Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for treating a vulnerable plaque are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, the exemplary apparatus includes a medical device to treat a vulnerable plaque within a body lumen, where the medical device is adapted to position a rupturing device to rupture a fibrous cap of a vulnerable plaque. In one particular embodiment, the medical device includes a rupturing wire having a predetermined pattern to enable the rupturing device to rupture the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
Abstract:
An Internet technology-based system (e.g., Web site) allows users to filter and evaluate the quality, validity, interpretation and significance of information through a process of online discussion and ratings. The system leverages the inter-connection of the Internet to tap the expertise of users anywhere in the world, such that filtering and evaluation emerges dynamically from the process of discussion and rating. In an illustrative implementation, the system infrastructure includes a series of data bases, a rating process, discussion forum, mechanisms for site organization and operation, and user interfaces. The database may include an index of citations, users, visitors, authors, experts, editors, and journal open access policy. The databases, rating process, discussion forum, and other elements of the system function to facilitate communication by the fostering of comment and criticism about the stated literature. In turn, one would expect improved understanding and interpretation of the literature. Visitors may make contributions to the database, and such contributions are shared with those of common interest in a way to stimulate discussion amongst experts in the stated topic. In addition, the use of the stated databases may be used in a way as to offer experts and listed corresponding authors the ability to create enhanced profiles. These enhanced profiles may be displayed as an author's unique web page. Content will be provided by authors, allowing them to both embellish on their published work, and to provide original content consistent with the publishing policies of the respective journal in which the stated work was published. A document management system for solicitation, verification, organization, and integration of this data is described.
Abstract:
A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product includes a rack unit having a plurality of support structures capable of extending out from the rack unit, a plurality of dispensing units each containing a product for dispensing and arranged on the support structures and including restraining means to restrain all but a first support structure of the plurality of support structures when a first support structure is extended from the rack unit.
Abstract:
A clip strip display unit to which a plurality of packaged items may be clipped for display; the unit being capable of being expanded to fit into a variety of vertical spaces; the unit also being provided with a variety of securing means for securing it in position, these securing means being of the type that will be adapted for use in the usual retail installations that are likely to be encountered.
Abstract:
A tracker for an air borne or maritime collision avoidance system includes digital logic to servo a track gate pulse about the target pulse. The logic is arranged to utilize range change data during the interval from the track gate pulse to a moving target pulse. This arrangement eliminates the need for a range counter to measure the entire range from the interrogation pulse to the target pulse. Instead, the range counter measures the range from the leading edge of the track gate pulse to the target pulse and compares the range counter value with a predetermined fixed number representing the range interval from the leading edge of the track gate to the target pulse of a perfectly centered target pulse, or, simply, one half the desired resolution of the system.
Abstract:
Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide, substantially pure Rps2 polyneptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.
Abstract:
Drug-delivery stents capable of providing release of two or more drugs such as everolimus and estradiol are provided. The stents can be used for treating a disease such as restenosis and vulnerable plaque.
Abstract:
A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product stored in bulk includes a storage portion for storing loose product and a removable dispensing barrel located within the bottom of the storage portion. The dispensing barrel includes an inlet positioned adjacent a first end of the barrel and an outlet positioned adjacent a second end of the barrel opposite the first end. The first end of the barrel is removably fastened to the storage portion. The apparatus also includes an auger located within the dispensing barrel having a major diameter and a first end removably fastened to the first end of the dispensing barrel, and a brush member positioned adjacent the auger for brushing excess product away from the major diameter.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the regional delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of vascular diseases wherein regional delivery refers to delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of the therapeutic agent to an area of the vessel that includes not only afflicted tissue but non-afflicted tissue at the periphery of the afflicted tissue as well.
Abstract:
Drug-delivery stents capable of providing release of two or more drugs such as everolimus and estradiol are provided. The stents can be used for treating a disease such as restenosis and vulnerable plaque.