Abstract: Systems and methods are described for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment comprises a biosensor utilizing plant cells and nutrient media for maintaining the plant cells in a live condition. A light source having desired optical characteristics is directed onto the plant cells and light spectra transmitted from the cells is detected by a photodetector. A controller analyzes signals from the photodetector to detect a state change in the plant cells in response to exposure to an agent.

Abstract: Sheets of base substrate (e.g., transparency film, glass, or other suitable growth material) are coated with an array of spots of the same or different growth media and/or nutrients. Coating may be accomplished using an ink-jet printer, which deposits droplets of a growth medium and/or one or more nutrients on the substrate.

Abstract: An array of nanostructures has a multiplicity of nanostructures disposed in a predetermined pattern on a substrate, the nanostructures being oriented in a predetermined orientation, and the nanostructures being characterized by interior dimensions commensurate with the dimensions of predetermined microbes. Methods of fabricating the array are disclosed.

Abstract: A filter for a surgical drainage bag has a filter layer of activated carbon cloth. Gases may pass through this filter layer from the interior of the bag. A first layer of gas permeable thermoplastics material is arranged in contact with the front side of the filter layer. A barrier layer of gas permeable hydrophobic material has its rear side in contact with the front side of the first layer. A second layer of gas permeable thermoplastics material has its rear side in contact with the front side of the barrier layer. All the various layers are secured together by a peripheral seal.

Abstract: A surgical collection bag for post operative use having two opposed walls, secured together by a perimeter weld. One of the walls has an inlet opening through which the contents of the intestine of a patient can flow into the interior of the bag. The same wall also has a vent which is impervious to solid material and liquid from the intestine of the patient but which is pervious to gases. Welds inside the bag together with the perimeter weld define a pathway through which gases can flow from the interior of the bag to the vent. This pathway includes one or more vents through which gases must pass before they reach the vent. These gateways are sufficiently narrow at least substantially to prevent the passage of solid materials and liquids. If desired, the welds can be discontinuous to provide a multiplicity of gateways.

Abstract: A catheter with an inflation cuff, is produced by a method in which an inflation cuff of an elastomeric material which is not thermoplastic is placed on a catheter shaft of thermoplastic material at a desired position. Pressure is directed inwardly around the entire periphery of at least each end of the cuff. The shaft is heated sufficiently to soften it so as to enable at least the ends of the cuff to be recessed into the material of the shaft by the inwardly directed pressure.

Abstract: A device for sealing an ostomy bag to the skin of a patient, comprises a sheet of material capable of adhering to the skin of a patient so as to provide a substantially liquid tight seal. The sheet has a slit or cut extending as a spiral or the like. An aperture may then be produced in the sheet as desired by unwinding the coil defined by the spiral slit or cut. The sheet may be of a gelatinous material having a basis of Karaya gum and/or another hydrophilic material.