Abstract: A magnetic slat device is disclosed herein. The magnetic slat device includes an elongate slat body, the elongate slat body having a generally curved cross-section with a first generally concave surface and a second generally convex surface, the elongate slat body further including a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion disposed opposite to the first longitudinal edge portion; and a plurality of magnets coupled to the elongate slat body, each of the plurality of magnets being spaced apart from one another along a length of the elongate slat body, and each of the plurality of magnets being disposed between the first and second longitudinal edge portions of the elongate slat body. Each of the plurality of magnets is configured to exert a magnetic force on a magnetic object. A slat kit comprising a plurality of magnetic slat devices is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A multi-element electrostatic chicane energy filter, with the addition of electrostatic quadrupole and hexapole excitations to the dipole elements. A charged particle energy filter according to the present invention with a combination of dipole, quadrupole, and hexapole elements capable of producing a line focus at an aperture reduces space-charge effects and aperture damage. A preferred embodiment allows the filter to act as a conjugate blanking system. The energy filter is capable of narrowing the energy spread to result in a smaller beam.

Abstract: Described are methods of preventing, treating and diagnosing of a subject having a condition, such as, an inflammation or infection of the respiratory tract. Methods of treatment and prevention include administration of effective amounts of calcium salt formulations to a subject. Methods of diagnosing include the use of biomarkers and optionally the use of kits that can detect biomarkers. Further described are methods for modulating an immune response that include the modulation of Toll-like receptors.

Abstract: A multi-element electrostatic chicane energy filter, with the addition of electrostatic quadrupole and hexapole excitations to the dipole elements. A charged particle energy filter according to the present invention with a combination of dipole, quadrupole, and hexapole elements capable of producing a line focus at an aperture reduces space-charge effects and aperture damage. A preferred embodiment allows the filter to act as a conjugate blanking system. The energy filter is capable of narrowing the energy spread to result in a smaller beam.