Abstract: This invention is related to the field of PCSK9 biology and the composition and methods of use of small organic compounds as ligands for modulation of PCSK9 biological activity. In particular, the invention provides compositions of small organic compounds that modulate circulating levels of low density lipoproteins by altering the conformation of the protein PCSK9. Binding these small organic compound ligands to PCSK9 alters the conformation of the protein, modifying the interaction between PCSK9 and an endogenous low density lipoprotein receptor, and can lead to reduced or increased levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol. High LDL-cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Low LDL-cholesterol levels may be problematic in other conditions, such as liver dysfunctions; thus, there is also utility for small organic compound ligands and can raise LDL levels.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of PCSK9 biology and the composition and methods of use of small organic compounds as ligands for modulation of PCSK9 biological activity. In particular, the invention provides compositions of small organic compounds that modulate circulating levels of low density lipoproteins by altering the conformation of the protein PCSK9. Binding these small organic compound ligands to PCSK9 alters the conformation of the protein, modifying the interaction between PCSK9 and an endogenous low density lipoprotein receptor, and can lead to reduced or increased levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol. High LDL-cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Low LDL-cholesterol levels may be problematic in other conditions, such as liver dysfunction; thus, there is also utility for small organic compound ligands that can raise LDL levels.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of PCSK9 biology and the composition and methods of use of small organic compounds as ligands for modulation of PCSK9 biological activity. In particular, the invention provides compositions of small organic compounds that modulate circulating levels of low density lipoproteins by altering the conformation of the protein PCSK9. Binding these small organic compound ligands to PCSK9 alters the conformation of the protein, modifying the interaction between PCSK9 and an endogenous low density lipoprotein receptor, and can lead to reduced or increased levels of circulating LDL-cholesterol. High LDL-cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk for heart disease. Low LDL-cholesterol levels may be problematic in other conditions, such as liver dysfunction; thus, there is also utility for small organic compound ligands that can raise LDL levels.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a vehicle, the system comprising: a voice synthesizer unit for providing voice communication to a driver; a speech recognition unit for receiving speech from a driver; a breath alcohol sensor unit for detecting a presence of alcohol on the breath of a driver and providing a signal representative of the same; a vehicle operation interface for controlling operation of the vehicle; and a controller for (i) selectively causing the voice synthesizer unit to speak to the driver, (ii) operating the speech recognition unit to detect speech by the driver, (iii) receiving the signal from the breath alcohol sensor unit, and (iv) depending on the signal received from the breath alcohol sensor unit, providing a command to the vehicle operation interface to control operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a vehicle, the system comprising: a voice synthesizer unit for providing voice communication to a driver; a speech recognition unit for receiving speech from a driver; a breath alcohol sensor unit for detecting a presence of alcohol on the breath of a driver and providing a signal representative of the same; a vehicle operation interface for controlling operation of the vehicle; and a controller for (i) selectively causing the voice synthesizer unit to speak to the driver, (ii) operating the speech recognition unit to detect speech by the driver, (iii) receiving the signal from the breath alcohol sensor unit, and (iv) depending on the signal received from the breath alcohol sensor unit, providing a command to the vehicle operation interface to control operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Integrated circuits with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry are provided. Integrated circuits may include input-output pins that are coupled to the ESD protection circuitry. The ESD protection circuitry may include diode circuits, a control circuit, and a power clamp circuit. Each diode circuit may have a first terminal that is coupled to a respective input-output pin and a second terminal that is coupled to a shared ESD control line. The control circuit may supply a boosted voltage onto the control line to reverse bias the diode circuits during normal operation while the power clamp is turned off. During an ESD event, the power clamp may be turned on to sink current from the diode circuits. The power clamp may include a transistor having a substrate that is forward biased to improve transistor drive strength during the ESD event and that is reverse biased to reduce leakage during normal operation.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes an electrostatic discharge bus, first and second resistors coupled in series, first and second capacitors coupled in series, and first and second transistors. The first resistor is coupled to the electrostatic discharge bus. The first capacitor is coupled to the second resistor. The first transistor has a control input that is coupled between the first and the second resistors. The second transistor has a control input that is coupled between the first and the second capacitors.

Abstract: A method for managing testing of test material is disclosed. An electronic traveler associated with the test material is identified. The test materials are tested as specified by the electronic traveler. Test results from the tests are recorded onto the electronic traveler.

Abstract: An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) with wireless communications contained within the device. The wireless system is used to contact a remote emergency specialist. The remote instructor guides the lay rescuer through the resuscitation effort, thereby increasing the likelihood for successful defibrillation.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator with an intelligent self-test system that ensures device readiness. The self-test system conditionally runs functional tests based on knowledge of device use, time of day, pre-programmed information, operational features and previous events. The condition of the defibrillator is indicated visually, audibly or both based on the results of the self-test performed.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator (AED) with a discrete sensing pulse for use in configuring a therapeutic biphasic waveform. The sensing pulse is used to determine a patient-specific parameter (e.g., thoracic impedance) prior to delivery of the therapy waveform. The defibrillator adjusts the therapy waveform, based on the patient-specific parameter, prior to delivery to the patient.

Abstract: Medical apparatus for detecting the presence of artifact signals generated in the electrocardiogram of a patient by CPR and/or other patient motion. The presence of artifact signals is determined by analyzing variations in a measured electrical signal that represents the patient's transthoracic impedance. Such detection is important because the presence of CPR and/or motion artifacts can disrupt a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The patient's impedance signal data is stored in the apparatus and analyzed to determine if the characteristics are indicative of the presence of CPR and/or motion artifacts. This analysis is performed independently of ECG data and may be used as an indicator of the underlying ECG rhythm classification. In essence, if the impedance exceeds some threshold amount, so as to indicate the presence of CPR or patient motion which can render the ECG data unreliable, the normal interpretation of the ECG data is interrupted.

Abstract: A defibrillator system and associated methodology for determining capacity of a battery and/or a number of battery cells contained in a pack. The system measures and stores the battery or battery pack voltage signal data and uses an algorithm to determine the remaining capacity. The algorithm takes into account the operating mode of the device, historical information of the device including, but not limited to, how long it has been since the device has been used, how the device has been used (e.g. shocking mode or idle mode), how many times the device has been used with its installed battery or battery pack, how many charging cycles and/or shocks have been delivered etc. The output from the system is fed back to the user to inform the user when the battery is low, needs to be replaced and/or how many remaining shocks are left the battery.