Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of in vivo optical imaging, of the blood vessels and/or blood pool of a mammalian subject, which comprises an optical imaging contrast agent. The optical imaging agents comprise conjugates of far-red or near-infrared dyes with synthetic polyethyleneglycol (PEG) polymers having a molecular weight in the range 15-45 kDa. Also disclosed are methods of treatment monitoring, methods of diagnosis and medical uses involving the contrast agents.

Abstract: A critical date management system includes a critical date management module (CDM), project management system, and flow management system in which the CDM dynamically and automatically links activities and tasks in an overall project. Once a project plan is submitted to the CDM, the individual tasks are dynamically assembled together along with all dependencies and temporal data to create a complete end-to-end process flow containing all of the interdependent tasks. The assembled flow is then submitted to the flow management system for execution. The modular approach allows for the dynamic creation of a complete end-to-end delivery flow for different projects and project changes without the need for complex contingency logic. The result is a service delivery process that is customized for each new project. Additionally, when changes are made to an active project plan, manual recalculating of coordinated activities will be performed by the critical date management system.

Abstract: A contrast agent of the general formula (I): Z1-L-V-Z2 (I) wherein at least one of Z1 and Z2 is present and are equal or different reporter moieties detectable in in vivo imaging of the human or animal body, V is a targeting moiety with binding affinity for areas of collagen formation, L is a covalent bond, a biomodifier or a linker moiety.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for initializing dynamic model states using a Kalman or similar type filter. In one embodiment, a system for controlling a gas turbine engine is provided. The system can include at least one sensor adapted to obtain dynamic-type information about a current state of the engine. The system can also include an engine model adapted to receive information from the sensor, and further adapted to reflect the current state of the engine. Furthermore, the system can include a model filter adapted to initialize the engine model with at least a portion of the dynamic-type information, wherein at least one value based at least in part on the filtered dynamic-type information is input to the engine model to determine an engine control action.

Abstract: A contrast agent of the general formula (I): Z1-L-V-Z2 (I) wherein at least one of Z1 and Z2 is present and are equal or different reporter moieties detectable in in vivo imaging of the human or animal body, V is a targeting moiety with binding affinity for areas of collagen formation, L is a covalent bond, a biomodifier or a linker moiety.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light from a subject are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the subject. Also disclosed are methods for locating a target in a subject, such as by detecting light emission from a target site.