Abstract: Example automated diagnostic analyzers and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus described herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding proteins and, in particular, humanized antibodies that may be used, for example, in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions.

Abstract: Solvent-free noncrystalline bioactive substances are prepared from the corresponding crystalline bioactive substances in an extruder by melting the substances in the extruder under reduced pressure and in the absence of auxiliaries, cooling and comminuting.

Abstract: A hole forming device for forming a hole in a vessel wall is provided. The hole forming device comprises a shaft. It further comprises a sheath arranged to be axially advanced along the shaft. It yet further comprises a distal end formation on the shaft. The distal end formation is arranged to pierce and pass through a vessel wall and to cooperate with the sheath, so that when the distal end formation has pierced and has been passed through the vessel wall, and the sheath is then advanced along the shaft, a peripheral portion of the vessel wall is drawn into the sheath and severed from the rest of the vessel wall thereby to form a hole in the vessel wall. Advantageously, the device is arranged to form the hole in a hemostatic manner. A method of forming a hole in a vessel wall is also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for non-invasively measuring at least one parameter of a sample, such as the presence or concentration of an analyte, in a body part wherein the temperature is controlled. The present invention measures light that is reflected, scattered, absorbed, or emitted by the sample from an average sampling depth, dav, that is confined within a temperature controlled region in the tissue. This average sampling depth is preferably less than 2 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm. Confining the sampling depth into the tissue is achieved by appropriate selection of the separation between the source and the detector and the illumination wavelengths. In another aspect, the invention involves a method and apparatus for non-invasively measuring at least one parameter of a body part with temperature stepping. In another aspect, the invention involves a method and apparatus for non-invasively measuring at least one parameter of a body part with temperature modulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the sampling of blood or other body fluids which includes means for the direct measurement of the analyte of interest within the fluid. Also disclosed is a `closed-loop` device and method wherein the analyte is measured and the required amount of drug is determined and injected, without removal of the device from the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fatty acid desaturases able to catalyze the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid, linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid, or of alpha-linolenic acid to stearidonic acid. Nucleic acid sequences encoding desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising a desaturase gene, and recombinant host microorganism or animal expressing increased levels of a desaturase are described. Methods for desaturating a fatty acid and for producing a desaturated fatty acid by expressing increased levels of a desaturase are disclosed. Fatty acids, and oils containing them, which have been desaturated by a desaturase produced by recombinant host microorganisms or animals are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions, infant formulas or dietary supplements containing fatty acids which have been desaturated by a desaturase produced by a recombinant host microorganism or animal also are described.

Abstract: A process of treating a bacterial infection in a subject in need of such treatment including the step of administering to the subject an effective bactericidal amount of diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides is provided. Pharmaceutical compositions containing diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides as an active bactericidal agent are also provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a substituted diaminoalcohol of the formula: ##STR1##

Abstract: The present invention relates to the measurement of glycated hemoglobin by fluorescence quenching. The present invention uniquely involves performing two sequential fluorescent quenching measurements: one measurement of the fluorescent quenching due to total hemoglobin in the sample and a second measurement of the fluorescent quenching due to glycated hemoglobin present in the sample after the non-glycated hemoglobin is removed. Glycated hemoglobin and non-glycated hemoglobin can be separated by a variety of methods as described herein, including ion capture and phase separations.

Abstract: A method for converting a value for the partial pressure of oxygen (pO.sub.2) in blood at a measurement temperature to a corresponding value at a reference temperature (37.degree. C.). A value for pO.sub.2 is determined by measurements made in a patient's blood stream using a phosphorescent compound that is sensitive to the concentration of oxygen. The phosphorescent compound is illuminated with a short pulse of light, causing it to produce a phosphorescent emission having a rate of decay that varies as the function of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood surrounding the phosphorescent compound. A detector produces an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the phosphorescent emission, and the electrical signal is converted to a corresponding digital value for input to a microcomputer. Also supplied to the microcomputer in digital form is a signal indicative of the temperature at the measurement site where the phosphorescent compound is disposed.