摘要:
A medical device intended for use in performing minimally invasive procedures is provided. The device is intended for performing a pyloromyotomy in pediatric surgery, laparascopically. A key aspect of embodiments of the device is the dual-purpose functionality of the device as it combines both spreading of tissue and cutting of tissue, using mono- or bi-polar electric energy or a knife, with the same medical device. The use of the device requires fewer tool changes during surgery, improving safety and ease of use, as well as reducing surgery time. The devices lend themselves to torelatively cheaper manufacturing processes and lower overall cost compared to existing devices. They would also require less training time compared to current laparoscopic tools.
摘要:
A selectively rigidizable endoscopic device is described. In one aspect, an endoscopic medical device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.
摘要:
A position-sensing system includes a first component (e.g., a cylinder) and a second component (e.g., a piston rod) movably coupled to the first component for movement with respect thereto. A magnetically hard layer on the second component provides a recording medium. Regions of the magnetically hard layer are magnetized as magnetized rings around the second component. Magnetic-field sensors are coupled to the first component in proximity of the magnetically hard layer on the second component to sense the rings of magnetized regions. Each of the magnetic field sensors senses flux from each of the rings of magnetized regions as the second component is moving with respect to the first component and, in response to sensing the rings of magnetized regions, generates signals used to determine position of the second component.
摘要:
A position-sensing system magnetically senses the position of a piston rod moving with respect to a cylinder. A magnetically hard layer on the piston rod provides a recording medium. Information is perpendicularly magnetized in regions of the magnetically hard layer. These regions provide an encoding scheme for determining the position of the piston rod. Magnetic-field sensors are positioned over redundant tracks of magnetically recorded regions. Each magnetic-field sensor positioned over a given track senses the same magnetized regions while the piston rod moves with respect to the cylinder. Other magnetic-field sensors can sense ambient fields for use in performing common-mode rejection. A write head can dynamically repair damaged or erased regions detected by the magnetic-field sensors. Energized by a battery-backup power source, the magnetic-field sensors and associated circuitry can continue to track movement of the piston rod when the machinery is off.
摘要:
A position-sensing system magnetically senses the position of a first component moving with respect to a second component. A magnetically hard layer on the first component provides a recording medium. Information is magnetically recorded in regions of the magnetically hard layer. These regions provide a relative encoding scheme for determining the position of the first component. Magnetic-field sensors are positioned over redundant tracks of magnetically recorded regions. Each magnetic-field sensor positioned over a given track senses the same magnetized regions while the first component moves with respect to the second component. Other magnetic-field sensors can sense ambient fields for use in performing common-mode rejection. A write head can dynamically repair damaged or erased regions detected by the magnetic-field sensors. Energized by a battery-backup power source, the magnetic-field sensors and associated circuitry can continue to track movement of the first component when the machinery is off.
摘要:
A specific member of the HERV-K family located in chromosome 22 at 20.428 megabases (22q11.2) has been found to be preferentially and significantly up-regulated in prostate tumors. The invention provides methods for diagnosing prostate cancer, comprising the step of detecting in a patient sample the presence or absence of an expression product of the virus. The virus has five features not seen in other HERV-K members: (1) its own specific nucleotide sequence, and consequently amino acid sequences; (2) tandem 5′ LTRs; (3) a fragmented 3′ LTR; (4) an env gene interrupted by an alu insertion; and (5) unique gag sequences.
摘要:
The present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention also relates to devices including an electroactive polymer to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
摘要:
New compounds, compositions and methods of inhibition of kinase activity associated with tumorigenesis in a human or animal subject are provided. In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions are effective to inhibit the activity of at least one serine/threonine kinase or receptor tyrosine kinase. The new compounds and compositions may be used either alone or in combination with at least one additional agent for the treatment of a serine/threonine kinase- or receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated disorder, such as cancer.
摘要:
A selectively rigidizable and actively steerable device is described. In one aspect, an articulatable device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.
摘要:
The present invention is directed to methods of treating and preventing cancer, such as cancer characterized by differential expression of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3). The methods include administering to a patient an agent that modulates TFF3 activity or expression. The present invention is further directed to reducing the physiological effects of TFF3 expression in cells, including inhibiting cell motility and resistance to apoptosis. Oligonucleotides and antibodies that can modulate expression or activity of TFF3 are also provided.