Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch formed on a substrate, the switch comprising a transmission line formed on the substrate, a substrate electrostatic plate formed on the substrate, and an actuating portion. The actuating portion comprises a cantilever anchor formed on the substrate and a cantilevered actuator arm extending from the cantilever anchor. Attraction of the actuator arm toward the substrate brings an electrical contact into engagement with the portions of the transmission line separated by a gap, thus bridging the transmission line gap and closing the circuit. In order to maximize electrical isolation between the transmission line and the electrical contact in an OFF-state while maintaining a low actuation voltage, the actuator arm is bent such that the minimum separation distance between the transmission line and the electrical contact is equal to or greater than the maximum separation distance between the substrate electrostatic plate and arm electrostatic plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment and/or prevention of disease as it relates to Rho kinase. In specific embodiments, disease is treated and/or prevented through the administration of an agent that selectively inhibits ROCK1. In specific embodiments, it inhibits ROCK1 and not ROCK2. In other specific embodiments, the disease is cardiac disease.

Abstract: Use of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A as a marker for inflammatory conditions, and in particular, for acute coronary syndromes is described.

Abstract: Disclosed are topical compositions for the treatment of microbial infections on the skin or scalp which include a polyvalent metal salt of pyrithione and include a metal ion source. Also disclosed are methods for treating microbial infections of the skin or scalp using such compositions.

Abstract: An improved system for protecting cryptographic processing and memory for postal franking machines. Appropriate cryptographic processing and memory resources are contained in a Postal Security Device (PSD), which defines a cryptographic and physical boundary. Cryptographic processing occurs in the PSD, which provides security to these resources, thereby minimizing a successful fraudulent attack on the system. Speed of the cryptographic processing is also increased. The PSD may be in the form of an Applications Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Card.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new form of financial instrument for securitization of retail automotive and light truck lease assets. The instrument is supported by secured notes that are separately and independently secured by a first priority perfected lien on each related vehicle and lease (to protect the investment entity which creates securities sold to investors 27 and, thereby, the investors 27). The method of the present invention for creating the financial instrument includes creating a leasing company. The leasing company then acquires leases from dealers. In one embodiment of the present invention, termination value guarantees on the leases can be obtained. A financial asset is issued to fund the acquisition of the leases. In one embodiment of the present invention, a nominee titleholder and a registered lien are created on each leased vehicle. The financial asset is transferred to a securities-issuing entity.

Abstract: Disclosed are shampoo compositions that provide a superior combination of anti-dandruff efficacy and conditioning, and a method of cleansing and conditioning the hair comprising applying to the hair and scalp an amount of said compositions. The anti-dandruff and conditioning shampoos comprise: (A) from about 5% to about 50%, by weight, of an anionic surfactant; (B) from about 0.01% to about 10%, by weight, of a non-volatile conditioning agent; (C) from about 0.1% to about 4%, by weight, of an anti-dandruff agent; (D) from about 0.02% to about 5%, by weight, of at least one cationic polymer; and (E) water. The compositions (A) have a bioavailability/coverage index value, as defined herein, of at least about 1.25; (B) have a first conditioning index value, as defined herein, of less than or equal to about 1.0; (C) have a second conditioning index value, as defined herein, of at least about 1.5; and (D) have a minimal inhibitory concentration index value, as defined herein, of at least about 0.125.

Abstract: A puzzle comprises a plurality of puzzle pieces adapted to be assembled in a predetermined pattern on a puzzle tray to form a complete image. Each puzzle piece has a lenticular display providing first and second separately viewable lenticular images dependent upon a viewer's line of sight. The first lenticular image of each of the puzzle pieces forms a portion of the complete image. The second image of each of the puzzle pieces matches corresponding indicia provided on the puzzle tray. The puzzle tray and the puzzle pieces can be magnetic and the tray provided with a hanger or an easel to support the assembled puzzle in a display position.

Abstract: An enhanced-functionality prosthetic limb is disclosed, comprising a prosthetic hand or gripping device, and forearm, which may be body-powered or motor-powered, targeted primarily for pediatric use, attachable to the arm stump of a below-elbow, or above-elbow, with the inclusion of a prosthetic elbow, amputee individual, with incorporation of one or more of the following features: expandability in length or size to accommodate child growth or other expandability needs, grasp locking capability, individual finger locking capability, three degree of freedom wrist joint, dynamic tensional rotation control of wrist, dynamic grasp control to allow grasping of irregular objects, extended grasp for gripping larger objects, excessive force breakaway, and algorithms to support by user of care-provider adjustment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The method calls for the periodic electrical stimulation of the heart muscle to alter the ejection profile of the heart thus reducing the observed blood pressure of the patient. The therapy may be invoked by an implantable blood pressure sensor associated with a pacemaker like device.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices that include a non-woven framework are described, as well as methods of using such devices to deliver therapeutic compounds to a patient.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a needle or a catheter, insertable into a living body, which defines a plurality of holes in fluid communication with a central lumen. The holes may be of various patterns located and angled to create a desired injectate cloud pattern when an injectate is forced through the central lumen and through the plurality of holes. One embodiment provides various designs including a moveable sheath or stylet used to selectively occlude one or more of the holes while in use, thereby providing an operating physician a way to manipulate the cloud pattern anytime during the introduction of the injectate. A reducer may be used in conjunction with these needles which provides an increased degree of control when injecting very small quantities of fluid.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a needle or a catheter, insertable into a living body, which defines a plurality of holes in fluid communication with a central lumen. The holes may be of various patterns located and angled to create a desired injectate cloud pattern when an injectate is forced through the central lumen and through the plurality of holes. One embodiment provides various designs including a moveable sheath or stylet used to selectively occlude one or more of the holes while in use, thereby providing an operating physician a way to manipulate the cloud pattern anytime during the introduction of the injectate. A reducer may be used in conjunction with these needles which provides an increased degree of control when injecting very small quantities of fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns making and evaluating synthetic regulatory regions for controlling gene expression. The invention features a method for identifying transcription factor binding sites and a method for evaluating the regulatory functions of synthetic regulatory regions.

Abstract: An implantable stent having surface features adapted to promote an organized growth pattern of infiltrating cells when implanted in a tubular organ is provided. The surface features comprise depressions, pores, projections, pleats, channels or grooves in the stent body and are designed to increase turbulence or stagnation in the flow of a liquid, such as blood through the stent, and/or to promote the growth of infiltrating cells in an organized pattern. Alternatively, the invention stent can be populated with living cells prior to implant and can be heatable from an external source of energy, thereby inducing production of therapeutic bioactive agents from ingrowing cells. The invention also provides an implantable heatable stent for transcutaneously monitoring the flow of fluid through a lumen into which the stent is implanted by measuring the rate at which the heated stent cools in response to blood flow when the source of heat is removed.

Abstract: Use of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A as a marker for inflammatory conditions, and in particular, for acute coronary syndromes is described.

Abstract: Through-the-wash automatic dishwashing detergent compositions, especially detergent compositions comprising zinc-containing materials, are provided for protecting glassware from surface corrosion during automatic dishwashing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.