Abstract: A physics-based mathematical model is used to estimate central pressure waveforms from measurements of a brachial pressure waveform measured using a supra-systolic cuff. The method has been tested in numerous subjects undergoing cardiac catheterisation. Central pressure agreement was within 11 mm Hg and as good as the published non-invasive blood pressure agreement between the oscillometric device in use and the so-called “gold standard.” It also exceeds international standards for the performance of non-invasive blood pressure measurement devices. The method has a number of advantages including simplicity of application, fast calculation and accuracy of prediction. Additionally, model parameters have physical meaning and can therefore be tuned to individual subjects. Accurate estimation of central waveforms also allow continuous measurement (with intermittent calibration) using other non-invasive sensing systems including photoplethysmography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the non-invasive measurement, processing and utility of blood pressure cuff oscillation signals from a blood pressure cuff applied to a body part when the blood pressure cuff pressure is at supra-systolic pressures. Oscillometric cardiac pulse waveforms associated with the peripheral artery are monitored during a plurality of cardiac ejection cycles while at supra-systolic pressure, and are measured pneumatically and transduced by an oscillometric pressure sensor. The analog signal is amplified, processed and digitized to provide a recordable waveform that can be analyzed to obtain information relating to the patient's cardiovascular status.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff includes: (a) a flexible, hollow bladder adapted to surround the arm of the patient, which has an inside surface adapted to apply pressure to a surface of the arm above an artery, an outside surface opposite this inside surface, and an inlet line for receiving a fluid to cause the bladder to expand; (b) at least one first sensor element arranged on a inside and/or outside surface of the bladder in a location adjacent the artery when the bladder is in its operative position surrounding the patient's arm; and possibly also (c) at least one second sensor element arranged on a surface of the bladder that is opposite to the surface on which the first sensor element is disposed, and in a location adjacent the artery when the bladder is in its operative position surrounding the patient's arm.

Abstract: In a scanning microscope, slides are fed automatically from a magazine to the imaging system. Each slide is labeled in some fashion with information for selecting the appropriate modality of operation of the scanner for that slide and the modality is implemented automatically. The information is preferably tied to and defined by a laboratory information system (LIS). For example, the instructions may regard the type of microscopy (i.e., trans- or epi-illumination), multi-spectral imaging with particular spectral bands combined with a particular set of z-positions, alternative filters, settings for the numerical aperture of the condenser, alternative detector operation for different resolutions, and alternative post-scan analyses of the data, as deemed optimal for the scan. The label may also contain the slide's identity, a pathologist's name, desired post-scan handling protocol, etc. The preferred array microscope to carry out the invention is also described.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers synthesized by means that yield a narrow range of molecular weights can have different properties than polymers synthesized by conventional means. In order to obtain such polymers, however, polymerization must be controlled. One type of controlled polymerization is the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process, which has characteristics of a living polymerization. The present invention discloses a group of dithioesters and trithioesters suitable as chain transfer agents for RAFT polymerization. The present invention also discloses RAFT polymerizations conducted in aqueous media.

Abstract: A new, facile, general one-phase method of generating thiol-functionalized transition metal nanoparticles and surfaces modified by (co)polymers synthesized by the RAFT method is described. The method includes the steps of forming a (co)polymer in aqueous solution using the RAFT methodology, forming a colloidal transition metal precursor solution from an appropriate transition metal; adding the metal precursor solution or surface to the (co)polymer solution, adding a reducing agent into the solution to reduce the metal colloid in situ to produce the stabilized nanoparticles or surface, and isolating the stabilized nanoparticles or surface in a manner such that aggregation is minimized. The functionalized surfaces generated using these methods can further undergo planar surface modifications, such as functionalization with a variety of different chemical groups, expanding their utility and application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for non-invasively determining a cardiovascular status of a patient. Cardiac pulse waveforms associated with the peripheral artery are monitored during a plurality of cardiac ejection cycles, using a wideband external pulse transducer. The waveforms are analyzed to obtain information relating to the patient's Augmentation index (AI), cardiac performance, and/or cardiac stroke volume.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers synthesized by means that yield a narrow range of molecular weights can have different properties than polymers synthesized by conventional means. In order to obtain such polymers, however, polymerization must be controlled. One type of controlled polymerization is the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process, which has characteristics of a living polymerization. The present invention discloses a group of dithioesters and trithioesters suitable as chain transfer agents for RAFT polymerization. The present invention also discloses RAFT polymerizations conducted in aqueous media.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers synthesized by means that yield a narrow range of molecular weights can have different properties than polymers synthesized by conventional means. In order to obtain such polymers, however, polymerization must be controlled. One type of controlled polymerization is the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process, which has characteristics of a living polymerization. The present invention discloses a group of dithioesters and trithioesters suitable as chain transfer agents for RAFT polymerization. The present invention also discloses RAFT polymerizations conducted in aqueous media.

Abstract: A wireless mobile videoconferencing system is provided for video, audio, and data communication that is both two-way and mobile, and in communication with other videoconferencing systems around that world. In particular, a mobile teleconferencing system includes a Very Small Aperture Antenna (VSAT) that is in satellite communication with a Technical Operations Center (TOC), which in turn is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet. Additional mobility is gained by a portable teleconferencing system (e.g., rollaway self-powered system, briefcase system) that is in wireless communication with the mobile teleconferencing system. Thus, audio, video, telephone, and data communication can be achieved in locations inaccessible to even a vehicle and without electrical power. The mobile videoconferencing system has applications to telemedicine, distance education, business communication, crisis response (e.g.

Abstract: Fine-grained Tertiary kaolin clay pigments providing improved opacity, sheet gloss and print gloss to paper coated with these pigments are produced by removing fine and coarse particles to produce pigments having a narrow particle size distribution.