A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.

Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating cardiovascular treatment options for a patient. One method includes creating a three-dimensional model representing a portion of the patient's heart based on patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart or vasculature; and for a plurality of treatment options for the patient's heart or vasculature, modifying at least one of the three-dimensional model and a reduced order model based on the three-dimensional model. The method also includes determining, for each of the plurality of treatment options, a value of a blood flow characteristic, by solving at least one of the modified three-dimensional model and the modified reduced order model; and identifying one of the plurality of treatment options that solves a function of at least one of: the determined blood flow characteristics of the patient's heart or vasculature, and one or more costs of each of the plurality of treatment options.

Systems and methods for processing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data are provided. A method includes receiving MRI data comprising a plurality of k-space points and deriving a plurality of image data sets based on the MRI data, each of the plurality of MRI image sets obtained by zeroing a different one of the plurality of k-space points. The method further includes computing image space metric values for each of the plurality of image data sets and adjusting a portion of the MRI data associated with ones of the image space metric values that fail to meet a threshold value to yield adjusted MRI data.

The disclosed embodiments relate to pulse oximetry. An exemplary pulse oximeter comprises a probe that is adapted to be attached to a body part of a patient to create a signal indicative of an oxygen saturation of blood of the patient, and a processor that is adapted to receive the signal produced by the probe, to calculate an SPO2 value based on the signal, to detect a plurality of pattern types of SPO2 indicative of pathophysiologic events, and to produce an output indicative of a detected one of the plurality of pattern types.

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.

The present application provides Ag/AgCl based reference electrodes having an extended lifetime that are suitable for use in long term amperometric sensors. Electrochemical sensors equipped with reference electrodes described herein demonstrate considerable stability and extended lifetime in a variety of conditions.

A device for electroimpedance tomography with an electrode belt (2), which has electrodes (E1 . . . E16), wherein at least two groups (5, 6) of electrodes located next to each other are formed and the electrodes of one group are contacted with at least one, multiwire feed cable (7, 8). For a reduced noise level during data acquisition, provisions are made for at least one electrode (E9) of two mutually adjacently located electrodes (E8, E9) of two different groups (5, 6) to have an additional electrode feed line (15), which is led over the feed cable (7) of the adjacent group (5).

MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

A procedure and system for determining and placing spinal implants or prostheses includes measuring a change in position of vertebrae at an affected level of a patient's spine from a first position where the patient reports greatest pain at the affected level, to a second position where the patient reports least pain at the affected level. Spinal implants or prostheses are selected so as to urge the affected level of the spine toward the second position and away from the first position when the implants are placed at the affected level. In one embodiment, an implant device is formed by one or more inflatable balloons that are placed at determined locations inside a disc space at the affected level. When the balloons are inflated, vertebrae above and below the balloons are urged toward the second position and away from the first position at the affected level.

Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system and method for use thereof. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages.

A device for fluorescence-based imaging and monitoring of a target comprising: a light source emitting light for illuminating the target, the emitted light including at least one wavelength or wavelength band causing at least one biomarker associated with the target to fluoresce; and a light detector for detecting the fluorescence.

A device for detecting a cardiac event is disclosed. Detection of an event is based on a test applied to a parameter whose value varies according to heart rate. Both the parameter value and heart rate (RR interval) are filtered with an exponential average filter. From these filtered values, the average change in the parameter and the RR interval are also computed with an exponential average filter. Before computing the average change in the parameter, large changes in the parameter over short times, which may be caused by body position shifts, are attenuated are removed, so that the average change represents an average of small/smooth changes in the parameter's value that are characteristic of acute ischemia, one of the cardiac events that may be detected. The test to detect the cardiac event depends on the heart rate, the difference between the parameter's value and its upper and lower normal values, and its average change over time, adjusted for heart rate changes. The upper and lower normal parameter values as a function of heart rate are determined from long term stored data of the filtered RR values and parameter values. Hysteeresis related data and transitory deviations from normal (e.g. vasospasm related data) are excluded from the computation of normal upper and lower parameter bounds.

A biometric monitoring device measuring various biometric information is provided that allows the person to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate sensor surface area or moving the device in a defined motion pattern. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide biometric monitoring devices that allow a person to get a quick heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data acquisition status.

A peak-relevant value device acquires a peak-relevant value (for example, the peak value of an R wave (R peak value)) every cycle from an electrocardiogram acquired. The frequencies of the peak-relevant value acquired as time-series data and the magnitudes for the respective frequencies are analyzed. A peak-relevant value LF calculating device calculates an LF component (peak-relevant value LF component) from the frequency component of the peak-relevant value. An interval acquiring device acquires the interval between characteristic points of the electrocardiographic complex from the electrocardiogram acquired and the frequencies of the feature point interval acquired as time-series data to acquire the magnitudes of the respective frequency component are analyzed. An interval HF calculating device calculates the HF component from the frequency components of the feature point interval acquired and pain is judged on the basis of the variations of the peak-relevant value LF components and the interval HF components.

A method and system for treating brain disorders comprises detecting activity of a first target area of the brain via a first implanted sensor and determining the presence of target brain activity by analyzing the detected brain activity in combination with treating the user based upon the determined presence of target brain activity by supplying a first therapeutic agent to the first target area via a first implanted fluid delivery member including at least one distal opening adjacent to the first target area. In addition, the system may be used as well for testing the effectiveness of drugs.

A device and method for accurately characterizing tissue impedance employs multiple electrodes at a plurality of separation distances to cancel the effects of front end loading leakage currents and electrode polarization to improve the accuracy of sensitive impedance measurements used to identify cancerous tissues. These measurements may be automated over a range of frequencies.

A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with one or a plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in the breast and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in a breast. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality, at least to the quadrant. Either single or multiple source electrodes can be used. Either palpable lumps can be evaluated or screening or breasts, whether with palpable masses or not, can be accomplished. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.

A method and system are provided for determining a condition of a selected region of epithelial and stromal tissue in the human breast. A plurality of measuring electrodes are used to measure the tissue and transepithelial electropotential of breast tissue. Surface electropotential and impedance are also measured at one or more locations. An agent may be introduced into the region of tissue to enhance electrophysiological characteristics. The condition of the tissue is determined based on the electropotential and impedance profile at different depths of the epithelium, stroma, tissue, or organ, together with an estimate of the functional changes in the epithelium due to altered ion transport and electrophysiological properties of the tissue. Devices for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.

In aspects of the present disclosure, an auto turn on blood glucose monitoring unit including a calibration unit integrated with one or more components of an analyte monitoring system is provided. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and kits for providing the same.

The described invention provides a disposable handheld biopsy device for taking biopsies, the biopsy device comprising a tissue cutting assembly which has features to control the tissue length that will be severed by the cutting assembly; and a vacuum assembly which has features to control the vacuum level. The disposable handheld biopsy device of the described invention is simple, lightweight, portable, and cost effective to manufacture and dispose of.

The present invention discloses devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass. The devices include various embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have one or more cannulae which provide access for surgical tools for effecting repair of the cardiac valves. A cannula may have filters of various configurations encircling the distal region of the cannula, which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta.The temporary valve devices may also have one or more cannulae which guide the insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel. In one embodiment, the temporary valve is a disc of flexible, porous, material that acts to filter blood passing therethrough. A set of valve leaflets extend peripherally from the disc. These leaflets can alternately collapse to prevent blood flow through the valve and extend to permit flow.The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. In one embodiment, the prosthetic valves have at least one substantially rigid strut, at least two expandable fixation rings located about the circumference of the base of the apex of the valve, and one or more commissures and leaflets. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, expanded and secured to the vessel wall.

Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring a first set of extraluminal images of a lumen, using an extraluminal imaging device. At least one of the first set of images is designated as a roadmap image. While an endoluminal device is being moved through the lumen, a second set of extraluminal images is acquired. A plurality of features that are visible within images belonging to the second set of extraluminal images are identified. In response to the identified features in the images belonging to the second set of extraluminal images, a plurality of local calibration factors associated with respective portions of the roadmap image are determined. Other applications are also described.

A reusable needle guide suitable for an ultrasonic probe to be use for an endocavity examination of a patient is disclosed. The needle guide basically comprises at least a first and second guide members and a mounting (e.g., clamp) assembly. The clamp assembly serves to releasably mount the needle guide on the probe. The first guide member has a first passageway-forming surface. The second guide member has a second passageway-forming surface. The guide members are connected together to enable them to be pivoted from a closed orientation to an open orientation and vice versa. The first and second passageway-forming surfaces form an elongated passageway to guide a needle therethrough when in the closed orientation. The first and second passageway-forming surfaces are disposed at an angle to each other when they are in the open orientation, whereupon the first and second passageway-forming surfaces can be readily cleaned.

The present invention relates to the discovery of new class of hydrolysable amino acid derivatives and absorbable polyester amides, polyamides, polyepoxides, polyureas and polyurethanes prepared therefrom. The resultant absorbable polymers are useful for drug delivery, tissue engineering, tissue adhesives, adhesion prevention, bone wax formulations, medical device coatings, stents, stent coatings, highly porous foams, reticulated foams, wound care, cardiovascular applications, orthopedic devices, surface modifying agents and other implantable medical devices. In addition, these absorbable polymers should have a controlled degradation profile.

The subject of the present invention are novel esters of (acyloxymethyl)acrylamide, a pharmaceutical composition containing them and their use in the production of drugs for the prophylaxis or treatment of oncogenic diseases and diseases connected with increased cell proliferation.

A feed additive includes at least one of p-thymol, a salt derivative and an ester derivative thereof for animals.

The present invention provides drug conjugates comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), an aldehyde and a carboxylic acid that may function as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI). These conjugates may serve as co-drugs which release a plurality of active species in vivo. The novel drug conjugates may be used, for the treatment or prevention of cancer in PDT-dependent and/or PDT-independent (nonPDT) treatments, as well as for cosmetic uses. In addition the present invention provides novel uses for both the novel and known compounds. According to some embodiments, the present invention provides drug conjugates (co-drugs) comprising (i) ALA, (ii) an aldehyde and (iii) a carboxylic acid that may function as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACO for the treatment of anemia and/or for the induction of erythropoiesis.

The invention provides certain bis-acylated hydroxylamine derivative compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, the invention provides methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions for treating, preventing, or delaying the onset and/or develop of a disease or condition. In some embodiments, the disease or condition is selected from cardiovascular diseases, ischemia, reperfusion injury, cancerous disease, pulmonary hypertension and conditions responsive to nitroxyl therapy.

A method of labeling a sulfenic acid (—SOH) group of a cysteine residue in a protein; or peptide, comprises contacting said protein or peptide with a beta-ketoester to covalently couple said beta-ketoester to said cysteine residue and form a beta-ketoester-labeled cysteine residue in said protein or peptide.

A method for inhibiting the crystal growth rate of an amide compound present in a molten polyolefin-based resin and a method for producing a polyolefin-based resin molded article are provided. A phenol compound is incorporated into an amide compound-containing polyolefin-based resin such that a weight ratio, amide compound:phenol compound, is 60:40 to 10:90.

The present invention generally relates to processes and methods of peptide and protein synthesis. The present invention also relates to specific compounds for use in such processes and methods. It is shown herein that peptides with a C-terminal tertiary N,N-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-amide (BMEA) undergo N-to-S acyl transfer at weakly acidic pH to form a transient thioester which can be captured for direct ligation with a cysteinyl peptide. These C-terminal BMEA peptides are easily prepared with standard Fmoc solid-phase synthesis protocols, thus giving a very convenient access to the thioester components for native chemical ligation.

A polyimide demonstrates low coefficient of hygroscopic expansion and low water absorption coefficient when used as an insulation film. The polyimide is derived from a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride containing ester group expressed by the general formula below, and a polyester imide precursor: wherein R is independent and represents a straight or branched-chain alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or straight or branched-chain alkoxyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 0 to 4, and m is an integer of 2 to 4, but wherein, if m =2, n is an integer of 1 to 4.

A compound of Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound. Also described are pharmaceutical formulations thereof and methods of using the same.

A phenyl alkyl carbamate derivative compound and a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound are provided. More specifically, the phenyl alkyl carbamate derivative compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a composition for muscle relaxation containing the phenyl alkyl carbamate derivative compounds and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient, and a method of muscle relaxation comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the phenyl alkyl carbamate derivative compound and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need of to a subject in need of, are provided.

The instant invention provides for novel cationic lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components such as cholesterol and PEG-lipids to form lipid nanoparticles with oligonucleotides. It is an object of the instant invention to provide a cationic lipid scaffold that demonstrates enhanced efficacy along with lower liver toxicity as a result of lower lipid levels in the liver. The present invention employs low molecular weight cationic lipids comprising at least one short lipid chain to enhance the efficiency and tolerability of in vivo delivery of siRNA.

Isocyanates are produced in the gas phase and by-products such as ammonium halides are selectively separated from the gas phase by desublimation.

The present invention provides aryl ketone compounds and compositions containing them which facilitate the delivery of active agents. The aryl ketone compounds have the formula or a salt thereof, where n=1 to 9, and R1 to R5 are independently hydrogen, C1 to C4 alkyl, C1 to C4 alkoxy, C2 to C4 alkenyl, halogen, hydroxyl, —NH—C(O)—CH3, or —O—C6H5.

The present invention relates to a covalently organo-modified LDH (LDH/APTES) was found to be an efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for C—C bond forming reactions (i.e. Aldol condensation, Knoevenagel condensation, Henry reaction, Michael addition). More particularly, this catalyst shows consistent activity for several cycles in C—C bond forming reaction. These catalysts were successfully characterized by XRD, FT-IR, 29Si CP MAS NMR.

The present invention relates to norbornene-ester-based derivatives, to a method for preparing same, and to the uses thereof. This compound may be used as a plasticizer which can replace a phthalate-based plasticizer.

A catalyst for synthesis of lactic acid and it derivatives is provided. The catalyst includes SnY2.mH2O and at least one of NH4X or quaternary ammonium salts, wherein X and Y are selected from F—, Cl—, Br—, I—, CH3SO3—, C6H5SO3—, CH3C6H4SO3— or CN—, m represents an integer of 1 to 15. A method for synthesis of lactic acid and it derivatives with the above catalyst is also provided. By using the above catalyst and method, it is capable of converting carbohydrate-containing raw material to lactic acid and its derivatives directly in a more efficient and economical way.

This disclosure relates to a method for preparing alkyl lactate with high yield and high selectivity, comprising the step of reacting glycerol with water or alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. In addition, the present invention provides a method for efficiently preparing lactamide using the alkyl lactate.

A catalytic process for dehydration of an aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol to its corresponding olefin is disclosed. The process continuously flows through a reaction zone a liquid phase containing an aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol to contact a non-volatile acid catalyst at a reaction temperature and pressure to at least partially convert the aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol in the liquid phase to its corresponding olefin. The reaction pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure and the reaction temperature is above the boiling point of the olefin at reaction pressure, but below the critical temperature of the alcohol, and the olefin product is substantially in the gaseous phase. After the contacting step, the olefin containing gaseous phase is separated from the liquid phase. The invention also relates to catalytic processes such as a hydrolysis of an olefin to an alcohol, an esterification, a transesterification, a polymerization, an aldol condensation or an ester hydrolysis.

A composition of matter comprising an interpenetrating polymer network of a combination of a silanol-containing polysiloxane phase and a silylated triglyceride oil phase. The two phases are mixed and covalently bound to each other via siloxane crosslinks. A method for producing interpenetrating polymer networks. The method comprises providing triglycerides from oils or fats and reacting the triglycerides with a reactive silane to form a silylated triglyceride oil. The silylated triglyceride oil and a silanol terminated polysiloxane are emulsified with water in a predetermined ratio. Thereafter, crosslinking agents are added and the water is removed from the emulsions providing siloxane crosslinks between the two intimately mixed immiscible phases.

Phosphoranimide-metal catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts comprise first row transition metals such as nickel, cobalt or iron. The hydrocarbon-soluble catalysts have a metal to anionic phosphoranimide ratio of 1:1, and have no inactive bulk phase and no dative ancillary ligands. The electronic state of the clusters can be adjusted to optimize catalytic activity for a range of commercially important reductive transformations, including hydrodesulfurization. A method of synthesis of these catalysts by anionic metathesis of a halide substituted precursor followed by oxidation is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to a method for producing inorganic oxide particles, comprising at least the following steps of: coagulating a dispersion obtained by carrying out the hydrolysis reaction and the polycodensation reaction of a metal alkoxide in the presence of a basic catalyst; filtering the dispersion to obtain particles; anddrying the particles, whereinthe step of coagulating the dispersion is carried out by adding a coagulant comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate and ammonium carbamate to the dispersion. The inorganic oxide particles obtained by the method of the present invention have high purity and are excellent in flowability.

Provided by the present invention is a method for efficient oxidation of alcohols by using, as a catalyst for dehydrogenation oxidation, a ruthenium complex which can be easily produced and easily handled and is obtainable at a relatively low cost. The invention relates to a method of producing a compound having a carbonyl group by dehydrogenation oxidation of alcohols by using as a catalyst the ruthenium carbonyl complex represented by the following general formula (1) RuXY(CO)(L) (1) (in the general formula (1), X and Y may be the same or different from each other and represent an anionic ligand, and L represents a tridentate aminodiphosphine ligand).

The present application relates to compositions comprising at least one siloxane and at least one superplasticizer based on polycarboxylate ethers or sulphonates of lignin, melamine or naphthalene or of resins thereof, and to the use of such compositions as or in building-product mixtures or building products, especially mortar mixtures or concrete mixtures. Preferably the siloxane is a branched siloxane containing at least one “T” unit and containing at least two different polyoxyalkylene moieties.

A method of removing at least a portion of a silicon oxide material is disclosed. The silicon oxide is removed by exposing a semiconductor structure comprising a substrate and the silicon oxide to an ammonium fluoride chemical treatment and a subsequent plasma treatment, both of which may be effected in the same vacuum chamber of a processing apparatus. The ammonium fluoride chemical treatment converts the silicon oxide to a solid reaction product in a self-limiting reaction, the solid reaction product then being volatilized by the plasma treatment. The plasma treatment includes a plasma having an ion bombardment energy of less than or equal to approximately 20 eV. An ammonium fluoride chemical treatment including an alkylated ammonia derivative and hydrogen fluoride is also disclosed.

An electroluminescent display comprising semiconductor nanocrystals, wherein the semiconductor nanocrystals are selected to emit light at a predetermined wavelength and are disposed in a predetermined pattern. In certain embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals that emit light at different predetermined wavelengths are disposed in the display to create a predetermined multi-color pattern.

A modified polysiloxane compound is represented by following Formula (1), in which R1 to R9 represent hydrocarbon groups selected from linear alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, branched chain alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; p and q represent average numbers of siloxane units indicated in parentheses, where p is a number of 1 or more and q is a number of 2 or more; and “A” represents a group selected from a group represented by following Formula (2), a group represented by following Formula (3), and hydrogen atom. The modified polysiloxane compound has at least a siloxane unit wherein “A” is the group represented by following Formula (2), and a siloxane unit wherein “A” is the group represented by following Formula (3).