Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. Some embodiments of the surgical access system may be particularly suited for establishing an operative corridor to a surgical target site in the spine. Such an operative corridor may be established through the retroperitoneal space and the psoas muscle during a direct lateral, retroperitoneal approach to the spine.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for allowing the flow of liquid down through a pluming fixture to a destination below it and limiting or preventing the backflow of gas from the destination up into the pluming fixture includes a frame and a disc pivotably connected thereto. The disc is biased in a closed position and pivotably moveable into an open position upon the application of sufficient forces acting on the upper surface thereof caused by fluid from the plumbing fixture.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: An optical transmitter for a WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) passive optical network (PON) and a WDM PON comprising such an optical transmitter are disclosed. An optical transmitter comprises first mirror and second mirrors at first end and second ends of a cavity; an optical amplifier positioned within the cavity upstream from the first mirror and for amplifying light polarized in a first polarization plane; an optical waveguide for transmitting light from the optical amplifier to the second mirror and vice versa; a first non-reciprocal polarization rotator upstream of the optical amplifier and downstream of the optical waveguide; and a second non-reciprocal polarization rotator upstream of the optical waveguide and downstream of the first mirror; wherein the first and second non-reciprocal polarization rotators rotate the polarization of the light such that light which re-enters the optical amplifier after having been reflected by the second mirror is polarized in the first polarization plane.

Abstract: A system and methods for cell telemetry are disclosed. An average magnetizing current in a sampling transformer is forced to about zero amperes by balancing volt-seconds using a voltage clamp mechanism. Furthermore, a pulse driven switch and a synchronized sampling switch are activated, and substantially simultaneously the voltage clamp mechanism deactivated.

Abstract: A memory device and method of programming the same comprising partitioning memory into two or more chunks of information. At least a first portion of a first of the information chunks can be programmed while concurrently determining whether a first portion of a second of the information chunks should be set or reset. Further, the first portion of the second information chunk can be sequential programmed following the programming of the first portion of the first information chunk. The memory device can include different types of memory, such as PCM memory.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to crystalline solid forms of [(4-hydroxy-1-methyl-7-phenoxy-isoquinoline-3-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid, the process of preparing the forms, and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to crystalline solid forms of [(4-hydroxy-1-methyl-7-phenoxy-isoquinoline-3-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid, the process of preparing the forms, and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resetting tool (1a), for the axial displacement of a Kirschner wire (2a), in particular, for application with bone plates, which may be implanted for the fixing of fractures. The above comprises a Kirschner wire (2a), comprising a thread in at least a part region and at least one guide tube (4a, 4b), by means of which the Kirschner wire may be positioned. A nut (3a) is provided, which is slotted and contains an internal drilling, such that the nut may be placed over the Kirschner wire and may be supported on the guide tube, whereby the Kirschner wire may be displaced in the axial direction by means of rotation of the nut.

Abstract: A biochip device comprising a substrate constituted by at least one plate of material forming a multimode planar waveguide and carrying chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to excitation by guided waves having an evanescent portion, the device being characterized in that it includes coupling means for coupling excitation light with the waveguide in the form of guided waves, the coupling means being substantially non-directional.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to propose a composition of slip additive agents for use in thermoplastic resins, preferably polyolefins, and consequently the presence of this composition on at least one of the layers of mono-extruded or coextruded, laminated or non-laminated films. More particularly, the invention comprehends a composition of additives which comprises at least one primary amide of the generic formula R—CO—NH2 and a secondary amide of the bis amide type of the generic formula R?—CO—NH—CH2—CH2—NH—CO—R?. Films comprising this composition stand out by achieving Coefficient of Friction (CoF) values lower than 0.35 and particularly by their ability to maintain good control over these values for use in the automated packaging industry.

Abstract: Optical switches can include collimator elements that accommodate two or more optical ports. This increases the number of ports the switch can accommodate without having to increase the size of other optical components within the switch. Separate deflectors can be used to accommodate optical signals from two different groups of ports. In some embodiments cross-coupling of signals between the two groups can be accomplished through use of re-direction optics.

Abstract: Example embodiments described herein may comprise a transfer of firmware execution within a non-volatile memory device to one or more replacement instructions at least in part in response to a match between a code fetch address and an address stored in a trap address register.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica Mill. apple tree variety named ‘Gemini’ particularly characterized by medium vigorous tree with spreading habit. Highly productive with precocious fruit bearing. Resistant to scab, very low susceptibility to powdery mildew. The fruit is very attractive, big, larger than ‘Gala’ with a regular conical shape. The ground color is green with a uniform brilliant ruby red blush, the area of over color is very large. Not subject to cracking. The flesh is creamy, crispy, fresh and juicy with a slight acidity taste. The storage life is comparable to ‘Gala’.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica Mill. apple tree variety named ‘Fujion’ particularly characterized by having a medium vigorous tree, precocious fruit bearing with high productivity. Resistant to scab. Harvest period more concentrated than for ‘Fuji’ and can generally be completed in two pickings. The fruit is similar to ‘Fuji-Nagafu 12’ with a purple red over colour and well-defined stripes. It is round and slightly elongated, very regular and more consistent in size than Fuji. The flesh is crispy, juicy and intensely sweet, generally sweeter than ‘Fuji’.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica Mill. apple tree named ‘Smeralda’ particularly characterized by having a compact habit with short branches and therefore very easy to manage. Precocious fruit bearing. Consistent high productivity with no tendency to biennial bearing. Resistant to scab. The ripening time is 30 days before ‘Granny Smith’. The fruit is medium-large with a smooth, uniform green color. The fine, crispy, juicy, pleasant flesh is yellow with an excellent flavour, feeling fresh in the mouth because of its high sugar content and elevated acidity. The taste is similar to ‘Granny Smith’ but sweeter and more fragrant. Long storage capacity and long shelf life.