Images obtained by a camera system (10) arranged to obtain stereoscopic images of a patient (20) undergoing radio-therapy are processed by a modeling unit (56,58) which generates a model of the surface of a patient (20) being monitored. Additionally the patient monitoring system processes image data not utilized to generate a model of the surface of a patient being monitored to determine further information concerning the treatment of the patient (20). Such additional data can comprise data identifying the relative location of the patient and a treatment apparatus (16). This can be facilitated by providing a number or retro-reflective markers (30-40) on a treatment apparatus (16) and a mechanical couch (18) used to position the patient (20) relative to the treatment apparatus (16) and monitoring the presence and location of the markers in the portions of the images obtained by the stereoscopic camera (10).

Abstract: A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant.

Abstract: A head positioning device for use in radio therapy is described for positioning a patient's head. The head positioning device comprises a head plate for supporting a patient's head; a base plate for connection to a mechanical couch; and a head plate adjustment assembly connecting the head plate to the base plate wherein the head plate adjustment assembly is arranged to vary the relative pitch, yaw and roll of the head plate relative to the base plate. The head positioning device is arranged to be attached to a mechanical couch with the head plate and the head plate adjustment assembly cantilevered off the end of the couch and the head plate adjustment assembly suspended beneath the head plate and the base plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for carton- and item-level tracking of deliveries to retail locations in a supply chain are described. A central shipment management system receives over a network, from one or more retail distribution centers associated with a plurality of retail locations, advanced shipping notice information describing one or more shipments of pluralities of cartons to a pool. The central computer system also receives, from the retailer or distribution center, product information including category and description information for items contained in a shipment to at least one retail location of the retailer. The received advance shipping notice information and the product information are processed. The processing applies one or more business logic rules to determine an estimated delivery date of the shipment to the at least one retail location. A portal accessible over the network by associates of the retail location is provided.