Abstract: A bottomless micro-mirror well. In one embodiment, the bottomless micro-mirror well includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposite, second surface defining a body portion between the first surface and the opposite, second surface, where the body portion defines an inverted pyramidal well having at least three side surfaces extending to each other and defining an opening between a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the body portion, and where each of the at least three side surfaces is configured to reflect light emitting from an object of interest.

Abstract: An endoscopic device providing direct visualization of a surgical procedure, such as a surgical procedure in which there is significant body and/or artificially introduced fluids is provided. This endoscopic device comprises catheter with a lumen in which a transparent gel may be housed. During the surgical operation the transparent gel may be dispensed at the target site to displace the body fluids, such as blood. A visualization tool housed in the catheter may then be inserted into the gel to allow a surgeon to view the target site through the gel. Additionally, the catheter may comprise a surgical tool(s) that a surgeon may use to perform an operation at the target site. After completion of the operation, the gel and tools may be retracted back into the catheter and removed from the patient's body.

Abstract: A system for selectively disabling a surgical instrument operating in a surgical site of a region of interest of a living subject.

Abstract: Friction stir methods are disclosed for processing at least one workpiece using a rotary tool with rotating member for contacting and processing the workpiece. The methods include oscillating the rotary tool laterally with respect to a selected propagation path for the rotating member with respect to the workpiece to define an oscillation path for the rotating member. The methods further include obtaining force signals or parameters related to the force experienced by the rotary tool at least while the rotating member is disposed at the extremes of the oscillation. The force signals or parameters associated with the extremes can then be analyzed to determine a lateral position of the selected path with respect to a target path and a lateral offset value can be determined based on the lateral position. The lateral distance between the selected path and the target path can be decreased based on the lateral offset value.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for binding an analyte of interest in a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a substrate with an exposed surface with an compound, that is electrostatically charged or capable of forming hydrogen bonds, provided bound to the solid substrate. A recombinant single chain antibody (scFv) molecule specific for the analyte of interest, having one or more amino acids with charged or hydrogen-bond forming sidechains in a linker polypeptide portion, is bound to the layer on the solid substrate. When the analyte of interest is present in the sample the scFv binds the analyte to the solid substrate. The apparatus can be used with an immunoglobulin layer to detect Fc receptors, so as to detect microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus having protein A or protein G.

Abstract: A method of delivering an active agent to a target tissue, particularly neoplastic tissue, vascular anomaly or tumor tissue, in a vertebrate subject. The method includes the steps of exposing the target tissue to ionizing radiation; and administering a delivery vehicle to the vertebrate subject before, after, during, or combinations thereof, exposing the target tissue to the ionizing radiation. The delivery vehicle includes the active agent and delivers the agent to the target tissue. Representative delivery vehicles include platelets; leukocytes; proteins or peptides which bind activated platelets; antibodies which bind activated platelets; microspheres coated with proteins or peptides which bind activated platelets; liposomes conjugated to proteins or peptides, platelets, or leukocytes which bind activated platelets, or antibodies which bind activated platelets; and combinations thereof.

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 is directed to particular human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof that find use in the detection, prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections. In particular, these antibodies may neutralize RSV. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A method of modifying protein samples that comprises combining the sample with a peroxycarbonate solution and inserting the sample into a mass spectrometer. The present invention also includes methods of N-terminus characterization.

Abstract: A friction stir system for processing at least a first workpiece includes a spindle actuator coupled to a rotary tool comprising a rotating member for contacting and processing the first workpiece. A detection system is provided for obtaining information related to a lateral alignment of the rotating member. The detection system comprises at least one sensor for measuring a force experienced by the rotary tool or a parameter related to the force experienced by the rotary tool during processing, wherein the sensor provides sensor signals. A signal processing system is coupled to receive and analyze the sensor signals and determine a lateral alignment of the rotating member relative to a selected lateral position, a selected path, or a direction to decrease a lateral distance relative to the selected lateral position or selected path.

Abstract: A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.

Abstract: Present inventions present composites of particles and polymers, as well as methods of making such composite and uses thereof. A low or non-porous composite comprises a plurality of bone particles; and polyurethane components with which the bone particles are combined. Provided composites can be prepared in a one-shot process. Alternatively or additionally, composites can be prepared by compression molding under a high pressure. Before or after implantation, provided composites may be set to form a hardened state of composites that provides mechanical strength and supports the in-growth of cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a medical device for positioning a surgical prosthesis on a fascial defect of a tissue wall. In one embodiment, the medical device has a removable flexible member having a body portion having at least one magnetic section, and a magnet member positioned in relation to the at least one magnetic section such that a movement of the magnet member causes the flexible member to move accordingly. The surgical prosthesis is detachably attachable to the flexible member, and the flexible member is introducible into and removable from a body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved optical detection systems and methods comprising interferometric detection systems, methods for determining a characteristic property of a fluid, methods for calculating a shift between at least two signals, computer program products encoded in a computer readable medium, and computational systems. Also disclosed are label-free, free-solution, and/or real-time measurements of characteristic properties and/or chemical events using the disclosed techniques. Also disclosed are various biosensor applications of the disclosed techniques. 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 is described for mapping dense sensory data to a Sensory Ego Sphere (SES). Methods are also described for finding and ranking areas of interest in the images that form a complete visual scene on an SES. Further, attentional processing of image data is best done by performing attentional processing on individual full-size images from the image sequence, mapping each attentional location to the nearest node, and then summing attentional locations at each node.

Abstract: A cochlear implant placed in a cochlea of a living subject for stimulating the auditory system of the living subject, where the auditory system comprises auditory neurons. In one embodiment, the cochlear implant includes a plurality of light sources, {Li}, placeable distal to the cochlea, each light source, L1, being operable independently and adapted for generating an optical energy, Ei, wherein i=1, . . . , N, and N is the number of the light sources, and delivering means placeable in the cochlea and optically coupled to the plurality of light sources, {Li}, such that in operation, the optical energies {Ei} generated by the plurality of light sources {Li} are delivered to target sites, {Gi}, of auditory neurons, respectively, wherein the target sites G1 and GN of auditory neurons are substantially proximate to the apical end and the basal end of the cochlea, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the simultaneous assessment of a plurality of tissue regions or microregions, the benefit being homogeneity of the sampling, both in terms of tissue content and timing. Discrete regions of a tissue sample, such as those demarcated by microwells formed within the tissue itself or tissue plugs removed from the tissue in a spatially referenced fashion, can be treated with one or more physical or chemical treatments to liberate target molecules of interest. Subsequent analysis of said target molecules by, e.g., mass spectroscopy, permits identification of a variety of biological parameters, including those associated with disease or therapy.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing an upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in a subject by determining an amount of one or more biomarkers in a biological sample from the subject are provided. Methods for determining whether to initiate or continue prophylaxis or treatment of an upper GI cancer in a subject by determining any measurable change in the amounts of the at least one biomarker in each of a series of biological samples provided over a time period are also provided.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions that selectively bind cyclooxygenase-2 and comprise a therapeutic and/or diagnostic moiety. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed compositions for diagnosing (i.e., by imaging) a target cell and/or treating a disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2 biological activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high inertance liquid piston engine-compressor and method of use thereof. The high inertance engine-compressor is light weight, portable and for use with pneumatically actuated devices that may have periods of inactivity between periods of pneumatic use. The present invention provides a power generation system that is for use with mobile or portable devices which need a portable long lasting energy source.