Abstract: The present invention includes an embolic protection device comprising a catheter having a self-expanding embolic filter that is disposed around the catheter proximal to a distal portion, wherein the embolic filter comprises a frame, and the frame defines an opening of the embolic filter that faces the distal end of the catheter; a deployment mechanism that is disposed around at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the deployment mechanism is longitudinally movable with respect to the catheter, the deployment mechanism is configured to contain the embolic filter in a collapsed configuration, and the embolic filter is configured to self-expand upon the longitudinal retraction of the deployment mechanism; and a wire coupled to the frame for expanding the size or diameter of the embolic filter opening.

Abstract: A wearable, open and adjustable MRI head coil system having an assembly of support members, panels, or portions defining one or more access openings. The support members, panels, or portions can support, house, or otherwise include radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils such that the assembly is positionable or wearable by a patient for MRI scanning. The radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils, and other devices can be simultaneously in contact with a patient's head, thereby enabling use during diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, or other interventional procedures.

Abstract: A wearable, open and adjustable MRI head coil system having an assembly of support members, panels, or portions defining one or more access openings. The support members, panels, or portions can support, house, or otherwise include radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils such that the assembly is positionable or wearable by a patient for MRI scanning. The radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils, and other devices can be simultaneously in contact with a patient's head, thereby enabling use during diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical or other interventional procedures.

Abstract: A wearable, open and pliable conforming MRI receiver coil system having an assembly of MRI imaging coils, each configured in a framework to simultaneously apply or position MRI receiver antennae and medical implements such as ultrasound transducers against the skull or skin of a patient. The system is configured to perform an MRI imaging and operation of the one or more medical implements simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for a solid oxide fuel cell stack disposed between and in contact with a fixed top compression plate and a movable compression plate. At least one tension rod can be inserted through an opening on a movable locking plate, wherein the top end of the tension rod is connected to the bottom of the movable compression plate and the bottom end of the tension rod is connected to a fixed bottom compression plate. At least one nut can be used in conjunction each tension rod and disposed below the movable locking plate to secure the movable locking plate in position. Additionally, at least one spring can be disposed around the at least one tension rod and connected to the bottom of the movable compression plate and the top of the fixed bottom compression plate. Finally, at least one pneumatic cylinder can be in contact with the bottom of the movable locking plate and the fixed bottom compression plate.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to agrochemical compositions and methods of making and using same. Specifically, the disclosed agrochemical compositions comprise high molecular weight non-polymeric residues or polymer backbones, and pesticide residues covalently attached thereto. Such compositions can be useful in, for example, controlling plant growth. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a family of nucleic acids, polypeptides and cloning vectors which direct expression of fusion proteins that can mimic aggregated IgG (AIG) and immune complex function with respect to their interactions with Fc?R and which allow for the inclusion and targeting of a second protein domain to cells expressing Fc?R. This was accomplished by expressing multiple linear copies of the hinge and CH2 domains (HCH2) of human IgG1 fused to the framework region of human IgG1. Convenient restriction sites allow for the facile introduction of additional amino-terminal domains. Methods for treating patients using fusion proteins are also disclosed. The HCH2 polymers described here represent a new strategy in the design of recombinant proteins for the therapeutic targeting of Fc?R in autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A wearable, open and adjustable MRI head coil system having an assembly of support members, panels, or portions defining one or more access openings. The support members, panels, or portions can support, house, or otherwise include radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils such that the assembly is positionable or wearable by a patient for MRI scanning. The radiofrequency receiver antennae or imaging coils, and other devices can be simultaneously in contact with a patient's head, thereby enabling use during diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, or other interventional procedures.

Abstract: A device comprising a first solid oxide fuel cell and a second solid oxide fuel cell. The first solid oxide fuel cell comprises a first anode, a first cathode and a first electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte is positioned between and connected to the first anode and the first cathode. The second solid oxide fuel cell comprises a second anode, a second cathode and a second electrolyte, wherein the second electrolyte is positioned between and connected to the second anode and the second cathode. In this device the cathode distance between the first cathode and the second cathode is less than the anode distance between the first anode and the second anode.

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a joist retention member, one or more flanges disposed at a top portion of the joist retention member, and a bracket having at least one arm thereof coupled to at least one or more flanges. A system for constructing a structure having a defined fire-rating along a wall that has a top plate and at least one vertical support member can include a joist hanger and fire resistant construction material. The joist hanger can include a joist retention member, a flange coupled to the joist retention member, and a bracket coupled to the flange. The flange is selectively attached to the top plate of the wall. The bracket at least partially defines a space between the vertical support member and the joist retention member, the fire resistant construction material being disposed within the space. The bracket is selectively attached to one or more of the vertical support member or the fire resistant construction material by an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A method for transmitting messages between a first networked device and a second networked device via a local network provided by a local network access point is disclosed. The method involves on the first networked device, determining whether the second networked device meets local communications criteria by determining at least one of whether the second networked device is accessible via the local network at a local network address, and whether the second networked device has registered for communications via local networks. The method also involves, in response to a determination that the second networked device meets the local communications criteria, transmitting the message via the local network access point to the local network address associated with the second networked device.

Abstract: A device comprising a first solid oxide fuel cell and a second solid oxide fuel cell. The first solid oxide fuel cell comprises a first anode, a first cathode and a first electrolyte, wherein the first electrolyte is positioned between and connected to the first anode and the first cathode. The second solid oxide fuel cell comprises a second anode, a second cathode and a second electrolyte, wherein the second electrolyte is positioned between and connected to the second anode and the second cathode. In this device the cathode distance between the first cathode and the second cathode is less than the anode distance between the first anode and the second anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is in contact and below a top compression plate and in contact and above a bottom compression plate. The top compression plate and the bottom compression plate are flat and rigid. A top compression device is above the top compression plate, wherein the top compression device applies a downward vertical force onto the top compression plate which applies a downward vertical force onto the fuel cell stack. An optional bottom compression device is below the bottom compression plate, wherein the bottom compression device applies an upward vertical force onto the bottom compression plate which applies an upward vertical force onto the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a family of nucleic acids, polypeptides and cloning vectors which direct expression of fusion proteins that can mimic aggregated IgG (AIG) and immune complex function with respect to their interactions with Fc?R and which allow for the inclusion and targeting of a second protein domain to cells expressing Fc?R. This was accomplished by expressing multiple linear copies of the hinge and CH2 domains (HCH2) of human IgG1 fused to the framework region of human IgG1. Convenient restriction sites allow for the facile introduction of additional amino-terminal domains. Methods for treating patients using fusion proteins are also disclosed. The HCH2 polymers described here represent a new strategy in the design of recombinant proteins for the therapeutic targeting of Fc?R in autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a joist retention member, one or more flanges disposed at a top portion of the joist retention member, and a bracket having at least one arm thereof coupled to at least one or more flanges. A system for constructing a structure having a defined fire-rating along a wall that has a top plate and at least one vertical support member can include a joist hanger and fire resistant construction material. The joist hanger can include a joist retention member, a flange coupled to the joist retention member, and a bracket coupled to the flange. The flange is selectively attached to the top plate of the wall. The bracket at least partially defines a space between the vertical support member and the joist retention member, the fire resistant construction material being disposed within the space. The bracket is selectively attached to one or more of the vertical support member or the fire resistant construction material by an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of Escherichia coli bacteria serotype O157:H7 based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect E. coli O157:H7 in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to replication compositions and kits for carrying out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Described herein is a convenient set-up of a play structure, similar to a maze or multi-room play house without the use of tape or external connectors outside of the structure design. The panel component-based play area structure system will allow users to reduce the set-up time required for custom play structures as it is based on a simple individual partitions or panels designed to fit together to form a multiple room, or partitioned structure. The individual panel partitions allow the user to form customizable portals thereby customizing access to the individual partitioned sections.

Abstract: A method for transmitting messages between a first networked device and a second networked device via a local network provided by a local network access point is disclosed. The method involves on the first networked device, determining whether the second networked device meets local communications criteria by determining at least one of whether the second networked device is accessible via the local network at a local network address, and whether the second networked device has registered for communications via local networks. The method also involves, in response to a determination that the second networked device meets the local communications criteria, transmitting the message via the local network access point to the local network address associated with the second networked device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of STEC bacteria based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect STEC bacteria in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to isolated polynucleotides, replication compositions, kits, and reagent tablets for carrying out the method of the present invention.