Abstract: An in vitro method for diagnosing and treating sepsis in a patient is provided, the method including: contacting at least a portion of a biological sample from the patient consisting essentially of microparticles isolated via differential centrifugation with reagents for detection and/or quantification of neutrophil-derived microparticles; determining a level of neutrophil-derived microparticles based on the contacting step; diagnosing sepsis in the patient when the determined level of neutrophil-derived microparticles is elevated relative to a cutoff value of the neutrophil-derived microparticles; and treating the diagnosed patient for sepsis.

Abstract: Methods for assessing pneumonia in a patient, methods for managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia, and methods of managing treatment in a patient suffering from pneumonia. The method of assessing pneumonia includes contacting a biological sample with reagents for detection and/or quantification of neutrophil-derived microparticles, determining a level of neutrophil-derived microparticles, and assessing pneumonia if the level is elevated. The method of managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia includes assessing pneumonia by calculating a concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles, treating the patient where pneumonia is indicated, and determining treatment response by measuring a post treatment concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles.

Abstract: Methods for assessing pneumonia in a patient, methods for managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia, and methods of managing treatment in a patient suffering from pneumonia. The method of assessing pneumonia includes contacting a biological sample with reagents for detection and/or quantification of neutrophil-derived microparticles, determining a level of neutrophil-derived microparticles, and assessing pneumonia if the level is elevated. The method of managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia includes assessing pneumonia by calculating a concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles, treating the patient where pneumonia is indicated, and determining treatment response by measuring a post treatment concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles.

Abstract: Methods for assessing pneumonia in a patient, methods for managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia, and methods of managing treatment in a patient suffering from pneumonia. The method of assessing pneumonia includes contacting a biological sample with reagents for detection and/or quantification of neutrophil-derived microparticles, determining a level of neutrophil-derived microparticles, and assessing pneumonia if the level is elevated. The method of managing treatment of a patient suspected of having pneumonia includes assessing pneumonia by calculating a concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles, treating the patient where pneumonia is indicated, and determining treatment response by measuring a post treatment concentration of neutrophil-derived microparticles.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine overspeed protection system utilizes a spring-actuated expandable overspeed link in the fuel control linkage to shut off fuel independently of governor or throttle action. The link is normally latched in a contracted condition and positioned in the fuel linkage between a manual fuel lever and the fuel cranks for the respective cylinders of the engine. An automatically resetable hydraulic actuating device unlatches the link in high speed response to an engine overspeed condition. A spring coupling in the fuel linkage permits relatching of the overspeed link by manipulation of the fuel lever.

Abstract: A portable battery cart is disclosed for transporting electrical batteries including a wheeled base frame and an elevator platform carried by the base frame. A jack lift is provided for moving the elevator platform vertically relative to the base frame. A movable frame is carried by the elevator platform and a rotatable drive assembly is provided for moving the movable frame means in a generally horizontal direction relative to the elevator platform. The elevator platform includes a plurality of rollers and the movable frame includes a latch member for attachment to the battery so that the battery moves with the frame means over the rollers for loading and unloading from a roller platform of an associated storage rack.