Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an insoluble separation matrix, which method comprises salt-treatment of a polysaccharide gel followed by cross-linking of the polysaccharide polymers. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing an aqueous solution of a gelatable native polysaccharide; lowering the temperature of the polysaccharide solution to a value below its gelling point; salt-treatment by adding at least one salt to the resulting polysaccharide; and cross-linking the salt-treated polysaccharide. The polysaccharide may be prepared e.g. into particles, membranes or monoliths.

Abstract: Techniques for automatic dependency resolution are provided. A source machine and a previously successful modification for a given resource, which was modified on the source machine, are identified. Dependencies associated with the modification are identified on the source machine. One or more target machines are selected in response to having a similar profile to that of the source machine. A profile is deemed to be similar based on geographic location, category or role of a machine, and based on operating system of a machine. A profile is also deemed to be similar based on a fuzzy match between profile information. The dependencies are automatically resolved on the target machines and the modification is automatically processed on the target machines to modify the given resource.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing patient treatment data collected while a patient suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is treated are provided. For example, according to certain example embodiments, a PAP device for treating a patient suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is provided. A processor may be set or programmed to generate a signal indicative of a triggering event. A flow generator may be configured to provide a supply of pressurized breathable gas to the patient based at least in part on the signal. Recording programmed logic circuitry may be provided to record in a data log pressures provided during patient treatment and triggering events occurring during patient treatment. Visualizing programmed logic circuitry in communication with the PAP device may be configured to read the data log and generate a visual depiction of provided pressures over time. Triggering events may include, for example, one or more of apnea, hypopnea, flattening, snore, etc.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit for delivering air from the blower to the patient interface, a sensor for determining the pressure in the patient interface, and a control mechanism that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronise the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterising parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower (2), a patient interface (6), an air delivery conduit (8) for delivering air from the blower (2) to the patient interface (6), a sensor (4p) for determining the pressure in the patient interface (6), and a control mechanism (15) that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface (6) and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronise the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterising parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.

Abstract: A method for recovering lithium as lithium hydroxide by feeding an aqueous stream containing lithium ions to a bipolar electrodialysis cell, wherein the cell forms a lithium hydroxide solution. An apparatus or system for practicing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing high purity lithium hydroxide monohydrate, comprising following steps: concentrating a lithium containing brine; purifying the brine to remove or to reduce the concentrations of ions other than lithium; adjusting the pH of the brine to about 10.5 to 11 to further remove cations other than lithium, if necessary; neutralizing the brine with acid; purifying the brine to reduce the total concentration of calcium and magnesium to less than 150 ppb via ion exchange; electrolyzing the brine to generate a lithium hydroxide solution containing less than 150 ppb total calcium and magnesium, with chlorine and hydrogen gas as byproducts; producing hydrochloric acid via combustion of the chlorine gas with excess hydrogen and subsequent scrubbing of the resultant gas stream with purified water, if elected to do so; and concentrating and crystallizing the lithium hydroxide solution to produce lithium hydroxide monohydrate crystals.

Abstract: Techniques for autonomous policy discovery are provided. Machines have personality profiles. The personality profiles permit machines to request advice from different machines having similar personality profiles. This facilitates automatic and autonomous discovery of policies for detected events and facilitates autonomous processing of actions, which are processed in response to the discovered policies. Furthermore, the personality profiles allow administrators to monitor and to dynamically alter policies associated with the machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation comprising whey protein or a hydrolysate of whey protein, which formulation is capable of inhibiting the expression of TNF? in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages in vitro. Also provided are uses of the formulation for attenuating a reduction in muscle function which results from muscle damage and/or for enhancing recovery from muscle damage and/or for enhancing the force generating capacity of muscle and methods of making the formulation.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing patient treatment data collected while a patient suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is treated are provided. For example, according to certain example embodiments, a PAP device for treating a patient suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is provided. A processor may be set or programmed to generate a signal indicative of a triggering event. A flow generator may be configured to provide a supply of pressurized breathable gas to the patient based at least in part on the signal. Recording programmed logic circuitry may be provided to record in a data log pressures provided during patient treatment and triggering events occurring during patient treatment. Visualizing programmed logic circuitry in communication with the PAP device may be configured to read the data log and generate a visual depiction of provided pressures over time. Triggering events may include, for example, one or more of apnea, hypopnea, flattening, snore, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a porous cross-linked polysaccharide chromatography matrix, which comprises to provide an aqueous solution of a gellable polysaccharide, wherein part of the hydroxyl groups are substituted with groups which are not susceptible to nucleophilic attack; to provide essentially spherical droplets of the substituted polysaccharide solution; to form a gel of the substituted polysaccharide solution; and to cross-link the gel by adding a cross-linking agent. The invention also encompasses a chromatography column packed with a matrix so produced as well as use thereof in e.g. protein purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an insoluble separation matrix, which method comprises salt-treatment of a polysaccharide gel followed by cross-linking of the polysaccharide polymers. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing an aqueous solution of a gelatable native polysaccharide; lowering the temperature of the polysaccharide solution to a value below its gelling point; salt-treatment by adding at least one salt to the resulting polysaccharide; and cross-linking the salt-treated polysaccharide. The polysaccharide may be prepared e.g. into particles, membranes or monoliths.

Abstract: Techniques for automatic dependency resolution are provided. A source machine and a previously successful modification for a given resource, which was modified on the source machine, are identified. Dependencies associated with the modification are identified on the source machine. One or more target machines are selected in response to having a similar profile to that of the source machine. The dependencies are automatically resolved on the target machines and the modification is automatically processed on the target machines to modify the given resource.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a separation medium, which method comprises to provide a slurry of essentially spherical polymer beads in an aqueous solution of a natural polymer and contacting the slurry with an organic solvent in the presence of emulsifier to allow aggregation of the beads. In a preferred embodiment, the natural polymer is agarose. The present invention also encompasses a separation medium comprised of one or more aggregates, wherein each aggregate comprises a plurality of porous and essentially spherical polymer beads assembled by a porous gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a porous cross-linked polysaccharide chromatography matrix, which comprises to provide an aqueous solution of a gellable polysaccharide, wherein part of the hydroxyl groups are substituted with groups which are not susceptible to nucleophilic attack; to provide essentially spherical droplets of the substituted polysaccharide solution; to form a gel of the substituted polysaccharide solution; and to cross-link the gel by adding a cross-linking agent. The invention also encompasses a chromatography column packed with a matrix so produced as well as use thereof in e.g. protein purification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for indicating the presence of soluble fluoride ions in oral care compositions comprising making a signal solution and then bringing the signal solution into contact with an oral care composition and a color change occurs if an effective amount of soluble fluoride ion is present in the oral care composition. Further disclosed are test compositions for use in such process.

Abstract: A wire clamping device and a method of suspension of air conditioning units, signs, pipes or ducting, for instance, comprising said device is provided. The clamping device comprises at least one clamping means which further comprises first gripping and second gripping surfaces and a means for clamping a region of wire positioned between said surfaces. The wire may be positioned or removed from between the gripping surfaces without the need to thread a free end of the wire between the surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery system for delivering an oral care substance to the oral cavity, the delivery system comprising: (a) a removable backing strip having sufficient flexibility so as to be readily conformable to an oral surface when the delivery system is placed thereagainst; and (b) an oral care composition applied to the strip of material such that when the delivery system is placed on the oral surface the oral care composition contacts the oral surface, the oral care composition comprising: (i) an organosiloxane resin; (ii) a theology modifier; and (iii) at least one oral care substance; wherein the oral care composition remains on the oral surface after the backing strip is removed. Further disclosed are such delivery systems in which the oral care composition further comprises fluid diorganopolysiloxane-based polymers; such compositions may further comprise carriers for solubilizing the organosiloxane resin and the fluid diorganopolysiloxane-based polymers.