Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.

Abstract: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a mass spectrometry proteomic approach to distinguishing Spitz nevi from Spitzoid malignant melanoma. Histology directed mass spectral profiling allows for targeted analysis of sites of melanocytic lesion within formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded excisional biopsies. The classification system identified 5 peptide peaks, of which two have been identified as originating from vimentin and actin. A sensitivity and specificity for Spitz nevi of 97% and 90%, respectively, were achieved.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a biohybrid, photoelectrochemical energy conversion device including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a multilayer photoconductive organic film interposed between the first and second electrodes. The second electrode is formed from a semiconductor material. Each layer of the photoconductive organic film includes at least one light harvesting complex.

Abstract: Inorganic photoluminescent nanoparticles comprising a solid assembly comprising a first plurality of atoms from group II crystallized with a second plurality of atoms from group VI; at least one dimension of the assembly less than about 3.0 nm; and one or more organocarboxylate agents coupled to a surface that bounds the assembly, wherein the nanocrystal exhibits nanocrystal photoluminescence quantum yield of at least about 10%. Coupling to such surface comprises coating at least a portion of the nanocrystal being coated with the organocarboxylate agent, wherein the organocarboxylate agent is a carboxylic acid or the conjugate base of a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid can be is selected from formic acid, acetic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, oleic acid, and benzoic acid. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport.

Abstract: A reactor assembly comprising a reservoir, a reaction chamber, and a valve assembly comprising at least one valve. The reservoir, reaction chamber, and valve assembly are non-magnetic. The valve assembly is adapted to selectively provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the reaction chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) has an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode, the cathode electrode and the membrane is formed of electrospun nanofibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting and processing physical space data for use while performing an image-guided surgical (IGS) procedure. A method includes performing a rigid alignment of a computer model of a non-rigid structure of interest in a patient and surface data in a patient space associated with at least a portion of said non-rigid structure, and computing a deformation of the computer model that provides a non-rigid alignment of said computer model and an organ geometric representation of data, said deformation computed using a set of boundary conditions and field variables defined for said computer model based on said rigid alignment and a parameterization function.

Abstract: A solenoid valve including a spool received within a housing. The spool is configured to move to multiple positions within the housing. The housing includes supply ports, exhaust ports, and outlet ports. When the spool is in a specific location, two outlet ports are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: A method of measuring binding between hemoglobin and a microbe of interest includes: providing hemoglobin from a source of interest; contacting the hemoglobin with a microbe of interest; and measuring the binding affinity between the hemoglobin and the microbe, wherein the binding affinity is indicative of microbe virulence in the presence of the hemoglobin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a weight bearing member having at least one powered joint are provided. A system includes a velocity reference module for receiving myoelectric control signals from a user during a non-weight bearing mode for the powered joint and generating a velocity reference for the powered joint based on the myoelectric control signals. The system further includes a volitional impedance module for generating a torque control signal for actuating the powered joint based at least on the velocity reference.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an electrode useable in an electrochemical cell includes an electrically conductive substrate, nanostructured current collectors in electrical contact with the conductive substrate, and nanoparticles of a ternary orthosilicate composite coated on the nanostructured current collectors. The ternary orthosilicate composite comprises Li2MnxFeyCozSiO4, where x+y+z=1.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are glycidol-based polymers, nanoparticles, and methods related thereto useful for drug delivery. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. The method includes the steps of: (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are therapeutic and diagnostic methods using targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing computer-assisted procedures are provided. In the systems and methods, a current rigid transformation is applied to a first set of points with respect to a second set of points to obtain a current transformed set of points. Thereafter, a linearized transformation is determined that minimizes a weighted fiducial registration error between the current transformed set and the second set. An updated rigid transformation is then obtained based on the current rigid transformation, the translation vector of the linearized transformation, and a rotation matrix that is closest to the linearized matrix of the linearized transformation, followed by applying the updated rigid transformation to the first set to obtain an updated transformed set of points. Finally, if motion associated with such updating fails to meet some criterion, the determining, obtaining, and applying are iteratively repeated using the updated rigid transformation and the updated transformed set.

Abstract: Pyrrole compounds useful as allosteric potentiators/positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds, for example, in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders or other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preventing or attenuating pathoangiogenic conditions by administering at least one GBS toxin receptor polypeptide or at least one immunogenic fragment thereof. Also provided are a composition that includes a GBS toxin receptor polypeptide and a method for making such a composition. In another embodiment of the invention, immunized animals also receive GBS toxin, immunocompatible antibodies to the GBS toxin receptor, and/or expanded autologous T cells to the GBS toxin receptor. Also included in this invention are methods of identifying additional GBS toxin receptors.

Abstract: A system for insufflating a body cavity comprising a swallowable capsule comprising a chamber (11) containing a fluid capable to generate biocompatible gas or vapour by phase transition or chemical reaction, the chamber (11) being formed with at least one orifice (7) for placing it in communication with the outside. The orifice (7) is blocked by a shutter (4, 6; 26) made of magnetic material and there are provided elastic means (8) able to generate an elastic force sufficient to keep said shutter sealingly engaged in the orifice. The system further comprises magnetic actuating means (12; 34) external to the body cavity for generating a magnetic force having strength sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic means disengaging the shutter from the orifice.