Abstract:
Improved hand assemblies and methods combining a number of the separate known devices used in transseptal catheterization procedures, including sheaths, dilators, and needle assemblies (including a puncture device and a stylet, for example). The hand assemblies provide cooperating members that reduce the overall complexity and increase safety of transseptal catheterization procedures.
Abstract:
The present compositions and methods relate to a lipase cloned from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, polynucleotides encoding the lipase, and methods of use thereof. The compositions and methods have particular application in detergent cleaning compositions and methods.
Abstract:
Described are compositions and methods relating to the removal of oily stains from fabrics and other surfaces using a lipase in combination with a selected surfactant to mediate the release of fatty acids generated by the lipase. The compositions and methods have application in, e.g., laundry cleaning and dishwashing.
Abstract:
The present invention provides peptides and supported peptides for treating various diseases and conditions. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for personal care. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions for use in skin and/or hair care, as well as cosmetic compositions. In alternative particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides peptides and supported peptides for treating diseases of the skin, such as rosacea. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the supported peptides of the present invention are anti-VEGF peptides. In alternative particularly preferred embodiments, the anti-VEGF peptides are expressed on a scaffold protein. In some most preferred embodiments, the scaffold protein comprises BBI.
Abstract:
A soft tissue defect repair system for approximating defects, such as defects in the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, includes a cannulated rod through which is disposed a suture retrieval device. A strand of suture includes a locking or ratcheting knot pre-tied around the outside of the cannulated rod and a free end that is guided in and out of the soft tissue. A knot pusher fits around the cannulated rod, which is used to push the knot off of the cannulated rod after the stitching of the tissue is accomplished. The defect is approximated by tensioning the free end. Various suturing methods or patterns are disclosed for defect approximation.
Abstract:
A method and system for providing advanced storage features using commodity, consumer-level storage devices is provided. The advanced storage system is a component that is connected between the computer system and one or more physical disk drives. The host interface of the advanced storage system presents itself to the computer system as a virtual disk drive that implements the commands of consumer-level storage hardware that are familiar to the host controller of the computer system. Similarly, the storage device interface of the advanced storage system presents itself to one or more disk drives as a consumer-level host controller, regardless of the actual topology of the physical storage devices that are connected. This system provides a simple way for a user to combine low-cost, consumer-level hardware to add advanced storage features to a computer system.
Abstract:
An exemplary capacitor has a capacitor stack positioned in a case with a conductor positioned between the case and a lid. In one embodiment the conductor is positioned between the lid and an upper rim of the case and is welded to the lid and case. In one aspect, a capacitor constructed with round wire connectors for interconnecting anode and cathode layers. In one aspect, a configuration for electrically connecting a terminal wire to a capacitor case in which an end of the wire is attached to the case in end-on fashion. The terminal wire may have an expanded end for attaching to the capacitor case in a manner that minimizes the effect on the height profile of the case.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods related to expression of protease inhibitors and variants thereof in bacterial species. The present invention further provides fusion nucleic acids, vectors, fusion polypeptides, and processes for obtaining the protease inhibitors.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus for suture-based tissue repair, preferably for the annulus of a spinal disc, that includes a suture loop preferably pre-tied with a sliding knot, a clasp-type component that captures the ends of the suture loop, and an optional plug member that fills the tissue defect. Also disclosed is a method that places the suture loop in a full-thickness stitch encircling the tissue defect, secures the ends of the suture loop to the clasp, and cinches the suture loop to approximate the tissue without the need to tie knots. Also disclosed is a suture passer that enables a suture strand or loop to be passed through the tissue wall, captured, and retrieved. The suture passer may optionally incorporate a clasp in such an arrangement that enables a suture loop passed through the tissue wall to be captured directly by the clasp.