Abstract: An obstetric device has a head piece having a flexible peripheral rim and a floor spaced from the flexible peripheral rim defining a cavity. One or more support lugs extend upwardly from the floor of the cavity; and an air communication aperture is provided in the floor of the cavity. Typically the device is formed a distal end piece having an orientation mark; and a tube interconnecting the head piece and the distal end piece.

Abstract: The present invention in general provides methods for reducing RF-induced heating in an external fixation device including at least two bars, at least two clamps and at least two pins; and external fixation devices with significantly lower RF heating at the pins' tips when compared to other external fixation devices.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member (12) and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener (16) extends through an opening (50) in the housing (40) into the second passage (44). A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener (16) is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage (44). A spacer (60) received in the second passage (44) of the housing (40) is engageable with the fastener (16) and the longitudinal member (12). A member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener (16) and the housing (40) and permit manual movement of the fastener (16) relative to the housing (40) against the force when the longitudinal member (12) is disengaged from the spacer (60).

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to extendable rods for use in orthopedic assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with procedures to treat spinal deformities, including, but not limited to, early onset scoliosis.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral shank head receivable in a one-piece receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A compression insert (some with an independent tool lock, lock and release feature and/or friction fit feature) and a split retaining ring articulatable with respect to both the shank head and the receiver (prior to locking) cooperate with the receiver to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.

Abstract: A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is for adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.

Abstract: A closed-head polyaxial screw for use in spinal instrumentation for spinal fusion, treatment of deformity, or the like. Polyaxial screws may have a two-part design, with the screw fitting into an aperture in the closed head. One or more clamps may secure the bone screw in the aperture. A closed-head polyaxial screw having a one part design is also disclosed. In addition, a one-part monaxial screw is described.

Abstract: A posterior spinal implant system configured to immobilize and stabilize spinal segments as an adjunct to fusion in the thoracic, lumbar, and/or sacral spine. The implant system includes a pedicle screw, a spinal rod; a connector connecting the pedicle screw to the spinal rod. The connector includes a connector body, a polyaxial screw receiver positioned on the connector body and configured to receive the pedicle screw and permit polyaxial orientation of the connector relative to the pedicle screw, a polyaxial rod receiver positioned in the connector body and configured to receive the spinal rod and permit polyaxial orientation of the spinal rod relative to the connector, and a lock installed in the polyaxial rod receiver. The lock is operable to lock the connector relative the pedicle screw, lock the polyaxial rod receiver relative to the connector, and lock the spinal rod relative to the polyaxial rod receiver.

Abstract: Bone structure coupling devices and methods are provided herein. An example method includes positioning a tubular retraction guide body into a patient, the tubular retraction guide body having two prongs that are positioned in a joint between two adjacent bone structures, creating a hemispherical groove on each of the two adjacent bone structures using a drill bit passed through the tubular retraction guide body, incising out the hemispherical grooves with a broach passed through the tubular retraction guide body, and inserting a graft body having a generally rectangular cross sectional area into the angular grooves to couple the two adjacent bone structures together.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical link system that includes a plurality of cervical links for adjustable fixation to articles of a patient's cervical spine, and a connecting assembly having a generally rectangular loop shape defining a substantially open interior therebetween. Each cervical link has a plurality of circular holes each arranged to receive a screw thereby securing the cervical link to the respective article of a patient's cervical spine at a bottom portion of the cervical link. Each cervical link has a plurality of recessed portion along a top portion of the cervical link. Each recessed portion has a generally U-shaped cross-section formed by a bottom portion and a pair of spaced apart side walls. The connecting assembly is arranged to be placed in and frictionally engage the U-shaped cross-section of the recessed portions.

Abstract: A spine fixation device including an elongated bone screw partially embedded in a vertebra of a spine and a retaining head that can receive a rod and a head of the bone screw. The retaining head has an inner member that includes a screw head receiving section for receiving the screw head. The retaining head further has an outer member that includes an inner face that can contact an outer face of the screw head receiving section. When the inner face is in contact with the outer face, the screw head receiving section applies pressure to the screw head to fixate the relative angle between the bone screw and the retaining head.

Abstract: Instrumentation for fixing at least two spinal vertebrae by pedicle screw type bone anchoring implants and connecting elements via the posterior or posterolateral approach has at least one bone anchoring element designed to be fixed to a vertebra, pre-mounted with a disposable mounting tube and a sterile sealed packaging. A kit of instruments for inserting or removing a spinal implant, has at least two threaded bone anchoring elements, a rod-type or plate-type connecting element mechanically connecting the bone anchoring elements and locking elements for locking the connecting element in position in relation to the anchoring elements, in order to perform all of the surgical procedures relating to the insertion or removal of the implant, all of the required instruments are disposable and packed in a sterile manner in one or several sealed packagings.

Abstract: A novel interlocking intramedullary rod assembly which allows the surgeon to (i) secure a first bone fragment of a fractured bone (e.g., a distal bone fragment) to the interlocking intramedullary rod assembly in a fixed position, (ii) secure a second bone fragment of the fractured bone (e.g., a proximal bone fragment) to the interlocking intramedullary rod assembly in an adjustable manner, and (iii) thereafter selectively pivot the second bone fragment (e.g., the proximal bone fragment) relative to the first bone fragment (e.g., the distal bone fragment) so as to secure the two bone fragments in position relative to one another with the desired orientation.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for improved bone fixation are disclosed. The system includes a bone plate and a plurality of variable angle screws. The bone plate comprises titanium and the variable angle screws comprise a TiMo alloy treated to have a hardness of at least 35 HRC. A method of manufacturing an implant is also disclosed. The method includes machining the TiMo alloy having a first hardness value and a first % elongation to form an implant; heat treating, quenching, and aging the bone fastener to have a second hardness value that can be greater than the first hardness value and a second % elongation that can be both less than the first % elongation and greater than about 3% elongation.

Abstract: A method for reconstruction of a resectioned portion of a bone includes connecting a first link to a second link through a flexible connection to form an elongated linkage that extends along a substantially longitudinal direction, providing a flexible connector configured to work in tandem with the flexible connection to adjust the first and second links relative to each other to adapt to a shape of the bone in at least one of a directional orientation about an axis that extends in the vertical direction and an angular orientation about an axis that extends in the longitudinal direction, and providing a locking member configured for insertion through the aperture, wherein the locking member is configured to apply a biasing force to the connector and inhibit adjustment of the at least one of the directional orientation and the angular orientation of the first link relative to the second link.

Abstract: A system for supporting ribs is provided that includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member may be attached to a respective rib via fasteners such that the reinforcing member spans one or more fractures of the ribs. In addition to individually holding the portions of the rib bone together to allow the fracture to heal, however, the reinforcing members may be used on rib pairs such that closure members may be wrapped around or extended between the rib pair in an effort to stabilize the ribs. By providing extended regions configured to receive closure members, healing of the ribs may be promoted and facilitated without creating unnecessary other pain to the patient, as the rounded portions serve to keep the closure members away from the neurovascular bundles associated with the ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis device intended for holding, distraction or compression of fragments of a fractured bone. The device comprises a threaded pin (1) having a threaded head (2) at its distal end, and a ring (4) adapted to slide on the threaded pin (1). The pin (1) and the ring (4) are made of materials allowing them to be cut. The ring (4) has at its distal end a threaded head (5) whose diameter is at least equal to the diameter of the threaded head (2) of the pin (1). The threaded pin (1) and the threaded ring (4) are hollow so as to allow them to be crimped during the cutting.

Abstract: System and methods for transversely displacing structures in the body can include a device for displacing structures in a patient's body, the device having: a handle; a first longitudinal member fixed in position relative to the handle; a second longitudinal member coaxial with the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member movable relative to the first longitudinal member between a retracted position and an extended position; and at least one resilient blade extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end of the at least one resilient blade mechanically fixed in position relative to the second longitudinal member; wherein the distal end of the at least one resilient blade is engaged with the first longitudinal member when the second longitudinal member is in its extended position and disengaged from the first longitudinal member when the second longitudinal member is in its retracted position.

Abstract: System and method for automatically bending a surgical rod are provided. The system includes a linear movement device configured to axially feed the surgical rod, a rotational movement device configured to rotate the surgical rod as it is axially fed, and a bending device including a roller to impose bending forces against the rod. The rod is free from contact with the bending device after it is axially fed past the roller.

Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face, and a flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank with multiple washers interposed between the lower shaft and spring. In some instances, there is a round square drive with arched catches having preselected radii to assure operation over certain cycles at selected torque and to reduced nose cone damage and breakage at a predetermined inch pounds of torque.

Abstract: A clutch within a torque-limiting device which may include a shaft extending axially through a clutch assembly and a spring to connect to a nut. The clutch having swappable gear rings. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a patient having a sympathetically mediated disease associated at least in part with augmented peripheral chemoreflex or heightened sympathetic activation. The treatments include ablating one or more peripheral chemoreceptors or associated afferent nerves to reduce or remove afferent neural signals from the peripheral chemoreceptor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cutting and/or coagulating device that includes a cutting and/or coagulating member and a radio frequency generator such that an output of the radio frequency generator is connected to the cutting and/or coagulating member. The cutting and/or coagulating member is electrically resonant at the frequency of the radio frequency generator. Further, the cutting and/or coagulating member may include a resistance wire which is configured to directly contact a target cutting material. The cutting and/or coagulating member may be further heated to a visible glow. Furthermore, a method of cutting and/or coagulating is also contemplated.

Abstract: A radio frequency tissue ablation system with a radio frequency generator, the generator comprising a radio frequency source, at least four independently controllable radio frequency outputs, a user interface and a controller configured to delivery radio frequency energy from the radio frequency source to the radio frequency outputs in one of at least two different output configurations in response to a configuration selection made through the user.

Abstract: Control systems and methods for delivery of energy that may include control algorithms that prevent energy delivery if a fault is detected and may provide energy delivery to produce a substantially constant temperature at a delivery site. In some embodiments, the control systems and methods may be used to control the delivery of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to body tissue, such as lung tissue.

Abstract: Methods for using a surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source and a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.

Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.

Abstract: A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided.

Abstract: A hand-held skin treatment device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, an energy supply electrically coupled to the source and a controller arranged to control the energy supplied to the source of electromagnetic radiation. The source, the energy supply and the controller are enclosed in a watertight housing allowing use of the hand-held skin treatment device in a wet environment. To provide sufficient cooling of the source, the device comprises an internal heat exchanger in heat conducting relation with the source, an external heat exchanger outside of the watertight housing, and a heat path from the internal heat exchanger to the external heat exchanger that passes hermetically through a wall of the watertight housing. With this device, users can conveniently integrate their skin treatment activities with the daily washing routine in a shower or bath. The device is especially useful in the context of hair removal.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes an array of laser diodes that are configured to output laser energy, a fiber bundle, a delivery fiber, and a tubular sheath. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers and has a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from the array of laser diodes. The delivery fiber includes a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from a distal end of the fiber bundle. The tubular sheath defines a lumen, in which at least a portion of the delivery fiber is disposed. The tubular sheath is insertable into a working channel of an endoscope or a cystoscope. A distal end of the tubular sheath is configured to deliver laser energy discharged from the delivery fiber into a body of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and devices may include a system for removing a kidney stone from a ureter. The system may have an inner shaft extending coaxially within an outer shaft, a stone retention member shaft having a stone retention member and extending coaxially within the inner shaft, a wall protection member coupled to the outer shaft and the inner shaft, and a handle coupled with proximal ends of the outer shaft, the inner shaft, and the stone retention member shaft. The handle may include an eversion mechanism coupled to the inner shaft and configured to actuate the inner shaft, thereby everting the wall protection member to form a pocket adapted to receive a kidney stone. The system may also include a retention member mechanism coupled to the stone retention member shaft and configured to actuate the stone retention member shaft.

Abstract: A CAS system and method for guiding an operator in inserting a femoral implant in a femur as a function of a limb length and orientation of the femoral implant with respect to the femur, comprising a reference tool for the femur, a registration tool, a bone altering tool and a sensing apparatus.

Abstract: An elliptical, optical-tracking marker comprises an inner marker body that is filled with radially spread color spectrum points with respect to a center point of the inner marker body. A color value of each spectrum point of the inner marker body is calculated as a function of an angle defined between a horizontal line crossing the central point of the inner marker body and a line crossing the central point of the inner marker as well as the given pixel in such a manner, that the color values of the respective spectrum points vary in accordance with a sinusoidal pattern along an elliptical path around the center point, in particular along a circular path centered around the center point. A method and a system for determining a 3D position of an object in space use the characteristics of this marker by detecting and analyzing the sinusoidal pattern.

Abstract: A manipulator, for use with a robotic control system, to maneuver an existing instrument (e.g., medical instrument) to a desired location within a target zone includes at least one controller, a rotation mechanism in communication with the at least one controller and being rotated about a first axis, a horizontal movement mechanism in communication with the at least one controller and being displaced along a first path, and a deflection mechanism capable of receiving a portion of the existing instrument. Such a deflection mechanism is in communication with the at least one controller and displaced along a second path in such a manner that causes deflection of a distal end (e.g., portion of an insertion tube) of the existing medical instrument.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling movement of a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a plurality of surgical instruments are simultaneously usable during performance of a surgical procedure. One or more of the plurality of instruments is coupled to a robotic surgical system that is configured to control movement of the one or more of the plurality of instruments.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotated by a driving pulley. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. A first end portion of a first cable is connected to a first radial side of the first driven pulley, a second end portion of the first cable is connected to a second radial side of the second driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the first cable is connected to the driving pulley. A first end portion of a second cable is connected to a first radial side of the second driven pulley, a second end portion of the second cable is connected to a second radial side of the first driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the driving pulley.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Also disclosed are various medical devices for in vivo medical procedures. Included herein, for example, is a surgical robotic device having an elongate device body, a right robotic arm coupled to a right shoulder assembly, and a left robotic arm coupled to a left shoulder assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robotic tele-surgery system for performing laparoscopic surgeries. The system may include: a patient-side unit, a surgeon-side unit, and a controller that may be configured for establishing a master-slave relationship between the surgeon-side unit and the patient-side unit. The patient side unit may include a patient support assembly, at least two passive mounting mechanisms that may be slidably coupled to the patient support assembly and at least two slave robotic arms, coupled with a surgical instrument via a tool adapting mechanism from their distal end, and mounted on an associated passive support assembly from their base end. The surgeon-side unit may including at least two master robotic arms, and an ergonomic adjustment mechanism that may be configured for housing and adjusting the position and orientation of the master robotic arms.

Abstract: A thickness gage including a transparent measurement tube configured to receive and be slidingly engaged over a tubular shaft of a retrograde reamer. The tubular shaft has linear graduation marks on its surface for identifying linear measures for use in measuring a thickness of a bridge bone gap. The linear graduation marks are located on the tubular shaft surface such that at least some of the linear graduation marks can be observed through the transparent measurement tube. Each linear graduation mark, when aligned with a proximal end of the measurement tube, provides a linear measure of the distance between a distal end of the measurement tube and a cutting member of the retrograde reamer positioned so that its central axis is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Such a distance corresponds to the thickness of the bridge bone gap.

Abstract: This invention is directed to devices and methods for stereotactic access, and particularly to a frameless stereotactic access device for accessing a body cavity and methods therefor. In general, a stereotactic device may include portions or features for fixing the device to a portion of a patient's body, such as, for example, a skull, such that the device may be generally spatially fixed in relation to the patient's body or part thereof. The stereotactic device may also generally include portions or features for guiding a medical device or other device at a particular trajectory in relation to the patient's body or part thereof.

Abstract: An endolumenal robotic system provides the surgeon with the ability to drive a robotically-driven endoscopic device to a desired anatomical position in a patient without the need for awkward motions and positions, while also enjoying improved image quality from a digital camera mounted on the endoscopic device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving first scan data of an intraoral site and generating a three-dimensional (3D) model comprising the intraoral site. A user selection of a portion of the 3D model is received, and the portion of the 3D model is locked. After locking the portion of the 3D model, second scan data of the intraoral site is received. The 3D model is then updated with the second scan data, wherein a first portion of the second scan data that also depicts the locked portion of the 3D model is not used for updating the 3D model, and wherein a second portion of the second scan data is used for updating the 3D model, the second portion of the second scan data being combined with the first scan data to account for discrepancies of overlapping data between the first scan data and the second scan data.

Abstract: A method of making a customized orthodontic bracket includes steps of providing a pre-manufactured physical bracket body, providing a physical bracket base having a tooth facing side shaped according to of at least part of a patient's tooth, and joining the bracket body and at least a portion of the bracket base. The bracket base is provided using a material build-up process. The invention helps facilitating manufacturing of customized orthodontic brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance may include an archwire and multiple orthodontic brackets. The archwire may fit within a human mouth and contain multiple male connectors. Each orthodontic bracket may have a configuration that facilitates attaching the orthodontic bracket to a single tooth. Each orthodontic bracket may allow one of the male connectors to be locked into the orthodontic bracket with a snapping action. The male connector may be unable to slide with respect to the orthodontic bracket after being locked in the orthodontic bracket. A manual unlocking action may allow the male connector to disengage from the orthodontic bracket.

Abstract: A dental tool for resurfacing thread forms of a dental implant is disclosed. The tool includes a main body having a cylindrical member with a slot. A blade having a head is inserted in the slot to orient the head to protrude from the interior surface of the cylindrical member of the main body. The main body may be rotated into traversing a thread form of the implant. A compression sleeve is inserted over the main body. The compression sleeve has an open position and a closed position to hold the blade in the slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass-ceramics based on the lithium silicate system which can be mechanically machined easily in an intermediate step of crystallization and, after complete crystallization, represent a very strong, highly-translucent and chemically-stable glass-ceramic. Likewise, the invention relates to a method for the production of these glass-ceramics. The glass-ceramics according to the invention are used as dental material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a dental mill blank and a method of forming the dental mill blank. The dental mill blank includes a first layer of a first hard restorative material having a first translucency and a first shade, a second layer of a second hard restorative material having a second translucency and a second shade, where at least one of the following is true (1) the first translucency is different from the second translucency, (2) the first shade is different from the second shade. The first layer and the second layer form a first interface having a first curve across a first plane of symmetry of the dental mill blank, where the first curve has a different from zero curvature; and a first straight line along the entire length of a second plane of the dental mill blank, the second plane being orthogonal to the first plane of symmetry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental furnace comprising a firing hood equipped with a heating device that is movably supported for the opening and closing of the dental furnace relative to a base intended for receiving a dental restoration part, and further comprising a heat detection device that is directed towards an area above the base, in particular towards one or more dental restoration parts, and further comprising a control or regulating device for the dental furnace that is coupled to the heat detection device, wherein the heat detection device is configured as a thermal imaging camera (30) which is directed towards the area above the base while the firing hood (12) is partially or completely opened, and which feeds an at least two-dimensional image in the form of a matrix of the one or more inserted dental restoration parts (60) to the control or regulating device and/or to a muffle (26) that is intended for the generation of the dental restoration parts (60).

Abstract: A pill delivery device comprising a grip, barrel and trigger assemblies. The pistol style device contains a tension spring-operated eject pin and trigger. The eject pin is cycled through cocked and un-cocked states by actuation of a cocking pin and trigger. At the end of the barrel assembly is a soft rubber collet configured to temporarily retain a pill of different shapes and volumes. The collet has an aperture through which the eject pin in its un-cocked state mechanically communicates at its tip with the inner area of the collet.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing genetic merit of swine by establishing a plurality of mating subtypes for a line of swine, and determining a percentage of progeny that are male for each of the mating subtypes, or a percentage of progeny that are female for each of the mating subtypes, that would result, relative to a control, in an increase in genetic merit in the line; the invention further relates to sorting a sperm cell sample from a male swine in one of the mating subtypes into one or more subpopulations of sperm cells, wherein a majority of sperm cells in a subpopulation of sperm cells bear X chromosomes or Y chromosomes, and inseminating one or more female swine in the one of the mating subtypes with the subpopulation of sperm cells to achieve the percentage of progeny that are male, or the percentage of progeny that are female, determined to increase genetic merit relative to the control.