Abstract:
To facilitate the study of Nogo-66 interaction with its neuronal receptors, and to explore therapeutic opportunities, the present invention provides mutant human Nogo-66 domain-based proteins that do not aggregate during isolation or purification procedures, and methods for using these proteins. Aggregates of Nogo-66 domain containing proteins do not effectively or efficiently bind to the NgR1 receptor, and therefore limit the utility of Nogo-66 domain-based reagents. To overcome aggregation problems, the invention provides proteins that comprise a mutant human Nogo-66 domain, wherein the cysteine at position 47 of the wild-type human Nogo-66 domain is mutated. The invention also provides for various Nogo-66 domain fusion reporter proteins that are able to bind to NgR1, and therefore can be used in high-throughput assays to identify drug candidate compounds that can block binding of the Nogo-66 domain to NgR1, indicating that these compounds may be potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases and neuronal repair.
Abstract:
The invention is generally directed to a method for sealing a puncture through a wall of a blood vessel or wall of a body cavity. The invention is also directed to a medical closure system including a closure member, an occlusive material or a composition of occlusive materials.
Abstract:
Bioactive-coated medical devices are provided, including coated vascular stents. The medical device coating can include a coating layer posited over at least a portion of the medical device surface, and can include a butyl methacrylate polymer or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in combination with a bioactive material that can function as both an immunosuppressive agent and an antiproliferative agent. Optionally, multilayer coatings can further include an adhesion promoting layer comprising parylene positioned between the coating layer and the medical device surface, a porous layer comprising butyl methacrylate positioned over at least a portion of the coating layer, or both. The coating layer preferably comprises between about 0.5 and 2.0 μg/mm2 of the bioactive material on the outer surface of the medical device. The bioactive material can be absorbed into the coating layer, which can have a thickness of between about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm.
Abstract:
A coated medical device adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient is provided. The medical device is preferably an implantable balloon with a bioactive deposited or within the balloon. The balloon can further include a hydrophilic material positioned between the balloon and a bioactive material posited on the balloon.
Abstract:
Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a frame formed at least in part from a metallic bioabsorbable material are provided. The devices can be pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material, or a bioabsorbable material, including a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent venous valves.
Abstract:
A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, and merely by condensation of a monomer vapor.
Abstract:
The present invention describes a system for monitoring items coupled with support utilities. The system is configured to detect motions caused by customer actions and optimize the camera system and computing resources of a remote server. The system also is configured to sense items that are removed, added or misplaced automatically.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating to a desired object including a rotatable container having at least one container wall. An electrolyte can be retained within the container, the at least one container wall made of a material that does not allow the electrolyte to pass through the at least one container wall of the container. An anode can be positioned within the container. The apparatus can include a mount for securing the desired object such that a surface of the desired object is exposed to the electrolyte. A controller can be in electrical communication with the anode and the mount, wherein when power is supplied from the controller to the anode and the mount, particles in the electrolyte are deposited on the desired object forming a composite coating.
Abstract:
A filter system for filtering a liquid containing particles including a single media retainer plate having a top and bottom surface, and defining at least one hopper-shaped compartment having a sloped wall defining a slot spanning the top and bottom surfaces is disclosed. The plate also includes at least one baffle extending from the bottom surface and filter media disposed on the top surface. During a filtering operation of the filter system, the filter media captures the particles, such as dirt, from the liquid as the liquid passes through the filter media to an underdrain system. During a backwash operation of the filter system, the baffle is adapted to direct a backwash fluid in a vertical direction through the slot so that the backwash fluid actuates the filter media to scour the top surface of the plate and prevent the build-up of biological scaling on the plate.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for secure transaction management are provided. An example method may include verifying that a mobile terminal identifier is registered with an account, generating an authorization code, and verifying that the received authorization code matches the authorization code stored in association with the account, and the received customer verification number matches the customer verification number associated with the account. The example method may also include providing for transmission of a verification reply to authorize the transaction.