Abstract: A spinal distraction system, according to one aspect, includes an adjustable spinal distraction rod comprising first and second members, the adjustable spinal distraction rod configured for non-invasive elongation of the first and second members. The system includes an anchor rod configured for mounting to a bone of a subject, the anchor rod having one or more spring-biased tabs disposed at one end thereof, and a connector having first end and a second end, the first end having a receiving cup configured for detachable mounting on the anchor rod, wherein the one or more spring-biased tabs are configured to engage with an inner surface of the receiving cup, the connector having a second end operatively coupled to an end of a first member and wherein the second member is configured for mounting to a second bone of a subject.

Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.

Abstract: Compounds useful as linker-payload compounds are disclosed. The compounds have the following Structure (I): as a stereoisomer, enantiomer or tautomer thereof or a mixture thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, R4a, and R4b are as defined herein. Additional compounds, conjugates, methods of preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment related to conjugates of compounds of Structure (I) and a targeting moiety, or binding fragment thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device with a hybrid fin-dielectric region. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a source region and a drain region laterally separated by a hybrid fin-dielectric (HFD) region. A gate electrode is disposed above the HFD region and the HFD region includes a plurality of fins covered by a dielectric and separated from the source region and the drain region by the dielectric.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging system has a specialized graphical user interface GUI to convey information for manually adjusting control inputs to bring an eye into alignment with the device. The GUI provides additional information such as laterality, visual alignment overlay aids, and live video feeds. The system further applies automatic gain control to fundus images, synchronizes itself with other ophthalmic systems on a computer network, and provides an optimized image load and display system.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging system has a specialized graphical user interface GUI to convey information for manually adjusting control inputs to bring an eye into alignment with the device. The GUI provides additional information such as laterality, visual alignment overlay aids, and live video feeds. The system further applies automatic gain control to fundus images, synchronizes itself with other ophthalmic systems on a computer network, and provides an optimized image load and display system.

Abstract: A polishing layer analyzer is provided, wherein the analyzer is configured to detect macro inhomogeneities is polymeric sheets and to classify the polymeric sheets as either acceptable or suspect.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing chemical mechanical polishing pads is provided, wherein an automated inspection system is configured to detect macro inhomogeneities is skived sheets and to classify the skived sheets as either acceptable or suspect; wherein the acceptable skived sheets are further processed to form polishing layers of chemical mechanical polishing pads.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad, polishing layer analyzer is provided, wherein the analyzer is configured to detect macro inhomogeneities is polymeric sheets and to classify the polymeric sheets as either acceptable or suspect.

Abstract: A polishing layer analyzer is provided, wherein the analyzer is configured to detect macro inhomogeneities is polymeric sheets and to classify the polymeric sheets as either acceptable or suspect.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad, polishing layer analyzer is provided, wherein the analyzer is configured to detect macro inhomogeneities is polymeric sheets and to classify the polymeric sheets as either acceptable or suspect.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing chemical mechanical polishing pads is provided, wherein an automated inspection system is configured to detect macro inhomogeneities is skived sheets and to classify the skived sheets as either acceptable or suspect; wherein the acceptable skived sheets are further processed to form polishing layers of chemical mechanical polishing pads.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles comprising an encapsulated fluorescent core comprising an ionically bound fluorescent dye and a metal oxide shell. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention a core containing indocyanine green (ICG) with a silica shell that displays excellent photostability for generation of a near infrared fluorescence signal. The fluorescent core-shell nanoparticle can be further modified to act as an MRI, x-ray, or PAT contrast agent. The ICG nanoparticles can also be used as photodynamic therapeutic agent. Other embodiments of the invention directed to methods of making the novel core-shell nanoparticles and to the use of the core-shell nanoparticles for in vitro or in vivo imaging.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are prepared where the nanoparticles are as small as 3 nm or up to 7000 nm in diameter and where the dye is bound within the metal oxide matrix. In some embodiments the invention, novel dyes are covalently attached to the matrix and in other embodiments of the invention a dye is coordinate or ionic bound within the metal oxide matrix. A method for preparing the novel covalently bondable modified fluorescent dyes is presented. A method to prepare silica comprising nanoparticles that are 3 to 8 nm in diameter is presented. In some embodiments, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are further decorated with functionality for use as multimodal in vitro or in vivo imaging agents. In other embodiments of the invention, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles provide therapeutic activity and incorporated therapeutic temperature monitoring.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: In a method of producing an intraocular lens having a substantially clear optic and at least one filamentous haptic having high fracture toughness, solid particles are mixed into an uncured polymer, and the mixture is inserted into a mold. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the mold until the mixture solidifies. Heat is applied to complete the curing process. Ultrasonic energy is also preferably applied to the particles and uncured polymer mixture to improve dispersion of the particles therein.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprises a substantially clear optic and at least one filamentous haptic having high fracture toughness. The haptic is formed of a polymer composition comprising low concentrations of solid particles uniformly dispersed throughout a polymer matrix.