Abstract: According to the present invention, a movable wall portion for forming the outer circumference of an infant accommodation space can pivot forward about a portion of a region including the lower end portion and its vicinity of the movable wall portion from a substantially erect position to the outside of the infant accommodation space. The movable wall portion can move backward from a midway position in forward movement to the final backward moving position by its own weight while abrupt backward movement is suppressed by a damper. The present invention can provide a movable wall portion attachment mechanism of an incubator which does not produce a large sound or a large vibration when closing the movable wall portion, with a small chance that wall portions such as wall portions on the incubator base side, the movable wall portion or the like will be damaged.

Abstract: Disclosed are radiation treatment systems with enhanced control architectures that enable more complex treatment plans to be implemented, and radiation treatment systems with enhanced resistance to the effect of neutrons. An exemplary control architectures comprises: a digital packet network; a supervisor electrically coupled to the digital packet network and having a treatment plan; and a plurality of nodes, each node coupled to digital packet network and controlling one or more treatment-related components of the radiation treatment system; and wherein the supervisor periodically communicates control orders to the nodes over the digital packet network.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A lock tube is movably disposable within a lumen of the elongate body. A connector is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple a pelvic implant to the elongate body. The lock tube is configured to be slidably moved to a position adjacent the pelvic implant to secure the pelvic implant to the elongate body. A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes placing a portion of an implant through an opening defined by a dilator. A first elongate body of the dilator is moved relative to a second elongate body of the dilator to secure the implant to the dilator.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a gastric restriction includes an implantable band and at least one tab. In some versions, the at least one tab may serve to stabilize the apparatus as it forms a gastric restriction. In some versions, an opening may be formed in the tabs such that sutures may be used. In some versions, a tissue scaffold and/or matrix may be used on the implantable band and/or the tabs to facilitate long term support for the implantable band, such as by substantially preventing the implantable band from sliding along an axis defined by an anatomical structure about which the implantable band is wrapped.

Abstract: Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an instrument within an anatomy is provided. The system can include a first instrument, which can define at least one lumen. The system can further include a second instrument, which can be received through the at least one lumen. The system can include at least one electrode, which can be coupled to a distal end of the first instrument. The electrode can be responsive to electrical activity to generate at least one signal. The system can include a sensing unit, which can be in contact with the anatomy to sense electrical activity within the anatomy at a location near the instrument. The sensing unit can be in communication with the electrode to receive the signal. The system can further include a control module that can determine, based on the sensed electrical activity and the signal, the location of the first instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to select a non-human female animal subject having the capacity to produce appropriate number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes in said animal, said method comprising the determination of the anti-Mullerian hormone concentration in a biological sample before an ovarian superovulatory treatment. The present invention is further directed to the use of AMH as a predictive marker of number of transferable embryos or fertilizable oocytes able to be produced in a non-human female animal.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision and exposing tissue of a urethra. The method additionally includes inserting a non-porous sheet into the incision and forming a cuff around the urethra with the non-porous sheet by directing a first end of the non-porous sheet through a slot formed in a second end of the non-porous sheet. The method additionally includes directing an extending member that is attached to the non-porous sheet to a location exterior of a pelvis. The method further includes configuring the cuff to tighten around the urethra when pulling on the first end of the non-porous sheet, and configuring the cuff to be loosely positioned around the urethra when pulling on the extending member.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the physiological conditions of a plurality of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The system includes a plurality of microenvironments, a plurality of environmental sensors to detect a first environmental condition in the microenvironments, and a plurality of external environmental sensors to detect a second environmental condition in the NICU. The system also includes a central processor that compares signals from the environmental sensors to signals from the external environmental sensors and determines a correlation between the first environmental condition and the second environmental condition. A method of monitoring the conditions of a plurality of infants is also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cuff for use an as artificial sphincter comprises an inflatable chamber and a backing. The inflatable chamber includes opposing inside and outside surfaces and inflated and deflated states. The backing is adjacent the outside surface of the chamber. The inside surface of the chamber and/or the backing include two or more grooves that define the location of fold lines of the inflatable chamber when the inflatable chamber is in the inflated state.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of modifying music files to induce a desired state of consciousness. First and second modulations are introduced into a music file such that, when the music file is played, both of the modulations occur simultaneously. Additional modulations can be introduced, as well as sound tones at window frequencies.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the physiological conditions of an infant includes an infant microenvironment. A motion sensor is disposed about the microenvironment. A processor is communicatively connected to the motion sensor. The processor receives motion signals from the motion sensors and processes the motion signals to derive an indication of a stress level of the infant. A method of monitoring the physiological condition of an infant includes detecting motion of the infant with motion sensors. A baseline motion for the infant is derived from the detected motion with a processor. An onset or change in at least one auxiliary parameter is monitored with an auxiliary sensor. Motion of the infant is monitored with the motion sensor after the onset or change in the at least one auxiliary parameter. A stress level of the infant is derived with the processor from the monitored motion of the infant.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and methods useful for treating pelvic conditions such as prolapse, by placing an implant to support pelvic tissue, the implants, tools, and methods involving one or more of adjusting engagements, specific implants and pieces of implants, placement of implants at locations within the pelvic region, and insertion, adjusting, and grommet management tools.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for handling data in an implantable restriction system. In general, the methods and devices allow collection, analysis, storage, and transmission of pressure measurements. Pressure measurement data can be compressed before storing it. Additionally, not all pressure data need be recorded or retained, such as data substantially equaling a resting or nominal pressure of an implantable restriction device indicative of little to no pressure variation and data indicative of isolated, non-recurring events. Any pressure measurement data that is recorded can be transmitted to an external device using power telemetrically provided by the external device.