Abstract: Administration of an agent or substance to the site of a subject of a temporally interacting cell-mediated allergic reaction is used to enhance the resulting level of protective sensitization.

Abstract: A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.

Abstract: A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.

Abstract: A virtual vocabulary database is provided for use with a with a particular user database as part of a speech recognition system. Vocabulary elements within the virtual database are imported from the user database and are tagged to include numerical data corresponding to the historical use of the vocabulary element within the user database. For each speech input, potential vocabulary element matches from the speech recognition system are provided to the virtual database software which creates virtual sub-vocabularies from the criteria according to predefined criteria templates. The software then applies vocabulary element weighting adjustments according to the virtual sub-vocabulary weightings and applies the adjustment to the default weighting provided by the speech recognition system. The modified weightings are returned with the associated vocabulary elements to the speech engine for selection of an appropriate match to the input speech.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of populating a target tissue of interest of a subject with precipitated particles of a modified or synthesized substance of interest, in which tissue the precipitated particles remain where they are formed for a sufficient time to begin their interaction with the physiology of the recipient in the physical state and locations in which they were formed, when the unmodified/unsynthesized form of the substance does not innately have the requisite solubility properties to be delivered to such tissues within the body of a designated target tissue by precipitation. The present methods include precipitating particles of the modified or synthesized substance within the target tissue by administering a solution to the target tissue of interest of a subject.

Abstract: A sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and a full range of sound frequencies is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The sensor may be a bidirectional elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of providing data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is provided in connection with a software module that analyzes sensor output waveforms and provides for correction functions that correct for certain non-linear response functions of the flap. The correction functions are also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices may also be affixed to the flap, such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones.

Abstract: An improved computer-based system displays multiple sets of standard data in which a first set of standard data does not typically include data elements from other sets of standard data. A display processor drives the computer display and runs a display program having a standards module, a records module, and a mapping module. A standards database contains information related to the standard at issue and a records database contains the sets of standard data to be displayed. Both databases are accessed by the display program in creating a virtual field within the display of the first set of standard data. The mapping module selects appropriate data elements from the other set of standard data for display within the virtual field. Display flags may be provided to indicate critical virtual data. The primary use of the invention is in the display of electronic health records within an examination room setting.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include one or more natural, recombinant and/or modified allergens; with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-aqueous solvent to form an immunotherapy composition that includes the active ingredient and solvent, wherein the immunotherapy composition is formulated for administration to a subject in need of immunotherapy. The solvent is miscible with water and interstitial fluid. The at least one active ingredient is soluble in the solvent and insoluble in water and in an aqueous phase of interstitial fluid. The present compositions may be administered to a patient for example, as part of an immunotherapy regimen to help induce a state of immunologic tolerance to one or more allergies, or as treatment for an autoimmune disease. Also provided are methods of making such compositions. Further provided are methods that include administering the composition to a mammal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of populating a target tissue of interest of a subject with particles of a substance of interest by precipitation. Example methods include administering a solution to a subject, the solution including the substance of interest and a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The substance of interest must be soluble in a pharmaceutically acceptable, water-miscible solvent but insoluble in tissue fluids of the target tissue of interest; and the pharmaceutically acceptable solvent must be freely miscible with the tissue fluids of the target tissue of interest. According to example embodiments, the solution is administered in a volume of the pharmaceutically acceptable solvent that will be diluted by tissue fluids in the target tissue of interest following administration at a rate that will result in precipitation of an effective amount of particles of the substance of interest in a range of sizes that will accomplish a purpose for which the substance is administered.

Abstract: A sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and a full range of sound frequencies is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The sensor may be a bidirectional elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of providing data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is provided in connection with a software module that analyzes sensor output waveforms and provides for correction functions that correct for certain non-linear response functions of the flap. The correction functions are also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices may also be affixed to the flap, such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones.

Abstract: A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.

Abstract: An enhanced electronic medical device is provided that combines some of the enhanced electronic features found in other electronic medical devices with software for executing a stochastic process control and evaluating the digital respiratory and other physiological data collected by the electronic medical device. The programmed stochastic process control is capable of selecting and calculating any one of a number of pulmonary function and other physiological parameters including at least one statistical process control variable to determine a pulmonary or other physiological threshold. Information systems linking doctor's offices and patient's electronic medical devices are further provided to transmit warning data in cases where the pulmonary or other physiological threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: An enhanced electronic peak flow meter is provided that combines some of the enhanced electronic features found in other electronic peak flow meters with software for executing a stochastic process control and evaluating the digital respiratory data collected by the meter. The programmed stochastic process control is capable of selecting and calculating any one of a number of pulmonary function parameters including at least one statistical process control variable to determine a pulmonary threshold. Information systems linking doctor's offices and patient's meters are further provided to transmit warning data in cases where the pulmonary threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include one or more natural, recombinant and/or modified allergens; with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-aqueous solvent to form an immunotherapy composition that includes the active ingredient and solvent, wherein the immunotherapy composition is formulated for administration to a subject in need of immunotherapy. The solvent is miscible with water and interstitial fluid. The at least one active ingredient is soluble in the solvent and insoluble in water and in an aqueous phase of interstitial fluid. The present compositions may be administered to a patient for example, as part of an immunotherapy regimen to help induce a state of immunologic tolerance to one or more allergies, or as treatment for an autoimmune disease. Also provided are methods of making such compositions. Further provided are methods that include administering the composition to a mammal.

Abstract: A virtual vocabulary database is provided for use with a with a particular user database as part of a speech recognition system. Vocabulary elements within the virtual database are imported from the user database and are tagged to include numerical data corresponding to the historical use of the vocabulary element within the user database. For each speech input, potential vocabulary element matches from the speech recognition system are provided to the virtual database software which creates virtual sub-vocabularies from the criteria according to predefined criteria templates. The software then applies vocabulary element weighting adjustments according to the virtual sub-vocabulary weightings and applies the adjustment to the default weighting provided by the speech recognition system. The modified weightings are returned with the associated vocabulary elements to the speech engine for selection of an appropriate match to the input speech.

Abstract: A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry.

Abstract: The present invention involves an enhanced method for operating a speech recognition system in which sequential vocabularies are loaded for comparison to the input speech. Form each sequential vocabulary a subset of candidate vocabulary elements are selected for matching, the probability match scores of each of the selected candidate vocabulary elements is weighted by a weighting factor that is dependant on the particular vocabulary from which the vocabulary elements are selected. As each set of candidate vocabulary elements is selected from the next sequential vocabulary, the selected set is combined with the set of previously selected and weighted vocabulary elements, which is then further weighted according to the weighting criteria of the then active vocabulary. At the end of the sequential vocabulary selection grouping process, the final, sequentially weighted match scores for the candidate vocabulary elements are arranged and an appropriate match to the input speech is presented.

Abstract: A virtual vocabulary database is provided for use with a with a particular user database as part of a speech recognition system. Vocabulary elements within the virtual database are imported from the user database and are tagged to include numerical data corresponding to the historical use of the vocabulary element within the user database. For each speech input, potential vocabulary element matches from the speech recognition system are provided to the virtual database software which creates virtual sub-vocabularies from the criteria according to predefined criteria templates. The software then applies vocabulary element weighting adjustments according to the virtual sub-vocabulary weightings and applies the adjustment to the default weighting provided by the speech recognition system. The modified weightings are returned with the associated vocabulary elements to the speech engine for selection of an appropriate match to the input speech.

Abstract: New applications of unidirectional airflow sensing in devices which measure inspiratory airflow and bidirectional airflow are provided. Such devices can be used for administration of a medication via inhalation, in spirometers and in devices which measure and monitor respiratory ventilation.

Abstract: Formulations, methods and devices for producing formulations and methods for nebulizer delivery of formulations of water-insoluble drugs and drugs requiring storage in aqueous or other water-miscible pharmaceutically unacceptable vehicles for stability are provided. Also provided are methods for minimizing wastage of drugs administered by nebulizer, and for the achievement of quantitative dosing with diluent from a mass marketed formulations, which because of the mass market is much less costly per dose than formulations manufactured specifically for much lower volume medical use.