Abstract: A feeding tube adapter includes two detachable members. Each member is fluidly connected to one of two feeding tubes that supply fluid from a feed source to a patient. When attached, the feeding tube adapter enables fluid to flow from the feed source to the patient. When detached, the feeding tube adapter reduces or eliminates leakage of fluid from the fluid source. A force that detaches the feeding tube adapter is less than a force that removes a section of feeding tube from within the patient.

Abstract: An electrode for monitoring nerve activity has been developed. The electrode includes an array of electrically conductive projections extending from a surface of an electrical contact that enable the electrical contact to be connected directly to the nerve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that selectively inhibit members of the PTP family of enzymes. Synthesized compounds demonstrated selective inhibition of TC-PTP. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and formulations containing the compounds. Also described is a fluorescence-tagged combinatorial library synthesis and screening method. And methods of using these compounds to effect enzyme activity both in cells and in vitro as well as method of using these compounds to treat diseases in human and animals.

Abstract: A method has been developed that detects cardiac arrhythmia from intrinsic cardiac nerve signals obtained from a heart in a patient. The method includes sampling intrinsic cardiac nerve activity at a high sample rate, filtering the sampled signal with a high pass filter, comparing the filtered signal to a predetermined threshold, and initiating a therapeutic action in response to the filtered signal exceeding the predetermined threshold. The intrinsic cardiac nerve activity may be received through an electrode implanted on the heart or from an electrode inserted into the venous structure of the heart.

Abstract: A movable floor system for use with a rotating gantry in a radiation treatment facility is provided that comprises a carriage assembly slidably supported within the gantry to maintain a substantially constant orientation while the gantry is rotating. An extendable/retractable panel assembly is supported on the carriage assembly that includes a plurality of non-movable floor panels and a like plurality of movable floor panels slidably mounted over corresponding ones of the non-movable panels. The movable panels are sized to span a distance between the carriage assembly and a fixed floor of the treatment room. Each of the movable panels has a platform surface for supporting a person for access to and from the patient table situated within the gantry. A control system coordinates the extension and retraction of the movable floor panels to prevent collisions with the radiation nozzle as it rotates during the patient treatment.

Abstract: Self-organized niobium oxide nanocones with nano-sized tips are prepared by anodization of niobium in the presence of an electrolyte such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) (aq.). Dimensions and integrity of the bulk nanostructures formed are strongly dependent on potential, temperature, electrolyte composition, and anodization times. Accordingly, the morphology, topology, uniformity and bioactivity of the niobium oxide nanostructures formed can be readily adjusted by adjusting these anodization parameters. A bioactive form of crystalline niobium oxide is formed by anodizing niobium metal in the presence of an electrolyte that includes HF and at least one salt such as Na2SO4 or NaF. One property of bioactive niobium oxide formed by anodizing niobium metal in the presence of HF (aq.) is its ability to interact with hydroxylapatite.