Abstract: A method of manufacture is provided that includes providing a preform component. The preform component includes a blind aperture in an exterior of the preform component. The exterior of the preform component is machined to provide a machined component. An exterior of the machined component is inspected to determine a characteristic of the machined component, which characteristic of the machined component is associated with the blind aperture. Whether a feature of the machined component satisfies a standard is determined based on the characteristic of the machined component.

Abstract: A method of manufacture is provided that includes providing a preform component. The preform component includes a blind aperture in an exterior of the preform component. The exterior of the preform component is machined to provide a machined component. An exterior of the machined component is inspected to determine a characteristic of the machined component, which characteristic of the machined component is associated with the blind aperture. Whether a feature of the machined component satisfies a standard is determined based on the characteristic of the machined component.

Abstract: A hugger apparatus for lifting a load generally includes a plurality of arms including a first arm and a second arm respectively attached to a first plate and a second plate. An offset hydraulic arrangement is provided, which includes first and second hydraulic bars. The offset hydraulic arrangement connects to and engages the first plate and second plate so as to respectively move the first and second arms into extended or retracted positions for engaging with and lifting and moving a load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous non mechanical valve which retards or prevents the passage of bodily fluids and is resistant to being occluded or blocked by exposure to the surgical fumes or aerosols encountered during surgical procedures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to porous devices that are useful for various cleaning purposes or other uses. The devices may be formed with, impregnated with, pre-wetted with, or otherwise associated with one or more agents, such as a dental treatment agent, a nail treatment agent, a disinfectant, a lubricant, or any other cleaning agent. The devices may find particular use for cleaning somewhat delicate areas, such as gum tissues, nail cuticle beds, electronic devices, or any other uses that benefit from a self-supporting structure that can withstand pressure but that also benefit from a resilient treatment surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous non mechanical valve which retards or prevents the passage of bodily fluids and is resistant to being occluded or blocked by exposure to the surgical fumes or aerosols encountered during surgical procedures.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrophilic porous fiber wick for delivering vaporizable material into the atmosphere, such as a room environment. The wick may be biodegradable. The wick is comprised of a sintered synthetic bicomponent fibers, optionally combined with synthetic monocomponent fibers or natural monocomponent fibers. The wick is optionally treated with plasma or finishing agents for improved hydrophilicity. The wick can wick aqueous and/or non-aqueous-based fragrances or other vaporizable materials and evaporate them into the air without the use of heat, convection air, or atomization.

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic methods, kits, and systems, and related computer-readable media, which use multiple blood marker values, including serum and plasma marker values, to aid in the diagnosis of the status or progress of a liver disease in a patient. The invention also provides methods and systems, and related computer-readable media, that use blood marker values, including serum and plasma marker values: (1) to screen for active ingredients useful in the treatment of a liver disease; (2) to aid in the selection of treatment regimens for patients that are predisposed to, or suffer from, liver disease; and (3) to aid in the design of clinical programs useful in monitoring the status or progress of liver disease in one or more patients.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that the artificial induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis in vivo can promote the resolution of liver fibrosis. Thus, the present invention provides methods for treating liver disease in a subject involving administration of an inducer of apoptosis which is capable of selectively inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis in the liver of the subject or of an agent which is capable of giving rise to such an inducer in the subject. In addition, the invention provides methods for treating liver fibrosis in a subject comprising the selective delivery of an inducer of apoptosis specifically to the hepatic stellate cells of the subject or of an agent which is capable of giving rise to an inducer of hepatic stellate cell apoptosis.