Abstract: Provided herein is a portable thermocycler, comprising: (i) a case; (ii) a rotary plate in the case; (iii) a plurality of heating blocks arranged in a geometric pattern disposed on the rotary plate; and (iv) at least one vessel adapted to move and contact at least two of the plurality of heating blocks; wherein each of the heating blocks comprises a heating plate maintained at a set temperature over a thermally insulating material; wherein the geometric pattern comprises a number of center heating blocks arranged in a shape defining a polygon and a number of outside heating blocks disposed around the periphery of the rotary plate; and wherein the rotary plate includes a plurality of rotating wheels adapted to rotate at least one of the vessels into contact with each of the heating blocks.

Abstract: Selected objects may be located by pushing a button on a keypad of a base unit, or by giving an oral command thereto. A receiver microprocessor, loaded with a unique electronic address, is attachable to each object. A base unit PROM is loaded with a library of digitized voice command templates. A user's command to find a lost object is received by a microphone, and digitized. The digitized command is compared with the templates using pattern recognition algorithms, which may utilize a Hidden Markov Model. When matched, the base unit processor causes radio transmission of RF interrogation packets targeted at the unique address corresponding to the lost object. A receiver chip detects the interrogation packets, and compares the transmitted unique address with the address stored in its microprocessor. Where matched, the microprocessor modulates a sounding device to direct the user to the lost object.

Abstract: Provided herein is a portable thermocycler, comprising: (i) a case; (ii) a rotary plate in the case; (iii) a plurality of heating blocks arranged in a geometric pattern disposed on the rotary plate; and (iv) at least one vessel adapted to move and contact at least two of the plurality of heating blocks; wherein each of the heating blocks comprises a heating plate maintained at a set temperature over a thermally insulating material; wherein the geometric pattern comprises a number of center heating blocks arranged in a shape defining a polygon and a number of outside heating blocks disposed around the periphery of the rotary plate; and wherein the rotary plate includes a plurality of rotating wheels adapted to rotate at least one of the vessels into contact with each of the heating blocks.

Abstract: A femoral guide for use in implanting a knee prosthesis. The femoral guide includes a cutting guide, and a referencing guide coupled to the cutting guide and adapted for locating a femoral joint line.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating and applying electrodes and electrode systems to a wound or skin. An electrode may be applied as a single electrode strip using a dispenser. An electrode may also be cut to size from a single sheet of electrode. Additionally, an electrode may be formed from a plurality of electrode segments which may be connected together. Electrodes can also be incorporated as part of drainage tubes. A medical electrode kit may be provided that includes multiple electrode segments and connectors, multiple electrodes, and multiple control modules. In addition, electrodes or electrode systems may be provided with a color scoring chart. An electrode system may be configured to interface with a selected body part. Electrode systems may include sensors and electrodes configured for application to areas outside of a wound or the skin intended to be treated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating and applying electrodes and electrode systems to a wound or skin. An electrode may be applied as a single electrode strip using a dispenser. An electrode may also be cut to size from a single sheet of electrode. Additionally, an electrode may be formed from a plurality of electrode segments which may be connected together. Electrodes can also be incorporated as part of drainage tubes. A medical electrode kit may be provided that includes multiple electrode segments and connectors, multiple electrodes, and multiple control modules. In addition, electrodes or electrode systems may be provided with a color scoring chart. An electrode system may be configured to interface with a selected body part. Electrode systems may include sensors and electrodes configured for application to areas outside of a wound or the skin intended to be treated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating and applying electrodes and electrode systems to a wound or skin. An electrode may be applied as a single electrode strip using a dispenser. An electrode may also be cut to size from a single sheet of electrode. Additionally, an electrode may be formed from a plurality of electrode segments which may be connected together. Electrodes can also be incorporated as part of drainage tubes. A medical electrode kit may be provided that includes multiple electrode segments and connectors, multiple electrodes, and multiple control modules. In addition, electrodes or electrode systems may be provided with a color scoring chart. An electrode system may be configured to interface with a selected body part. Electrode systems may include sensors and electrodes configured for application to areas outside of a wound or the skin intended to be treated.

Abstract: A connection device comprises first and second connectors. The first connector has a sleeve having axially extending slots at a distal end to define tines yieldable resiliently inward, and a resilient seal encircling the sleeve proximally of the slots. The second connector has a shroud dimensioned to receive the distal end of the first connector sleeve within the shroud and to engage the first connector resilient seal when the sleeve is fully received within the shroud.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable charger adapted for use with wireless devices. Integrated circuitry controls the amount of current charge delivered to the primary power source of a wireless device through an adaptor. The current charge is delivered by a power source located within an attractive housing. A light emitting diode coupled to the integrated circuit indicates whether the wireless device is actively being charged.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a component using a tool includes determining an actual property of a region of the component, comparing the actual property of the region of the component with an expected property of the region to determine a difference between the actual property and the expected property, and updating a path of the tool that is electronically stored in a memory and executable by a processor for fabricating the component based on the difference between the actual property and the expected property of the region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of engraving a plurality of gravure cells in a surface, the method comprising the steps of; (a) mounting an engraving stylus comprising a stylus body inwardly tapering to the stylus tip, in an engraving head; (b) effecting penetration of the engraving stylus into the surface to a desired depth to produce a cell; (c) effecting partial withdrawal of the engraving stylus from the cell; (d) effecting relative movement between the stylus and the surface such that the partially withdrawn stylus effects engraving of a channel of shallower depth than the cell in the surface and having a channel width of at least 40% of the width of the previous cell engraved in the method; and (e) effecting further penetration of the engraving stylus into the surface to a desired depth, and effecting relative movement between the stylus and surface to produce a cell.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that the diagnosis and prediction of clinical behavior in patients with hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia, can be accomplished by analysis of proteins present in a plasma sample. Thus, in particular embodiments the present invention uses plasma to create a diagnostic or prognostic protein profile of a hematologic malignancy comprising collecting plasma samples from a population of patients with hematologic malignancies; generating protein spectra from the plasma samples with or without fractionation; comparing the protein spectra with clinical data; and identifying protein markers in the plasma samples that correlate with the clinical data. Protein markers identified by this approach can then be used to create a protein profile that can be used to diagnose the hematologic malignancy or determine the prognosis of the hematologic malignancy. Potentially these specific proteins can be identified and targeted in the therapy of these malignancies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions that inhibit glycolysis, perferentially in cancer. Specifically, the anticancer compositions comprise 3-halo-2-oxopropionate and its derivatives, such as ester derivatives. However, in specific embodiments, the anticancer composition is sodium 3-halo-2-oxopropionate, such as sodium 3-bromo-2-oxopropionate and a stabilizing agent, such as carbonic acid. In particular embodiments, the compositions of the present invention further comprise a metabolic intermediate for normal cells to utilize in a pathway for an alternate energy source, thereby providing protection to normal cells. In other embodiments, the 3-halo-2-oxopropionate or its ester derivative is used in combination with an additional cancer therapy, such as radiation and/or a drug.

Abstract: A lightweight, battery operated, portable, personal electronic device capable of faxing, scanning, printing and copying media as a standalone device or in cooperation with other electronic devices including PCs, mobile telephones, PDAs, etc. is provided. The device automatically detects the presence of fax-capable devices and reconfigures the software for compatibility with the fax-capable device eliminating the need for user programming. The device's ergonomic design, intrinsic physical stability, and same side paper feeds and user interface provide use in work areas having limited space. The device includes unidirectional, independent pathways for original and recording media such that paper jams are minimized. Portability is maximized through innovative power management software and hardware.

Abstract: A combined radiotherapy and hyperthermia therapy is provided, including inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of a target area—e.g., a tumor or a portion of a tumor or targeted cancerous cells—is provided. Biomolecules labeled with at least one radionuclide suitable for radiotherapy are provided and introduced into a patient; targeted RF absorption enhancers are provided and introduced into a patient; and a hyperthermia generating RF signal is directed via toward the target cells, thereby warming the radionuclide-labeled biomolecules and targeted RF absorption enhancers bound to target cells. The targeted RF absorption enhancers may, in a manner of speaking, add one or more RF absorption frequencies to cells in the target area, which will permit a hyperthermia generating RF signal at that frequency or frequencies to heat the targeted cells.

Abstract: A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of a target area—e.g., a tumor or a portion of a tumor or targeted cancerous cells—is provided. Targeted RF absorption enhancers, e.g., tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) containing RF absorbing particles, are introduced into a patient. These targeted RF absorption enhancers will target certain cells in the target areas and enhance the effect of a hyperthermia generating RF signal directed toward the target area. The targeted RF absorption enhancers may, in a manner of speaking, add one or more RF absorption frequencies to cells in the target area, which will permit a hyperthermia generating RF signal at that frequency or frequencies to heat the targeted cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for treating pancreatic cancers, leukemias, colon cancers, malignant gliomas and other brain tumors, and ovarian cancers which comprise providing to an individual compositions comprising an orsaponin such as OSW-1 or its derivatives such as 17-deoxyorsaponin. Various therapeutically useful derivatives of orsaponins are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and network for determining the average engraved volume of an area such as the average volume of engraved cells on a gravure cylinder or plate for a printing press. In one embodiment the method comprises steps of: positioning a surface volume determining means (10) in the form of an eddy current sensor (12) in the proximity of an engraved surface (18); and inducing eddy currents in the engraved surface; and, measuring the impedance (14) of the inductor of the eddy current sensor to determine a value indicative of the average engraved volume of the engraved cells.

Abstract: The invention comprises a printing cylinder precursor comprising a plastics cylinder in which is located an immovable spine. The invention further extends to a moulding apparatus for manufacturing a printing cylinder precursor, comprising a cylindrical moulding vessel comprising an inlet for the ingress of moulding material, the vessel further comprising a removable spine located centrally within the moulding vessel. The invention further extends to methods of manufacturing printing cylinder precursors and gravure printing cylinders.