Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the cell activation of a target cell by an activator, said method having the following steps: provision of a probe measuring device with a probe sample arrangement having a measuring probe and a sample holder; loading of the probe sample arrangement with a target cell and with an activator assigned to the target cell, the measuring probe being loaded with the activator, and the sample holder being loaded with the target cell, or vice versa; relative mutual displacement of the measuring probe and the sample holder until contact is made between the target cell and the activator by means of a displacement apparatus of the probe measuring device; recording of measurement values, indicating binding between the target cell and the activator, for the measuring probe with the probe measuring device during the relative displacement of the measuring probe and the sample holder; and determination of a dimension for the cell activation of the target cell from

Abstract: Functional imaging for localization in biological tissue entails measuring a response in the tissue (240) to electromagnetic radiation. A catheter (200) for real-time monitoring of cardiac ablation is employed to distinguish a hemorrhage zone (232) from the sandwiching necrotic and healthy tissue, or to distinguish exogenous photoacoustic contrast agent from bordering native tissue. A pair of wavelengths is selected for differential absorption (244) of the radiation in, correspondingly, the hemorrhage zone or where the contrast agent exists, and relatively similar absorption elsewhere. Near infrared laser or LED light may be used photoacoustically to serially acquire (S310, S320) the two datasets to be compared, each representative of a time waveform. Alternatively, acquisition is for a pair of wavelength bands of microwave-induced thermoacoustic data.

Abstract: Compounds are provided which are phosphonate and phosphinate activators and thus are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases and have the structure is a heteroaryl ring; R4 is —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)(OR8), —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—OPO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—OPO(R9)(R10), or —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(R9)(R10); R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl and halogen; Y is R7(CH2)s or is absent; and X, n, Z, m, R4, R5, R6, R7, and s are as defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for treating diabetes and related diseases employing the above compounds is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the immune response using pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline adjuvants are described. In various embodiments the crystalline adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of monosodium urate (MSU), xanthine, basic calcium phosphate (BCP), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, lipid liquid, other crystalline lipids, lithium heparin, talc, and starch.

Abstract: The weighted-average-based position (244) in the temporal domain is computed based on the sampling of shear wave displacement (226) along the propagation path. The weighting is, for example, by displacement observed at times (230) corresponding to sampling and represents the time of arrival of the shear wave at the shear-wave propagation path location being sampled. In some embodiments, the computed shear-wave times of arrival at respective locations are functionally related to known inter-location distances (250) to derive shear-wave group velocity. The derived velocity can serve as input into known algorithms for estimating shear elasticity of the medium, such as body tissue, for purposes of clinical diagnosis and therapy assessment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for identification and use of small molecules to induce pluripotency in mammalian cells as well as other methods of inducing pluripotency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image of shear wave velocities by transmitting push pulses to generate shear waves. A plurality of tracking lines are transmitted and echoes received by a focusing beamformer adjacent to the location of the push pulses. The tracking lines are sampled in a time-interleaved manner. The echo data acquired along each tracking line is processed to determine the time of peak tissue displacement caused by the shear waves at points along the tracking line, and the times of peaks at adjacent tracking lines compared to compute a local shear wave velocity. The resultant map of shear wave velocity values is color-coded and displayed over an anatomical image of the region of interest.

Abstract: A switch testing circuit is configured for testing a switch. The switch testing circuit includes a switch element, a first light emitting diode, and a control chip. The first light emitting diode, the switch element, and the switch are connected in series. The first light emitting diode is configured for indicating connection condition between the switch and the switch testing circuit. The control chip is configured for acquiring a voltage from one terminal of the switch element and comparing the acquired voltage with a comparison voltage to judge whether the switch is qualified or disqualified according to the comparison result.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging apparatus (1) for imaging an interior of an object (2). The imaging apparatus (1) comprises a first ultrasound sensor and a second ultrasound sensor for sensing the interior of the object at different frequencies, wherein the ultrasound sensing signals from the first ultrasound sensor are used for generating a first ultrasound image and a the ultrasound sensing signals from the second ultrasound sensor are used for generating a second ultrasound image. A larger frequency generally provides a smaller depth of penetrating the interior of the object and a larger spatial resolution than a smaller frequency. The imaging apparatus (1) can therefore provide the capability of simultaneously imaging the interior of the object with different spatial resolutions and at different penetration depths. This allows the imaging apparatus to improve the quality of imaging the interior of the object.

Abstract: Compounds are provided which are activators of the enzyme glucokinase and thus are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases, which compounds have the structure where Q is and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are as defined herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for treating diabetes and related diseases employing the above compounds is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid type lens system is provided that allows e.g. ultrasound imaging through the lens during adjustment of the lens. The lens includes a container enclosing two immiscible fluids, e.g. water and oil, being in contact with each other at an interface. Incoming waves are then refracted at this interface. The shape of the interface, and thereby the refraction property, is adjustable by adjusting a voltage applied to the lens. The two fluids are selected such that they together exhibit a mechanical damping which is critical or near critical. A control circuit generates the electric voltage for adjusting the refraction from one value to another, the control circuit being arranged to change the electric voltage such that a rate of voltage change is limited to avoid oscillation of the interface, thereby adjusting refraction of incoming waves at the interface in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Compounds are provided which are phosphonate and phosphinate activators and thus are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases and have the structure is a heteroaryl ring; R4 is —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)(OR8), —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—OPO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—OPO(R9)(R10), or —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(R9)(R10); R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl and halogen; Y is R7(CH2)s or is absent; and X, n, Z, m, R4, R5, R6, R7, and s are as defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for treating diabetes and related diseases employing the above compounds is also provided.

Abstract: Compounds are provided which are phosphonate and phosphinate activators and thus are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases and have the structure wherein is a heteroaryl ring; R4 is —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)(OR8), —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—OPO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—OPO(R9)(R10), or —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(R9)(R10); R5 and R6 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl and halogen; Y is R7(CH2)s or is absent; and X, n, Z, m, R4, R5, R6, R7, and s are as defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for treating diabetes and related diseases employing the above compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring apparatus (101) for monitoring an ablation procedure. The monitoring apparatus (101) comprises an ultrasound signal providing unit for providing an ultrasound signal that depends on received echo series of an object (4) that is ablated. The monitoring apparatus (101) further comprises an ablation depth determination unit (103) for determining an ablation depth from the provided ultrasound signal. The ablation depth can be determined directly from the ultrasound signal and is an important parameter while performing an ablation procedure. For example, it can be used for determining the progress of ablation within the object (4) and for determining when the ablation has reached a desired progression.

Abstract: An electrical equipment system may include a battery for an electrical power tool, an electrical equipment except for the electrical power tool, and an adapter that is capable of electrically and mechanically connecting the battery and the electrical equipment. The adapter has a battery side connecting portion that is capable of being detachably connected to the battery and an electrical equipment side connecting portion that is capable of being connected to the electrical equipment.

Abstract: A switch testing circuit is configured for testing a switch. The switch testing circuit includes a switch element, a first light emitting diode, and a control chip. The first light emitting diode, the switch element, and the switch are connected in series. The first light emitting diode is configured for indicating connection condition between the switch and the switch testing circuit. The control chip is configured for acquiring a voltage from one terminal of the switch element and comparing the acquired voltage with a comparison voltage to judge whether the switch is qualified or disqualified according to the comparison result.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the immune response using pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline adjuvants are described. In various embodiments the crystalline adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of monosodium urate (MSU), xanthine, basic calcium phosphate (BCP), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, lipid liquid, other crystalline lipids, lithium heparin, talc, and starch.

Abstract: Compounds are provided which are phosphonate and phosphinate activators and thus are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases and have the structure wherein is a heteroaryl ring; R4 is —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)mPO(OR7)(OR8), —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—OPO(OR7)R9, —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—OPO(R9)(R10), or —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(R9)(R10); R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl and halogen; Y is R7(CH2)s or is absent; and X, n, Z, m, R4, R5, R6, R7, and s are as defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for treating diabetes and related diseases employing the above compounds is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for identification and use of small molecules to induce pluripotency in mammalian cells as well as other methods of inducing pluripotency.

Abstract: Pyrazoloamides are provided which are phosphonate and phosphinate glucokinase activators that are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases and have the structure wherein is a pyrazoyl ring; R4 is —(CH2)n—Z—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)(OR8), —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(OR7)R9, or —(CH2)nZ—(CH2)m—PO(R9)(R10); R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl and halogen; Y is R3(CH2)s, wherein R3 is aryl , s is 0, X is a bond; and n, Z, m, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are as defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.