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 device temporarily positionable within an aortic arch for deflecting embolic particles released during a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure comprises a resilient frame defining an opening and a barrier disposed in the opening. The barrier has a plurality of openings, which may be pores, proportioned to allow passage of blood therethrough but to prevent passage of embolic particles. The barrier has a concave shape having a convex surface positionable in contact with a wall of an aorta to cover at least a brachiocephalic ostium. The frame may include an upstream end including a pair of lobes and an apex between the lobes, and has a generally tapered downstream end.

Abstract: A hierarchical based sequencing (HBS) machine learning model. In one example embodiment, a method of employing an HBS machine learning model to predict multiple interdependent output components of an MOD output decision may include determining an order for multiple interdependent output components of an MOD output decision. The method may also include sequentially training a classifier for each component in the selected order to predict the component based on an input and based on any previous predicted component(s).

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

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 system for performing multi-tool minimally invasive medical procedures through a single instrument port into a body cavity includes an expandable frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity.

Abstract: A light sensor including a substrate and one or more low profile baffle plates, the baffle plates including collimator holes to allow intended light to strike the light detector of the substrate while preventing extraneous light from striking the detector. The baffle plates are disposed above the substrate, on a shroud, which covers a portion of the substrate but allows intended light to pass through the collimator holes onto the light detector. By stacking baffle plates having a thin, low profile, one on top of another upon the shroud, extraneous light striking the material at an angle between the collimator holes cannot enter the sensor while intended light in the substantial front of the sensor enters the sensor through the collimator holes and can be detected by the light detector.

Abstract: A method, program, system and apparatus perform dynamic load balancing of coverage areas in a wireless communication network. The dynamic load balancing is performed by evaluating cell congestion based on location information of subscribers in the wireless communication network, collecting network parameters related to the wireless communication network and altering network parameters based on the evaluated cell congestion. After the network parameter is altered, the coverage areas are narrowed. Improvements in cell congestion and quality of server are then determined based on the narrowing of the coverage areas. Altering of the plurality of network parameters and evaluating of the cell congestion are performed continuously until a target quality of service is achieved.

Abstract: An embolic deflection device includes an anchor engageable with a lumen of a branch vessel extending from an aortic arch and a deflection device, the deflection device having a first end coupled to the anchor and an elongate member extending from the deflection device. A method of deflecting embolic material away from a branch vessel extending from an aortic arch includes providing a deflection device comprising a anchor and an elongate member extending from the anchor. The anchor is engaged with a lumen of the branch vessel and positioned such that the elongate member extends within the aortic arch in proximity to ostia of at least two branch vessels. Embolic material flowing from the ascending aorta to the aortic arch is diverted by the elongate member away from the branch vessels and into the descending aorta.

Abstract: A transvascular electrode system includes an expandable electrode-carrying anchor. The anchor is intravascularly advanced in a compressed position to a first site in a blood vessel. A first portion of the anchor expands to position an electrode against the vessel wall, while a second portion remains is compressed. Mapping is performed by delivering stimulation energy from the electrode and measuring the response (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, and/or related parameters). The first portion is at least partially collapsed and the electrode system is moved to a second site. The first portion is expanded to position the electrode into against the vessel wall, while the second portion remains compressed. Additional mapping is performed. The process is repeated until the anchor electrode position is optimized, at which point the second portion of the anchor is expanded to chronically retain the electrode in the vessel.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for stimulating contents of the carotid sheath using an intravascular pulse generator and lead. The lead carries an energy delivery device such as an electrode, which is anchor within the portion of the internal jugular vein that is disposed within the carotid sheath. The energy delivery device is energized to transvenously direct energy to target contents of the carotid sheath external to the internal jugular vein. Such target contents may include nervous system elements associated with the carotid sinus baroreceptors, the carotid sinus nerve and associated nerve branches, and or the vagus nerve and associated nerve branches. The system may be used to control blood pressure and/or to lower heart rate and may be suitable for treatment of hypertension, heart failure, or other conditions.

Abstract: An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall. An exemplary anchor includes a first portion having expansion forces sufficient to bias the electrodes against the vessel wall for mapping and chronic stimulation, and a second portion having greater radial expansion forces sufficient to chronically engage the vessel wall once an optimal electrode location has been selected.

Abstract: An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction region of the patient, with the device positioned such that food ingested by the patient passes from the esophagus through the proximal opening into the interior of the prosthetic device, and eventually exits the prosthetic device via the distal opening.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: A transvascular electrode system includes an expandable electrode-carrying anchor. The anchor is intravascularly advanced in a compressed position to a first site in a blood vessel. A first portion of the anchor expands to position an electrode against the vessel wall, while a second portion remains is compressed. Mapping is performed by delivering stimulation energy from the electrode and measuring the response (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, and/or related parameters). The first portion is at least partially collapsed and the electrode system is moved to a second site. The first portion is expanded to position the electrode into against the vessel wall, while the second portion remains compressed. Additional mapping is performed. The process is repeated until the anchor electrode position is optimized, at which point the second portion of the anchor is expanded to chronically retain the electrode in the vessel.

Abstract: A light sensor including a substrate and one or more low profile baffle plates, the baffle plates including collimator holes to allow intended light to strike the light detector of the substrate while preventing extraneous light from striking the detector. The baffle plates are disposed above the substrate, on a shroud, which covers a portion of the substrate but allows intended light to pass through the collimator holes onto the light detector. By stacking baffle plates having a thin, low profile, one on top of another upon the shroud, extraneous light striking the material at an angle between the collimator holes cannot enter the sensor while intended light in the substantial front of the sensor enters the sensor through the collimator holes and can be detected by the light detector.