Abstract: Systems and methods for confining droplets within a microfluidic channel as well as systems and methods for packing droplets are provided. More specifically, a system and method are provided for controlling the introduction and removal of oil into a microfluidic channel in order to control where drops are allowed to flow within that channel.

Abstract: Tissue mapping and imaging systems are disclosed along with methods for mapping tissue. The systems can include an image recording and mapping system in communication with a manual image scanning device having an imaging probe. The manual image scanning device can be configured to scan a volume of tissue and output at least one scanned image and to electronically receive and record the at least one scanned image. The image recording and mapping system can be further configured to construct an idealized tissue map from the at least one scanned image. The image recording and mapping system can also include a position tracking system configured to detect and track the position of the imaging probe and provide location identifier information for the at least one scanned image. The idealized tissue map can be an idealized depiction of an anatomy. The idealized tissue map can include references points.

Abstract: Image recording devices and systems are disclosed along with methods for image recording. The systems can be in communication with a manual imaging device having an imaging probe configured to scan a volume of tissue and output scan images. The systems can be further configured to electronically receive first and second images and to calculate an image-to-image spacing between the first and second images. The systems can further perform an image quality analysis on the scan images and record the scan images if movement of the imaging probe is detected and the scan images satisfy the image quality analysis. The systems can also include a position tracking system. Position sensors and/or orientation sensors can be coupled to the imaging probe to determine the position and orientation of the imaging probe. The systems can be configured to associate the position and orientation data with the scanned images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manipulating drops in microfluidic channels are provided.

Abstract: A plastic injection molding system includes a mold having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a mold cavity, which is configured in a shape of a part to be formed. A source of plastic, having a known heat deflection temperature, is injected into the mold cavity. At least one infrared heat source is disposed adjacent the mold. The at least one heat source is moveable between a first position disposed away from the interior surface of the mold and a second position where the at least one heat source is in communication with the mold cavity surface. A controller is in communication with the at least one heat source and is configured to heat the mold cavity surface to a predetermined temperature below the heat deflection temperature of the plastic resin.

Abstract: A plastic injection molding system includes a mold having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a mold cavity, which is configured in a shape of a part to be formed. A source of plastic, having a known heat distortion temperature, is injected into the mold cavity. At least one infrared heat source is disposed adjacent the mold. The at least one heat source is moveable between a first position disposed away from the interior surface of the mold and a second position where the at least one heat source is in communication with the mold cavity surface. A controller is in communication with the at least one heat source and is configured to heat the mold cavity surface to a predetermined temperature below the heat distortion temperature of the plastic resin.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a railroad tie including a core, a first sleeve encapsulating the core and a second sleeve encapsulating the first sleeve. The first sleeve includes fingers running parallel to a long axis of the core along a top surface and fingers running perpendicular to a long axis of the tie along elongated sides of the first sleeve.

Abstract: A railroad tie comprises a core comprising wood or a wood product, and a first sleeve encapsulating the core, wherein the first sleeve comprises at least one of the group consisting of plastic, plastic-composite, or non-plastic polymers. A second sleeve may additionally encapsulate the first. In a preferred embodiment, the first sleeve is comprised primarily of poly ethylene terephthalate, and the second sleeve is comprised primarily of high density poly ethylene.

Abstract: A mounting for an all-in-one personal computer (10) that has a stand (12) for supporting the computer on a table or desk to enable the computer to be mounted on a wall or at the end of an articulated arm. A bracket (16) has a first wall (16A) that is disposed to confront a face of the stand surrounding the through-hole in the stand and that contains a through-hole (24) that registers with a through-hole (26) in the stand and a second wall (16B) that joins with the first wall and that contains a VESA compliant hole pattern that provides for attachment to a VESA compliant member. A hollow bolt (20) and a nut (22) coact with the registered through-holes to hold the first wall of the bracket fast on the stand.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention provides a genetically tractable in situ non-human animal model for hepatocellular carcinoma. The model is useful, inter alia, in understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver cancer, in understanding the genetic alterations that lead to chemoresistance or poor prognosis, and in identifying and evaluating new therapies against hepatocellular carcinomas. The liver cancer model of this invention is made by altering hepatocytes to increase oncogene expression, to reduce tumor suppressor gene expression or both and by transplanting the resulting hepatocytes into a recipient non-human animal. The present invention also provides methods for identifying and validating tumor suppressor genes by screening pools of shRNAs that target genomic regions deleted in human cancers, such as human hepatocellular carcinomas.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing cancers in humans by detecting DNA amplifications in chromosomal region 8p22, which encompasses the FGF-20 gene and the EFHA2 gene. Also provided are cancer treatment methods using inhibitors of FGF-20 and EFHA2. The invention also provides methods for promoting successful regeneration of liver function. These methods can be used therapeutically to improve liver function following transplantation in both recipient and donor subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to the discovery that human FGF19 is amplified in a number of cancers, including liver and esophageal cancers, and that this amplification correlates with over-expression of this gene. In some aspects, the invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing a patient having or at risk for developing cancer, such as liver or esophageal cancer. The invention in other aspects provides methods for selecting a treatment for a patient having cancer. In other aspects, the invention relates to methods for treating cancer using an FGF19 inhibitor.

Abstract: A printed circuit laminate is provided comprising at least one conductor trace for carrying forward electrical signals in a first direction of signal propagation. The printed circuit laminate also comprises a mesh reference plane, spaced from the at least one conductor trace, for carrying return electrical signals in a second direction. The mesh reference plane defines a plurality of cells. Each cell of the plurality of cells includes at least one axis of repetition. The plurality of cells are configured so that all of the axes of repetition of each cell are different from the first direction of signal propagation. Furthermore, the frequency of cell repetition along the first direction of signal propagation is chosen to reduce differences in transmission line impedance between any two conductors on the same laminate or any two conductors on different laminates.

Abstract: A mounting for an all-in-one personal computer (10) that has a stand (12) for supporting the computer on a table or desk to enable the computer to be mounted on a wall or at the end of an articulated arm. A bracket (16) has a first wall (16A) that is disposed to confront a face of the stand surrounding the through-hole in the stand and that contains a through-hole (24) that registers with a through-hole (26) in the stand and a second wall (16B) that joins with the first wall and that contains a VESA compliant hole pattern that provides for attachment to a VESA compliant member. A hollow bolt (20) and a nut (22) coact with the registered through-holes to hold the first wall of the bracket fast on the stand.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and protein sequences for a novel potassium channel protein, KCNB. The herein-disclosed sequences can be used for any of a number of purposes, including for the specific detection of KCNB, for the identification of molecules that associate with and/or modulate the activity of KCNB, to diagnose any of a number of conditions associated with KCNB or KCNB activity, or to modulate the number or activity of KCNB molecules in a mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a railroad tie comprising a core comprising wood or a wood product, and a first sleeve encapsulating the core, wherein the first sleeve comprises at least one of the group consisting of plastic, plastic-composite, or non-plastic polymers. A second sleeve may additionally encapsulate the first. In a preferred embodiment, the first sleeve is comprised primarily of poly ethylene terephthalate, and the second sleeve is comprised primarily of high density poly ethylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and protein sequences for a novel potassium channel protein, KCNB. The herein-disclosed sequences can be used for any of a number of purposes, including for the specific detection of KCNB, for the identification of molecules that associate with and/or modulate the activity of KCNB, to diagnose any of a number of conditions associated with KCNB or KCNB activity, or to modulate the number or activity of KCNB molecules in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing cancers in humans by detecting DNA amplifications in chromosomal region 8p22, which encompasses the FGF-20 gene and the EFHA2 gene. Also provided are cancer treatment methods using inhibitors of FGF-20 and EFHA2. The invention also provides methods for promoting successful regeneration of liver function. These methods can be used therapeutically to improve liver function following transplantation in both recipient and donor subjects.

Abstract: A mechanism for mapping an anatomical characteristic of a patient includes a treatment bed having a top surface. A fiber Bragg grating channel is disposed along at least a portion of the treatment bed near the top surface and includes a fiber optic waveguide defining a plurality of spaced-apart Bragg-type gratings. A multi-wavelength light source generates a beam that is in optical communication with the fiber Bragg grating channel. A detector, in optical communication with the fiber Bragg grating channel, detects reflections of light from at least one of the Bragg-type gratings. A computer is programmed to calculate at least one anatomical characteristic based on a characteristic of at least one of the reflection of light.