Abstract: The present invention provides a stable non-naturally occurring cellular membrane vesicle for delivering an active agent into a target cell. The cellular membrane vesicle comprises a biological membrane from a parent cell and a liquid medium encapsulated by the biological membrane. The liquid medium comprises an active agent and does not comprise a native cytoplasmic component of the parent cell. The biological membrane is specific for the target cell, and the active agent remains active upon delivery into the target cell. Also provided are methods for delivering the active agent with the cellular membrane vesicle and methods of preparing the cellular membrane vesicles.

Abstract: A system for inspecting flexible pipelines comprises a data analyzer, a data collector and an ultrasonic transducer. Further, the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to propagate shear wave into the annulus of the flexible pipeline. The data collector further comprises a data store and a communicator. Further, the system is capable of differentiating flooding and non-flooding condition of the annulus of the flexible pipeline which is subjected to high pressure. Using the system, an indicator of a flooded or non-flooded condition within the flexible pipeline may be calculated using transmitted and detected reflective waves or the lack of detected reflective waves.

Abstract: A system for inspecting flexible pipelines comprises a data analyzer, a data collector and an ultrasonic transducer. Further, the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to propagate shear wave into the annulus of the flexible pipeline. The data collector further comprises a data store and a communicator. Further, the system is capable of differentiating flooding and non-flooding condition of the annulus of the flexible pipeline which is subjected to high pressure. Using the system, an indicator of a flooded or non-flooded condition within the flexible pipeline may be calculated using transmitted and detected reflective waves or the lack of detected reflective waves.

Abstract: The present invention provides bio-nanoparticles (BioNPs) for delivering an active agent into hematopoietic stem & progenitor cells (HSPCs). Each BioNP comprises a core and a biological membrane covering the core, which comprises the active agent and a polymer. The biological membrane comprises a phospholipid bilayer and one or more surface proteins of a megakaryocyte (Mk). The active agent remains active after being delivered into the HSPC. Also provided are methods for preparing the BioNPs and uses of the BioNPs for targeted delivery of an active agent into HSPCs and/or treating or preventing a disease or condition in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A system for inspecting flexible pipelines comprises a data analyzer, a data collector and an ultrasonic transducer. Further, the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to propagate shear wave into the annulus of the flexible pipeline. The data collector further comprises a data store and a communicator. Further, the system is capable of differentiating flooding and non-flooding condition of the annulus of the flexible pipeline which is subjected to high pressure. Using the system, an indicator of a flooded or non-flooded condition within the flexible pipeline may be calculated using transmitted and detected reflective waves or the lack of detected reflective waves.

Abstract: A system for inspecting flexible pipelines comprises a data analyzer, a data collector and an ultrasonic transducer. Further, the ultrasonic transducer is adapted to propagate shear wave into the annulus of the flexible pipeline. The data collector further comprises a data store and a communicator. Further, the system is capable of differentiating flooding and non-flooding condition of the annulus of the flexible pipeline which is subjected to high pressure. Using the system, an indicator of a flooded or non-flooded condition within the flexible pipeline may be calculated using transmitted and detected reflective waves or the lack of detected reflective waves.

Abstract: An improved bed apparatus (4) includes a bed (12) and a movable heater assembly (16). The bed (72) is movably disposed on a support (8), and the heater assembly (76) is movable to enable alignment between the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76) to promote uniformity of irradiance on a patient situated on the bed (72). In an embodiment, the bed (72) and heater assembly (76) are movable together to maintain alignment between the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76). In another embodiment, the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76) are independent, but one or more indicators (244, 254) are provided to enable manual alignment between the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76).

Abstract: An improved bed apparatus (4) includes a bed (12) and a movable heater assembly (16). The bed (72) is movably disposed on a support (8), and the heater assembly (76) is movable to enable alignment between the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76) to promote uniformity of irradiance on a patient situated on the bed (72). In an embodiment, the bed (72) and heater assembly (76) are movable together to maintain alignment between the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76). In another embodiment, the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76) are independent, but one or more indicators (244, 254) are provided to enable manual alignment between the bed (72) and the heater assembly (76).