Abstract: Disclosed herein are water soluble compositions, such as films, including a mixture of a first water-soluble resin, an enzyme, and an enzyme stabilizer which comprises a functional substrate for the enzyme, methods of making such compositions, and methods of using such compositions, e.g. to make packets containing functional ingredients. The enzymes can include proteases and mixtures of proteases with other enzymes, and the compositions provide good retention of enzyme function following film processing and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of protein expression profiles of sPLA2 isoforms with clinical relevance to osteoarthritis (OA). In particular, the invention provides methods for diagnosing OA or determining risk factors for development of OA based on expression of sPLA2-IIA.

Abstract: Devices and method with hardware configured to support phantom register programming. Where phantom register programming allows a device driver for an endpoint device to program multicast registers in the device without support of the operating system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch having at least one sealed compartment containing a first composition. At least one wall of the at least one sealed compartment is made from a water-soluble film having any suitable thickness. The water-soluble film comprises PVOH polymer such that when the film has a thickness of about 76 microns the film is characterized by a Dissolution Index of about 620 to about 920, or of about 665 to about 920, or about 710 to about 920; and a Stress Index of about 145 to about 626, or about 155 to about 480, or about 165 to about 325.

Abstract: Devices and method with hardware configured to support phantom register programming. Where phantom register programming allows a device driver for an endpoint device to program multicast registers in the device without support of the operating system.

Abstract: A method and system of trading derivatives of various items includes an electronic marketplace configured to accept requests to purchase derivatives and requests to sell derivatives. The marketplace is configured to match requests to purchase with requests to sell when certain criteria are similar to within predetermined limits. Available derivatives include futures contracts, put options, and call options. The derivatives allow one to purchase rights in an item prior to the actual delivery of the item. In addition, the derivatives may be traded to other parties. The use of such derivatives also enables entities to negotiate the prices for various goods and services that were previously not readily negotiable in the past.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of protein expression profiles with clinical relevance to osteoarthritis. In particular, the invention provides the identity of marker proteins whose expressions are correlated with OA, and/or OA progression. Methods and kits are described for using these protein expression profiles in the study and/or diagnosis of OA, in the determination of the degree of advancement of OA, and in the selection and/or monitoring of treatment regimens. The invention also relates to the screening of drugs that modulate expression of these proteins or nucleic acid molecules encoding these proteins, in particular for the development of disease-modifying OA agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of protein expression profiles with clinical relevance to osteoarthritis (OA). In particular, the invention provides the identity of marker proteins whose expressions are correlated with OA, OA subtype, and/or OA progression. Methods and kits are described for using these protein expression profiles in the study and/or diagnosis of OA, in the determination of the degree of advancement of OA, and in the selection and/or monitoring of treatment regimens. The invention also relates to the screening of drugs that modulate expression of these proteins or nucleic acid molecules encoding these proteins, in particular for the development of disease-modifying OA agents.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imagable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of protein expression profiles of sPLA2 isoforms with clinical relevance to osteoarthritis (OA). In particular, the invention provides methods for diagnosing OA or determining risk factors for development of OA based on expression of sPLA2-IIA.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker kit. In one example, the kit includes a fiducial marker assembly that includes a bone screw base for receiving an imageable marker or locatable divot. A valved protective sleeve prevents debris from accumulating in a receptacle portion of the base, which may otherwise degrade the accuracy of patient registration in an image-guided surgical procedure. In one example, the valve automatically opens or closes upon insertion or removal of a screwdriver or other tool, or a shaft portion of the imageable marker or locatable divot. Various bone screw base and receptacle combinations are also discussed.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined imagable fiducial locator and divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example is reflective such that it is locatable by a remote detector of an optical positioning system. A generally cylindrical (e.g., faceted cylindrical) columnar locator permits easy application of reflective tape. Other examples discusses a unitary fiducial marker with multiple divots and a swiveling and/or tilted fiducial marker divot, each of which allows manipulation of a positioning wand into a remote camera's field of view. Another example includes at least one reflector that can be aimed. A further example discusses an imagable fiducial marker carrier that is attachable to a single location on a patient's skull to reduce trauma.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imageable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imageable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch having at least one sealed compartment containing a first composition. At least one wall of the at least one sealed compartment is made from a water-soluble film having any suitable thickness. The water-soluble film comprises PVOH polymer such that when the film has a thickness of about 76 microns the film is characterized by a Dissolution Index of about 620 to about 920, or of about 665 to about 920, or about 710 to about 920; and a Stress Index of about 145 to about 626, or about 155 to about 480, or about 165 to about 325.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticized, water-soluble films having favorable cold-water solubility, wet handling, and thermoforming characteristics, and which can include a PVOH resin made up of blend of two or more PVOH polymers each having a monomodal molecular weight distribution, and the PVOH resin characterized by a viscosity in a range of about 13.5 cP to about 20 cP (or a corresponding weight average molecular weight), a degree of hydrolysis of about 84% to about 92%, a polydispersity index value in a range of about 1 to about 5, a residual water content of about 4 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, and a Resin Selection Index value in a range of 0.255 to 0.315; methods of making the films; compositions including PVOH resins for making the films; and pouch and packet articles made from the films.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticized, water-soluble films having favorable cold-water solubility, wet handling, and thermoforming characteristics, and which can include a PVOH resin made up of blend of two or more PVOH polymers each having a monomodal molecular weight distribution, and the PVOH resin characterized by a viscosity in a range of about 13.5 cP to about 20 cP (or a corresponding weight average molecular weight), a degree of hydrolysis of about 84% to about 92%, a polydispersity index value in a range of about 1 to about 5, a residual water content of about 4 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, and a Resin Selection Index value in a range of 0.255 to 0.315; methods of making the films; compositions including PVOH resins for making the films; and pouch and packet articles made from the films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch having at least one sealed compartment containing a first composition. At least one wall of the at least one sealed compartment is made from a water-soluble film having any suitable thickness. The water-soluble film comprises PVOH polymer such that when the film has a thickness of about 76 microns the film is characterized by a Dissolution Index of about 620 to about 920, or of about 665 to about 920, or about 710 to about 920; and a Stress Index of about 145 to about 626, or about 155 to about 480, or about 165 to about 325.

Abstract: Devices and method with hardware configured to support phantom register programming. Where phantom register programming allows a device driver for an endpoint device to program multicast registers in the device without support of the operating system.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker assembly that includes an internally engagable base. The base is sized and shaped to be mounted flush to or recessed from an outer surface of a patient's skull, thereby reducing or avoiding patient discomfort. The fiducial marker assembly includes an imagable locator and a registration receptacle. A base insertion instrument is engaged to the base to attach the base to the patient's skull. In one example the base includes a faceted head, permitting a socket-like device to screw or unscrew the base into or out of the skull. In another example, the base includes at least one step or slot for engaging an insertion or extraction tool.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imageable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imageable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.