Abstract: Genes and proteins which modulate the virulence of meningitic E. coli bacteria, in particular neonatal meningitic strains of E. coli are provided. In particular, this invention provides sequences for the IbeA gene cluster (GimA) and the proteins encoded by these genes. Compositions and diagnostic assays utilizing the sequences are also provided.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter and method of use for mapping and ablation procedures. The catheter includes a braided conductive member at its distal end that can be radially expanded. The catheter can be used in endocardial and epicardial mapping and ablation procedures.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transmitting real-time streaming data are provided. The apparatus has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a relay server. Real-time streaming transmission paths between the first terminal and the relay server as well as between the second terminal and the relay server are established, and the first and the second terminals can obtain information from each other. Whether the first and the second terminals are directly connectable or tested. When the first and the second terminals can be connected directly, the first terminal alters the real-time streaming transmission path directly to the second terminal without passing through the relay server. When the second terminal can be connected directly to the first terminal, the second terminal alters the real-time streaming data transmission path directly to the first terminal with passing through the relay server.

Abstract: The patterns of contraction and relaxation of the heart before and during left ventricular or biventricular pacing are analyzed and displayed in real time mode to assist physicians to screen patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy, to set the optimal AN or right ventricle to left ventricle interval delay, and to select the site(s) of pacing that result in optimal cardiac performance. The system includes an accelerometer sensor (40); a programmable pace maker (35, 41), a computer data analysis module (32), and may also include a 2D and 3D visual graphic display of analytic results (43, 44), i.e. a Ventricular Contraction Map. A feedback network (32) provides direction for optimal pacing leads placement.

Abstract: The patterns of contraction and relaxation of the heart before and during left ventricular or biventricular pacing are analyzed and displayed in real time mode to assist physicians to screen patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy, to set the optimal A-V or right ventricle to left ventricle interval delay, and to select the site(s) of pacing that result in optimal cardiac performance. The system includes an accelerometer sensor; a programmable pace maker, a computer data analysis module, and may also include a 2D and 3D visual graphic display of analytic results, i.e. a Ventricular Contraction Map. A feedback network provides direction for optimal pacing leads placement.

Abstract: Genes and proteins which modulate the virulence of meningitic E. coli bacteria, in particular neonatal meningitic strains of E. coli are provided. In particular, this inventions provides sequences for the IbeA gene cluster (GimA) and the proteins encoded by these genes. Compositions and diagnostic assays utilizing the sequences are also provided.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter and method of use for mapping and ablation procedures. The catheter includes a braided conductive member at its distal end that can be radially expanded. The catheter can be used in endocardial and epicardial mapping and ablation procedures.

Abstract: Genes and proteins which modulate the virulence of meningitic E. coli bacteria, in particular neonatal meningitic strains of E. coli are provided. In particular, this inventions provides sequences for the IbeA gene cluster (GimA) and the proteins encoded by these genes. Compositions and diagnostic assays utilizing the sequences are also provided.

Abstract: A self-cooling electrode for use with an ablation catheter has greater surface area that allows electrode to dissipate heat to the blood pool more effectively and increased thermal mass, and, therefor greater heating capacity/thermal conductivity for improved heat transfer between the electrode and tissue for more effective tissue heating. The electrode design allows increased power to be delivered with minimized risk of overheating or coagulation at the tissue-electrode interface. The increased thermal mass and thermal conductivity of the electrode design are achieved with a substantially solid electrode body with thick walls. Cooling and increased heat exchange are achieved with an alternating pattern of channels and projections that collectively define a plurality of edges either parallel or perpendicular to the electrode axis.

Abstract: A self-cooling electrode for use with an ablation catheter has greater surface area that allows electrode to dissipate heat to the blood pool more effectively and increased thermal mass, and, therefor greater heating capacity/thermal conductivity for improved heat transfer between the electrode and tissue for more effective tissue heating. The electrode design allows increased power to be delivered with minimized risk of overheating or coagulation at the tissue-electrode interface. The increased thermal mass and thermal conductivity of the electrode design are achieved with a substantially solid electrode body with thick walls. Cooling and increased heat exchange are achieved with an alternating pattern of channels and projections that collectively define a plurality of edges either parallel or perpendicular to the electrode axis.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter and method of use for mapping and ablation procedures. The catheter includes a braided conductive member at its distal end that can be radially expanded. The catheter can be used in endocardial and epicardial mapping and ablation procedures.

Abstract: Impedance and capacitance-related parameters are monitored in the electrical circuit of a tissue-ablation apparatus wherein RF electrical power is administered at predetermined frequencies. Tissue temperature has been found to correlate well with low-frequency impedance, or with the resistive component of impedance at any frequency. Therefore, one or both of these parameters are calculated and tracked during the ablation procedure to estimate tissue temperature. Similarly, tissue lesion formation has been found to correlate well with changes in the capacitive component of tissue impedance. Thus, this parameter can be used to track tissue lesion formation during the ablation procedure. The ratio of tissue-to-blood interface with the ablation electrode is estimated by measuring impedance at a very low frequency and a very high frequency. The difference between these two values divided by the high-frequency value is taken to be a measure of such ratio.

Abstract: During an ablation procedure in a chamber of the heart RF energy is used to form a myocardial lesion for treatment of some arrhythmias such as sustained supraventricular tachycardia and accessory pathways. A galvanic cell formed by a metallic electrode having a first work function at the ablation site, a second metallic electrode having a second work function located remote from the ablation site and the intervening tissue serving as an electrolyte, produces an output current signal reflective of the formation of a lesion at the ablation site and is used to control the RF energy applied. A curve depicting the output current signal has a maximum value at the point a burn or lesion formation and thereafter decreases in value. A short duration inflection or bump of the curve occurs prior to charring and carbonization of the lesion.

Abstract: A friction-reducing lubricating-oil filter for Internal Combustion Engine and in which a solid-lubricant-feeding equipment is equipped on the lubricating-oil duct where the lubricating-oil has been finely cleaned and has not got to the friction parts, which is wholly sealed and is filled with solid lubricant, on which there are several holes evenly arranged; when the lubricating-oil flows over the outside surface of said solid-lubricant-feeding equipment and said holes, because the static pressure of the flowing liquid is lower, the solid lubricant in the solid-lubricant-feeding equipment is drawn out through said holes and mixes with the lubricating-oil. This friction-reducing lubricating-oil equipment doesn't need any other driving equipment and can transfer the solid lubricant to the friction parts without filtering out by the filter, and therefore is not only simple in structure, but also very effective in friction-reducing.