Abstract: A system and method for providing synergistic alert condition processing in an automated patient management system is presented. An alert condition is classified along a continuum that includes adverse outcome potential versus medical intervention impact potential. The alert condition is managed by assigning a disposition based on relative placement of the alert condition along the continuum. An alert notification is communicated over a selectable mode of communications and is conditioned upon the assigned disposition being actionable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for maintaining or enhancing feeding characteristics of post-receiving stressed animals using a saponin composition. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for increasing feed intake of an animal after a post-receiving stressful event comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising saponins to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for increasing weight gain of an animal after a post-receiving stressful event comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising saponins to the animal.

Abstract: A polymer alloy has been developed comprising a polysulfone and a vinyl lactam polymer. The resulting alloy has excellent thermal characteristics and even in the presence of substantial quantities in vinyl lactam polymers, has solvent resistance to both organic and aqueous solvent materials. The materials, when dissolved in solvents, can be spun from a variety of solvents into a variety of useful fiber materials. The resulting fine fiber, microfiber and nanofiber materials have excellent thermal and chemical resistance for a variety of fiber applications. The polymer alloys of the invention can be spun into nanofiber mats that can act as a filtration media and can also be combined into conventional substrate materials for fabrication into filter structures.

Abstract: The ferrous metal chemical conversion coating is comprised of mixed oxides and organometallic compounds of aluminum and iron. A ferrous metal substrate is immersed for a period of time in a bath composition, at a temperature, at a pH, and at a concentration for each constituent of the bath composition, that will form a coating with the desired characteristics. The bath composition comprises water, aluminum salt, oxalic acid, and an oxidizer. The conversion coating is amorphous in nature and can be formed as thin as 1 micron with a coating weight in the range of about 40-250 milligrams per square foot. When sealed with an appropriate rust preventive material, the coating enhances corrosion resistance of the ferrous metal substrate. It is an effective absorbent base for paint finishes. When top coated with a lubricant, the conversion coating aids (a) assembly of parts, (b) break-in of sliding surfaces, and (c) anti-galling.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions, films, continues, closures, laminates can comprise a modified vinyl polymer said modified polymer having a moiety comprising a cyclodextrin compound. The cyclodextrin compound, locked into the polymer structure, can absorb impurities, permeants, or other undesirable volatile materials. The cooperation between the cyclodextrin grafted onto the thermoplastic polymer and the polymer structure can provide barrier properties to a film, web or other polymer structure. A permeant or a contaminant can be complexed or trapped within the polymer and held within the film or Web preventing the permeant or contaminant from passing into the interior of a container or enclosure.

Abstract: A filter including a base portion along with a flange extending from the base and a top surface plus a bottom surface is disclosed. The filter also includes an outlet. During use the filter is placed within an electronic enclosure, generally with the bottom surface in contact with the wall of the enclosure. The wall of the enclosure has an inlet through which gases can travel into the interior of the filter, and then eventually leaving the filter by way of the outlet, which is within the interior of the electronic enclosure.

Abstract: A diffraction grating for which the intensity and/or direction of the diffracted light is electronically modulated using the electrophoresis of an index-modifying species. Index-modifying dye ions are dissolved in an electrophoretic medium maintained adjacent the diffraction grating. Application of a voltage across the medium moves many of the ions into the region adjacent the grating such that the ions absorb the incident light or otherwise modify the local index of refraction so as to change the optical characteristics of the diffracted light. Application of an opposite voltage across the medium moves many of the ions away from the grating, allowing light rays to diffract in a different manner when encountering the grating.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for vapor depositing a polymeric coating onto a substrate. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for applying a polymer coating to a substrate comprising performing a bake-out cycle with a chemical vapor deposition system and performing a deposition cycle with the chemical vapor deposition system.

Abstract: The invention relates to stannous halide stabilized and/or enhanced alkaline solutions to be used in combination with calorimetric, luminescent and fluorescent assays. The buffered solutions stabilize hydrogen peroxide at a pH greater than 7.0 and preferably greater than 9.0. By stabilizing and/or enhancing hydrogen peroxide in the buffer system, the compositions used in such assays may have a higher shelf-life and provide enhanced detection of the subject analyte.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more multifunctional initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and compositions for increasing milk production in animals using a saponin containing composition. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for increasing milk production of an animal comprising administering an initiation dose of a saponin-containing composition to the animal within five days before or after the time of freshening of the animal, and administering a plurality of maintenance doses of the saponin-containing composition to the animal.

Abstract: A coating composition and related method for use in applying a bioactive agent to a surface in a manner that will permit the bioactive agent to be released from the coating in vivo. The composition is particularly well suited for coating the surface of implantable medical device, such as a stent or catheter, in order to permit the device to release bioactive agent to the surrounding tissue over time. The composition includes a plurality of compatible polymers having different properties that can permit them to be combined together to provide an optimal combination of such properties as durability, biocompatibility, and release kinetics.

Abstract: A coating composition and related method for use in applying a bioactive agent to a surface in a manner that will permit the bioactive agent to be released from the coating in vivo. The composition is particularly well suited for coating the surface of implantable medical device, such as a stent or catheter, in order to permit the device to release bioactive agent to the surrounding tissue over time. The composition includes a plurality of compatible polymers having different properties that can permit them to be combined together to provide an optimal combination of such properties as durability, biocompatibility, and release kinetics.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bursting disk from a sheet or foil is disclosed. The bursting disk has an edge for clamping the bursting disk in a clamping device and a middle region enclosed by the edge, with the following manufacturing steps: the sheet or foil is clamped with a first portion forming the future edge of the bursting disk, said first portion defining a second portion which corresponds to the future middle region of the bursting disk. A third region is defined, which is located within the second portion of the sheet or foil, a part of the second portion enclosing the third portion of the sheet or foil is clamped completely by means of a pair of clamping jaws or female dies, the sheet or foil is deformed for a first time in the third portion, the third portion being located within the second portion, which remains undeformed.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a device comprising a coating chamber and a device rotator having at least one device mount wherein the apparatus allows insertion and retraction of the device on the device mount into and out of the coating chamber. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a substantially uniform coating on a device comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for coating a device, mounting the device onto the device mount, purging the coating chamber to reduce humidity in the coating chamber, maintaining a reduced humidity content in the coating chamber, inserting the device into the coating chamber, disposing a coating material on the device and rotating the device mounts about the device axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispensing package that has a plastic backing for maintaining the package in a substantially flat orientation. The plastic backing is adapted to have a label placed on its surface. A score through the label, which extends into the plastic backing, causes the package to open upon flexure. At least one additional score on the opposite side provides at least one metered opening in the package, where the number of scores and metered openings depends on the contents being dispensed. An additional seal can be placed over the score to prevent accidental opening or provide resealing of the package. Promotional pieces can be used as the additional seal. Absorbent material can be placed adjacent or over the score to provide controlled dispensing and application of the contents. The ends of the plastic backing can be configured as an applicator and/or a handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses that reduce problems encountered during coating of a device, such as a medical device having a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus including a bi-directional rotation member. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method with a bi-directional indexing movement. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating solution supply member having a major axis oriented parallel to a gap between rollers on a coating apparatus. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device retaining member. In an embodiment, the invention includes an air nozzle or an air knife. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method including removing a static charge from a small diameter medical device.