Abstract: Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such that an operator can detect penetration of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel in vivo using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method to deliver a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant using a stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vivo using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a transgene, such as a gene encoding TM protein or its variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel in vivo using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method to deliver a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant using a stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vitro using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method to deliver a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant using a stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vitro using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method to deliver a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant using a stent.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply pulsed laser energy to an eye with a pulsed laser system. The laser system includes a pulsed laser, a laser beam delivery system and at least one processor. The laser makes a beam of an ablative light energy. A dimension across the laser beam varies during a treatment of the eye. A firing rate of the laser varies as the dimension across the beam varies during the treatment. The dimension across the beam and the firing rate of the laser can be arranged so as to maintain a power of the beam applied to the eye at a substantially constant level during at least a portion of the treatment. A firing rate of the laser for each pulse may be listed in a treatment table.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary spring contact probe comprising a resilient spring section, a plunger section extending from a distal end of the resilient spring section for contacting a semiconductor device under test and a stopper projecting from the plunger section substantially transversely to an axial direction of the plunger section. There is also provided an apparatus for testing a semiconductor comprising a plurality of said unitary spring contact probes, one or more insulative guiding holders for mounting the spring contact probes, and a retainer mechanism coupled to the stoppers of the spring contact probes for securing the spring contact probes to the insulative guiding holders.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for applying pulsed energy to an eye. In an exemplary embodiment, a firing rate of the pulsed energy varies in correlation with a modeled or estimated thermal response of a tissue of the eye to the pulses of the laser beam during the treatment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether an image is of a left eye or a right eye may be used to enhance laser eye surgery systems and techniques. Methods generally involve locating an iris center and/or pupil center on an image of the eye, locating a corneal vertex and/or at least one reflection on the image, and determining whether the image is of a left eye or a right eye, based on the location of the corneal vertex and/or reflection(s) relative to the iris center and/or pupil center. Systems include a laser emitting a beam of an ablative light energy and a computer processor having a computer program for determining whether the image is of a left eye or a right eye, based on a location of the corneal vertex and/or reflection(s) relative to the iris center and/or pupil center.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitary spring contact probe comprising a resilient spring section, a plunger section extending from a distal end of the resilient spring section for contacting a semiconductor device under test and a stopper projecting from the plunger section substantially transversely to an axial direction of the plunger section. There is also provided an apparatus for testing a semiconductor comprising a plurality of said unitary spring contact probes, one or more insulative guiding holders for mounting the spring contact probes, and a retainer mechanism coupled to the stoppers of the spring contact probes for securing the spring contact probes to the insulative guiding holders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating thrombotic diseases using gene delivery technologies. In one embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of a TM gene product is expressed in a TM-deficient mammal using a viral or non viral vector. In another embodiment, the vector-mediated in vivo TM gene expression is used for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, acute inflammatory diseases, end-stage renal failure disease, or Alzheimer disease. In yet another embodiment, a vector carrying a TM inhibitory polynucleotide in which the vector is introduced into a mammal to reduce the TM activity or TM gene expression in vivo.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply pulsed laser energy to an eye with a pulsed laser system. The laser system includes a pulsed laser, a laser beam delivery system and at least one processor. The laser makes a beam of an ablative light energy. A dimension across the laser beam varies during a treatment of the eye. A firing rate of the laser varies as the dimension across the beam varies during the treatment. The dimension across the beam and the firing rate of the laser can be arranged so as to maintain a power of the beam applied to the eye at a substantially constant level during at least a portion of the treatment. A firing rate of the laser for each pulse may be listed in a treatment table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vitro using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method to deliver a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant using a stent.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for applying pulsed energy to an eye. In an exemplary embodiment, a firing rate of the pulsed energy varies in correlation with a modeled or estimated thermal response of a tissue of the eye to the pulses of the laser beam during the treatment.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for reprofiling a surface of a cornea of an eye ablate a portion of the cornea to create an ablation zone with an optically correct central optical zone disposed in a central portion of the cornea, and a blend zone disposed peripherally to the central optical zone and at least partially within an optical zone of the eye. The blend zone can have an optical power that gradually diminishes with increasing radius from the central optical zone.