Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for culturing stem cells, such that neuronal differentiation can be achieved.

Abstract: An example includes a method of imaging brain activity. The method includes receiving signals corresponding to neuronal activity of the brain. The signals are based on a plurality of scalp sensors (110). The method also includes decomposing the signals into spatial and temporal independent components (140). In addition, the method includes localizing a plurality of sources corresponding to the independent components. The method includes generating a spatio-temporal representation of neural activity based on the plurality of sources.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes various optical ultrasound transducers and methods of producing such. As one example, an optical ultrasound transducer comprises an optical fiber and a polymer layer formed on the optical fiber to receive light from the optical fiber. The polymer layer may absorb light of a first wavelength and be substantially transparent to light of a second wavelength. In response to the light of the first wavelength, the polymer layer may generate an acoustic tone. The optical ultrasound transducer may further include an optical detector formed on the polymer layer, the optical detector comprising an etalon structure having a first mirror layer and a second mirror layer separated by a compressible layer, wherein the compressible layer resonates in response to the light of the second wavelength passing through the polymer layer and is compressible in response to acoustic pressure from echoes of the acoustic tone.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer composite that includes reacting (a) a multi-functional monomer and (b) a block copolymer comprising (i) a first block and (ii) a second block that includes a functional group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer, to form a crosslinked, nano-structured, bi-continuous composite. The composite includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase comprising the first block of the block copolymer.

Abstract: A volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.

Abstract: A number of spinal stabilization devices are disclosed for aligning and fixing vertebrae during surgery, e.g. to facilitate accurate placement of pedicle screws. One stabilization device includes a pair of spiked rails biased to clamp shut and thereby passively engage a number of vertebrae. Another stabilization device includes a tie-rod that connects two or more fiducial markers, each of which is connected to a vertebra, to stabilize the vertebrae including and between each vertebra to which the markers are attached.

Abstract: A pedicle screw driver bit includes an elongated shank and a head. The shank includes a plurality of threads. The head is connected to one end of and configured to rotate relative to the shank. The head is configured to be received by a tulip connected to a pedicle screw. The threads of the shank are configured to engage a plurality of threads of the tulip such that when the shank is rotated the tulip is drawn into engagement with the head such that the shank, the head, the tulip, and the pedicle screw are substantially prevented from rotating relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: An accumulator system is configured to store energy and includes an accumulator having a liquid chamber coupled to a liquid port and an air chamber coupled to an air port. The liquid chamber and the air chamber are separated by a moveable isolation barrier. An air motor/compressor coupled to the air port is configured to receive a mechanical input and responsively pump air into the accumulator, and to receive pressurized air from the air port and responsively provide a mechanical output. A liquid reservoir is coupled to the liquid port to receive liquid from the liquid chamber as air is pumped into the air chamber and to provide liquid to the liquid chamber as air is removed from the air chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: A system includes a data receiver, a sinogram generator, a processor, a filter module, and an output module. The data receiver is configured to receive radial ordered magnetic resonance data. The sinogram generator is configured to generate a first sinogram corresponding to a view angle as a function of a readout direction for the magnetic resonance data. The processor is configured to generate an oscillogram having an angular frequency axis. The oscillogram corresponds to a Fourier transform of the first sinogram. The filter module is configured to selectively filter a peak in a projection formed along a selected axis of the oscillogram, the peak being related to an interference signal such as an RF interference. The selected axis is orthogonal to the angular frequency axis.

Abstract: This document discloses, among other things, a method for removing a bullseye artifact from a radial image generated using magnetic resonance and using a swept frequency pulse.

Abstract: A method of making a tissue model comprises determining one or more material properties of a tissue, wherein the one or more material properties include at least one of mechanical properties, electroconductive properties, optical properties, thermoconductive properties, chemical properties, and anisotropic properties, creating an anatomical structure of the tissue, selecting an artificial tissue material having one or more material properties that substantially correspond to the one or more material properties of the tissue, and coupling the artificial tissue material to the anatomical structure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for differentiating non-embryonic multipotent stem cells along the pancreatic lineage. The present invention further provides non-embryonic multipotent stem cells and progeny derived therefrom to provide pancreatic cells to a subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing particulates. A liquid having a plurality of particulates substantially linearly ordered in a streamline can be externally controlled to provide flow in first and second directions, where, generally, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A target particulate can be measured from the plurality of particulates at or near a measurement area while the liquid flows in the first flow direction. The flow direction can be reversed and measured at the measurement area while flowing in the second direction. The particulates substantially retain the same linear order during at least one cycle, a cycle being defined by movement in the first direction followed by movement in the second direction.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide transition includes a substrate, a first coplanar waveguide on a first side of the substrate, and a second coplanar waveguide on a second side of the substrate. The coplanar waveguide transition includes a first, a second, and a third via through the substrate electrically coupling the first coplanar waveguide to the second coplanar waveguide. The coplanar waveguide transition includes voids through the substrate between the first, second, and third vias and edges of the first coplanar waveguide and edges of the second coplanar waveguide.

Abstract: A device includes a balloon and an interface. The balloon has an outer surface and a central lumen aligned on a longitudinal axis. The balloon is configured to receive a compressible fluid. The interface is coupled to the outer surface and has an external surface configured to bond with a tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing opsin protein in a vertebrate visual system are provided by administration of opsin-binding synthetic retinoids.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring a signal intensity from a spin system after applying the radio frequency preparation pulses prior to the imaging readout or spectroscopic localization, and acquiring signal intensity starting with magnetization initially rotated to a certain angle by applying an initial pulse before the preparation scheme, and processing the data to generate an image or spectra corresponding to the spin system. The imaging or spectroscopy sequence is configured to provide data based on magnetization transfer or an off-resonance effect.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for decoding optical codes using symbol-based algorithms are described. In one example, a method includes acquiring a signal representative of light reflected from an optical code comprising one or more symbols of a finite set of symbols and applying a decoding model to the signal. The decoding model may relate measured signals to the finite set of symbols, such that each of the symbols of the finite set of symbols are associated with a respective encoded character of a finite set of encoded characters. The method may also include determining, by a processor, a sequence of one or more of the encoded characters based on the application of the decoding model to the signal. In this manner, the optical code may be decoded by directly fitting an acquired signal from the optical code to possible symbols within the optical code and the associated encoded characters.