Abstract: A method for treating chronic inflammatory conditions in the lower urinary tract, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of a reagent selected from the group consisting of IL-1? inhibitors and MMP inhibitors, or proteins selected from ASC or NLRP-3 is provided. Diagnostic methods are also described and claimed. The present disclosure further relates to an IL-1 inhibitor for use in a method of treating, alleviating or reducing pain and pain related symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The IL-1 inhibitor may be an IL-1 receptor antagonist. The IL-1 inhibitor may be anakinra. The chronic pelvic pain syndrome may be a urological pain syndrome, a gynecological pain syndrome of the external genitalia, an internal pelvic pain syndrome and a gastrointestinal pelvic pain syndrome.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite structural member including laying up a stack of fiber reinforced laminate plies, wherein at least one of the plies is laid up as discrete first and second ply portions, and the fibers of the second portion have a different characteristic from those of the first portion. Also, a composite structural member manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint by placing an expandable device in the joint to generate laterally opposing forces against the iliac and sacral surfaces of the SI joint to securely seat the device in a plane generally parallel to the SI joint. The expandable device is coated with or otherwise contains a bone material to promote fusion of the joint. The expandable device used in methods of the present invention can be, for example, an expandable cage, a balloon, a balloon-expandable stent or a self-expanding stent.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint by placing an expandable device in the joint to generate laterally opposing forces against the iliac and sacral surfaces of the SI joint to securely seat the device in a plane generally parallel to the SI joint. The expandable device is coated with or otherwise contains a bone material to promote fusion of the joint. The expandable device used in methods of the present invention can be, for example, an expandable cage, a balloon, a balloon-expandable stent or a self-expanding stent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of stabilizing adjacent vertebral bodies with an expandable and size varying spinal fusion intervertebral implant device that comprises an expandable top(s) and, or bottom. The method comprises inserting the device into the intervertebral disc space. Once properly positioned, the method further comprises engaging the expandable body of the device by inserting and rotating a screw that runs along the longitudinal axis of the implant. The expansion of the hinged top(s) and, or bottom may be used to restore normal balance, tilt and disc height of the vertebrae. Further, expansion of the device will engage surrounding vertebrae, thereby securely seating the device within the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises providing a bone material in or on the expandable cutting body of the device and, or in or on the intervertebral spacer portion of the device to permit fusion of the adjacent intervertebral bodies.

Abstract: A low power Universal Serial Bus (USB) capable device uses a weak pull-up resistance that is coupled to at least one data line of the USB for detection of when the USB capable device is connected to a USB host or hub. When the USB capable device is not connected to the USB host or hub, USB peripheral, including the USB transceiver, USB voltage regulator, serial interface and/or USB logic circuits required for USB operation may be powered down to conserve power drawn by the USB capable device. When the USB capable device is connected to the USB host or hub, a voltage from the weak pull-up will be significantly reduced, thus signaling that the USB peripheral and associated circuits should be powered up for normal USB operation.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint by placing an expandable device in the joint to generate laterally opposing forces against the iliac and sacral surfaces of the SI joint to securely seat the device in a plane generally parallel to the SI joint. The expandable device is coated with or otherwise contains a bone material to promote fusion of the joint. The expandable device used in methods of the present invention can be, for example, an expandable cage, a balloon, a balloon-expandable stent or a self-expanding stent.

Abstract: A low power Universal Serial Bus (USB) capable device uses a weak pull-up resistance that is coupled to at least one data line of the USB for detection of when the USB capable device is connected to a USB host or hub. When the USB capable device is not connected to the USB host or hub, USB peripheral, including the USB transceiver, USB voltage regulator, serial interface and/or USB logic circuits required for USB operation may be powered down to conserve power drawn by the USB capable device. When the USB capable device is connected to the USB host or hub, a voltage from the weak pull-up will be significantly reduced, thus signaling that the USB peripheral and associated circuits should be powered up for normal USB operation.

Abstract: A special test mode is incorporated within a USB transceiver of a digital system, and when the special test mode is activated, USB eye pattern test data signal waveforms, e.g., a continuous stream of USB state transitions (defined by the USB specification) are transmitted on the USB data lines connected to the USB transceiver. Conventional test equipment may be attached to the USB data lines and the signal quality monitored. Circuit changes can be made to the digital system and the results easily measured. When the USB eye pattern test data signal waveforms on the USB data lines of the digital system are of satisfactory quality, the special test mode may be turned off and the USB transceiver will resume operation as a normal USB device.

Abstract: Clock speed is controlled based upon the supply voltage to a digital device. When the supply voltage is below a reference voltage the clock speed will be slower than if the supply voltage is above the reference voltage. A phase-lock-loop (PLL) may be used to generate a higher frequency that is an integer multiple of a reference oscillator. The clock speed will be proportional to the frequency multiplication of the PLL when the faster clock speed is selected. A multiplexer is used to switch between different frequency sources, and a timer can be used to insure stable operation of the PLL. A status configuration register has status and control bits for indicating and controlling operation of the clock speed control. A universal serial bus (USB) device can operate at a slower clock with reduced operating voltage, and at a faster clock with increased operating voltage.