Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to monitoring devices and methods with osmometric sensors, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable heart failure monitoring system including an osmometric sensor, the osmometric sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to the osmotic strength of a bodily fluid, and a controller in communication with the osmometric sensor, the controller configured to receive and process the signal corresponding to the osmotic strength of a bodily fluid. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for modulating renal function, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable occlusive device including a wall member defining an enclosed volume, the wall member can include a semi-permeable membrane. The device can also include a solution comprising a solvent and a solute disposed within the enclosed volume of the wall member. The semi-permeable membrane can be permeable to the solvent and impermeable to the solute. The enclosed volume can be configured to expand and contract in response to changes in the osmolality of a bodily fluid. The device can include a positioning member configured to maintain the position of the implantable occlusive device relative to a lengthwise axis of a lymphatic vessel.

Abstract: A package for a micro-electromechanical device (MEMS package) includes an inner enclosure having an inner cavity defined therein, and a fill port channel communicating with the inner cavity and of sufficient length to allow a quantity of adhesive to enter the fill port channel while preventing the adhesive from entering the inner cavity.

Abstract: A method of producing a modified pigment by sulfonating a pigment and subsequently oxidizing the pigment. The modified pigment may have sulfonic acid and carboxyl surface modifying groups attached to the surface of the pigment. Charge balancing counterions such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and NR1R2R3H+, where R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or C1-C5 alkyl groups, may be associated with the surface modifying groups. The modified pigment is combined with water to produce a dispersion that can be used in such applications as coatings, paints, papers, adhesives, latexes, toners, textiles, fibers, plastics and inks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an implantable medical device header assembly with an optical interface. The header assembly can include a housing defining a cavity; an electrical contact disposed along the cavity; an electrical conductor configured to electrically couple the electrical contact with the implantable medical device; and an optical conductor. The header assembly can include a housing defining a first cavity for receiving a proximal end of an electrical lead; and a second cavity for receiving a proximal end of an optical lead. The header assembly can include a housing configured to be coupled to the implantable medical device, the housing defining a lead port for receiving a proximal end of a lead, the port configured to be in electrical and optical communication with the lead; a transducer disposed within the housing, and an electrical conductor disposed within the housing. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity edema, and other associated medical conditions by adjusting the temperature of the muscles of a foot or a leg, and/or applying vacuum or negative pressure to increase blood flow. A human extremity such as a leg is exposed to a negative pressure environment and/or a thermally controlled environment within a medical device. In one aspect, the device is portable. A thermal exchange unit and, optionally, a vacuum or negative pressure unit, are provided to increase blood flow and vasodilation. The device can be programmed by a controller in a manner to stimulate the muscles of the extremity to reduce pooling of blood therein.

Abstract: A system for combusting carbon-containing fuel includes a reactor 10 for simultaneously supporting oxidation of the fuel and conversion of CO2 within the reactor. A metal oxide or metal is input to the reactor to convert the CO2 to a mineralized CO2 product. A cold trap 44 is provided for capturing exhaust gases from the reactor and returning condensate to the reactor, and a gas pump 50 maintains a desired vacuum or pressure within the reactor and the cold trap. Combustion products may be recycled to increase their energy value.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device with a pulse generator and a chemical sensor in communication with the pulse generator, the chemical sensor configured to detect an ion concentration in a bodily fluid. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for providing cardiac arrhythmia therapy to a patient including sensing a physiological concentration of an analyte, communicating data regarding the physiological concentration of the analyte to an implanted pulse generator, and delivering therapy to the patient based in part on the physiological concentration of the ion. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for monitoring diuretic therapy. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for controlling delivery of an active agent into a human body. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device with a pulse generator and a chemical sensor in communication with the pulse generator, the chemical sensor configured to detect an ion concentration in a bodily fluid. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for providing cardiac arrhythmia therapy to a patient including sensing a physiological concentration of an analyte, communicating data regarding the physiological concentration of the analyte to an implanted pulse generator, and delivering therapy to the patient based in part on the physiological concentration of the ion. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for monitoring diuretic therapy. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for controlling delivery of an active agent into a human body. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are angiogenesis inhibitors represented by formula (I) or formula (II): The variables for formulas (I) and (II) are defined herein.

Abstract: A method for detecting a malicious program infection includes scanning data to determine whether the data exhibits one or more particular symptoms of being infected with a malicious program and, in response to determining that the scanned data exhibits the symptoms of being infected with a malicious program, comparing the scanned data to known-good data. The method also includes initiating remedial action in response to determining that the scanned data does not match the known-good data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient's appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds which are modulators of TNF-? signaling and methods of use thereof for treating a patient having a TNF-? mediated condition.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, compositions that increase reverse cholesterol transport are utilized as therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced by delivering Apolipoprotein A1, particularly a mimetic peptide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient's appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A handle protection security device includes a base plate having a handle hole, a tubular handle cover attached to said base plate and over said handle hole, and wherein said tubular handle cover is provided with a key hole, and a rim attached to said base plate. A security protection kit includes a handle protection security device, a strike plate, and a security handle, wherein said security handle is opened by fitting a key in said handle and turning said key.

Abstract: Tetrhydroisoquinoline derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and methods of treating disease are disclosed herein. The disclosed compounds are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases mediated by chloride channel activity and/or protein trafficking, including, but not limited to, diseases associated with impaired mucociliary clearance such as cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, emphysema, and the like.

Abstract: A package for a micro-electromechanical device (MEMS package) includes an inner enclosure having an inner cavity defined therein, and a fill port channel communicating with the inner cavity and of sufficient length to allow a quantity of adhesive to enter the fill port channel while preventing the adhesive from entering the inner cavity.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating centralized and standardized remote ratings of subjects in clinical trial studies includes providing training to raters located at one or more central rating sites such that the raters are trained to apply substantially similar criteria in determining whether a candidate is a qualified subject for the clinical trial and/or in the actual assessment, or information collection, phase of the clinical trail. By having centralized, consistently trained raters that are independent of clinical trial investigators, inter-rater reliability is enhanced and potential bias is reduced, thus increasing the effectiveness of the clinical trial results by providing more qualified subjects and more accurate results.

Abstract: A personal database (102) is maintained by the owner of personal information that is to be shared. When a requestor (103) requests personal information, the request is made to a token generation subsystem (101) that produces a token that allows access to the personal database. The personal database will allow access to information only identified by the token.