Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing system comprising a receiver to receive a first entity comprising first meta-data, expressed using a semantic web language, defining at least one relationship between first software and at least one associated patch for the first software; means to receive a second entity comprising second meta-data, expressed using the semantic web language, defining at least one relationship between installed software and at least one installed patch for the installed software; and a semantic web query language engine for subjecting the one or more of the first meta-data, second meta-data and an ontology, expressing concepts and relationships between software and at least one patch for said software, to an analysis; and means to output data representing the result of the analysis; the result providing data relating to at least one of the first meta-data and the second meta-data.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector system, including an optical connector disposed therein, and a recess allowing a through connector to be connected to the optical connector. The optical fiber connector system includes an engagement mechanism that acts on the optical connector to prevent release of the through connector when connected to the optical connector, and which is operable to enable release of the through connector. The engagement mechanism is a movable element that normally engages the connector to the support and which can be moved to disengage the connector from the support, thereby releasing the through connector.

Abstract: An antenna comprising: a first substantially planar ground plate; a first substantially planar resonator positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the first ground plate; a second substantially planar ground plate positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the first ground plate; two or more connectors for electrically connecting the second ground plate to ground; and one or more connectors for electrically connecting the first resonator to the second ground plate; wherein the first resonator and the second ground plate are connected to at least one of receiver means and transmitter means by antenna feeding means.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating ischemic tissue are provided herein.

Abstract: An antenna comprising: a first substantially planar ground plate; a first substantially planar resonator positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the first ground plate; a second substantially planar ground plate positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the first ground plate; two or more connectors for electrically connecting the second ground plate to ground; and one or more connectors for electrically connecting the first resonator to the second ground plate; wherein the first resonator and the second ground plate are connected to at least one of receiver means and transmitter means by antenna feeding means.

Abstract: A cell delivery system and method for delivering cells locally to a tissue, body cavity, or joint is described. The cell delivery system comprises a catheter configured to deliver stem cells in a pressure controlled manner. The catheter may comprise an inner bladder and an outer perforated bladder. The inner bladder may be expanded through the use of a pressure conduit in order to deploy a stent. Cells, such as endothelial cells derived from adipose tissue, may be introduced between the inner and outer bladder. The inner bladder may be further expanded in order to exert pressure on the outer perforated bladder to advance the stems cells though the apertures of the outer bladder. The inner bladder may remain pressurized to hold the outer bladder against the vessel wall, thereby directing the stem cells to specific target sites. The system may be used to deliver stem cells with or without other therapeutic agents. The system may be used with or without a stent.

Abstract: An antenna including: a first substantially planar ground plate; a first substantially planar resonator positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the first ground plate; a second substantially planar ground plate positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the first ground plate; two or more connectors for electrically connecting the second ground plate to ground; and one or more connectors for electrically connecting the first resonator to the second ground plate; wherein the first resonator and the second ground plate are connected to at least one of receiver means and transmitter means by antenna feeding means.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices for use in supporting various cell therapies and tissue engineering methods. The present invention provides an automated cell separation apparatus capable of separating cells from a tissue sample for use in cell therapies and/or tissue engineering. The cell separation apparatus can be used in combination with complementary devices such as cell collection device and/or a sodding apparatus to support various therapies. The automated apparatus includes media and tissue dissociating chemical reservoirs, filters, a cell separator and a perfusion flow loop through a graft chamber which supports a graft substrate or other endovascular device. The present invention further provides methods for using the tissue grafts and cell samples prepared by the devices described herein in a multitude of therapies including revascularization, regeneration and reconstruction of tissues and organs, as well as treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) and Blood Vessel Mimics (BVMs) and methods for using TEVGs as BVMs in in vitro model systems for the evaluation of intravascular devices and drugs. The present invention additionally relates to devices and methods for preparing TEVGs, BVMs and BVM model systems.

Abstract: An endovascular graft, e.g., having both an expandable stent portion and a stent cover portion positioned within and/or surrounding the expandable portion, the graft itself and/or a stent cover portion being coated with a bioactive agent adapted to promote initial thrombus formation, preferably followed by long term fibrous tissue ingrowth. The endovascular graft addresses concerns regarding endoleaking by permitting the graft to be deployed and used in a manner that promotes a short term hemostatic effect in the perigraft region. This short term effect can, in turn, be used to promote or permit long term fibrous tissue ingrowth. Particularly where the stent cover portion is prepared from a porous material selected from PET and ePTFE, the bioactive agent can include a thrombogenic agent such as collagen covalently attached in the form of a thin, conformal coating on at least the outer surface of the stent cover.

Abstract: An endovascular graft, e.g., having both an expandable stent portion and a stent cover portion positioned within and/or surrounding the expandable portion, the graft itself and/or a stent cover portion being coated with a bioactive agent adapted to promote initial thrombus formation, preferably followed by long term fibrous tissue ingrowth. The endovascular graft addresses concerns regarding endoleaking by permitting the graft to be deployed and used in a manner that promotes a short term hemostatic effect in the perigraft region. This short term effect can, in turn, be used to promote or permit long term fibrous tissue ingrowth. Particularly where the stent cover portion is prepared from a porous material selected from PET and ePTFE, the bioactive agent can include a thrombogenic agent such as collagen covalently attached in the form of a thin, conformal coating on at least the outer surface of the stent cover.

Abstract: An endovascular graft, e.g., having both an expandable stent portion and a stent cover portion positioned within and/or surrounding the expandable portion, the graft itself and/or a stent cover portion being coated with a bioactive agent adapted to promote initial thrombus formation, preferably followed by long term fibrous tissue ingrowth. The endovascular graft addresses concerns regarding endoleaking by permitting the graft to be deployed and used in a manner that promotes a short term hemostatic effect in the perigraft region. This short term effect can, in turn, be used to promote or permit long term fibrous tissue ingrowth. Particularly where the stent cover portion is prepared from a porous material selected from PET and ePTFE, the bioactive agent can include a thrombogenic agent such as collagen covalently attached in the form of a thin, conformal coating on at least the outer surface of the stent cover.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for describing a system using sets of cause and effect statements. Elimination of intermediate effects then reveals all the explanations for the observed or desired behaviors in polynomial computing time. As can be appreciated, that behavior is described by Boolean expressions on the effects and the explanations are expressed in terms of all the hypotheses stated as Boolean expressions on the primary causes. Correspondingly, these methods find all the explanations consistent with the scope of the set of cause and effect relations. The invention also comprises data processing systems programmed to apply the methods to such applications as generating/predicting all the consequences of each hypothesis to identify side effects, implementing the causes to produce desired effects, and constructing inventions by selecting from appropriate capabilities.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector system, including an optical connector disposed therein, and a recess allowing a through connector to be connected to the optical connector. The optical fibre connector system includes an engagement mechanism that acts on the optical connector to prevent release of the through connector when connected to the optical connector, and which is operable to enable release of the through connector. The engagement mechanism is a movable element that normally engages the connector to the support and which can be moved to disengage the connector from the support, thereby releasing the through connector.

Abstract: A method of invoking a web service comprising the steps of: generating a generic client module for requesting web services, the generic module being adapted to output commands invoking web services in conformity with a canonical model of commercial activities in a given commercial domain; and generating, from the canonical model and information relating to a syntax used to invoke web services at an enterprise, an adaptation module, adapted to receive commands output by the generic module, and express those commands as one or more commands having a syntax by which web services may be directly invoked at the enterprise.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating ischemic tissue are provided herein.

Abstract: Tissue engineering methods and biochamber apparatus are provided for making tissue grafts for implantation into a patient. The methods include applying a sustained low magnitude pressure gradient transmurally across a permeable scaffold material using a media containing cells, preferably microvascular epithelial cells, to be deposited on the scaffold for the production of tissue grafts, preferably vascular grafts, to promote accelerated adhesion and maturation of cells on the scaffold material. Biochambers for preparing tubular tissue grafts are provided which contain connectors for holding a graft substrate, proximal and distal tubing for connection to an optional perfusion system, and structure for switching between transmural flow of a cell suspension across the graft substrate and translumenal flow through the lumen of the graft.

Abstract: Laminin-containing coatings for the surfaces of implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings promote the formation of vessels in association with the coated surfaces with minimal fibrotic resonse.

Abstract: This application discloses methods and materials for preparing functional microvascular beds in the laboratory. These prevascularized constructs can be used to vascularize engineered tissue constructs or to revascularize damaged or diseased tissues or organs following implantation. The prevascularized constructs may also deliver genetically engineered gene products to the bloodstream.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating congestive heart failure are provided herein.