Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic drug delivery conjugate, to which cyclodextrin, poly(maleic anhydride), and a hydrophobic drug are bonded, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the hydrophobic drug delivery conjugate as an active ingredient. The hydrophobic drug delivery conjugate according to the present invention can effectively control the release rate and the delivery rate of a hydrophobic drug by regulating the physicochemical bonding and/or composition of the cyclodextrin, poly(maleic anhydride), and hydrophobic drug, and can also increase the effect of the drug by significantly increasing the solubility of the hydrophobic drug. Further, the present invention can enable the type of the hydrophobic drug to be varied, as well as a peptide having target directivity to be introduced into a surface of the conjugate, such that the present invention can be applied to the treatment of various diseases in addition to cancer treatment.

Abstract: Temperature- and pH-responsive copolymer compositions, and drug delivery devices, conjugates, nanoparticles, and micelles that include the compositions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating the remaining state-of-charge of a non-rechargeable power source, such as a back-up battery for an electronic module normally connected to a primary power source. A processor within the electronic module implements a prediction algorithm, in order to monitor the temperature of the back-up attery, and to calculate various current draws of the back-up battery. The processor adjusts the nominal self-discharge rate of the back-up battery in accordance with the measured temperatures, and calculates an adjusted self-discharge quantity. The processor also accumulates current draw data and reduces the initial state-of-charge value of the back-up battery by the temperature-adjusted self-discharge quantity and the cumulative current draw quantities to determine a remaining state-of-charge of the back-up battery. At a predetermined state-of-charge threshold level, an indicator can be activated to advise a user to replace the back-up battery.

Abstract: Conjugates that include polymers that are reversibly self-associative in response to a stimulus and methods for using the conjugates.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes, coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilator system which utilizes a control valve to assist an attendant in disconnecting a ventilator conduit circuit from a patient's endotracheal tube. Prior to the present invention, when a ventilator system was operated in certain modes, disconnection of the endotracheal tube from the ventilator circuit caused water which may have accumulated in the ventilator circuit to spray over the patient and/or attendant. In the present invention, a control valve is connected between the outlet of the ventilator circuit and the patient's endotracheal tube. Normally, the valve is maintained in the open position to permit air to be supplied to the patient. However, when it is desired to disconnect the ventilator circuit from the patient's endotracheal tube, the control valve can be manually closed immediately prior to disconnecting the ventilator circuit, thereby preventing the spraying of any accumulated water.