Abstract: An equatorial anthropic radiation source and a method of making an equatorial anthropic radiation source are described. The radiation source is useful in diagnostic imaging applications in healthcare or other industries (e.g. computerized three-dimensional segmental imaging; Crompton scattering imaging techniques; radiation detector check and calibration, in particular CdZnTe detectors commonly used in medical imaging).

Abstract: A mixing device including a container defining a container cavity, the container including a bottom wall supporting a hollow shaft, the shaft supporting an impeller thereon such that the impeller is free to rotate about the shaft, the impeller including a central passageway therethrough for receiving the shaft, the container further including an elongated evacuation tube having a first end positioned within the passageway of the shaft and an opposed second end extending to a port of the container. Methods of using the mixing device to provide improved cell culture.

Abstract: Braces to reduce bending of a brachytherapy needle during insertion into a patient, as well as methods of using the needle braces and kits useful therefor.

Abstract: A brachytherapy template adaptor for performing brachytherapy procedures using needles smaller in diameter than the template is designed to accommodate. Additionally, a kit for adapting a brachytherapy template is provided.

Abstract: Braces to reduce bending of a brachytherapy needle during insertion into a patient, as well as methods of using the needle braces and kits useful therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-shielding container for a radiopharmaceutical that allows or a product fluid to be dispensed from a base component thereof.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a brachytherapy array having a planar base which includes a working area comprising at least one planar major surface defining a first array of apertures, and a holding mechanism for holding a planar surgical mesh over the working area of said planar base. Also, a method for forming a brachytherapy array using this device.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.

Abstract: A brachytherapy template adaptor for performing brachytherapy procedures using needles smaller in diameter than the template is designed to accommodate. Additionally, a kit for adapting a brachytherapy template is provided.

Abstract: An assembler which limits the amount of torque that may be applied to a brachytherapy cartridge magazine when its cap is threaded onto same. The assembler is constructed so that the brachytherapy cartridge will rotate within the assembler before a destructive torque is applied while the cap and cartridge magazine are screwed together.

Abstract: Aluminum, boron and silicon were identified as potential leachables from borosilicate glassware and a silica based QMA during handling of aqueous 18F. The addition of only 0.4 ppm aluminum as AlCl3 in the eluent vial resulted in a strong reduction in the labeling yield of a model [18F]fluoride SN2 reaction (from 80 to 40% incorporation). The addition of boron as KBO2 and silicon as NaSiO3 did not result in any significant decrease in labeling yield. Interestingly, there was an interaction effect between AlCl3 and KBO2 in which the negative effect from AlCl3 on labeling yield was counteracted by KBO2. The present invention demonstrates that aluminum and boron from borosilicate glassware have a strong influence on the labeling yield in nucleophilic SN2 reactions with n.c.a [18F]fluoride.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed cartridge assembly includes an elongate movable shield, formed from a radiation-shielding material, that is slideably supported so as to movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cartridge assembly also provides a quick-connect feature for a more efficient assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-shielding container for a radiopharmaceutical that may be magnetically picked and placed, assembled and dis-assembled.

Abstract: A method of providing polarized noble gas for NMR or MRI applications incorporates a control module, a plurality of optical pumping modules each including an optical pumping cell operably associated with the control module; a plurality of dispensing systems, one for each optical pumping module wherein each dispensing system is operably associated with the control module and the its associated optical pumping module to dispense meted volumes of polarized gas from the hyperpolarizer; the optical pumping modules, and the dispensing systems, where a noble gas is directed to a selected one of the optical pumping modules, polarized and dispensed by the associated dispensing system.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a molded elongate, bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising a hollow elongate bioabsorbable suture member with radioactive seeds and spacer members without different coloration and diameter from the radioactive seeds alternately disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture and the use thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: A brachytherapy seed comprising (a) carrier-free 103Pd isotope, (b) a substrate for the carrier-free 103Pd radioisotope, and (c) a casing for encapsulating the carrier-free 103Pd-laden substrate, is disclosed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.

Abstract: A circuit for determining a polarization of a gas. The circuit includes a polarimetry circuit having an NMR coil that is configured to excite a polarized gas and that is responsive to an electromagnetic signal generated by the excited, polarized gas. The polarimetry circuit has a reproducible polarization measurement variability of less than about 2% when the NMR coil is exposed to a temperature in a range of about 0° C. to about 200° C.