Abstract: A method for identification and validation of Echinacea is disclosed. Primers are designed based on information analysis of sequences from a large number of Echinacea species to amplify certain segments of genomic DNA to identify the species. Primers and methods are also disclosed to amplify other plant species that are frequently found in adulterated herbal samples of Echinacea.

Abstract: Intravenous sensor systems and methods for determining in vivo characteristics are disclosed, as well as systems for cooling bags of intravenous fluid. The intravenous sensor systems include a probe configured for placement in a peripheral vein. The probe includes one or more sensors for obtaining sensed information, such as body temperature, blood oxygen saturation level and blood pressure. An interface unit determines the in vivo characteristics based upon sensed information received from the one or more sensors. The determined in vivo characteristics may be displayed on the interface unit and/or transmitted to a remote computer.

Abstract: An adjustment device for an external fixator, which has an elongated fixator body connected to bone-pin clamps at proximal and distal ends of the elongated fixator body is disclosed. The adjustment device includes at least one adaptor for mounting to at least one of the bone-pin clamps. The adaptor stabilizes the bone-pins during an adjustment of the fractured bone to lessen the amount of pain experienced by a patient. An adjustment knob may be coupled to the adaptor and used to tighten or loosen a portion of the bone-pin clamp that facilitates rotation of the bone-pin clamp.

Abstract: A spatial multiplexing architecture is described for a MIMO communications system wherein the receiver feeds a number of bits of channel state information back to the transmitter. The architecture includes jointly designed ordered detection at the receiver and rate/power allocation at the transmitter. The receiver feeds back a finite number of bits to the transmitter regarding the detection order. The transmitter utilizes this detection order information to assign rates and powers. A Greedy ordering Rate Tailored (GRT-SMA) scheme is described which includes independent coding/decoding on each layer.