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An expandable interbody fusion device for implantation into the intradiscal space between two opposing vertebral bodies of a spine comprises a superior endplate member having an upper surface for engaging a superior vertebral body in a spine, and an inferior endplate member having a lower surface for engaging an inferior vertebral body in the spine. The superior endplate member and the inferior endplate member are releasably coupled and define a cavity therebetween. At least one expansion member is configured to be introduced into the cavity to move the superior endplate and the inferior endplate members relatively apart upon introduction and to thereby decouple the superior endplate member and the inferior endplate member. An inserter may be releasably coupled to the device to facilitate insertion of the device as well as to provide a track for insertion of the expansion members.

A tissue ablation probe, system, and method are provided. The ablation probe comprises an elongated member, an ablative element mounted on the distal end of the elongated member, and at least one thermoelectric device mounted to the member in thermal communication with the ablative element. The system may include the ablation probe, thermal control circuitry for controlling the thermal effect of the thermoelectric device, and an ablation source for suppying ablation energy to the ablative element. A plurality of circumferentially distributed thermoelectric devices can be provided, so that radial tissue sectors can be selectively affected by independently controlling the thermal effect of the thermoelectric devices. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric device(s) can be used to cool a heat ablative element. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric device(s) can be used to heat an ablative element, thereby forming a heat ablative element. In still another embodiment, the thermoelectric device(s) can be used to cryogenically cool an ablative element, thereby forming a cryogenic ablative element.

An expandable interbody fusion device for implantation into the intradiscal space between two opposing vertebral bodies of a spine comprises a superior endplate member having an upper surface for engaging a superior vertebral body in a spine, and an inferior endplate member having a lower surface for engaging an inferior vertebral body in the spine. The superior endplate member and the inferior endplate member are releasably coupled and define a cavity therebetween. At least one expansion member is configured to be introduced into the cavity to move the superior endplate and the inferior endplate members relatively apart upon introduction and to thereby decouple the superior endplate member and the inferior endplate member. An inserter may be releasably coupled to the device to facilitate insertion of the device as well as to provide a track for insertion of the expansion members.

The invention relates to a method for transforming a monocotyledonous plant. The time required from transformation to regeneration of a plant is shorter using the inventive method so that the frequency of emergence of mutants is smaller than the conventional methods. The inventive method may be generally applied even to the plants for which a regeneration method from a protoplast to a plant has not been established, and with which the preparation of the material to be subjected to the method is easy. That is, the present invention provides a method for transforming a monocotyledonous plant, comprising contacting a cultured tissue of said monocotyledonous plant during dedifferentiation thereof obtained by culturing an explant on a dedifferentiation-inducing medium for less than 7 days with a bacterium belonging to the genus Agrobacterium containing a super binary vector having the virulence region of a Ti plasmid, left and right border sequences of T-DNA of a Ti plasmid or an Ri plasmid of a bacterium belonging to the genus Agrobacterium, and a desired gene located between said left and right border sequences.

The present invention provides a detection article including at least one fluid control film layer having at least one microstructured major surface with a plurality of microchannels therein. The microchannels are configured for uninterrupted fluid flow of a fluid sample throughout the article. The film layer includes an acquisition zone for drawing the fluid sample into the plurality of microchannels at least by spontaneous fluid transport. The film layer also includes a detection zone having at least one detection element that facilitates detection of a characteristic of the fluid sample within at least one microchannel of the detection zone.

Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system.

A medical foot implant (1) with a fastening section (2) for fixing the foot implant (1) to two adjacent bones or bone segments and with a wedge section (3). The wedge section (3) has an end-side tip (12), in a plan view at least approximately punctiform, for easier introduction of the foot implant (1) into bone or into tarsometatarsal joint.

Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system.

A porous intervertebral spacer having a flexible wire mesh as a vertebral body contact surface, the flexible wire mesh preferably being a convex titanium mesh laser-welded at its perimeter to the spacer. The mesh is domed in its initial undeflected conformation, but deflects as necessary during insertion of the spacer between vertebral bodies, and, once the spacer is seated between the vertebral bodies, deforms as necessary under anatomical loads to reshape itself to the concave surface of the vertebral endplate, providing gripping and holding strength upon initial implantation, and an osteoinductive surface through which the bone may ultimately grow, making the fixation of the spacer between the vertebral bodies secure.

An instrument for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis, comprising two prosthesis holders which are connected by a parellel guide and can be spread apart from one another and are intended to receive a pair of prosthesis plates. The first prosthesis holder is arranged fixedly on an elongate instrument body. The second prosthesis holder is held from the instrument body by means of a parallel guide. The parts connecting the second prosthesis holder to the instrument body or to the first prosthesis holder delimit on both sides a central through-opening which extends like a channel in the longitudinal direction of the instrument body and whose width corresponds at least to the transverse dimensions of a prosthesis core, to be inserted between the prosthesis plates, and of the prosthesis core holder provided for this.

A surgical treatment for restoring a proper anatomical spacing and alignment to vertebral bones of a scoliosis patient, the treatment including determining an angular misalignment associated with at least one pair of adjacent bones, adjusting the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bones to restore proper spacing, and inserting a tapered spacer to restore proper anatomical misalignment of the vertebral bones.

This disclosure relates to compositions for delivering agents to a subject, and in particular, to compositions for delivery of therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents in the presence or absence of targeting moieties. In part, this disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrophobic group with a first end and a second end, a first metal binding domain linked to the hydrophobic group, a metal ion capable of being chelated to the first metal binding domain, and an agent linked to a second metal binding domain capable of chelating to the metal ion.

A frequency and protocol agile wireless communication product, and chipset for forming the same, including a frequency agile transceiver, a digital interface circuit for interconnecting the radio transceiver with external devices, protocol agile operating circuit for operating the radio transceiver in accordance with one of the transmission protocols as determined by a protocol signal and an adaptive control circuit for accessing a selected wireless communication network and for generating the frequency control signal and the protocol control signal in response to a user defined criteria Among the possible user defined criteria would be (1) the cost of sending a data message, (2) the quality of transmission link (signal strength, interference actual or potential), (3) the potential for being bumped off of the system (is service provider at near full capacity), (4) the security of transmnission, (5) any special criteria which the user could variably program into his omni-modal wireless product based on the user's desires or (6) any one or more combinations of the above features that are preprogrammed, changed or overridden by the user. The disclosed invention allows wireless service providers to broadcast electronically as part of any “handshaking” procedure with a omni-modal wireless product information such as (1) rate information and (2) information regarding system operating characteristics such as percent of system capacity in use and / or likelihood of being dropped. The disclosed invention creates a user oriented source enrollment and billing service in the wireless data market by establishing uniform standard for “handshakes” to occur between cell service providers and omni-modal wireless products. In addition, the disclosed invention can be implemented on a standard chip or chipset including a radio transceiver specifically designed to be used in all types of omni-modal wireless products.

A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter (10) and an expandable ablation element (18) incorporating one or more balloons (20, 22) at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway (28, 30) extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe (72) carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop (82) which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the sensor probe.

A microfluidic device comprising a set of one or more, preferably more than 5, covered microchannel structures manufactured in the surface of a planar substrate. The device is characterized in that a part surface of at least one of the microchannel structures has a coat exposing a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer. The non-ionic hydrophilic polymer is preferably attached covalently directly to the part surface or to a polymer skeleton that is attached to the surface.

A tissue ablation probe, system, and method are provided. The ablation probe comprises an elongated member, an ablative element mounted on the distal end of the elongated member, and at least one thermoelectric device mounted to the member in thermal communication with the ablative element. The system may include the ablation probe, thermal control circuitry for controlling the thermal effect of the thermoelectric device, and an ablation source for suppying ablation energy to the ablative element. A plurality of circumferentially distributed thermoelectric devices can be provided, so that radial tissue sectors can be selectively affected by independently controlling the thermal effect of the thermoelectric devices. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric device(s) can be used to cool a heat ablative element. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric device(s) can be used to heat an ablative element, thereby forming a heat ablative element. In still another embodiment, the thermoelectric device(s) can be used to cryogenically cool an ablative element, thereby forming a cryogenic ablative element.

A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter (10) and an expandable ablation element (18) incorporating one or more balloons (20, 22) at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway (28, 30) extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe (72) carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop (82) which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the sensor probe.

A method and system for monitoring the behavior of at least one observable object, e.g. a network element, of a network, wherein at least one parameter of the observable object is repeatedly detected. An actually detected parameter is input to a learning process and to an analyzing process, wherein the learning process forms a reference, based on at least two detected parameter values, for describing the behavior of the observable object. The analyzing process compares the input parameter and the reference for detecting an anomal behavior. The parameter preferably is a vector which includes several values describing properties or functioning of the observable object, and is formed based on events and / or reports from the object.

The device is characterized in that the nose of the tooth-carrier has a general structure in which two end regions thereof, one corresponding to the area of junction of the said nose with the body of the tooth-carrier and the other to the free end of the tooth-carrier, assume in cross-section a dovetail structure, the dovetail at the first end region being inverted compared to the dovetail at the second end region, the cross-section of the end projection of the nose of the tooth-carrier being constant and the upper face of junction of the said projection with the base of the tooth-carrier assuming a curved structure with the convexity directed outwards, the lateral faces of the nose of the tooth-carrier assuming a structure of flat facets, one of them carrying in proximity to the junction with the body of the tooth-carrier a substantially vertical indentation for the coupling of the retaining cotter pin.

Provided is a suitable cleaning method of a porous semiconductor substrate without collapse of the porous structure due to cavitation or resonance. In a cleaning method of a porous surface of a semiconductor substrate having the porous structure at least in the surface, cleaning for removing dust particles adhering to the porous surface of the substrate takes place with pure water on which a high-frequency wave with a frequency in the range of from 600 kHz to 2 MHz is superimposed.

Solid-phase physical sorbent medium holding adsorbed fluid is provided in a cartridge, for use in a sorbent-based fluid storage and dispensing system. One or more of such cartridges may be disposed in a fluid storage and dispensing vessel and opened prior or subsequent to sealing of the vessel, to provide desorbable fluid for dispensing from the vessel, e.g., by pressure differential, concentration differential and / or thermal desorption. Use of such cartridges thereby obviates the sorbent bake-out and sorbate gas loading steps necessary in prior practice, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the fluid storage and dispensing system.

The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring the behaviour of at least one observable object, e.g. a network element, of a network, wherein at least one parameter of the observable object is repeatedly detected. An actually detected parameter is input to a learning process and to an analyzing process, wherein the learning process forms a reference, based on at least two detected parameter values, for describing the behaviour of the observable object. The analyzing process compares the input parameter and the reference for detecting an anomal behaviour. The parameter preferably is a vector which comprises several values describing properties or functioning of the observable object, and is formed based on events and / or reports from the object.

A mixing cap and method for use thereof, wherein the mixing cap is preferably pre-loaded during time of manufacture with a selected dry or liquid ingredient to facilitate subsequent consumer use. The mixing cap comprises an apertured inner tube threadably-engagable to the mouth of a bottle, and an outer housing cooperatively-engaged to the inner tube and slidably-restricted thereover via a flange arrangement. Preloaded ingredients contained within the outer housing may be introduced or discharged into the bottle by simply depressing the outer housing over the inner tube, thereby permitting the ingredients to flow through the apertures of the inner tube and into the liquid contents of the bottle. The combined ingredients and liquid within the bottle may subsequently be shaken without fear or risk of leakage or spillage.

A biodegradable, mixed polymeric micelle used to deliver a selected nucleic acid into a targeted host cell contains an amphiphilic polyester-polycation copolymer and an amphiphilic polyester-sugar copolymer. The polyester-polycation copolymer forms an electrostatic interaction with polyanionic nucleic acids, and the polyester-sugar copolymer directs the micelle-nucleic acid complex to cells in vivo. Additional copolymers with similar properties may also be included. The composition improves delivery efficiency by providing a particulate gene carrier for which particle size and charge density are easily controlled by multivariate means. Various kinds of ligands and other functional compounds may be also be introduced using the composition. The composition may be used in a method for transforming a targeted host cell with a selected nucleic acid.

There is provided an antireflective laminate having a low refractive index and excellent mechanical strength, which comprises a coating layer of an ionizing radiation curing-type resin composition comprising ionizing radiation curing group-containing hollow silica fine particles. The antireflective laminate comprises a light transparent base material and at least a low refractive index layer having a refractive index of not more than 1.45 provided on the light transparent base material, wherein the low refractive index layer comprises an ionizing radiation curing-type resin composition and silica fine particles having an outer shell layer with the interior of the silica fine particles being porous or void, and, for a part or all of the silica fine particles, at least a part of the surface of the silica fine particle has been treated with an ionizing radiation curing group-containing silane coupling agent.

A method of detecting the presence of an ion includes contacting a nucleic acid enzyme with a sample suspected of containing the ion, where the enzyme contains a ribonucleotide and is dependent on the ion to produce a product from a substrate, and measuring an amount of the product produced. The ion is Pb<2+>, and is in the presence of other ions.

Provided are a carbon nanotube structure more excellent in electric conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, and a method of manufacturing the carbon nanotube structure. A carbon nanotube composite structure is characterized by including: a first carbon nanotube structure in which functional groups bonded to plural carbon nanotubes are chemically bonded and mutually cross-linked to construct a network structure; and a second carbon nanotube structure in which functional groups bonded to plural carbon nanotubes are chemically bonded and mutually cross-linked to construct a network structure, the second carbon nanotube structure being combined with the network structure of the first carbon nanotube structure.

A biodegradable antithrombotic conjugate having heparin and other anti-thrombotic moieties are introduced as side chains to the polymer backbone modified by click chemistry. Various bioabsorbable monomers and dimers such as valerolactone may be used in the monomer derivation, homo- and co-polymerization, and the conjugation with a biologically active molecule by click chemistry. A coating comprising a biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer anti-thrombotic conjugate is applied to at least a portion of an implantable device to prevent or reduce the formation of thrombosis on the surface of the implantable device. A first or sub-layer of the coating is prepared by mixing a polymeric material and a biologically active agent with a solvent, thereby forming a homogeneous solution. A second or outer layer comprising the present anti-thrombotic conjugate may be applied over the inner drug-containing layers using, for example, a dip coating or spray coating process.

The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastic or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a combination intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. In a preferred embodiment, the endotracheal tube is capable of defining an arcuate path in a first geometric plane between its proximal end and its distal end to facilitate introduction of the tube into the trachea of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the catheter employs a fenestration to facilitate removal of the intubation device from the patient without removal of any enteral device previously directed therethrough into the patient.

The instant invention relates to a method for changing characteristics of a plastic component, wherein a medium is introduced into the plastic component, which encompasses a porosity and wherein the medium forms a homogenous compound with the plastic component by at least partially dissolving the plastic component.