Abstract: A trailer-based mobile observatory is provided that has a roof that is stable under gravity in the both the opened and closed positions to ensure better mobility and robustness for travel while eliminating the risk of the roof opening during travel. This ensures that if there is any mechanical failure while the roof is in the closed position, the roof will remain closed. The trailer-based mobile observatory enclosure can be designed to house one or more telescopes and to enable remote and robotic operation. The enclosure is designed for easy deployment and reliable operation with much thought put into possible failures and ensuring that any failure that occurs does not put the telescope and instruments at risk.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing diagnostic evoked potential recordings of a nerve or nerve pathway of interest. A grid array of stimulating electrodes are placed on, over, or through skin in a location beneath which a nerve or nerve pathway is suspected to lie. A stimulator controls the grid array, where each electrode is independently controllable as active or inactive, as a cathode or anode, etc. A plurality of recording electrodes may record Somato-Sensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) and/or Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials (TCeMEP) in response to activation of the stimulating electrodes. A processor controls stimulating the stimulating electrodes, and receives responses from the recording electrodes, in a general search mode and a focused search mode in order to use a minimum stimulation intensity at which a maximum response amplitude is detected to continually stimulate the nerve or the nerve pathway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing diagnostic evoked potential recordings of a nerve or nerve pathway of interest. A grid array of stimulating electrodes are placed on, over, or through skin in a location beneath which a nerve or nerve pathway is suspected to lie. A stimulator controls the grid array, where each electrode is independently controllable as active or inactive, as a cathode or anode, etc. A plurality of recording electrodes may record Somato-Sensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) and/or Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials (TCeMEP) in response to activation of the stimulating electrodes. A processor controls stimulating the stimulating electrodes, and receives responses from the recording electrodes, in a general search mode and a focused search mode in order to use a minimum stimulation intensity at which a maximum response amplitude is detected to continually stimulate the nerve or the nerve pathway.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided.

Abstract: Timers having various functionalities, form factors, and control systems are described. Timers may include single button controls, no-button controls, controls having buttons corresponding to each of several selectable durations. The timers may include task lights, pin lights, and/or lantern type lights. The timers may be powered by removable or permanent batteries, which may be rechargeable by way of, for example, a USB cord, or may be powered by AC or DC adaptor plugs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing diagnostic evoked potential recordings of a nerve or nerve pathway of interest. A grid array of stimulating electrodes are placed on, over, or through skin in a location beneath which a nerve or nerve pathway is suspected to lie. A stimulator controls the grid array, where each electrode is independently controllable as active or inactive, as a cathode or anode, etc. A plurality of recording electrodes may record Somato-Sensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) and/or Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials (TCeMEP) in response to activation of the stimulating electrodes. A processor controls stimulating the stimulating electrodes, and receives responses from the recording electrodes, in a general search mode and a focused search mode in order to use a minimum stimulation intensity at which a maximum response amplitude is detected to continually stimulate the nerve or the nerve pathway.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided.

Abstract: A radio node for updating a local timing parameter based on a message from a remote node includes a processing circuit and receiver. The receiver is configured to receive the message and to provide the message to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine an expected time of arrival for the received message using an estimation of range between the radio node and the remote node. The processing circuit is further configured to obtain an estimate of a timing error for the radio node by comparing the expected time of arrival with the actual time of arrival. The processing circuit is further configured to determine a timing error quality using position uncertainty information and time uncertainty information received from the remote node with the received message.

Abstract: Embodiments can include a nerve mapping and monitoring system that can include a multi-polar stimulation unit, an electrical connector, an instrument having a grid array, where the grid array can comprise a plurality of electrodes, where each of the plurality of electrodes can be configured to be stimulated by the multi-polar stimulation unit, a recording element, where the recording element can be configured to detect a muscle response elicited by the grid array, and a computer, where the computer can be configured to monitor the muscle response elicited by the grid array such that neural structures can be identified and avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: Enhancement of fluorescence emission from fluorophores bound to a sample and present on the surface of two-dimensional photonic crystals is described. The enhancement of fluorescence is achieved by the combination of high intensity near-fields and strong coherent scattering effects, attributed to leaky photonic crystal eigenmodes (resonance modes). The photonic crystal simultaneously exhibits resonance modes which overlap both the absorption and emission wavelengths of the fluorophore. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity from the fluorophores on the photonic crystal surface is demonstrated.

Abstract: Enhancement of fluorescence emission from fluorophores bound to a sample and present on the surface of two-dimensional photonic crystals is described. The enhancement of fluorescence is achieved by the combination of high intensity near-fields and strong coherent scattering effects, attributed to leaky photonic crystal eigenmodes (resonance modes). The photonic crystal simultaneously exhibits resonance modes which overlap both the absorption and emission wavelengths of the fluorophore. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity from the fluorophores on the photonic crystal surface is demonstrated.

Abstract: A freeze-dried material is stored in a first chamber of a container along with a reconstituting liquid for the freeze-dried material, which is stored in a second chamber of the container. A sealing wall within the container forms a barrier between the first chamber and the second chamber preventing contact between the freeze-dried material and the reconstituting liquid. At least one valve assembly in the sealing wall selectively opens a region of the sealing wall to establish fluid flow communication between the first and second chambers, allowing the freeze dried material to be reconstituted. The reconstituted freeze-dried material can be administered from the same container to a recipient.

Abstract: Enhancement of fluorescence emission from fluorophores bound to a sample and present on the surface of two-dimensional photonic crystals is described. The enhancement of fluorescence is achieved by the combination of high intensity near-fields and strong coherent scattering effects, attributed to leaky photonic crystal eigenmodes (resonance modes). The photonic crystal simultaneously exhibits resonance modes which overlap both the absorption and emission wavelengths of the fluorophore. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity from the fluorophores on the photonic crystal surface is demonstrated.

Abstract: Biosensors are disclosed based on one- or two-dimensional photonic-crystal reflectance filters operating at near-ultraviolet wavelengths. The biosensors feature a tightly confined resonant electric field at the surface of this biosensor and provide a high surface-sensitivity to bulk-sensitivity ratio, and therefore enables enhanced detection resolution for biomolecules adsorbed on the biosensor surface. These new biosensors can be fabricated in mass by replica molding. They are especially well suited for applications requiring the detection of small molecules or ultra-low analyte concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.