Neural tube defect (NTD) is a serious congenital defect, but current methods for identifying NTD are limited. We used proteomic analysis of maternal serum to identify NTD-specific proteins whose levels differed between women with NTD fetuses (n = 50) and those with healthy fetuses (n = 40). Three NTD-specific protein peaks (8,130.6, 15,941.7, and 3,960.3 m/z) were identified using MALDI-TOF-mas...

A design of a micro latching fastener – a micro “mouse trap” – is presented, which has self-closing compliant latches that clamp a free planar part inserted between them. The selfclosing of the latches is induced by the insertion of the part which releases the potential energy stored in the “cocked” state of the device, in the manner of a mouse trap. The closed latch can re-open by cocking the ...

The spike protein N-terminal domains (NTDs) of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) recognize sugar and protein receptors, respectively, despite their significant sequence homology. We recently determined the crystal structure of MHV NTD complexed with its protein receptor murine carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), which surprisingly r...

A needle-free transdermal injection device was evaluated for effectiveness of vaccine delivery and for injection site lesions. A total of 96 pigs were vaccinated for pseudorabies virus (PRV) and for Mycoplasma hyopneumonia (M.hyo.). Pigs were divided into three groups; the first group served as unvaccinated controls, the second group was vaccinated with conventional hypodermic needles, and a th...

This paper presents a simple radiologicd image guidance method and robotic system optimized for percutaneous procedures. This simplicity is achieved by combining the proven guidance procedure normally employed by practicing surgeons with a simple and cost-effective needle injection device. The needle injector exhibits an extremely low radiological profile while providing actuated needle motion....

OBJECTIVE Compare the pressures measured by improvised irrigation techniques to a commercial device and to prior reports. METHODS Devices tested included a commercial 500-mL compressible plastic bottle with splash guard, a 10-mL syringe, a 10-mL syringe with a 14-ga angiocatheter (with needle removed), a 50-mL Sawyer syringe, a plastic bag punctured with a 14-ga needle, a plastic bottle with ...