Abstract: The present invention includes compositions comprising one or more complement inhibitors and one or more CD14 pathway inhibitors for the prevention or treatment of sepsis. The complement inhibitors may be antibodies that bind to and inhibit complement proteins such as C5a and the CD14 pathway inhibitors may be antibodies that bind to and inhibit CD14 pathway components, such as CD14 and LPS. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects suffering from sepsis comprising administering these compositions, as well as kits for supplying the compositions for treatment.

Abstract: Melt-processible, thermoplastic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) compositions are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a bipolar junction transistor is provided. The system includes a first transistor including a first gate, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first gate is configured to receive a first control signal. Additionally, the system includes a second transistor including a second gate, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The second gate is configured to receive a second control signal. Moreover, the system includes a first resistor including a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal. The fifth terminal is connected to the first terminal, and the sixth terminal is biased to a first predetermined voltage. The fourth terminal is biased to a second predetermined voltage. The second terminal and the third terminal are connected at a node, and the node is connected to a base for a bipolar junction transistor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for allowing an packet-based call made to a first identifier to dial a phone number within a telephone network. The method comprises sending a data packet from the packet-based call to a gateway device that can communicate with the telephone network. The data packet comprises the first identifier. The gateway device finds the phone number corresponding to the first identifier using a lookup table accessible to the gateway device. The gateway device then dials the phone number and transfers the data packet to the phone number.

Abstract: A high resolution imaging system is used to detect and locate targets using time reversal in rich scattering environments, where the number of scatterers is significantly larger than the number of antennas. Our imaging system performs two major tasks by time reversal: clutter mitigation and target focusing. Clutter mitigation is accomplished through waveform reshaping to suppress the clutter returns. After the suppressed clutter is subtracted from the returned signal, a second time reversal for target focusing is performed. A final image is then obtained by beamforming.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds of general formula (I): wherein A, B, R1, R2 and X are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutical compositions prepared from the same, for use in treatment of hepatitis C virus and/or human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conjugate containing a moiety linked to a homing molecule that selectively homes to tumor lymphatic vasculature. The invention also provides a method of directing a moiety to tumor lymphatic vasculature in a subject by administering to the subject a conjugate containing a moiety linked to a homing molecule that selectively homes to tumor lymphatic vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention provide compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, encompassed by the formulae (I), (II) or (III). The present invention also provides methods for treating an FAAH mediated disease, disorder or condition by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a provided compound of the formulae (I), (II) or (III), or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a patient in need thereof. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for inhibiting FAAH in a patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formulae (I), (II) or (III), or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A lower back machine provides highly effective lower back and core training while protecting a user's body, namely the user's back, from injury. The machine may comprise a brace to prevent the user from overextending the user's back and a resistance device to provide a resistance to the user. The resistance may be at various force vectors directed forward from the user. To train, the user may move to a bent position over the brace while grasping the resistance device. The user may then move to a standing position by rotating the upper body over the brace while moving the lower body towards the brace. Contact with the brace in the standing position prevents overextension of the user's back. The machine may comprise one or more foot supports to secure the user's footing during training and one or more stops to prevent excessive leaning in the bent position.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. Preferably, the first portion comprises the left ventricle and the pressure reduced is the end diastolic pressure, which is accomplished by having the shunt communicate with the left ventricle so a small volume of blood is released from the left ventricle to reduce the end diastolic pressure.

Abstract: System and method for regulating an output voltage of a power conversion system. The system includes an error amplifier coupled to a capacitor. The error amplifier is configured to receive a reference voltage, a first voltage, and an adjustment current and to generate a compensation voltage with the capacitor. The first voltage is associated with a feedback voltage. Additionally, the system includes a current generator configured to receive the compensation voltage and generate the adjustment current and a first current, and a signal generator configured to receive the first current and a second current. The signal generator is further configured to receive a sensing voltage and to generate a modulation signal. Moreover, the system includes the gate driver directly or indirectly coupled to the signal generator and configured to generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA.

Abstract: A medical device implant made with a shape-memory material is originally produced in a “permanent” configuration. The implant is then “programmed” into a temporary (typically smaller sized) configuration to facilitate implantation, after which, an external stimulus activates the implant to return to its permanent configuration. Apparatus and methods include inserting a first portion of the implant into an aperture of a compression fixture base, heating the implant, and then driving and compressing the remaining portion of the implant, which has a different, typically larger profile than that of the first portion, into the aperture with a compression fixture cover to “program” the remaining portion. The resulting programmed implant has first and remaining portions that have identical, or substantially identical, profiles.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems are provided for text segmentation of textual data. Rules are accessed that define how the input stream is to be segmented into textual data elements through pattern matching. The one or more rules are applied to the input stream to determine the textual data elements in the input stream which are then provided as output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling input search engine data. A data store is searched based upon one or more data items contained within the input search engine data. The result of searching the data store is used to determine which data items in the input search engine data might be a search term. Search terms are extracted based upon the result of searching the data store.

Abstract: Provided herein are alkylthio substituted pyrimidine compounds having CRTH2 (G-protein-coupled chemoattractant receptor, expressed on Th2 cells) antagonistic activity, useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases associated with CRTH2 activity, including the treatment of allergic diseases, eosinophil-related diseases and basophil-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulins, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules.

Abstract: A sediment removal assembly (10) is provided for removal of sediment (110) in a container (100). The assembly has a container seal (12) for sealing an opening (114) to the container. The container seal is formed with a seal body (14) with a flow through passageway (20) between opposite ends of the seal body, and a valve arrangement (26) with a valve member (34) normally spring biassed to close said passageway. One end of said seal body is adapted to sealingly engage said container at an opening thereof to close the opening. The assembly also has a sediment reservoir (40) adapted for removable sealing engagement with the opposite end of the seal body and in communication with the flow through passageway so that upon opening the valve member.