Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for identifying, monitoring, and/or treating tissue inflammation caused by diseases or injury. Inflammatory mediators from the Nourin family are provided as diagnostic markers to detect or monitor a disease or injury that results in inflammation. In addition, the Nourin family antagonist, Nourexin-4 is provided as a therapy to treat diseases or injury. Further, cyclocreatine is provided as an inhibitor of Nourin formation, which can be used as a therapy to treat injury and inflammation.

Abstract: A blood test instrument using a disposable cartridge and a method of measuring a blood sample using the instrument are disclosed. The instrument includes a cell counting station for counting blood cells by electrical resistance measurement, a pressure actuating component adapted to apply a pressure alternately on two flexible receptacles of a disposable cartridge removably placed in the instrument to cause flowing of a mixture of a blood sample and a liquid agent between the two receptacles to obtain proper mixing, and a conduit adapted to deliver the mixture to the cell counting station for counting. After measuring the blood sample, the instrument withdraws a washing liquid contained in another receptacle of the disposable cartridge and uses the washing liquid to clean the instrument and to deliver the mixture back to the cartridge for disposal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that can treat a variety of tissue injuries and infections are provided. Tissue-derived leukocyte chemotactic factors are rapidly released after injury to mammalian tissue and can act as the initial signal leading to the initiation and amplification of acute and chronic inflammation associated with injury and infection. The present invention generally provides methods and compositions to prevent and treat injury of cells, tissue, or organs by blocking or inhibiting the release of leukocyte chemotactic factors, by administering certain effective compositions to the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a wireless device are disclosed. According to one aspect, the wireless device includes a hybrid global positioning system (GPS) and wireless local area network (WLAN) circuit board for seamless indoor and outdoor tracking. In embodiments, GPS and WLAN data are combined to obtain a position estimate of the device. In other embodiments, the circuit board automatically switches between WLAN and GPS data for indoor and outdoor environments. A Location Based Services (LBS) algorithm for determining the position of a wireless device using WLAN and/or GPS signals is also disclosed. The LBS algorithm is implemented by way of method steps including: sensing GPS and/or WLAN signals, measuring and/or converting the sensed signals to obtain distance data, fusing the distance data, and applying one or more approximation algorithms to the distance data to obtain a position estimate of the wireless device.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for blood analysis includes a housing having an upper panel and a sampling section having a filling inlet; at least one pair of chambers in a form of depression of the upper panel of the housing and sealed by a diaphragm; portions of the diaphragm over the chambers being flexible; and one or more channels adapted to interconnect the pair of chambers; one of the chambers containing a predetermined amount of a reagent for blood analysis; and a sample outlet disposed next to and connected to the chamber containing the reagent, the sample outlet including an outlet cavity recessed from the upper panel, a divider disposed therein, and a cover covering the outlet cavity; the sample outlet sealing the reagent to the chamber containing the reagent. Further disclosed is the method of using the disposable cassette for measurements of hematology parameters on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are disclosed for determining a standard market pricing index for pricing user-defined business services and for comparing unique configurations of business services to the determined market pricing index and/or to other unique configurations of business services. Portions of the disclosed system, method, and/or computer program product describe a model and user interface for performing standard, objective, repeatable, and directly comparable benchmarking of business services. In general, the computerized model compiles a set of market price data and interprets specific configurations and characteristics from the market data set. The model performs a periodic analysis to determine which configurations and/or characteristics are the most common within the data set, yielding a common market configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a sample volume defining device for separating at least one small defined volume of a liquid sample from a relatively larger undefined volume of said sample, said device including a first body and a second body movable relative to each other, whereby said first body has at least one cavity in a surface thereof, said at least one cavity having said defined volume. One of said first or said second body has at least one inlet opening adapted to be placed in a drop of the liquid sample. A defined channel is provided between said first and second body, which channel has fluid connection with said at least one opening and at least beyond said at least one cavity whereby the dimensions of said channel being such that said channel and said at least one cavity is filled with said liquid sample.