Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying nucleic acids in a sample of nucleic acids in which nucleic acids are initially present in unequal amounts. The methods include partitioning the starting population of nucleic acids to form one or more subpopulations, and then identifying nucleic acids that are present in different amounts in the partitioned nucleic acid sample as compared to the starting population.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying nucleic acids in a sample of nucleic acids in which nucleic acids are initially present in unequal amounts. The methods include partitioning the starting population of nucleic acids to form one or more subpopulations, and then identifying nucleic acids that are present in different amounts in the partitioned nucleic acid sample as compared to the starting population.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope provides “on command” images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. In one embodiment, a CCD element comprising a plurality of CCD cells forms a circumferential band about the distal portion of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the plurality of CCD cells covers substantially all of the outer side wall of the shaft adjacent to the distal end. In both embodiments, a processing device functions to either use the outputs from all the CCD cells to generate a display image or use the outputs from only selected ones of the CCD cells to generate a display image of a selected portion of the entire image captured by the CCD element.

Abstract: A real-time computer-based viewing system comprising a database of pre-existing software objects, wherein at least one of said software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by said system; a real-time sensor for acquiring data about said physical structure when said physical structure is located within that sensor's data acquisition field, wherein said sensor is capable of being moved about relative to said physical structure; generating means for generating an additional software object corresponding to said physical structure using data acquired by said sensor; registration means for positioning said additional software object in registration with said pre-existing software objects contained in said database; processing means for generating an image from said pre-existing software objects and said additional software object contained in said database, based upon a specified point of view; wherein said generating means create an additional software object corresponding to a

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material comprising a fibrous substrate and a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film layer. The moisture vapor permeable film has an average thickness of less than 25 microns, a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, a hydrostatic head of at least 60 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 2800 g/m2/24 hr. The moisture vapor permeable film is preferably comprised of at least about 50% by weight of polymer selected from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. A method for making such a sheet material is also provided.

Abstract: Copolyether ester elastomers are provided which contain epoxide compounds. The compositions show improved bloom resistance in the presence of diamines with minimum increase in melt viscosity. Also disclosed are methods to improve appearance and eliminate bloom from finished products comprising thermoplastic copolyesters by lowering the level of acid terminated oligomers in the thermoplastic copolyesters with epoxide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene products. The present invention further relates to such absorbent articles having outer coverings designed to provide breathability and promote more healthy internal environmental conditions for the wearer. More specifically, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising (a) a topsheet; (b) a backsheet; and (c) an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the backsheet comprises a non-porous, substantially fluid impermeable, moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material. Preferably, the composite sheet material is oriented such that the film layer of the composite sheet material faces toward said absorbent core. Where the film layer of the composite sheet comprises a substantially hydrophilic elastomer film layer, the substantially hydrophilic elastomer film is preferably located in contact with the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anatomical visualization and measurement system including a first database of 2-D slice images and a second database including a 3-D computer model defining a first software object. Apparatus is provided for selecting a 2-D slice image from the first database. Apparatus is also provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model. The second software object includes a planar surface and is inserted into the 3-D computer model at the position which corresponds to the position of the selected 2-D slice image relative to the scanned structure. Apparatus is also provided for texture mapping the 2-D slice image onto the planar surface. Display apparatus is provided for displaying an image which simultaneously provides a view of the first software object and the 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope provides "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. In one embodiment, a CCD element comprising a plurality of CCD cells forms a circumferential band about the distal portion of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the plurality of CCD cells covers substantially all of the outer side wall of the shaft adjacent to the distal end. In both embodiments, a processing device functions to either use the outputs from all the CCD cells to generate a display image or use the outputs from only selected ones of the CCD cells to generate a display image of a selected portion of the entire image captured by the CCD element.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure A database defining a 3-D computer model comprises at least a first software object corresponding to the anatomical structure. A second software object having a surface is placed in registration with the first software object such that they coexist in a single coordinate system. A movable sensor, such as an endoscope, acquires a real-time video image which is texture mapped onto the surface of the second software object. A processing device is provided to generate an image from the first and second registered software objects taken from any specified point of view relative to the single coordinate system.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An anatomical visualization system includes a first database that includes a plurality of 2-D slice images generated by scanning a structure. The 2-D slice images are stored in a first data format. A second database is also provided that comprises a 3-D computer model of the scanned structure. The 3-D computer model includes a first software object that is defined by a 3-D geometry database. Apparatus are provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model so as to augment the 3-D computer model. The second software object is defined by a 3-D geometry database, and includes a planar surface. Apparatus for determining the specific 2-D slice image associated with the position of the planar surface of the second software object within the augmented 3-D computer model are provided. Also provided are apparatus for texture mapping the specific 2-D slice image onto the planar surface of the second software object.

Abstract: A multiple view endoscope for providing "on command" images of a plurality of different fields of view surrounding the distal end of the endoscope without having to move the endoscope from an initially established position in order to access the different fields of view. A multiplicity of image capturing means are disposed in an array on the distal end to permit the operator to select and view either any one of, or any combination of, the multiple views provided by the multiplicity of image capturing means.

Abstract: An endoscopic viewing system for maintaining a surgeon's normal sense of kinesthesia during endoscopic surgery regardless of the orientation of the endoscope vis-a-vis the surgeon.

Abstract: Compositions containing copolymers of ethylene, alkyl acrylate and monoalkyl esters of 1,4-butenedioic acid and compounds having the formula ##STR1## formed by reacting the minor amount of alkyl acrylate monomer entrained in the copolymer with a secondary amine of the formula ##STR2## are less odorous than are compositions containing the unreacted alkyl acrylate monomer.

Abstract: Vanadium catalyst residues can be removed from solutions of organic solvents of homopolymers of .alpha.-olefins or their copolymers with hydrocarbon monomers by first contacting at a temperature of about room temperature to about 140.degree. C. the polymer solutions with polar liquid extractants supported on an inert, finely divided, solid material, such as diatomaceous silica, silica gel, alumina, or molecular sieves, then separating the solution from the solid material. Water is the preferred polar liquid, and diatomaceous silica is the preferred supporting material. Polymers recovered from solutions treated according to the process of this invention have a much lesser proportion of vanadium contaminants than those recovered from untreated solutions. This vanadium removal process is simple and inexpensive.