Abstract: A highly sensitive assay is disclosed which utilizes a method for gene specific primed amplification of mRNA libraries from rare cells and rare transcripts found in blood. The assay allows detection of rare mRNA (10 copies/cell) found in 1 to 10 cells isolated through immunomagnetic enrichment. The assay is an improvement over multiplex PCR and allows efficient detection of rare coding sequences for circulating carcinoma cells in the blood. The methods are useful in profiling of cells isolated from tissues or body fluids and serves as an adjunct to clinical diagnosis of diverse carcinomas including early stage detection and classification of circulating tumor cells. Monitoring of nucleic acid and protein profiles of cells either in conventional or microarray formats, facilitates management of therapeutic intervention including staging, monitoring response to therapy, confirmation of remission and detection of regression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for to conduct transgenic and targeted mutagenesis screening of genomic DNA. This invention also provides a system for screening DNA for a designated genetic sequence. The system includes a computer having a processor, memory and web browser, wherein the computer receives instructions concerning the designated genetic sequence and other screening parameter selection from a remote user via a form of electronic communication, and an automatic screening device that analyzes samples of genomic DNA for the designated sequence.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.

Abstract: Parainfluenza virus types 1 to 4 (PIV1 to PIV4) are important human pathogens that cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants and children. The claimed invention is directed toward novel methods for the inhibition of parainfluenza virus transmission to a cell involving the administration of synthetic peptide fusion inhibitors. These inhibitors are derived from the parainfluenza virus and vary in length between 16 to 39 amino acids. The peptides were identified by screening for the presence of fusion inhibitory motifs (e.g., ALLMOTI5, 107x178x4, and PLZIP) within the parainfluenza virus genome. A number of peptides were identified and their fusion inhibitory activities ascertained. These peptides should provide useful antiviral agents.

Abstract: Systems for replacement of the ends of bones with prostheses, and methods of using the systems for bone replacement.

Abstract: A driver IC (60) for a printhead includes a first set of data side input/output pads (62) and a second set of data side input/output pads (63). The driver IC further includes circuitry (100) that can select that data is to be input at the first set of pads and output at the second set of pads.

Abstract: A versatile workstation system including two tables which are removably connected to each other, the tables for supporting two computer monitors, two keyboards and two CPU units. One of the tables is at a standard height and may be used as a desk or a conference table. The second table is two inches lower. The second table is mounted on casters to allow it to be rolled up to and away from the first table. The second table includes brackets for connecting to the first table when the tables are adjacent one another. The second table also includes a wire management structure and has a computer support bracket for computer CPUs. The second table may be used to support the monitors, the CPUs and the keyboards as well as other equipment when the second table is rolled out of the way. The combination of the two tables provide versatility for an office space and is efficaciously ergonomic.

Abstract: The methods and reagents described in this invention are used to analyze circulating tumor cells, clusters, fragments, and debris. Analysis is performed with a number of platforms, including flow cytometry and the CellSpotter® fluorescent microscopy imaging system. Analyzing damaged cells has shown to be important. However, there are two sources of damage: in vivo and in vitro. Damage in vivo occurs by apoptosis, necrosis, or immune response. Damage in vitro occurs during sample acquisition, handling, transport, processing, or analysis. It is therefore desirable to confine, reduce, eliminate, or at least qualify in vitro damage to prevent it from interfering in analysis. Described herein are methods to diagnose, monitor, and screen disease based on circulating rare cells, including malignancy as determined by CTC, clusters, fragments, and debris. Also provided are kits for assaying biological specimens using these methods.

Abstract: A disposable lid for beverage containers includes a mechanism enabling a user to hang the lid on the rim of the container, rather than placing the lid on a counter or table top, to avoid actual or perceived unsanitary conditions and to minimize risk of transmitting infectious diseases to the user. The lid includes an integral device for hanging the lid on the rim of the container while being inexpensive to manufacture and efficient to package and transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to television systems and methods, and more particularly, to interactive television systems having user equipment that includes a point of deployment (“POD”) host device and POD modules for use in conjunction with the POD host device. The interactive televisions systems may have different user equipment arrangements for supporting one or more POD modules. The POD modules may provide a user of the interactive television system with access to various programs and services. The POD module may also implement a back-channel communications link with a service provider. The POD module may also receive modules which may upgrade the hardware or software of the interactive television system.

Abstract: A method and system to improve the retention of synchronization between the transmitter and receiver of image data across a communication channel. If the control character designating the end of the line of data is corrupted, the receiving system will not recognize that the line of data has ended and will continue as if data is still being received. The corruption of a single bit in the control character will cause the receiver to misinterpret the end of line control word. Since the receiving logic does not realize the transmitter is no longer sending data, erroneous data will be stored in the storage elements. By using an alternate control character as an additional end of line indicator, the receiver will terminate the line of data and will wait for the next start of line control character from the transmitter. Synchronization between the transmitter and receiver across the communication channel is thus maintained.

Abstract: A driver IC (21) for a flexible printhead (20) includes a plurality of registers (105) corresponding to exposure elements and a token input (31). The driver IC further includes circuitry (100) coupled to the registers. The circuitry is adapted to bypass received data from the registers in response to a token received from the token input.

Abstract: A display enhancement device for a portable electronic device having a visual display, such as a cellular telephone, is provided. A magnifying lens, such as a Fresnel-type lens, is suspended above the device display by a positioning arm. The positioning arm is attached to the lens at one end, and to the device at the other end. The arm can be attached to the device and/or lens by means such as a suction cup or a mounting plate. One or more rotatable attachment mechanisms can be used to facilitate adjustment of the positioning arm and/or lens.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for internal fixation of a fractured or otherwise compromised bone. These systems may include and/or make use of bone plates, locking screws, and/or kits, among others.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula system for directing blood through the vasculature of a patient comprises a cannula body having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therebetween. The perfusion cannula system enhances blood flow past the cannula when the cannula body resides within the patient. A first balloon can be located on an exterior surface of the cannula body and the balloon can be deployed within the vasculature whereby space may be provided between a vessel wall and the cannula body. A cannula body can have an aperture formed therein in fluid communication with a lumen. A sleeve can be carried by the cannula and can be configured to be moveable relative to the aperture to selectively cover and uncover the aperture as desired.

Abstract: A percutaneous cannula is provided that directs blood into a vessel of a patient. The cannula includes a main cannula portion and a tip portion. The tip portion directs blood-flow in a direction generally counter to the direction of flow through the lumen. The cannula is configured to prevent blood-flow exiting the distal end from immediately discharging against a wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A work board assembly having a board and hook assembly mountable to a rail assembly, and the rail assembly is mountable to a wall. A flip chart holder may optionally be hung on the board to add versatility to the board. The hook assembly is rotatable, thereby allowing opposite surfaces of the board to be easily and quickly exposed. The exposed surfaces may accept markers or the surfaces may allow tacking of documents, or one surface may be for markers and the other for tacking. The rail assembly includes a bracket designed to be attached to a wall and to mount a rotatable cam. The cam is received by a rail and rotation of the cam causes locking engagement of the rail to the bracket.

Abstract: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.