Abstract: A process of determining a sentiment score from a response from at least one individual regarding a status of a project that includes receiving a first numerical rating regarding the status of the project from a first individual of the at least one individual, receiving a first textual description regarding the heath of the project from the first individual, determining a first textual score dependent upon the first textual description with the first textual score being a numerical representation of the first textual description, and aggregating the first numerical rating and the first textual score to determine a first sentiment score reflective of the status of the project by the first individual.

Abstract: A system includes a memory device and a processing device, operatively coupled to the memory device. The processing device is to perform operations, including initializing a block family associated with the memory device; aggregating temperature values received from one or more temperature sensors of the memory device over time to determine an aggregate temperature; responsive to beginning to program a block residing on the memory device, associating the block with the block family; and in response to the aggregate temperature being greater than or equal to a specified threshold temperature value: performing a soft closure of the block family; initializing an extension timer; continuing to program data to the block; and performing a hard closure of the block family in response to one of the extension timer reaching an extension time value or the block family satisfying a hard closure criteria.

Abstract: A platform technology has been designed to provide a means for controlled delivery of single or multiple doses of therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic or identifying agents to livestock. The delivery system is based on a livestock ear tag that releases therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent when applied to the ear or other desired anatomical target of the animal. The agent to be delivered is encapsulated in or on microneedles and or microparticles and or nanoparticles or combination thereof on a surface thereon of the male or female part of the tag, which is pressed into the skin so that the microneedles penetrate into the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. The agent is then released into the animal from the microneedles and or microparticles and or nanoparticles or combination thereof at the site of contact into the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin.

Abstract: A particulate plug for removing a preservative from a solution, suspension, or emulsion comprising a drug is presented. The plug comprises microparticles of a hydrophobic polymer/fatty acid blend. The microparticles of hydrophobic polymer/fatty acid blend selectively absorb preservative allowing the drug to remain in solution for delivery.

Abstract: A particulate plug for removing a preservative from a solution, suspension, or emulsion comprising a drug is presented. The plug comprises microparticles of a hydrophobic polymer/fatty acid blend. The microparticles of hydrophobic polymer/fatty acid blend selectively absorb preservative allowing the drug to remain in solution for delivery.

Abstract: A particulate plug for removing a preservative from a solution, suspension, or emulsion comprising a drug is presented. The plug comprises microparticles of a hydrophobic polymer/fatty acid blend. The microparticles of hydrophobic polymer/fatty acid blend selectively absorb preservative allowing the drug to remain in solution for delivery.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a cellulosic substrate to impart water resistance are disclosed herein. The compositions are waxy solids that include a mixture of a fluorowax and a hydrocarbon wax. The compositions are applied to cut edges of a cellulosic substrate, such as a wood-based flooring material, to impart water resistance to the cellulosic substrate. The compositions and methods are useful on a wide range of wood-based flooring materials, including hardwood, laminate, and engineered wood flooring.

Abstract: A platform technology has been designed to provide a means for controlled delivery of single or multiple doses of therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic or identifying agents to livestock. The delivery system is based on a livestock ear tag that releases therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent when applied to the ear or other desired anatomical target of the animal. The agent to be delivered is encapsulated in or on microneedles and or microparticles and or nanoparticles or combination thereof on a surface thereon of the male or female part of the tag, which is pressed into the skin so that the microneedles penetrate into the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. The agent is then released into the animal from the microneedles and or microparticles and or nanoparticles or combination thereof at the site of contact into the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin.

Abstract: A system for use in performing aortic valve procedures using an instrument disposed through an aortic arch includes a lubricious track positionable within the aortic arch such that a lubricious inferior surface of the track is exposed to the interior of the aortic arch. An instrument to be used in performing the valve procedure is configured to be percutaneously introduced into a femoral artery, advanced through the descending aorta and into the aortic arch, and moved into sliding contact with the lubricous inferior surface of the track. The instrument is advanceable along the lubricious surface until its distal portion is at a target site for the aortic valve procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorinated compounds as well as dispersions of the fluorinated compounds. The fluorinated compounds described herein, in some embodiments, can be applied substrates such as textiles, including carpet and other floor coverings.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for performing a medical procedure using direct percutaneous access of an aorta. A main sheath is introduced through an incision formed in proximity to the sternum, and positioned along (and preferable against) a posterior portion of the sternum. Instruments passed through the main sheath are used to form a purse-string suture in an exterior wall of the aorta. An opening is formed in the wall of the aorta in a region encircled by the purse-string suture, and a distal end of an introducer sheath is advanced through the opening into the aorta. A medical procedure, which may be a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is performed using instruments passed through the introducer sheath into the aorta. After the medical procedure, the introducer sheath is withdrawn from the aorta and, as the introducer sheath is withdrawn, the purse-string suture is tightened to close the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorinated compounds as well as dispersions of the fluorinated compounds. The fluorinated compounds described herein, in some embodiments, can be applied substrates such as textiles, including carpet and other floor coverings.

Abstract: A satiation device is described which includes a sheath or liner extending from the proximal or middle stomach to the distal antrum. Food ingested by the patient passes through the sheath or liner, thereby minimizing contact between the ingested food and the stomach. It is believed that over time, reduced contact between food and the stomach will result in decreased Ghrelin production by the patient and a consequent decrease in appetite. In some embodiments, the satiation device may also include a proximal pouch and/or a distal bypass tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorinated compounds as well as dispersions of the fluorinated compounds. The fluorinated compounds described herein, in some embodiments, can be applied substrates such as textiles, including carpet and other floor coverings.

Abstract: A satiation device is described which includes a sheath or liner extending from the proximal or middle stomach to the distal antrum. Food ingested by the patient passes through the sheath or liner, thereby minimizing contact between the ingested food and the stomach. It is believed that over time, reduced contact between food and the stomach will result in decreased Ghrelin production by the patient and a consequent decrease in appetite. In some embodiments, the satiation device may also include a proximal pouch and/or a distal bypass tube.

Abstract: A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for performing a medical procedure using direct percutaneous access of an aorta. A main sheath is introduced through an incision formed in proximity to the sternum, and positioned along (and preferable against) a posterior portion of the sternum. Instruments passed through the main sheath are used to form a purse-string suture in an exterior wall of the aorta. An opening is formed in the wall of the aorta in a region encircled by the purse-string suture, and a distal end of an introducer sheath is advanced through the opening into the aorta. A medical procedure, which may be a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is performed using instruments passed through the introducer sheath into the aorta. After the medical procedure, the introducer sheath is withdrawn from the aorta and, as the introducer sheath is withdrawn, the purse-string suture is tightened to close the opening.

Abstract: An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorinated compounds as well as dispersions of the fluorinated compounds. The fluorinated compounds described herein, in some embodiments, can be applied substrates such as textiles, including carpet and other floor coverings.

Abstract: An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.