Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: The disclosed Multi-function Germicidal Apparatus and Method, is an elevation actuator equipped mobile floor-standing air convection system including an electromagnetic radiation oscillating head mounted dish with zoom and focusable UV beam projectors which sweep across a horizontal plane to inactivate airborne pathogens. An open end germicidal chamber behind an open center nozzle is equipped with multi-wavelength UV lights to inactivate passing pathogens and irradiate TIO2 coated charge plates to generate hydroxyl radicals. A fan pushes contaminated air through a chamber discharging remnant pathogens and air mixed through a nozzle to create a high velocity air mixture farther away from the opening. An oscillating and focused UV beam forms a tubular shaped virtual cage encircling exiting pathogens for continuous inactivation. Convection forced pathogens disperse to the floor are picked up by a floor fan and sent back to a chamber and UV beams for repeating inactivation.

Abstract: An approach to use silicided bit line contacts that do not short to the underlying substrate in memory devices. The approach provides for silicide formation in the bit line contact area, using a process that benefits from being self-aligned to the oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) nitride edges. A further benefit of the approach is that the bit line contact implant and rapid temperature anneal process can be eliminated. This approach is applicable to embedded flash, integrating high density devices and advanced logic processes.

Abstract: An autonomous drone operated remotely via wireless networks is instructed by its owner flying about in an unoccupied room to activate a system of selectable air and surface disinfection modules. An air purifier captures particles in ambient air and switches on an oscillating motion tubular shaped cage mounted with a plurality of Ultraviolet C spectrum, long range zoom and focusable lens LED projectors to disinfect virus and bacteria. A fan assisted forced air Ozone generator module speeds up disinfecting inconspicuous spots to destroy hidden viruses. Disinfection is completed after the half-life time of dispensed Ozone and an oxygen recovery module rapidly converts residual ozone still in air back to normal oxygen molecules enabling a shortened waiting time for occupants to return to the treated room. A negative ions module subsequently switches on to refresh the air.

Abstract: A hone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative tr the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative, to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: An approach to use silicided bit line contacts that do not short to the underlying substrate in memory devices. The approach provides for silicide formation in the bit line contact area, using a process that benefits from being self-aligned to the oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) nitride edges. A further benefit of the approach is that the bit line contact implant and rapid temperature anneal process can be eliminated. This approach is applicable to embedded flash, integrating high density devices and advanced logic processes.

Abstract: A wearable pain management apparatus includes a drum shaped oscillatory motion driver mounted with electromagnetic coils attached to a non-stretching belt tightly strapped around a user's waist. The driver's top surface is pressed against the back of the user's waist. A belt has a ratchet buckle and a group of elongated tracks. A holster with a battery pack is securely clipped onto the belt. A center mounted motor drives a set of torque conversion planetary gears. An off center mounted mass rotates and causes unbalance and an oscillatory motion. A power cable laminated between two surfaces of the belt body terminates on a switch. The user holds a deep breath while pulling hard on the belt end causing the ratchet buckle to lock on the tracks. This action effectively places hand pressure on the apparatus rubbing on their back via the Oscillatory Pulsed Electromagnetic Field to speedily alleviate pain.

Abstract: A first drone equipped with a high energy Directional Ultrasound Parametric Speaker Array and a second drone equipped with an Acoustic Dispersion Cannon are used to fight wildfire. The first drone is distanced far from a burning flame but in close proximity to a fire target. Both drones are guided by GPS to communicate with remote operators. Once the target is locked, the first drone blasts the target with Amplitude Modulated Ultrasound. The Ultrasound is self-demodulated into a lower frequency audio sound when it encounters a hot flame of richly charged ions. The lowered frequency sound pushes and pulls the flame forward and backward rapidly away from the combustion source, causing it to be disconnected from the flame which instantly cools down and is extinguished. The second drone blasts the combustible source with powerful sonic shockwaves to disperse the still hot particulates further apart to prevent the source being reignited.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and determining prognosis of colorectal cancer in a subject by detecting suppressed expression of the VSTM2A gene, which in some cases is due to elevated methylation level in the genomic sequence of this gene. A kit and device useful for such a method are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating colorectal cancer by increasing VSTM2A gene expression or activity.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: An A method for fabricating an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a substrate, a first device, a second device, and a trench in the substrate is described herein. The trench is self-aligned between the first and second devices and comprises a first portion filled with a dielectric material and a second portion filled with a conductive material. The self-aligned placement of the trench provides electrical isolation between the first and second devices and allows for higher packing density without negatively affecting the operation of closely spaced devices in a high density IC.

Abstract: A first drone equipped with a high energy Directional Ultrasound Parametric Speaker Array and a second drone equipped with an Acoustic Dispersion Cannon are used to fight wildfire. The first drone is distanced far from a burning flame but in close proximity to a fire target. Both drones are guided by GPS to communicate with remote operators. Once the target is locked, the first drone blasts the target with Amplitude Modulated Ultrasound. The Ultrasound is self-demodulated into a lower frequency audio sound when it encounters a hot flame of richly charged ions. The lowered frequency sound pushes and pulls the flame forward and backward rapidly away from the combustion source, causing it to be disconnected from the flame which instantly cools down and is extinguished. The second drone blasts the combustible source with powerful sonic shockwaves to disperse the still hot particulates further apart to prevent the source being reignited.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and determining prognosis of colorectal cancer in a subject by detecting suppressed expression of the VSTM2A gene, which in some cases is due to elevated methylation level in the genomic sequence of this gene. A kit and device useful for such a method are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating colorectal cancer by increasing VSTM2A gene expression or activity.

Abstract: A multi-group brightness controllable LED tube comprises a multi-input source selector which directs electric power to the tube from a set of diversion switches inserted between a power source and preexisting ballast. The diversion switches automatically re-establish new electric current paths to supply the LED tube power and safely bypass the preexisting ballast. The LED tube also comprises a digital sub section selector for selecting two groups of SMD (surface mounted device) LED strip lights for intensity control. When first turned on, the light will be at 66% brightness. A first toggle action dims the light to 33% brightness, and a second toggle action brings it up to 100%. The third toggle will reset the LED tube to 66% brightness. The retrofitted LED tube is suitable for single end as well as double end fixtures without a complicated conversion process. Furthermore, fixtures can be reverted back to original fluorescent operation.

Abstract: A multi-group brightness controllable LED tube comprises a multi-input source selector which directs electric power to the tube from a set of diversion switches inserted between a power source and preexisting ballast. The diversion switches automatically re-establish new electric current paths to supply the LED tube power and safely bypass the preexisting ballast. The LED tube also comprises a digital sub section selector for selecting two groups of SMD (surface mounted device) LED strip lights for intensity control. When first turned on, the light will be at 66% brightness. A first toggle action dims the light to 33% brightness, and a second toggle action brings it up to 100%. The third toggle will reset the LED tube to 66% brightness. The retrofitted LED tube is suitable for single end as well as double end fixtures without a complicated conversion process. Furthermore, fixtures can be reverted back to original fluorescent operation.