Abstract: An multiplexer includes: a plurality of single photon detectors arranged in a two-dimensional array; a plurality of first bias lines in electrical communication with the single photon detectors; a plurality of second bias lines in electrical communication with the single photon detectors; a plurality of first readout lines in electrical communication with the single photon detectors; and a plurality of second readout lines in electrical communication with the single photon detectors, wherein, for every single photon detector, the first bias line is in electrical communication with the first readout line in a first common line, and for every single photon detector, the second bias line is in electrical communication with the second readout line in a second common line such that the multiplexer is configured for resistive current splitting.

Abstract: Described herein are treatment methods involving the administration of nicotinamide, which has been discovered to stabilize the normal phenotype of retinal pigment epithelial cells and to prevent retinal pigment epithelial cell proliferation. Diseases and disorders that can be treated according to the methods disclosed herein include, e.g., macular pucker, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, preretinal fibrosis, vitreomacular traction, tractional retinal detachment, and phthsis bulbi, cystoid macular edema (CME) arising from intraocular inflammation due to uveitis, vasculitis, trauma, surgery, and collagen vascular disease (e.g., Behcets disease or sarcoidosis), and age related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for inhibiting drusen.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment methods and methods for sustained delivery of one or more exogenous factors to desired nervous system sites. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres to deliver exogenous factors, such as the morphogenic factor, sonic hedgehog (Shh), to the site of spinal cord injury. In certain embodiments, the Shh-releasing microspheres are administered together with stem cells, which may be spinal cord neural stem cells. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to regrowth of neural cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retinal pigment epithelial stem cell isolated from a posterior region of the retinal pigment epithelium of an adult mammal. The invention also relates to a method of inducing differentiation of retinal epithelial stem and progenitor cells in vitro, wherein the cells of the invention are highly plastic, multipotential stem cells. The invention also includes methods for the treatment of retinal diseases and vision loss involving the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells or cells differentiated from retinal pigment epithelial stem cells to the retina of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus is disclosed for merging content segments from a number of discrete media content (e.g., audio/video podcasts) in preparation for playback. The method and apparatus obtain metadata corresponding to a plurality of discrete media content. The metadata identifies the content segments and their corresponding timing information, such that the metadata of at least one of the plurality of discrete media content is derived using one or more media processing techniques. A number of the content segments are selected to be merged for playback using the timing information from the metadata. The merged media content can be implemented as a playlist identifying the content segments to be merged for playback. The merged media content can also be generated by extracting the content segments to be merged for playback from each of the media files/streams and then merging the extracted segments into one or more merged media files/streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timed tagging of content is featured. The method and apparatus can include the steps of, or structure for, obtaining at least one keyword tag associated with discrete media content; generating a timed segment index of discrete media content, the timed segment index identifying content segments of the discrete media content and corresponding timing boundaries of the content segments; searching the timed segment index for a match to the at least one keyword tag, the match corresponding to at least one of the content segments identified in the segment index; and generating a timed tag index that includes the at least one keyword tag and the timing boundaries corresponding to the least one content segment of the discrete media content containing the match.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus for providing a virtual media channel based on media search is featured. The method and apparatus features the steps of, or structure for, obtaining a set of rules that define instructions for obtaining media content that comprise the content for a media channel, the set including at least one rule with instructions to include media content resulting from a search; searching for candidate media content according to a search query defined by the at least one rule; and merging one or more of the candidate media content resulting from the search into the content for the media channel. The candidate media content can include segments of the media content resulting from the search. The set of rules can additionally include a rule with instructions to add media content from a predetermined location.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a computerized method and apparatus for generating and presenting search snippets that enable user-directed navigation of the underlying audio/video content. The method involves obtaining metadata associated with discrete media content that satisfies a search query. The metadata identifies a number of content segments and corresponding timing information derived from the underlying media content using one or more automated media processing techniques. Using the timing information identified in the metadata, a search result or “snippet” can be generated that enables a user to arbitrarily select and commence playback of the underlying media content at any of the individual content segments.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a computerized method and apparatus for generating and presenting search snippets that enable user-directed navigation of the underlying audio/video content. The method involves obtaining metadata associated with discrete media content that satisfies a search query. The metadata identifies a number of content segments and corresponding timing information derived from the underlying media content using one or more automated media processing techniques. Using the timing information identified in the metadata, a search result or “snippet” can be generated that enables a user to arbitrarily select and commence playback of the underlying media content at any of the individual content segments.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus is disclosed for dynamic presentation of advertising, factual, informational content and combinations thereof. In particular, the advertising content is dynamically presented according to the playback of corresponding segments identified within a media file or stream.