Abstract: An exoskeleton to support and move a large character costume and to transfer weight of the costume away from a performer's body. The exoskeleton includes a spine including an elongated and rigid vertical member and also includes a waist ring configured to extend about a waist of a performer using the exoskeleton in a spaced apart manner. A lower end of the spine is attached to a rear center portion of the waist ring. The exoskeleton includes a pair of leg assemblies each pivotally coupled on opposite sides of the waist ring. Each of the leg assemblies is spaced apart from a leg of the performer and extends below a foot of the performer, whereby weight is transmitted to a support surface. Each of the leg assemblies may include at least one passive assist mechanism configured to assist the performer in moving the exoskeleton with bipedal locomotion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for creating query results displays. Parameters for building queries are received from an administrative user (e.g., a designer or operator) or from another source (e.g., another program or a different device). The received queries may be stored in memory for later insertion into a query results display. The system enables one or more queries to be selected to be assigned to a query results display. The selection may also be performed by another application on the same device or be received from another device. When the selection has been received the application may store the assignments to the query results display together with the queries so that, those assignments and the queries can be transmitted to a client device.

Abstract: A method of placing an implant for intervertebral fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient includes inserting the implant in a space between the adjacent vertebral bodies such that both a first intervertebral spacer body and a second intervertebral spacer body contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The first intervertebral spacer body is spaced apart from the second intervertebral spacer body. An expandable container portion of the implant disposed between the first intervertebral spacer body and the second intervertebral spacer body is filled with fill material such that the expandable container expands to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method of placing an implant for intervertebral fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient includes inserting the implant in a space between the adjacent vertebral bodies such that both a first intervertebral spacer body and a second intervertebral spacer body contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The first intervertebral spacer body is spaced apart from the second intervertebral spacer body. An expandable container portion of the implant disposed between the first intervertebral spacer body and the second intervertebral spacer body is filled with fill material such that the expandable container expands to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method of placing an implant for intervertebral fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient includes inserting the implant in a space between the adjacent vertebral bodies such that both a first intervertebral spacer body and a second intervertebral spacer body contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The first intervertebral spacer body is spaced apart from the second intervertebral spacer body. An expandable container portion of the implant disposed between the first intervertebral spacer body and the second intervertebral spacer body is filled with fill material such that the expandable container expands to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method of placing an implant for intervertebral fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient includes inserting the implant in a space between the adjacent vertebral bodies such that both a first intervertebral spacer body and a second intervertebral spacer body contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The first intervertebral spacer body is spaced apart from the second intervertebral spacer body. An expandable container portion of the implant disposed between the first intervertebral spacer body and the second intervertebral spacer body is filled with fill material such that the expandable container expands to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A modular implant for performing an intervertebral fusion on adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient including a first spacer portion, a second spacer and a container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container constructed to operably engage a first spacer and the second end of the container constructed to operably engage the second spacer.

Abstract: A modular implant for performing an intervertebral fusion on adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient including a first spacer portion, a second spacer and a container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container constructed to operably engage a first spacer and the second end of the container constructed to operably engage the second spacer.

Abstract: A modular implant for performing an intervertebral fusion on adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient including a first spacer portion, a second spacer and a container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container constructed to operably engage a first spacer and the second end of the container constructed to operably engage the second spacer.

Abstract: A modular implant for performing an intervertebral fusion on adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient including a first spacer portion, a second spacer and a container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container constructed to operably engage a first spacer and the second end of the container constructed to operably engage the second spacer.

Abstract: A modular implant for performing an intervertebral fusion on adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient including a first spacer portion, a second spacer and a container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container constructed to operably engage a first spacer and the second end of the container constructed to operably engage the second spacer.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing kidney function in transplant patients is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of kidney transplant patient, wherein the transplant patient is undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, with a sufficient amount of vitamin D compound whereby the kidney function stabilizes and wherein the development of interstitial fibrosis is decreased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inhibiting production of IFN-? in patients having a transplanted organ. The method involves administering to the patient an amount of an angiotensin receptor-blocking compound, the amount being effective to inhibit production of IFN-? by T cells. The method can be used to treat inflammation involving an allograft, to treat chronic allograft nephropathy, and to treat other pathologies associated with allograft rejection.