Abstract: A device and technique for a sutureless wound closure, which limits the risks of rupture and scarring, is described. The device includes a one-piece surgical fastener generally shaped in a curve along the width of the surgical fastener. The fastener includes a tissue insertion tongue with a plurality of tissue attachment points for fixing the fastener to skin tissue. The fastener also includes a clasp for engaging an identical surgical fastener. The surgical fastener can also be a two-piece structure including a male connecting strap and a female connector. Both pieces include a tissue-connecting mechanism for fixing to skin tissue. The female connector includes an engagement clasp for securing the male connecting strap to the female connector.

Abstract: Analogs of 4-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-napthalenyl)-1-propenyl]benzoic acid and methods of manufacture and use thereof, such as for use in cancer prevention and treatment.

Abstract: The invention is a selective growth medium for investigating, isolating, counting and directly identifying pathogenic bacteria of the genus Listeria.The medium promotes the Listeria spp. while simultaneously inhibiting the growth of non-Listeria organisms. The medium does not produce a bacterial biomass contaminated with interfering fluorophores. The medium contains nitrofurantoin, esculin and lithium chloride and lacks acriflavin.

Abstract: A method for converting levulinic acid to methyl vinyl ketone is described. The method includes the steps of reacting an aqueous solution of levulinic acid, over an acid catalyst, at a temperature of from room temperature to about 1100 K. Methyl vinyl ketone is thereby formed.

Abstract: A method for identifying neuronal spikes (extracellular action potentials) is described wherein measured microelectrode readings from tissue are reviewed to identify spikes (successive readings having prolonged rises and/or falls). The frequency of such spikes as a function of their amplitude assumes a bimodal distribution wherein higher amplitude spikes represent neuronal spikes (signal) and lower amplitude spikes represent noise, and thus the higher amplitude spikes can be assumed to be neuronal spikes. Neuronal spikes from the same neuron can then be assumed to have substantially the same waveform shape and period, with the only significant difference between them being the scaling of their amplitudes (i.e., the amplitudes of spikes from the same neuron tend to be proportionate at any given time along their period). Thus, by testing identified neuronal spikes for matching timing and for proportional amplitudes, the neuronal spikes may further be identified as coming from the same or different neurons.

Abstract: Shunts (valves) (100) for controlled flow of bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, include a valve actuating member (114) (such as a piston (120)) between inlet (108) and outlet (110) ports. The valve actuating member is biased toward a state wherein the valve is closed, and it includes a face adjacent the upstream side of the valve (and preferably isolated from the downstream side of the valve) whereby fluid pressure in the upstream side exerts an opening force on the face to urge the valve toward an open state. When the opening force on the valve exceeds the closing force by some amount, the valve actuating member moves the valve to the open state, allowing fluid flow through the fluid passage between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making ?-polypeptides. The method includes polymerizing ?-lactam-containing monomers in the presence of a base initiator and a co-initiator which is not a metal-containing molecule to yield the product ?-polypeptides. Specifically disclosed are methods wherein the base initiator is potassium t-butoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiN(TMS)2), potassium bis(trimethyl-silyl)amide, and sodium ethoxide, and the reaction is carried out in a solvent such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, or tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimeters above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimeters above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for division and rearrangement of light from a source object. The apparatus splits the light from the source object, or image of the source object, and recombines it in a parallel, fashion to increase the efficiency of multiphoton microscopy in general and harmonic or fluorescence emission microscopy in particular. The apparatus includes a beam splitter configured to split a light beam into at least two independent light paths to yield a first light path and a second light path; a first beam focuser configured to direct and focus the first light path onto a focal plane; and a second beam focuser configured to direct and focus the second light path onto the same or different focal plane to which the first light path is focused; and wherein the first and second light paths may be superimposed upon one another at a common focal plane or directed independently to different positions.

Abstract: A strap for a bow string release is provided to form a semi-closed (or open) hand receiving condition wrist strap for facilitating quick attachment and detachment of the strap to the wrist. The strap facilitates one-handed coupling about an archer's wrist by selectively maintaining the semi-closed (or semi-open) hand receiving condition so that the archer does not have to manually insert a first end of the strap through a second end of the strap.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding pharmaceutical composition for treating damaged cartilage and subchondral bone. Neurogenic compounds in general and neuropeptides in particular have been found to be highly effective in stimulated repair of cartilage and bone damaged due to traumatic injury, ligament disease, and disuse. Preferred active ingredients for use in the method and corresponding pharmaceutical composition include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), dynorphin, enkephalin, galanin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotensin, somatostatin, substance P (SP), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).

Abstract: A pad (10) of interleaving linear cells (2) has loop straps (1) to hold the central section of the cells (2) linearly in parallel with the cell axis (11), whilst the opposite ends (3) of each cell (2) are secured a pre-determined distance (4) off-set from the cell axis (11). The distance (4) can vary along the length of the pad. By fixing of the ends (3) of the cells (2) at a distance (4) away from the cell axis, each end (3) of the cell (2) is pulled away from the centre axis of the cell, the loop straps (1) and the cell (2) become tensioned, preventing the central cell section from moving or rotating. The resulting cell has been seen to dramatically reduce the movement of a user along the pad with improved user comfort and enhanced pressure relief.

Abstract: A label dispenser for storing adhesive labels provided in a roll on a backing strip, and for applying such labels to a substrate, includes a spool wherein the roll may be fit, with the label-bearing strip being fed out of a feed opening in the spool and onto a feeding surface on the outside of the spool. The label-bearing strip is then directed onto and about a peeling lip, causing the strip to shed its label(s) as it traverses the lip. The label is then applied to any adjacent substrate, while the label-less backing strip is directed between a roller (which rolls on the substrate) and a receiving surface on the outside of the spool. As the roller rolls on the substrate, it serves to grasp the label-less backing strip and pull the label-bearing strip out of the spool interior, where it then deposits labels on the substrate as it traverses the lip.

Abstract: Described is an intra-mammary teat sealant and a corresponding method of forming a physical barrier in the teat canal of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders during the animal's dry period. The method includes the step of infusing a bismuth-free teat seal formulation into the teat canal of the animal. The method also prevents the formation of black spot defect in dairy products, especially cheddar cheese, made from the milk of animals so treated.

Abstract: A modular green roof system includes modular panels (10) providing a surrounded space suitable for supporting live plant growth and adapted for installing onto a roof deck in side-by-side positioning while allowing water flow on the roof thereunder. The panels are installed with growing medium and greenery, and are releasably connected in a non-progressive manner that permits removal of a surrounded panel without disturbing the adjacent panels. The panels are further adapted to be pre-seeded prior to delivery to the roof site, and delivered in either a preserved condition or a germinated condition; and are adapted for connection to an edge finishing/edge termination system (46) and support structure to enable provision of non-panel areas of the green roof, and above-panel structures.

Abstract: A junction box for electrical wiring includes one or more wiring connectors non-removably pre-mounted to side panels thereof. A variety of different connector types for supporting a variety of different types of electrical cables and wiring conduits may be provided in a single junction box. Removable plugs are provided to block the connector passageways, but are easily removed from those connectors that are to be used for wiring in a particular installation. Since built-in connectors of various types are provided, end-user installation time is reduced.