Abstract: A composition includes bone and collagen, wherein the collagen has been acid treated, and cross-linked via dehydrothermal treatment or by a cross-linking agent (e.g., a citric acid derivative) under a compressive force of at least approximately 40 MPa.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a structure for growing isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, which includes a three-dimensional matrix of fibers. The matrix serves as an implantable scaffolding for delivery of differentiable human mesenchymal cells in tissue engineering. The invention further provides compositions that contain the three-dimensional matrix of fibers seeded with isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, wherein the matrix forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, and wherein the differentiable human mesenchymal cells differentiate into a mature cell phenotype. The invention further provides methods of preparing the implantable nanofiber matrix scaffolding seeded with differentiable human mesenchymal cells for use in tissue engineering.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, digital content is mastered as a combination of encrypted data and data processing operations that enable use in approved playback environments. Player devices having a processing environment compatible with the content's data processing operations are able to decrypt and play the content. Players can also provide content with basic functions, such as loading data from media, performing network communications, determining playback environment configuration, controlling decryption/playback, and/or performing cryptographic operations using the player's keys. These functions allow the content to implement and enforce its own security policies. If pirates compromise individual players or content titles, new content can be mastered with new security features that block the old attacks. A selective decryption capability can also be provided, enabling on-the-fly watermark insertion so that attacks can be traced back to a particular player.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, digital content is mastered as a combination of encrypted data and data processing operations that enable use in approved playback environments. Player devices having a processing environment compatible with the content's data processing operations are able to decrypt and play the content. Players can also provide content with basic functions, such as loading data from media, performing network communications, determining playback environment configuration, controlling decryption/playback, and/or performing cryptographic operations using the player's keys. These functions allow the content to implement and enforce its own security policies. If pirates compromise individual players or content titles, new content can be mastered with new security features that block the old attacks. A selective decryption capability can also be provided, enabling on-the-fly watermark insertion so that attacks can be traced back to a particular player.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, digital content is mastered as a combination of encrypted data and data processing operations that enable use in approved playback environments. Player devices having a processing environment compatible with the content's data processing operations are able to decrypt and play the content. Players can also provide content with basic functions, such as loading data from media, performing network communications, determining playback environment configuration, controlling decryption/playback, and/or performing cryptographic operations using the player's keys. These functions allow the content to implement and enforce its own security policies. If pirates compromise individual players or content titles, new content can be mastered with new security features that block the old attacks. A selective decryption capability can also be provided, enabling on-the-fly watermark insertion so that attacks can be traced back to a particular player.

Abstract: Due to the size and complexity of tissues such as the spinal cord and articular cartilage, specialized constructs incorporating cells as well as smart materials may be a promising strategy for achieving functional recovery. Aspects of the present invention describe the use of an electroactive, or piezoelectric, material that will act as a scaffold for stem cell induced tissue repair. Embodiments of the inventive material can also act alone as an electroactive scaffold for repairing tissues. The piezoelectric material of the present invention acts as a highly sensitive mechanoelectrical transducer that will generate charges in response to minute vibrational forces.

Abstract: Novel thermoset epoxy polymers using the bisglycidyl ethers of anhydrosugars, such as isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide, are disclosed. The bisglycidyl ethers are useful as substitutes for bisphenol A in the manufacture of thermoset epoxy ethers. The anhydrosugars are derived from renewable sources and the bisglycidyl ethers are not xenoestrogenic and the thermoset curing agents are likewise derived form renewable resources.

Abstract: The invention provides a sidestream gas sampling apparatus having a gas sampling circuit and a set of reusable elements. The gas sampling circuit carries the gas sample from a main flow of gas, through a sample analysis area, and vents the gas sample to an analyzed gas destination. The reusable components provide motive forces to remove the gas sample through the gas sampling circuit and provide analysis components for the gas sampling apparatus while not making contact with the gas sample. As such, the reusable components do not become contaminated by the gas sample and do not have to be cleaned or sterilized between applications.

Abstract: A novel method for the synthesis of ethers of anhydrosugars, such as isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide, is disclosed. The bisglycidyl ethers are useful as substitutes for bisphenol A in the manufacture of thermoset epoxy ethers. Anhydrosugar ethers are derived from renewable sources and are not xenoestrogenic. Higher alkyl and aralkyl ethers are stable high-boiling oils that are good plasticizers for materials such as PVC.

Abstract: Novel thermoset epoxy polymers using the bisglycidyl ethers of anhydrosugars, such as isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide, are disclosed. The bisglycidyl ethers are useful as substitutes for bisphenol A in the manufacture of thermoset epoxy ethers. The anhydrosugars are derived from renewable sources and the bisglycidyl ethers are not xenoestrogenic and the thermoset curing agents are likewise derived form renewable resources.

Abstract: A system for measuring a metabolic parameter. The system includes an integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring any combination of respiratory flow, O2 concentration, and concentrations of one or more of CO2, N2O, and an anesthetic agent in real time, breath by breath. Respiratory flow may be monitored with differential pressure flow meters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway. Molecular oxygen concentration may be monitored by way of luminescence quenching techniques. Infrared absorption techniques may be used to monitor one or more of CO2, N2O, and anesthetic agents.

Abstract: Esters of cinnamic acids with sugar alcohols and anhydro-sugar alcohols are described. The esters have ultraviolet light absorbing properties. In particular, the diester of ferulic acid with isosorbide is a UV-absorber derived from natural materials and has use as a UV-absorber for polymeric materials and as a UV-absorber for cosmetics.

Abstract: A method for removing motion artifacts from devices for sensing bodily parameters and apparatus and system for effecting same that includes analyzing segments of measured data representing bodily parameters and possibly noise from motion artifacts. Each data segment is frequency analyzed to determine up to three candidate peaks for further analysis. Up to three candidate frequencies may be filtered and various parameters associated with each candidate frequency are calculated. A pulse-estimate input may also be accepted from an external source. The best frequency, if one exists, is determined by arbitrating the candidate frequencies and the pulse-estimate input using the calculated parameters according to predefined criteria. If a best frequency is found, a pulse rate and SpO2 may be output. If a best frequency is not found, other, conventional techniques for calculating pulse rate and SpO2 may be used.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly for use with gas monitoring. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a portion that seals against the face of a patient and a mask attachment coupled to an opening of the shell. The mask attachment has a mask connection section coupled to the opening of the shell, an airway adapter section that serves as a gas measurement site for use in measuring a respiratory variable, and a breathing system connection section adapted to be coupled to a to a patient circuit. The gas measurement site, which includes a window, may be disposed on the conduit, the shell, or both. An access port, defined in the mask, the mask attachment, or both permits a sampling tube to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for affording a re-breathing capability to a breathing circuit. The apparatus includes a valve that permits air flow through or re-breathing in the breathing circuit. A CO2 sensor and an air flow sensor detects CO2 a rate of air flow in the breathing circuit, respectively. A processor computes a parameter based on the CO2 waveform feature and a volumetric CO2 waveform feature based on signals from the air flow sensor and/or the CO2 sensor. An alarm is triggered when the parameter deviates from a selected magnitude. In a further embodiment, at least one parameter associated with an energy source for actuating the valve is monitored. Deviation of the value from at least one selected value of the at least one parameter is corrected.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a structure for growing isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, which includes a three-dimensional matrix of fibers. The matrix serves as an implantable scaffolding for delivery of differentiable human mesenchymal cells in tissue engineering. The invention further provides compositions that contain the three-dimensional matrix of fibers seeded with isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, wherein the matrix forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable human mesenchymal cells, and wherein the differentiable human mesenchymal cells differentiate into a mature cell phenotype. The invention further provides methods of preparing the implantable nanofiber matrix scaffolding seeded with differentiable human mesenchymal cells for use in tissue engineering.

Abstract: Methods for non-invasively determining the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a subject include monitoring the subject's respiration during two ventilatory states. Such a method may include determining parameters of at least one of the ventilatory states based on one or more characteristics of the subject. Data obtained from monitoring the subject's respiration, such as an amount of gas present in exhaled gases and respiratiory flow, may be used to estimate respiratory or blood gas parameters, such as an amount of gas exchanged between blood and gases in the subject's lungs or an indicator of a content of the gas in the subject's blood.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining cardiac output using partial re-breathing techniques are disclosed in which the apparatus is constructed with an instantaneously adjustable deadspace for accommodating differences in breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus is constructed of inexpensive elements, including a single two-way valve which renders the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be readily disposable. The method of the invention provides a novel means of estimating cardiac output based on alveolar CO2 values rather than end-tidal CO2 values as previously practiced. A program for calculating cardiac output is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring, the operation of airway valves to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source or a bleed valve, and monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of CO2 may be monitored using air flow and CO2 sensing, with detection of excessive CO2 volume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired CO2 or other appropriate measures of CO2 concentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing motion artifacts from devices for sensing bodily parameters and apparatus and system for effecting same. The method includes analyzing segments of measured data representing bodily parameters and possibly noise from motion artifacts. Each segment of measured data may correspond to a single light signal transmitted and detected after transmission or reflection through bodily tissue. Each data segment is frequency analyzed to determine up to three candidate peaks for further analysis. Each of the up to three candidate frequencies may be filtered and various parameters associated with each of the up to three candidate frequencies are calculated. The best frequency, if one exists, is determined by arbitrating the candidate frequencies using the calculated parameters according to predefined criteria. If a best frequency is found, a pulse rate and SPO2 may be output. If a best frequency is not found, other, conventional techniques for calculating pulse rate and SpO2 may be used.