Abstract: A column is disclosed for removal of sTNF-R2 from a body fluid. The column has a compartment, an inlet coupled to the compartment and configured to receive the body fluid, and a substrate disposed within the compartment. A capture ligand is coupled to the substrate and has a modified sequence with an amino acid substitution in a reference sequence that includes a portion of a natural TNF sequence. The modified sequence has an affinity for the sTNF-R2 that is greater than an affinity of the reference sequence for the sTNF-R2.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a health information system. The health information system includes a hub, first affinity domain, and a second affinity domain. The hub includes a registry, a data repository, and a patient identity manager. Each of the first and second affinity domains includes a data sharing source and a data query source.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for health information exchange. Certain embodiments provide a health information exchange system. The system includes an interface accommodating a plurality of data sources transmitting data for storage at the health information exchange system. The system also includes a shared data repository configured to aggregate and store patient-related data from the plurality of data sources. The shared data repository is accessible to a community of users via the health information exchange system. The system further includes a query engine for querying the shared data repository to retrieve a subset of patient-related data. Additionally, the system includes a Web-based portal providing an authorized user access to the subset of patient-related data for at least one of patient care and clinical performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pyrolytically decomposing waste material characterized by injecting a mixture of waste and water into a plasma torch having an operation temperature of in excess of 5000.degree. C. to form a mixture of product gases and solid particulate; separating the gases and particulate in a first cyclone separator into separate phases; transferring the particulate to a second cyclone separator and subjecting the particulate to a partial vacuum to separate any carryover gases from the particulate; subjecting the combined reaction chamber and carry over gases in a scrubber to a spray consisting of a caustic solution and water to eliminate any carryover particulate from the gases and to neutralize and HCl in the gases; and removing the gases from the scrubber.

Abstract: An incinerator pyrolyzer for continuously burning waste material characterized by a rotating kiln within a furnace chamber for incinerating waste material passing through the kiln. The kiln includes means for introducing reactants for chemically changing ingredients in the waste material. The furnace also including an outlet for dumping the incinerated residue from the kiln and an outlet for any gas generated during the burning.