Abstract: A relative quality score is provided that takes into account properties of an encoded version of a source video. For example, one such quality score calculates a difference of higher and lower quality transcoded versions of the source video, and computes quality metrics for each to evaluate how similar the transcoded versions are to the source video. A relative quality score quantifying the quality improvement of the high-quality version over the low-quality version is computed. The relative quality score is adjusted based on a measurement of the quality of the source video. If the relative quality score for the video indicates a sufficient quality improvement of the high-quality version over the low-quality version, various actions are taken, such as retaining the high-quality version, and making the high-quality version available to users, e.g. via a video viewing user interface.

Abstract: An injection port applier is configured to engage an injection port that has integral fasteners that are movable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The applier comprises a shaft, a port engagement portion, and a handle. The port engagement portion is includes a fastener deployment member that is operable to move the fasteners to the deployed position. The handle comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion. The second handle portion is movable distally relative to the first handle portion in order to actuate the fastener deployment member, to thereby move the fasteners to the deployed position. An elongate actuating member couples the second handle portion with the fastener deployment member. One part of the elongate actuating member translates longitudinally in response to the second handle being moved distally; while another part of the elongate actuating member rotates in response to the first portion translating.

Abstract: Microneedle devices are provided for transport of molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver material into or across a biological barrier from chambers in connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles. Representative examples of these means include the use of permeable membranes, fracturable impermeable membranes, valves, and pumps.

Abstract: Engraftment of therapeutic cells and agents to a target site in an organism is enhanced by mechanical, chemical and biological methods and systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for stereoscopically editing video content. In one embodiment, image pairs of a sequence may be stereoscopically modified by altering at least one image of the image pair. The at least one image may be altered using at least one mapping function. The at least one image may also be altered based on a saliency of the image pair. The at least one image may also be altered based on disparities between the image pair. Advantageously, stereoscopic properties of video content may be edited more conveniently and efficiently.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward an infusion catheter epidural system comprising a portable infusion pump configured to administer a combination of anesthetics and corticosteroid at a predetermined rate over a predetermined time. A catheter is fluidly coupled to the portable infusion pump. The catheter is configured to be maneuvered into a site of inflammation of a patient to deliver the combination of anesthetics and corticosteroid. The portable pump and the catheter are configured for attachment to the patient.

Abstract: A method for variably flexing and steering an insertion device that receives an instrument, which comprises providing a hollow body having tendons disposed therewithin and a distal end, changing a condition of the hollow body by selectively applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body to place the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition and relieving the vacuum to place the hollow body in a relatively flexible condition, maintaining the hollow body in the relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions with the tendons, the vacuum created by the applied suction frictionally locking the tendons in place in the relatively stiff condition, and individually adjusting at least one of the tendons in length to steer the distal end of the hollow body.

Abstract: A needle assembly is provided with the housing, and IV cannula for accessing a blood vessel and a non-patient cannula for communication with an evacuated tube. A flashback chamber is provided in the housing at or near the distal end of the housing. A shield is hinged to a portion of the assembly proximally of the entrance to the flashback chamber. As a result, good visibility of the flashback chamber is achieved. After use, the shield can be rotated into a closed portion for surrounding the IV cannula and avoiding accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly has a needle hub and a needle cannula projecting from the hub. Wings project transversely from the hub to facilitate manipulation and positioning of the needle assembly. A shield is hingedly attached to the needle hub and can be rotated from a first position where the needle cannula is exposed to a second position where the needle cannula is shielded. At least one latch may be disposed on the shield for secure locked engagement with the hub, the wings and/or the tubing extending from the hub. A spring may also be provided for propelling the shield into the second position.

Abstract: An implantable electrode with a fluid reservoir is described. An implantable electrode carrier has an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nearby neural tissue. An enlarged fluid storage reservoir within the electrode carrier stores a treatment volume of therapeutic fluid for an extended therapeutic treatment period. At least one fluid delivery port connects the fluid storage reservoir to the outer surface of the electrode carrier for delivering the therapeutic fluid from the fluid storage reservoir to the outer surface.

Abstract: The invention provides for a device for delivering a drug comprising: a. forming one or more micropores in a tissue membrane; and b. applying a patch containing a drug to the one or more micropores formed in the tissue membrane The invention also provides for methods of making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A device for treating a snake bite wound that utilizes a hypodermic tube with a curvature that is similar to a typical snake fang whereby the hypodermic tube on one end comprises a smooth bulbous tip with at least one opening and a vacuum source is attached to the other end of the hypodermic tube. The tip is inserted into a snake bite wound, and due to the curved shape of the hypodermic tube, the tip and the tube then follow the curved shape of the snake bite wound without damaging any of the tissue surrounding the snake bite canal. The vacuum source then extracts any venom that is present from the wound. The device also enables medicine to be injected into the wounded area to treat the wound.

Abstract: Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles, disposed at a suitable location within the balloon or catheter. The reservoir may be installed within the angioplasty balloon, within a lumen in communication with the angioplasty balloon, either as a loose or packed powder or as a film coating. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.

Abstract: An intravenous infusion tubing fitment comprises a body, a rotatable knob coupled with the body, and a pressure dome seated within the knob. The body defines; a first inlet configured for coupling with a first segment of tubing; a first outlet into a pressure dome; a second inlet from said pressure dome; and a second outlet configured for coupling with a said second segment of tubing. The knob defines an expansion opening within a surface of the. The pressure dome is formed of a flexible elastomeric material and defines a fluid flow path between the first outlet and the second inlet. The pressure dome includes a vane configured to variably regulate flow through the fluid flow path in response to rotation of the knob. The pressure dome is configured to expand through the expansion opening in response to fluid pressure in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a server apparatus including a conversion unit which, in case another terminal takes part anew in a group of terminals, during a time of transmitting the copied stream or packet, converts a video frame to a non-predictive frame and transmits the non-predictive frame and transmits a video signal following the non-predictive frame, as it is.

Abstract: An image acquisition device having a wide field of view includes a lens and image sensor configured to capture an original wide field of view (WFoV) image with a field of view of more than 90°. The device has an object detection engine that includes one or more cascades of object classifiers, e.g., face classifiers. A WFoV correction engine may apply rectilinear and/or cylindrical projections to pixels of the WFoV image, and/or non-linear, rectilinear and/or cylindrical lens elements or lens portions serve to prevent and/or correct distortion within the original WFoV image. One or more objects located within the original and/or distortion-corrected WFoV image is/are detectable by the object detection engine upon application of the one or more cascades of object classifiers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining variable thickness of a coating on a surface of a substrate using in part a flash-lamp source, capable of generating a thermal pulse at the coating surface, and a image capture and processing device capable of capture sequential image frames of the coating surface, whereas each sequential image frame corresponds to an elapsed time and comprises a pixel array, and wherein each pixel of the array corresponds to a location on the coating surface. A method of calculating coating thickness is also provided.

Abstract: A syringe includes a hollow barrel, a hollow plunger movable within the barrel and a needle assembly secured within and at a distal end of the barrel. The needle assembly includes a needle holder, a resilient member that biases the needle holder toward the proximal end opening of the barrel, and a retaining member releasably secured to the needle holder via a reduced material section. The retaining member maintains the needle holder at the distal end of the barrel against the bias of the resilient member. When the plunger is fully depressed within the barrel, the plunger engages the needle holder such that the retaining member is forced to break away and separate from the needle holder along the reduced material section to facilitate retraction of the needle holder and a needle secured to the needle holder into the retraction cavity disposed within the plunger.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.