Abstract: A filter system for filtering a liquid containing particles including a single media retainer plate having a top and bottom surface, and defining at least one hopper-shaped compartment having a sloped wall defining a slot spanning the top and bottom surfaces is disclosed. The plate also includes at least one baffle extending from the bottom surface and filter media disposed on the top surface. During a filtering operation of the filter system, the filter media captures the particles, such as dirt, from the liquid as the liquid passes through the filter media to an underdrain system. During a backwash operation of the filter system, the baffle is adapted to direct a backwash fluid in a vertical direction through the slot so that the backwash fluid actuates the filter media to scour the top surface of the plate and prevent the build-up of biological scaling on the plate.

Abstract: A boxing or martial arts training and exercise device may include punching pads locationally displaced on a frame. Respective pads may be positioned in support on the frame for punching and kicking Each pad can communicatively connect to one or more impact sensor. Each impact sensor can communicatively connect to a control unit. The control unit may be communicatively connected to a display. The impact sensor detects strikes to the pad. The impact sensor includes an accelerometer and a signal processor. The control unit includes an aggregator for receiving and logging strike metrics. The control unit directs sequences in the display according to a routine, and delivers indicators of strike metrics. The control unit includes a user interface for selection among sequences, as well as for selection of various menu items. A video of a human instructor or an animated avatar is viewable in a display.

Abstract: A boxing or martial arts training and exercise device may include punching pads locationally displaced on a frame. Respective pads may be positioned in support on the frame for punching and kicking. Each pad can communicatively connect to one or more impact sensor. Each impact sensor can communicatively connect to a control unit. The control unit may be communicatively connected to a display. The impact sensor detects strikes to the pad. The impact sensor includes an accelerometer and a signal processor. The control unit includes an aggregator for receiving and logging strike metrics. The control unit directs sequences in the display according to a routine, and delivers indicators of strike metrics. The control unit includes a user interface for selection among sequences, as well as for selection of various menu items. A video of a human instructor or an animated avatar is viewable in a display.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes an intravascular blood pump and a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame receives the blood pump therein and is movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The collapsible frame engages an interior wall of a body cavity when in the expanded state and is retrievable from the body cavity in the collapsed state.

Abstract: A boxing or martial arts training and exercise device may include punching pads locationally displaced on a frame. Respective pads may be positioned in support on the frame for punching and kicking Each pad can communicatively connect to one or more impact sensor. Each impact sensor can communicatively connect to a control unit. The control unit may be communicatively connected to a display. The impact sensor detects strikes to the pad. The impact sensor includes an accelerometer and a signal processor. The control unit includes an aggregator for receiving and logging strike metrics. The control unit directs sequences in the display according to a routine, and delivers indicators of strike metrics. The control unit includes a user interface for selection among sequences, as well as for selection of various menu items. A video of a human instructor or an animated avatar is viewable in a display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for secure transaction management are provided. An example method may include verifying that a mobile terminal identifier is registered with an account, generating an authorization code, and verifying that the received authorization code matches the authorization code stored in association with the account, and the received customer verification number matches the customer verification number associated with the account. The example method may also include providing for transmission of a verification reply to authorize the transaction.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents for treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents for treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated and purified polynucleotides and polypeptides related to functional motifs of the Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) (e.g., the binding pocket on the side surface of NgR1, functional motifs comprising the amino acid sequence of FRG, etc.) and use of peptides mimicking these functional motifs as antagonists to NgR1 ligands, e.g., myelin-associated glycoprotein, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, Nogo-A, Nogo-66, GT1b, an antibody to Nogo receptor, an antibody to GT1b, an antibody to p75 neurotrophin receptor, and an antibody to Lingo-1, etc. The invention also provides antibodies to the mimetic peptide antagonists. The present invention is further directed to novel therapeutics and therapeutic targets and to methods of screening and assessing test compounds for treatments requiring axonal regeneration, i.e., reversal of the effects of NgR1 ligand binding to the NgR1 (i.e., producing inhibition of axonal growth).

Abstract: Endovascular filter (10) including a plurality of struts (14) with distal ends (18) adapted to anchor the filter to the vessel wall after deployment, such as by having barbs (20), the filter being adapted to be retrieved if desired. Strut distal ends (18) are coated with an antiproliferative agent (40) that inhibits the ingrowth of tissue around the filter, thereby permitting the filter to be retrieved and removed atraumatically after a prolonged period of time, thus extending the useful life of the retrievable filter. Optionally, the proximal end (22) of the filter may also be so coated, or the entire filter.

Abstract: Methods of making coated implantable medical devices are provided. The methods include positioning a first layer comprising a bioactive on at least a portion of a structure, and positioning at least one porous layer over the first layer. The at least one porous layer has a thickness adequate to provide a controlled release of the bioactive.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures are used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment of one or more vascular occlusion devices via a through-and-through percutaneous procedure that leaves the vascular occlusion device or devices in a through-and-through condition.

Abstract: Medical devices useful for the containment of a treatment agent in a body vessel are described. The medical devices comprise a compressible plug having compressed and uncompressed diameters. Upon delivery to a treatment site in a body vessel, the compressible plug expands to engage the interior wall of the body vessel and provides a barrier that impedes fluid flow. The presence of the barrier facilitates containment of a treatment agent introduced into the body vessel at or near the point at which the medical device is deployed. Kits and methods are also described.

Abstract: Methods of making coated implantable medical devices are provided. The methods include positioning a first layer comprising a bioactive on at least a portion of a structure, and positioning at least one porous layer over the first layer. The at least one porous layer has a thickness adequate to provide a controlled release of the bioactive.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved anesthesia delivery systems that consistently and reliably deliver anesthesia gas to multiple gas outlets. The systems are particularly useful for anesthetizing multiple mammals and living specimens to be imaged by a low-light level imaging system. The anesthesia delivery systems are suitable for use with conventional oxygen sources, and convert the high pressures associated with a conventional oxygen source to lower pressures suitable for use with small mammals and suitable for combination with an anesthesia gas at low flow rates. The systems include an anesthesia gas source that combines anesthesia gas with the oxygen. The combination of anesthesia gas and oxygen is supplied to one or more multiple outlets.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved anesthesia delivery systems that consistently and reliably deliver anesthesia gas to multiple gas outlets. The systems are particularly useful for anesthetizing multiple mammals and living specimens to be imaged by a low-light level imaging system. The anesthesia delivery systems are suitable for use with conventional oxygen sources, and convert the high pressures associated with a conventional oxygen source to lower pressures suitable for use with small mammals and suitable for combination with an anesthesia gas at low flow rates. The systems include an anesthesia gas source that combines anesthesia gas with the oxygen. The combination of anesthesia gas and oxygen is supplied to one or more multiple outlets.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for occluding a vessel in a subject are provided in which a vaso-occlusion device includes an occluding element having a polymeric material containing a plurality of holes at least partially filled with one or more bioactive agents, the vaso-occlusion device configured to occlude a vessel in the subject.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material.

Abstract: A radially expandable artificial valve prosthesis for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable ring frame, at least one valve leaflet attached to the ring frame forming a valve pocket and a support structure attached to the ring frame and adapted to position the ring frame within the bodily passage. The height of the valve pocket is less than the maximum cross sectional dimension of the lumen defined by the expanded ring frame. The valve leaflet is allows fluid flow in a first, antegrade, direction and restricts flow in a second, retrograde direction.