Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular signatures that can be used to identify patients diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, in particular with systemic lupus erythematosus for treatment with a CD40 or CD40L antagonist such as anti-CD40 antibody, anti-CD40L antibody or a binding fragment thereof. The signatures can also be used to monitor target engagement and response to treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a rotatable permanent magnet exhibiting a magnetic field. Alternatively, the actuation apparatus may include a set of coils configured to generate a rotatable magnetic field. The apparatus may further include a magnetic shape memory (MSM) element including MSM material and having a long axis, where the MSM element is configured to contract locally in a first part in response to local exposure to a first component of the magnetic field that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis and to not contract locally in a second part that is exposed to a second component of the magnetic field that is not substantially perpendicular to the long axis. The apparatus may include a first fixed magnet positioned at a first end of the MSM element and a second fixed magnet positioned at a second end of the MSM element.

Abstract: A system may include a magnetic shape memory (MSM) element having a first end and a second end, where a longitudinal axis of the MSM element extends from the first end to the second end. The system may further include a permanent magnet having a first pole and a second pole, where the first pole and the second pole are aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the MSM element. The system may also include a first electromagnet directed to the first end of the MSM element and a second electromagnet directed to the second end of the MSM element.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a rotatable permanent magnet exhibiting a magnetic field. Alternatively, the actuation apparatus may include a set of coils configured to generate a rotatable magnetic field. The apparatus may further include a magnetic shape memory (MSM) element including MSM material and having a long axis, where the MSM element is configured to contract locally in a first part in response to local exposure to a first component of the magnetic field that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis and to not contract locally in a second part that is exposed to a second component of the magnetic field that is not substantially perpendicular to the long axis. The apparatus may include a first fixed magnet positioned at a first end of the MSM element and a second fixed magnet positioned at a second end of the MSM element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular signatures that can be used to identify patients diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, in particular with systemic lupus erythematosus for treatment with a CD40 or CD40L antagonist such as anti-CD40 antibody, anti-CD40L antibody or a binding fragment thereof. The signatures can also be used to monitor target engagement and response to treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of hydrophilic polymeric blend and polymeric membranes which may be formed from the hydrophilic polymeric blend. In one example, the polymeric blend includes a hydrophobic membrane forming polymer and a polyoxazoline as a blend compatible hydrophilizing additive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of hydrophilic polymeric blend and polymeric membranes which may be formed from the hydrophilic polymeric blend. In one example, the polymeric blend includes a hydrophobic membrane forming polymer and a polyoxazoline as a blend compatible hydrophilizing additive.

Abstract: A charged porous polymeric membrane comprises a porous polymeric membrane substrate comprising a polymeric membrane material and a first polymer having a first functional group, the first polymer is compatible with the membrane material, and a charged polymer has a second functional group, the charged polymer can react with the first polymer to bond the charged polymer to the first polymer, forming a charged coating on the membrane outer and inner surfaces. The membrane may be a microporous or an ultrafiltration membrane. The membrane may be a hollow fiber, flat sheet, or tubular membrane. Methods of manufacturing the membranes and method of using of the membranes to remove viral particles from contaminated water are further described.

Abstract: A meat probe for determining the tenderness of meat. A piston (12) slidably mounted in a body (13) has a probe member (11) attached thereto. Force is applied to the piston by a spring (16) and a second piston (15) is advanced by a trigger assembly (18). Scales associated with the first and second pistons measure both the depth of penetration of the probe and the force required for penetration. The measurements may be used alone, or in conjunction, in determining tenderness.