Abstract: Adjustable constant force spring systems are disclosed. An adjustable constant-force spring system includes first and second rolled metal strips and a spool. The first strip is rolled around a first axis. The first strip has an inner end adjacent the first axis and an outer end configured for selective attachment to a load. The second strip is rolled around the first axis such that the second strip overlaps the first strip. The second strip has an inner end adjacent the first axis and an outer end configured for selective attachment to the load. The spool is located on a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. The spool is sized to enable the first strip to reroll around the spool.

Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable capture of images of a scene in response to various spectral distributions of light, as well as processing of the captured images to adjust them and, in the case of particular sets of spectral distributions, to derive images accurately representing the colors of the scene.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to neuroblastoma and, in particular, to a method of treating neuroblastoma tumors, including refractory neuroblastoma tumors. The invention also relates to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A device for stimulating body tissue includes a lead body and at least one stimulating electrode disposed on the lead body. The lead body is configured and arranged to be substantially rigid outside the patient's body and during insertion into the patient's body and then becomes non-rigid upon exposure within the patient's body;.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, e.g., an implantable pulse generator, having a non-metal sealed housing and method of making same. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a replenishable power source, coupling electronic components configured to generate a pulse signal to the replenishable power source, and an inorganic coating covering the electronic components and the power source to seal, preferably hermetically, the electronic components and the power source from a body environment.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator includes a plastic housing having a first end and a second end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a first electrode disposed at the first end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly; and a second electrode disposed at the second end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly. The plastic housing, first electrode, and second electrode form a hermetically sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane.

Abstract: Camptothecin compounds which are effective anti-tumor compounds are disclosed. These conjugates inhibit the enzyme topoisomerase I and enhance the stability of the topoisomerase I-DNA cleavable complex.

Abstract: Aqueous acidic solutions of hydrogen peroxide used for metal surface treatments may be stabilized to decrease the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition by the use of an aryl sulfonic acid such as phenol sulfonic acid in combination with a triazole such as tolyltriazole.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: Polymeric drug conjugates in controlled release matrices are provided which allow sustained concentrations of therapeutic agents within a treated area for a prolonged period. The polymeric drug conjugates hydrolytically degrade in the extracellular space in a controlled, pre-specified pattern, releasing active drug. The conjugates diffuse within the tissue reaching a greater distance from the matrix than free drug would, because of their reduced rate of clearance from the tissue via the capillary system.

Abstract: Production of a stem cell enriched cell composition using essentially non-toxic methodology comprising contacting a cell mixture with a cell-permeable, fluorescent non-polar compound that reacts upon contact with intracellular enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase or phosphokinase found substantially exclusively in stem cells so as to form a biocompatible fluorescent product that is polar and non-permeable to the membrane of the stem cells, and isolating the cells containing the marker by fluorescent cell sorting.

Abstract: A method of treating human tumors is provided in which tumors are regionally treated with a cytolytic, pre-activated, bifunctional alkylating agent, namely 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide. The treatment is effective against a variety of tumor types within the central nervous systems.