Abstract: Methods, systems, and media relating the display of scattering and/or absorption characteristics of an optical medium. For scattering measurements, a Hartmann-Shack calibration image of a measurement system is acquired to define a first plurality of point spread functions. A Hartmann-Shack test image of the medium is acquired to define a second plurality of point spread functions. A shift is determined between the test image and the calibration image. A point spread of each of the second plurality of point spread functions is measured, each of the second plurality of point spread functions including a component due to optical aberration of the medium and a component due to scatter. The component due to optical aberration is determined using the shift. The component due to optical aberration is deconvolved to determine the component due to scatter. A display of the local scattering characteristics is generated using the component due to scatter.

Abstract: Described are preferred myocardial grafts of skeletal myoblasts or cardiomyocytes, and cellular compositions and methods useful in obtaining the grafts. The myocardial grafts are stable and can be used, for example, to deliver recombinant proteins directly to the heart.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the methods of using the H4-1BB protein, ligands to this protein, and various mAbs either directed against H4-1BB or other molecules that can be used therapeutically. The nature and importance of the H4-1BB molecule provides the ligands and related co-stimulatory molecules the ability to enhance or suppress T-cell activation and proliferation. By treating T-cells that have expressed receptor protein H4-1BB with one of the four anti-H4-1BB monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein activation or inhibition of the immune response is seen. Also disclosed herein is cDNA for the human receptor H4-1BB. The cDNA of the human receptor H4-1BB is about 65% homologous to the mouse cDNA 4-1BB and was isolated by using probes derived from murine cDNA 4-1BB. A fusion protein for detecting cell membrane ligands to human receptor protein H4-1BB was developed.

Abstract: A thrombectomy treatment system and method are provided. The system includes a catheter for insertion into the vascular system of a patient so that a tip of the catheter is positioned in the vicinity of a blood clot to be removed from the patient. A suction source is provided to withdraw the blood clot from the patient through the catheter. A filtration device functions to remove the blood clot from the accompanying blood. The filtered blood is collected in a blood collection device. A blood reinfuser communicates with the blood collection device to reinfuse the filtered blood back into the patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for providing prolonged-release of therapeutic agents by way of in situ stereotaxic implantation in specific loci, including pathways, to treat known disorders. One or more microstructures comprising therapeutic agents and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are implanted, for example, through a cannula. The microstructures are of a sufficient size and shape to prevent dispersion from the implant site.

Abstract: The present invention provides methodology for carbon-nitrogen bond formation via vinyl or aryl amination. In the process of the invention, an sp2 hybridized radical is reacted with an azomethine moiety to form pyrrolidine and indole compounds. The methodology provides a facile process for the synthesis of compounds having the pyrrolidine or indole subunit and is especially advantageous for compounds having acid or base labile functional groups and/or is comprised of chiral centers susceptible to acid/base epimerization.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of transduction of hematopoietic and other cells by retroviruses includes infecting the cells in the presence of fibronectin or fibronectin fragments. The fibronectin and fibronectin fragments significantly enhance retroviral-mediated gene transfer into the cells, particularly hematopoietic cells including committed progenitors and primitive hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides improved methods for somatic gene therapy capitalizing on enhanced gene transfer, hematopoietic cellular populations, and novel constructs for enhancing retroviral-mediated DNA transfer into cells and their use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media relating the display of scattering and/or absorption characteristics of an optical medium. For scattering measurements, a Hartmann-Shack calibration image of a measurement system is acquired to define a first plurality of point spread functions. A Hartmann-Shack test image of the medium is acquired to define a second plurality of point spread functions. A shift is determined between the test image and the calibration image. A point spread of each of the second plurality of point spread functions is measured, each of the second plurality of point spread functions including a component due to optical aberration of the medium and a component due to scatter. The component due to optical aberration is determined using the shift. The component due to optical aberration is deconvolved to determine the component due to scatter. A display of the local scattering characteristics is generated using the component due to scatter.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of identifying an individual having an increased susceptibility to developing Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (FPPH), as well as to a method for diagnosing an individual suffering from FPPH. The invention also relates to a method of identifying an individual having an increased susceptibility to developing (non-familial) Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), as well as to a method for diagnosing an individual suffering from PPH.

Abstract: One illustrative embodiment of a voltage pulser circuit comprises a voltage source producing a first voltage, and a thyratron tube having an anode coupled to the output of the voltage source, a cathode connected to a reference potential and a grid responsive to a grid control voltage to electrically connect the anode to the cathode to thereby cause the first thyratron tube to switch the anode between the first voltage and the reference potential. A pulse-shaping circuit may be connected to the anode of the tube to effectuate desired rise and fall times of the voltage pulses produced by the voltage pulser circuit. Such a voltage pulser circuit is particularly suited for use in connection with the operation of pulsed spectrometer instruments, such as time-of-flight mass spectrometers and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acids encoding a fibroblast growth factor-23(FGF23) and proteins encoded thereby, mutations in which are associated with autosomal dominant rickets (ADHR). The invention further relates to methods of diagnosing and treating hypophosphatemic and hyperphosphatemic disorders comprising inhibiting or stimulating, respectively, the biological activity of FGF23 in a patient. The invention also relates to methods of treating osteoporosis, dermatomyositis, and coronary artery disease comprising stimulating the biological activity of FGF23 in a patient.

Abstract: Novel LHRH antagonist peptides, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. The LHRH antagonist comprise a peptide compound, wherein a residue of the peptide compound corresponding to the amino acid at position 6 of natural mammalian LHRH comprises a hydrophilic N-acyl moiety, a dipolar moiety, a sulfonium moiety, a receptor-modifying moiety or a small polar moiety.

Abstract: An arrangement for performing chromatography with a mobile phase and a chromatographic bed having a stationary phase is provided. The arrangement includes a support assembly configured to support the stationary phase. The support assembly has a sealed cavity configured so that when the support assembly is supporting the stationary phase a portion of the chromatographic bed and the stationary phase extends into the sealed cavity. The arrangement further includes a bladder having a void defined therein. The bladder is positioned within the sealed cavity. The arrangement also includes a fluid positioned within the void of the bladder so that the bladder is urged toward the stationary phase within the sealed cavity. The arrangement further includes an anode positioned in contact with the mobile phase.

Abstract: The present invention includes purified and isolated quassinoids and synthetically derived quassinoid analogs based on a picrasane carbon skeleton. Novel sidechains at C-15 incorporating water solubilizing agents such as glycine are discussed. Therapeutic methods taking advantage of anticancer, antiviral, and herbistatic properties of these quassinoids are disclosed, including use against solid tumors and human immunodeficiency virus infected cells.

Abstract: Evaluative shopping assistant system and method to provide the consumer with information about a product the consumer is interested in. The system includes a hand-held device having a bar code reader or other unique means of entering a product identifier, and a display mechanism. The hand-held device is connected via wired or wireless connection to a computer that is connected to a database of information. In use, the hand-held device reads the bar code, sends the bar code information to the computer, and the computer retrieves the appropriate information about the product from the database. The computer then sends the retrieved information to the hand-held device for display of the retrieved information. The information stored on the database may include information provided by the manufacturer, the retailer (or, more generally, seller), or consumers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a multicolor quantum dot-tagged bead, a multicolor quantum dot-tagged bead, a conjugate thereof, and a composition comprising such a bead or conjugate. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of making a conjugate thereof and methods of using a conjugate for multiplexed analysis of target molecules.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for providing prolonged-release of therapeutic agents by way of in situ stereotaxic implantation in specific loci, including pathways, to treat known disorders. One or more microstructures comprising therapeutic agents and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are implanted, for example, through a cannula. The microstructures are of a sufficient size and shape to prevent dispersion from the implant site.

Abstract: The present invention includes purified and isolated quassinoids and synthetically derived quassinoid analogs based on a picrasane carbon skeleton. Novel sidechains at C-15 incorporating water solubilizing agents such as glycine are discussed. Therapeutic methods taking advantage of anticancer, antiviral, and herbistatic properties of these quassinoids are disclosed, including use against solid tumors and human immunodeficiency virus infected cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes the receptor protein 4-1BB and the cDNA gene encoding for receptor protein 4-1BB. The nucleotide sequence of the isolated cDNA is disclosed herein along with the deduced amino acid sequence. The 4-1BB protein and fragments and derivatives can be used: 1) as a probe to isolate ligands to receptor protein 4-1BB, 2) to stimulate proliferation of B-cell's expressing 4-1BB, or 3) to block 4-1BB ligand binding. A monoclonal antibody against 4-1BB was developed which specifically recognizes an epitope on the extracellular domain of receptor protein 4-1BB. The monoclonal antibody can be used enhance T-cell proliferation and activation by treating T-cells that have expressed receptor protein 4-1BB with the monoclonal antibody. The effectiveness of the treatment was enhanced when conducted in the presence of protein tyrosinase kinase. A fusion protein for detecting cell membrane ligands to receptor protein 4-1BB was developed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the methods of using the H4-1BB protein, ligands to this protein, and various mAbs either directed against H4-1BB or other molecules that can be used therapeutically. The nature and importance of the H4-1BB molecule provides the ligands and related co-stimulatory molecules the ability to enhance or suppress T-cell activation and proliferation. By treating T-cells that have expressed receptor protein H4-1BB with one of the four anti-H4-1BB monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein activation or inhibition of the immune response is seen. Also disclosed herein is cDNA for the human receptor H4-1BB. The cDNA of the human receptor H4-1BB is about 65% homologous to the mouse cDNA 4-1BB and was isolated by using probes derived from murine cDNA 4-1BB. A fusion protein for detecting cell membrane ligands to human receptor protein H4-1BB was developed.