Abstract: This invention relates to IP receptor antagonists selected from the group of compounds represented by Formula I: 1

Abstract: The method for obtaining derivatives of [[(pyridil substituted)methyl]thio]benzomidazol (I), where each of R1, R3 and R4, independently of each other, is hydrogen, an alkyl, alkoxy or fluorinated alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R2 is nitro, halogen, alkoxy or halogenated alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a group —OR—(CH2)n—OR8, where n is an integer between 1 and 6 and R8 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which involves (a) reacting an N-oxide of a methylpyridine with an anhydride of activated carboxylic acid or of sulfonic acid, and (b) reacting the intermediate formed in stage (a) with a corresponding mercaptobenzomidazol. The compounds (I) are useful in the synthesis of derivatives of [[(pyridil substituted)methyl]sulfinyl]benzomidazol, such as omeprazol, lansoprazol, rabeprazol or pantoprazol.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing 1-aryltriazolinones of formula I useful in the production of commercial herbicides: 1

Abstract: Substituted monocyclopentadienyl, monoindenyl, monofluorenyl and heterocyclopentadienyl complexes of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten in which at least one of the substituents on the cyclopentadienyl ring carries a donor function which is bonded rigidly, not exclusively via sp3-hybridized carbon or silicon atoms, and a process for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-alkenyl-amides by reacting the corresponding NH-amides with acetylenes in the liquid phase in the presence of basic alkali metal compounds and of a cocatalyst comprises using as the cocatalyst diols of the general formula (I) 1

Abstract: A multi-step method of synthesizing ketorolac, an analgesic compound, is shown. Several of the reactions and intermediate compounds are novel. The reaction sequence begins with the known compound N-2-bromoethylpyrrole.

Abstract: 2-debenzoyl-4-deacetyl paclitaxel, antineoplastic analogs thereof and intermediates are taught, as well as the formation of the compound, analogs and intermediates. The compound, analogs and intermediates may be used to form pharmaceutical compositions having anti-neoplastic activity. Further, the compound, analogs and intermediates may be used to treat cancer when applied in an effective amount by means such as a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Substituted monocyclopentadienyl, monoindenyl, monofluorenyl and heterocyclopentadienyl complexes of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten in which at least one of the substituents on the cyclopentadienyl ring carries a donor function which is bonded rigidly, not exclusively via sp3-hybridized carbon or silicon atoms, and a process for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: A process for producing diaryl carbonate is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining anhydrous or substantially anhydrous formic acid, in which firstly aqueous formic acid is prepared by hydrolysis of methyl formate and is freed from water in the subsequent work-up. The process has the special feature that steam, which is employed for the hydrolysis of methyl formate and for heating a distillation column serving for work-up, is also used as stripping steam for waste-water stripping. The stripped waste water is produced during work-up.

Abstract: Novel quaternary ammonium compounds are disclosed, as well as methods for their preparation and their use in the treatment of hair, fibers and textiles as softening and conditioning agents. The high substantivity of these novel quaternary ammonium compounds to hair, fibers, and textiles, and their mildness to the skin and eyes, make them well suited for softening and conditioning fibers for applications such as personal care, laundry, and textile use.

Abstract: A method for reducing a malonate having the formula R1R2C(CO2R3)(Co2R4) to a diol having the formula R1R2C(CH2OH)2 comprising treating said malonate with sodium aluminum hydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of nuclear-fluorinated aromatics by reacting, with a fluoride at 40 to 260° C.

Abstract: Novel techniques are disclosed for the direct fluoridation of organic compounds by treatment with fluorine gas in a reaction mixture comprising hydrofluoric acid and at least one of water and formic acid. The techniques are particularly applicable to aromatic organic compounds and beta-dicarbonyl compounds. Increased efficiency of reaction is observed, together with improvements in yield and purity of product, with especially beneficial effects being apparent at low temperatures.

Abstract: Acetylenic compounds in olefin streams such as mixed 1,3-butadiene were selectively hydrogenated over the supported copper catalysts on highly porous supports such as alumina, silica, etc. The preferred supports have the average pore diameter larger than about 200 Å, no micro pores, total pore volume larger than about 0.65 cc/g, and preferably less than about 230 m2/g BET surface area. The copper catalysts were preferably promoted with the Group VIII metal such as palladium to improve low activity of copper catalyst. The product stream typically contains less than 20 ppm total alkynes. Also the copper catalysts and the palladium promoted copper catalysts may be modified with zinc oxide to improve the performance of the catalysts. The reactor was loaded with two or more copper catalysts promoted with different levels of palladium.

Abstract: A catalyst for the disproportionation/transalkylation of various hydrocarbons consists of a carrier and a metal component supported on the carrier. The carrier comprises 10 to 80 wt % of mordenite and/or beta type zeolite with a mole ratio of silica/alumina ranging from 10 to 200; 0 to 70 wt % of ZSM-5 type zeolite with a mole ratio of silica/alumina ranging from 30 to 500; and 5 to 90 wt % of at least one inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of gamma-alumina, silica, silica alumina, bentonite, kaolin, clinoptilolite, and montmorillonite. The metal component comprises platinum and either tin or lead. The catalyst enables mixed xylenes to be produced at remarkably high yields from benzene, toluene and C9 or higher aromatic compounds through disproportionation/transalkylation with a great reduction in aromatic loss. In addition, the catalyst can maintain its catalytic activity for a long period of time without deactivation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fatty acid having 10 or more carbon atom, alcohol having 12 or more carbon atom, ester of a linear saturated fatty acid having 14 or more carbon atoms and monohydric alcohol, ester of a linear saturated fatty acid having 14 or more carbon atoms and polyhydric alcohol, ester of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and glycerine, and the like are buried into soil to decrease nitrate nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater, for the purpose of decreasing nitrate nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater wherein on site treatment is possible, a high biological denitrification ability and a volatile organic compound decreasing ability are provided and secondary pollution by releasing of organic matter and nitrogen into environment is extremely small.

Abstract: A two step process for destruction of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds contained in pitch from ballasts of fluorescent lamps comprises: (a) contacting the pitch with a sufficient amount of an organic solvent such that the pitch and the solvent together form a liquid phase in which the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds are dissolved; and (b) chemically destroying the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds in the liquid phase. In preferred embodiments of the process, the solvent comprises mineral oil and the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds comprise polychlorinated biphenyls. Chemical destruction of the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds preferably comprises treatment with an alkali metal dispersion, preferably sodium metal in mineral oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for visually verifying the quantity of seeds and spacers in a brachythereapy needle. In a first embodiment, the needle is pointed upwardly and seeds and spacers slide from a lumen of the needle, under the influence of gravity, into the lumen of a clear tube that is positioned in axial alignment with the lumen of the needle by a hub. In a second embodiment, the needle is received within the lumen of the clear tube and a stylet is used to push a string of bone wax, seeds, and spacers from the lumen of the needle into the lumen of the clear tube for visual verification. A plunger rod is introduced into the proximal end of the clear tube to push the string back into the needle and the clear tube and plunger are removed to enable use of the needle. In both embodiments, the plunger rod is fully inserted into the clear tube during shipment to prevent unwanted displacement of the seeds and spacers from the needle.

Abstract: Tissue sensors house one or more sensor elements. Each element has a housing mounted substrate and a superstrate with a planar antenna between. A transitional periphery (TP) of a superstrate outer surface interconnects a base to a plateau. At least some of the TP has a generally smooth transition. Plural elements are spaced by the housing. Alternately, the superstrate TP is flat, the housing extends to the outer superstrate surface and a shield surrounds the element. The housing is flush with or recessed below the superstrate and defines a TP between the housing and superstrate. A method converts a reference signal to complex form; plots it in a complex plane as a reference point (RP); converts a measurement signal to complex form; plots it in the complex plane as a measurement point (MP); determine a complex distance between the MP and the RP; and compares complex distance to a threshold.

Abstract: An implanted hearing aid or hearing device includes at least one permanent magnet (15) positioned in the area of the middle ear, as well as at least one coil (17), with at least one permanent magnet (15) attached to the promontory (13).

Abstract: A device for treating urinary stress incontinence in women includes a flexible and elongate mechanism including a tape for supporting a urethra and a flat protective sheath enveloping the tape; and a puncturing needle with an active distal end and a proximal end connected to a first end of the flexible and elongate mechanism, wherein the proximal end of the puncturing needle is connected to a first end of the flexible and elongate mechanism by an intermediate traction element, a second end of the flexible and elongate mechanism being free.

Abstract: The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site.

Abstract: Remote sexual intercourse is enabled using mechanical surrogates in the form of human genital components. Pressure and displacement sensors perceive action upon the surrogate. Actuators for pressure and displacement enable a second surrogate to mimic the contact imparted on the first. A computer program repeats contact messages comprising contact characteristics that describe the nature of a physical contact perceived by a surrogate with full duplex capability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a medical instrument over the exterior of an endoscope while the endoscope is installed in the patient's body allow the use of instruments which are too large to fit through the lumena of an endoscope. Furthermore, the invention allows the elimination of working lumena in an endoscope thereby minimizing the likelihood of contamination.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermal ablation or coagulation of biological tissue using a scanning laser beam with real-time video monitoring and monitoring of therapeutic treatment parameters, such as temperature prior to or during treatment. In a preferred embodiment, a unique reflective optical delivery system is employed in conjunction with temperature control of the treatment area, and possibly, cryogenic treatment of the treatment area, to eliminate or reduce the need for anesthetics. All therapeutic parameters can be displayed on a video monitor, which is attached to a laser scanner. The reflective optics of the laser scanner can provide precise single-layer vaporization by the laser without thermal injury to the underlying tissue, and the video monitor allows a surgeon to monitor all therapeutic parameters both before and during a treatment procedure. The video monitor also can provide a three-dimensional view of the treatment area. This also can be videotaped for documentation purposes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical transesophageal echocardiography probe (OPTEE) having an optical fiber bundle, a suction channel and light channels for illumination, wherein the OPTEE has a circumference along its distal tip that allows both safe insertion and insures the stability of the probe. The probe tip is generally circular in circumference, but levels off to a flat surface for a portion of the circumference, and is provided with beveled edges and corner throughout so that there are no sharp edges to traumatize the patient.

Abstract: A cleansing system for the intestine of a patient includes a pumping system adapted to provide pulses of a cleansing fluid at a controlled rate and an annular fluid channel in fluid communication with the pumping system. The annular fluid channel serves as a fluid conduit between the body cavity to be cleansed and the exterior of the body. A delivery system includes a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly having at least two lumens through which the cleansing fluid exits the nozzle assembly, the at least two lumens being arranged at an angle relative to the annular fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatus useful in remotely modifying medical protocols by subgroups that are defined by specific database characteristics. In addition individual patient protocols may also be remotely modified. The method has application in medical databases containing the data collected by remote device monitoring of outpatients. These outpatients may be managed by one or more medical treatment or clinical research protocols or regimens involving pharmaceutical drugs, physiological data, educational content, and health status assessment or quality of life questionnaires. This method of mass customization of medical protocols, present in a medical database, is useful in efficiently monitoring and managing medical outpatients, through simultaneously instructing selected patient subgroups present in the database to make a change in their respective medical protocols.

Abstract: A software system for gathering and managing medical patient information is disclosed. The system has two components: a first computer module for gathering medical information using medical data entry screens, and a second computer module for creating customized medical data entry screens. The second module can create and customize virtually all aspect of the medical data entry screens. The present invention also allows users to create natural language reports from the medical data that has been gathered, and these reports can reviewed on the screen or through a print-out. Additionally, the data is stored is stored in database, with unique identifiers assigned to each data point, thereby facilitating data mining. The system also includes a matrix, a unique data entry tool that allows users to easily correlate body parts and modifiers.

Abstract: A health monitoring and biofeedback system comprising a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a processing device, and a Web site server for determining, displaying and analyzing various cardiovascular parameters. The PPG sensor is installed within a manually operated user input device such as a mouse or keyboard, measures a user's blood volume contour and transmits it to a processing device such as a personal computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The system determines a plurality of cardiovascular indices including mean blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and arterial compliance on the basis of signal characteristics of the systolic wave pulse and the systolic reflected wave pulse present within the digital volume pulse derived from the PPG pulse contour.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.

Abstract: A medical information system receives patient data and information from various sources and displays such information in a variety of formats for use by member of a medical team in a hospital, clinic, or office. The system receives patient information from doctors, pharmacists, patient monitoring equipment, testing laboratories, and/or computer databases. Access to selected subsets of patient information is provided by user selection of specific data sets identified by job function selection icons. A member of the medical team can record observations about a patient using key words and phrases which can be supplemented with additional text for customized notation. Multiple types of patient data are selectively displayed simultaneously, and to multiple remote users.

Abstract: A method calibrates a monitor that comprises a non-invasive blood constituent monitor and a traditional measurement system. The non-invasive blood constituent monitor includes a thermal gradient inducing element an analyzer window. A traditional monitor output representing a property of a blood constituent is generated by the traditional measurement system. A non-invasive monitor output representing the property of the whole blood constituent is generated by the non-invasive constituent monitor. The traditional monitor output and the non-invasive monitor output are compared to estimate an amount of error. The non-invasive monitor output is corrected by the amount of error.

Abstract: The present invention involves method and apparatus for analyzing two measured signals that are modeled as containing primary and secondary portions. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention involves utilizing a transformation which evaluates a plurality of possible signal coefficients in order to find appropriate coefficients. Alternatively, the present invention involves using statistical functions or Fourier transform and windowing techniques to determine the coefficients relating to two measured signals. Use of this invention is described in particular detail with respect to blood oximetry measurements.

Abstract: A member-illuminating cuff for measurement of systolic, mean and diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, pulse and respiratory rate in small body members, comprising a hinged cuff housing, one or more light sources mounted on a first section of the housing, a photodetector mounted on a second section of the housing, and a disposable, inflatable cuff adapted to fit within the cuff housing and around a body member placed therein.

Abstract: An electrical activity sensor for sensing and reproducing electrical potentials at the surface of a test item such as a human being has an electrode configured to be capacitively coupled to the test item and a variable capacitance coupled to the electrode. The capacitively coupled electrode and the variable capacitance cooperate to mitigate a need for conductively coupling the electrode to the test subject.

Abstract: A targeting device defines a direction of approach to a subsurface target under guidance of imaging equipment such as a computer tomograph or a magnetic resonance imaging machine. The targeting device is positioned relative to the target in such a way that the optimal direction of approach avoiding vital internal structures can be selected by reference to the images displayed on the imagine equipment. The device projects a visible light beam, such as a laser beam, on a region of a patient, indicating the point of entry and the angle of approach to the subsurface target.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for predicting a future occurrence of an activity for data acquisition timing. The disclosed technique can predict mechanical activity, such as physiological activity, to facilitate acquisition timing for a data acquisition system, which may comprise an imaging assembly, a physiological diagnostic assembly, or other acquisition assemblies.

Abstract: A parameter compilation memory (62, 114) stores patient physiological information and contrast agent arrival or uptake times (tD, tA, tV) from past patients. A triggering or synchronizing window processor (64, 112) sets a triggering window, i.e. estimates the arrival time, based on the past patient information. A subject (16) disposed within an imaging region (12, 90) is injected with a contrast agent (66). Arrival of the contrast agent in the imaging region is detected (72, 110) with a real time tracking method. Diagnostic imaging is commenced on the first to occur of the detection of contrast agent arrival within the window and the end of the triggering window. The uptake times for the subject (16) are compared to those stored in the memory (62, 114) and analyzed to propose a diagnosis.

Abstract: A medical device and position sensor combination for use in medical applications comprises a position sensor having a core made of a high permeable material. The core material is made of a Wiegand effect material comprising a mixture of cobalt, vanadium, and iron. The position sensor has an outer diameter of approximately 0.4 mm and is used in a medical device having an outer diameter of approximately 0.67 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is a device localization system that uses one or more ultrasound reference catheters to establish a fixed three-dimensional coordinate system within a patient's heart using principles of triangulation. The coordinate system is represented graphically in three-dimensions on a video monitor and aids the clinician in guiding other medical devices, which are provided with ultrasound transducers, through the body to locations at which they are needed to perform clinical procedures. In one embodiment of a system according to the present invention, the system is used in the heart to help the physician guide mapping catheters for measuring electrical activity, and ablation catheters for ablating selected regions of cardiac tissue, to desired locations within the heart.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microparticle population of controlled fragility. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for passing a fluid through a shunt located in the wall of a heart, the shunt providing fluid communication between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, with a hollow catheter. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of inserting a wire through a shunt located in the wall of a heart with a hollow catheter. A further aspect of the present invention relates to passing fluid through a shunt located in the wall of a heart, the shunt providing fluid communication between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, by injecting fluid into the heart chamber. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a catheter with a flexible, hollow, inner member to which a self expanding basket is attached. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of passing a radio-opaque contrast fluid through a shunt located in a heart wall, the shunt providing fluid communication between a heart chamber and a coronary artery.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits, for assessing luminal lesions rely on intraluminal detection of labeled annexin. Annexin coupled to a detectable marker is introduced to a body lumen, either into the lumen itself or systemically in patient circulation, and localizes at a lesion. The detector is introduced into the body lumen and the localize distribution of the detectable marker is detected in situ. The information is useful for a number of purposes including the identification of unstable plaque in patients suffering from atherosclerotic disease.

Abstract: A system and a method for obtaining an image of a body part within a body are provided. A radiotracer including Indium-111 is administered to the body part. The system includes a first gamma ray sensor and a second gamma ray sensor, each being configured to detect prompt gamma rays emitted by Indium-111. The first gamma ray sensor is positioned external to the body, and the second gamma ray sensor is positioned either internally within the body or within a body orifice or body cavity. A relative position of the second gamma ray sensor with respect to the first gamma ray sensor may be known. The respective detections of gamma rays by the first and second gamma ray sensors may be used to determine a distribution of radioactive source material in the body part. The radiotracer may also include a positron emitter. The first and second gamma ray sensors may be configured to detect substantially coincident gamma rays emitted as a result of a positron annihilation event.

Abstract: 1 method is provided for obtaining an extended field of view diagnostic ultrasound image. image frame and a second image frame of an object of interest are acquired. The image are rotated relative to one another. Pixel points, representing spatial points in the object rest, are identified in the first image frame. Pixel points corresponding to the pixel points first image frame are then computed in the second image frame. A rotation angle en the first and the second image frames is calculated based on a least-squares relation en the pixel points. The first and second image frames are combined to form a part of an ded field of view image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scanhead having an integral beamformer and a transducer assembly that is demountable from the scanhead. The scanhead has a frontal portion including a transducer assembly, and a rear portion including a beamformer. The frontal portion further includes a connective interface to electrically communicate with a corresponding connective interface on the rear portion. In a first embodiment, the frontal portion includes an interior portion with an opening to slidably receive a corresponding portion of the rear portion. In another embodiment, an interposer is positioned between the frontal portion and the rear portion to electrically couple the spaced apart connective interfaces. In still another embodiment, the frontal and rear portions are axisymmetrically-shaped and have corresponding threaded portions to couple the frontal and rear portions.

Abstract: A compounding method for reducing speckle noise applied in an ultrasound imaging apparatus is disclosed. The compounding method includes the steps of providing an object, measuring the object for obtaining a reference image by the ultrasound imaging apparatus, applying an external force to the object to deform the object, measuring the deformed object for obtaining an deformed object image at the same position, estimating an in-plane displacement field of the deformed object image for correcting an in-plane motion of the object to obtain a corrected image, and compounding the reference image with the corrected image to obtain a compounded image of the object for achieving the speckle noise reduction.

Abstract: A method for transmitting ultrasound pulses and receiving echo signals at a harmonic of the transmission frequency includes the steps of generating a signal for exciting a transducer to transmit at least one ultrasound pulse at a basic transmission frequency and receiving the reflection echo of said pulse at a harmonic of the frequency of the transmitted pulse, any contributions to the harmonic frequency being removed or attenuated in the signal for exciting pulse transmission, characterized in that the signal for exciting the transducer/s is filtered or coupled thereto via a resonant circuit which is calibrated to the basic frequency. In combination therewith or alternatively thereto, the method includes a resonant circuit for additional coupling with a receiver. Included is an apparatus for transmitting ultrasound pulses and receiving echo signals at a harmonic of the transmission frequency, particularly an ultrasound imaging probe and an ultrasound imaging machine.