Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible vesicles comprising semi-permeable, thin-walled encapsulating membranes which are formed in an aqueous solution, and which comprise one or more synthetic super-amphiphilic molecules. When at least one super-amphiphile molecule is a block copolymer, the resulting synthetic vesicle is termed a “polymersome.” The synthetic, reactive nature of the amphiphilic composition enables extensive, covalent cross-linking of the membrane, while maintaining semi-permeability. Cross-linking of the polymer building-block components provides mechanical control and long-term stability to the vesicle, thereby also providing a means of controlling the encapsulation or release of materials from the vesicle by modifying the composition of the membrane. Thus, the encapsulating membranes of the present invention are particularly suited for the reliable, durable and controlled transport, delivery and storage of materials.

Abstract: Provided are pulse imaging sequences and methods for 2D multi-slice T1&rgr;-weighted and 3D T1&rgr;-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further provided is a self-compensating spin-locking sequence for correcting and reducing artifacts in T1&rgr;-weighted imaging. Also provided is a sequence combining 3D T1&rgr;-weighted MRI with a self-compensating spin-locking pulse for facilitating T1&rgr;-weighted imaging with surface coils.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel method, system and device for post-processing images, such as trabecular bone images, obtained by MRI, CT, or other image technologies, to provide increasing apparent image resolution and to alleviate the effects of partial volume blurring, which otherwise precludes accurate measurement of structures in the limited-resolution regime in which image voxel size is larger than the typical structural element to be resolved. Since acquiring images at increased resolution often exacts an unacceptable signal-to-noise penalty, methods and systems to alleviate the adverse effects of partial volume blurring are instrumental for the accurate measurement of architectural parameters in applications, such as predicting the mechanical competence of trabecular bone networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-toxic therapy and a novel use for Bowman Birk Inhibitor (BBI), as administered in Bowman Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC), for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in a patient, wherein the disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis; and more particularly for the treatment of those diseases that are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and/or demyelination, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). In addition, the present invention provides methods for using BBI/BBIC to reduce, inhibit, suppress or prevent the chronic inflammation in such patients; and more particularly, to reduce, inhibit, suppress or prevent the chronic neuroinflammation and demyelination that occurs when the patient's nerve tissue is affected by the disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication system for providing automated, electronic communications between at least one health-care provider and a plurality of users of the health-care provider, wherein the communications occur over a communications network through a provider/patient interface, said system comprising: a central server, comprising one server or a logic unit of multiple servers; a provider's service computer, a plurality of users' computers; and a communication network for enabling communication between and among the central server, the provider's service computer, and the plurality of users' computers. In a preferred embodiment, the communication system of the present invention is the Electronic Provider-Patient Interface (the ePPi™). The preferred users of the ePPi system are patients, and the preferred provider is the patient's own doctor or health-care practitioner.

Abstract: An automated transaction processing system designed to minimize human labor comprises various automated resources and at least one live operator. A transaction such as a telephone call is divided into a number of subtransactions The live operator processes only those subtransactions that cannot be processed by an automated resource or those subtransactions for which live operator processing is desirable. An automated resource is assigned to process the remaining subtransactions. One type of automated resource resource is an audiotext address generator, which automatically recognizes whether human speech over the public switched telephone network matches textual information such as a user's name and address. The system is also capable of processing transactions in media other than telephone, including internet transactions. A method for processing internet that includes synchronizing a live operator's display to an Internet user's display is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tree stabilizing assembly and method for using same, wherein the stabilizing assembly is designed to support or provide supplementary bracing to a tree so as to maintain it in a substantially upright or other predetermined position when the tree is planted or replanted. More specifically, the subject tree staking assembly comprises at least one, but preferably two, or a plurality of support members. A V-strap assembly is used to removably, but securely, position the support members in spaced relation to one another about the circumference of a trunk of the tree being supported without actually encircling or girdling the tree. Consequently, the tree is not blemished or scarred. Advantageously, the assembly affords a system by which a tree can be supported in a predetermined, upright position by a single worker without the need for specialized parts or tools.

Abstract: The invention provides a low electric power-consuming heating or cooling system comprising a DC powered microprocessor-based control system and method and a DC powered electrically actuated zone valve. The control system operates on DC power allowing the heating or cooling system to operate independently of electrical utility grid power, without compromising heating system safety. Electric power consumption is minimized by using very energy efficient DC powered devices and circuit components, and a very energy efficient DC powered zone valve. The control system detects and displays errors in the system and transmits audio-visual alarms when errors are detected, and is also capable of communicating with external computers for data storage and error diagnosis. The zone valve actuator uses DC power and DC electrical and electronic components. The position of the valve is indicated by a sensing system, and valve position is known a priori without rotating the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved, reliable and efficient way of measuring the oxygen concentration gradient in a sample by a novel apparatus and accompanying method of calculating linear oxygen concentrations within the sample, permitting diagnostic testing, for example, of the effects of a developmental or metabolic change in a cell or tissue, in vitro or in vivo, in response to disease, injury radiation, or mechanical or chemical intervention, or simply to changed circumstances, or to measure the oxygen permeability of a membrane or plastic. The apparatus in a preferred embodiment comprises a core digital signal processor (DSP), having sufficient memory (RAM and ROM) to perform the necessary calculations, to control output of excitation light from a light source, and to collect phosphorescent lifetime data; and signal processors (A/D and D/A).

Abstract: Provided is a generally triangular shaped structural member having two equally sized planar sides with a plurality of indentations and a third side of the triangular shape formed from two equally sized curved components that bend into, and join within, the interior of the triangular shape. Also provided are restraining elements to prevent the unfolding of the formed structural member and elements providing increased stiffening to the structural member. Also provided are adapters, joining clamps, and cylinder clamp assemblies for fabricating structural assemblies using the structural members and methods of using the structural members.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the production of collagen-based products in the form of dispersions and macroporous structures using untreated raw fibrillar type I corium as the starting material. The resulting dispersions have improved characteristics making them ideal for use in environmental applications as a settling aid, a filtration aid, a fractionation medium, an oil droplet stabilizer, a water purification aid, and a water siphoning aid. The dispersions may be further treated in accordance with the methods described herein to form macroporous structures suitable for biotechnological applications including use as a cell culturing substrate and non-biotechnological applications including use as an organic aerogel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and system for preventing the unauthorized removal of paper rolls, such as cash register receipt paper rolls used by retailers, as well as the anti-theft paper roll and methods of preparation therefor. The method comprises affixing to the paper roll an electronic sensor, wherein the sensor emits a detectable signal; and detecting the presence of the sensor when it passes through or near a detection point at the retailer's location. In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor is an adhesive strip, affixed to the core of the paper roll, wherein the core of the paper roll comprises a flat surface integrally formed therein, onto which the sensor is affixed.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system includes a medicine cabinet having a plurality of compartments for containing supplies of different kinds of medications to be accessed by a healthcare attendant for preparing individual medication dosages for named patients; and a tray having a plurality of sections for receiving a plurality of receptacles each adapted to contain one or more medication dosages prescribed for a named patient. The medicine cabinet includes a processor having a memory for storing the names of patients and their prescribed medication dosages, and a display screen for displaying the patient names and their respective prescribed medication dosages. The tray includes a display screen for displaying the patient names and their respective medication dosages, and a communication link with the medicine cabinet through which the cabinet processor communicates to the tray the patient names and their respective medication dosages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for standardizing MR image intensity scales by the use of post-processing intensity transformation techniques applied to routinely acquired images. The method requires neither specialized acquisition protocols, nor calibration phantoms. The standardizing method offers previously unattainable consistency of intensity meaning of tissues by devising a transformation that is specific to a given MRI protocol and/or for any body region to provide standardized images. Essentially, the histogram of a given volume image is deformed to match a “standard” histogram for the corresponding MRI protocol and body-region, thereby minimizing or eliminating the human interaction required in the per-case manual window adjustments needed to visualize MR images at physician viewing stations. The method offers significantly more consistent tissue meaning for MR image intensities than the images before standardization.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises systems, methods and computerized data management device for creating and using data relating to a medical or non-medical product or device to enhance the safety of the product or device. Vast amounts of data is received regarding adverse events associated with a particular product or device, which data is analyzed in light of known adverse events associated with the product or device. At least one proprietary database of newly discovered adverse event information is created and utilized, and new characteristics of or uses for the product or device are determined. Adverse event information is gathered for a large number of population sub-groups. The system may also be programmed to incorporate the information into intellectual property and contract documents.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates the development and application of the chase/backchase (“C&B”) technique to systematically optimize generating alternative query plans, aimed at multiple disparate targets. It further provides a first optimization prototype that uses path-conjunctive query graphs internally. The methods, systems, apparatus and techniques of the present invention capture and extend many aspects of semantic optimizations, physical data independence, use of materialized views and cached queries, as well as generalized tableau-like minimization. Moreover, using a uniform representation with constraints, the techniques make these disparate optimization principles highly cooperative. This present invention provides a new class of optimization opportunities, such as the non-trivial use of indexes and materialized views enabled only by the presence of certain integrity constraints.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for cleaning or etching wafers. The invention further provides a megasonic transducer designed to apply mechanical vibrations to a layer of fluid in contact with a wafer. The electromechanical transducer is housed in a quartz or sapphire lens which is chemically compatible with the layer of fluid, and sealed to protect the housing interior from fluids and chemical fumes. An electrical power source produces a signal that is sent to the transducer to generate a megasonic wave. The wave travels between the lens and the wafer, through the layer of fluid, dislodging small particles from the wafer which are then removed in the fluid stream. In one embodiment of the present invention, a wafer to be cleaned is placed on a rotatable support below a transducer assembly. A fluid is introduced through the transducer assembly to provide a layer of fluid between the lens and wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for developing an ingestible formula through a network that operates according to a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). A plurality of first statements inviting a plurality of first responses are received at a client computer system. The associated first responses are then received at the client computer system. A server computer system coupled over the network to the client computer system then receives the first responses. The server computer system processes the first responses according to a relational database to produce the ingestible formula. Various embodiments and features are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft navigation system and method of aiding aerial navigation, comprising a global positioning receiver adapted to provide real time longitude, latitude, altitude, heading, velocity, and time data; a minimum safe altitude database for a collection of cells, wherein. each cell represents a geographic area of the earth; an alphanumeric display; and a processor adapted to calculate the minimum safe altitude within a cell corresponding to the real time latitude and longitude of the aircraft and one or more adjacent cells, wherein the processor is connected to and controls the display to indicate the current and projected numeric minimum safe altitude.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the effect of a drug or drugs on an attached culture of cells comprising (i) dissolving the phosphorescent compound, of known or predetermined quenching constant and lifetime at zero oxygen, in a culture medium at a selected temperature comprising an attached culture of test cells; (ii) introducing the drug(s), whose effect on the test cells is to be determined, into the culture medium; (iii) illuminating the culture medium with pulsed or modulated light at a level sufficient to cause the phosphorescent compound to emit measurable phosphorescence; (iv) measuring the emitted phosphorescence; and (v) calculating the phosphorescence lifetime and oxygen concentration gradient in the medium, thereby determining the effect of the drug on the respiration rate of the cells at the selected temperature. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.