Abstract: The invention relates to bone compression devices and bone compression systems, and in particular, to bone compression devices and systems for use in connection with vertebrae. The bone compression devices and bone compression systems are disposed, or installed, along at least one bone to maintain the at least one bone in a desired spatial relationship. Broadly, the invention is directed to a bone compression device for placing in communication with at least one bone having a bone radius of curvature, the bone compression device comprising a plate having a pre-formed shape, a deformed shape, and at least one elastic shape therebetween, the pre-formed shape having a pre-formed radius of curvature less than the bone radius of curvature, the deformed shape having a deformed radius of curvature greater than the bone radius of curvature, and at least one of the at least one elastic shapes having an elastic radius of curvature that substantially corresponds to the bone radius of curvature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods regarding the signaling for the presence of DNA damage or replication stress and activating cell cycle checkpoints. Specifically, ATRIP was identified as an interactor with ATR, a member of the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related protein family that includes ATM and DNA-PK. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to ATRIP and ATR acting as mutually dependent partners in cell cycle checkpoint signaling pathways.

Abstract: The present invention regards expression profiles of one or more nucleic acids indicative of the presence of, susceptibility to, and/or predicting response to therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in an individual. The present invention identifies pathways not previously associated with BPH, therefore presenting novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the condition.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an automatic identification, or a combination of automatic identification and automatic or manual programmed training, for more than one user on at least one exercise machine. The exercise machine is equipped with a user identification device that is in data communication with a system having an identification system and a storage database. The method includes automatically identifying, monitoring and interfacing exercise machine information and database information for at least one user by detecting automatically the presence or absence of a user identification tag and using a default profile or a specific user profile load predetermined difficulty settings or user defined difficulty settings into the programmable exercise machine, which includes resistance or repetition settings.

Abstract: A method of creating a surface model of an intracranial aneurysm in an artery having a lumen, the aneurysm having a neck and a dome and the virtual reconstruction of the parent artery across the lateral extension of the aneurysm neck. The method includes the steps of: determining a center and radius of the artery over the lateral extension of the aneurysm; determining the boundary points that mark the boundary between the aneurysm neck and the artery; determining the angle of the aneurysm neck with respect to the artery, for various cross sections of the neck; determining the length of the neck; determining the height of the dome; estimating the area of the neck; and creating the surface model of the intracranial aneurysm in the artery, using the results from the previous steps.

Abstract: A diverse set of tubulin binding agents have been discovered which are structurally characterized, in a general sense, by a semi-rigid molecular framework capable of maintaining aryl-aryl, pseudo pi stacking distances appropriate for molecular recognition of tubulin. In phenolic or amino form, these ligands may be further functionalized to prepare phosphate esters, phosphate salts, phosphoramidates, and other prodrugs capable of demonstrating selective targeting and destruction of tumor cell vasculature.

Abstract: Methods for modification of tissue using covalent chemistry. Tissue can be modified through direct alkylation, reduction followed by alkylation, or oxidation followed by condensation to covalently attach small organic molecules or appropriately modified proteins. The modification can be spatially limited to desired regions of the tissue surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a detergent that can alter the activity of a lipoprotein. Additional aspects include the composition comprising a phospholipid, and the use of the compositions to treat and/or prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention involves a simple and rapid method for quantitative detection of a ligand in a sample using a combination of an ELISA-like assay and immunohistochemical staining.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: Inhibitors of Stat3 are disclosed, including small molecules and peptide mimetic inhibitors. Specific Stat3 inhibitors of the invention are useful as beta-turn mimetics. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions of the Stat3 inhibitors of the invention, and methods for using the compounds of the invention to inhibit growth of a cell or to inhibit protein-protein interactions modulated by SH2 domains. Methods of screening for Stat3 inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to probes that are removably insertable into mass spectrometers. The probes have sample presenting surfaces, at least, that contain non-metallic materials. The probes are useful in methods of desorbing analytes from the probe surface. The invention also is directed to detection systems that include the probes and methods of detecting analytes using the system.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and preparation of immunogenic antigens for the production of customized cancer vaccines that include dendritic cells that are contacted with an antigen that includes heat-shocked cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment and/or prevention of disease as it relates to Rho kinase. In specific embodiments, disease is treated and/or prevented through the administration of an agent that selectively inhibits ROCK1. In specific embodiments, it inhibits ROCK1 and not ROCK2. In other specific embodiments, the disease is cardiac disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a confocal imaging system for imaging a specimen. The system comprises a light source, a light deflector capable of positioning a beam of light produced by the light source at one of a series of predetermined points on the specimen, an addressable spatial filter capable of selectively filtering light from the specimen, and a central processing unit capable of providing selective position control to the light deflector and the addressable spatial filter.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decellularized vascular prostheses that are resistant to thrombus occlusion and have a low level of immunogenicity. The vascular prostheses are denuded of cells, and coated with an anti-thrombogenic agent and a growth factor that promotes recellularization and further reduces the immunogenicity. The prostheses have high mechanical strength, resist aneurysm rupture, and allow for secure surgical sutures while maintaining structural integrity. The present invention provides vascular prostheses that are blood vessels, valves or portions of vessels containing valves. The present invention is also useful for coating synthetic vascular stents.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods to modulate processes mediated by retinoid receptors, employing high affinity, high specificity ligands for such receptors. In one aspect of the present invention, there are provided ligands which are more selective for the retinoid X receptor than is retinoic acid (i.e., rexoids). In another aspect of the present invention, alternative ligands (other than retinoic acid) have been discovered which are capable of inducing retinoic acid receptor mediated processes. In yet another aspect, methods have been developed for the preparation of such retinoid receptor ligands from readily available compounds.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for the therapeutic use of an atonal-associated nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. Also, an animal heterozygous for an atonal-associated gene inactivation is also disclosed having at least one atonal-associated nucleic acid sequence replaced by insertion of a heterologous nucleic acid sequence used to detect expression driven by an atonal-associated promoter sequence, wherein the inactivation of the atonal-associated nucleic acid sequence prevents expression of the atonal-associated gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides transcription factors associated with the hedgehog signaling pathway that are regulated by dephosphorylation by phosphatases. Hedgehog response elements (HRE) that interact with the dephosphorylated transcription factors are also provided as well as methods for identifying compounds that are phosphatase inhibitors. Methods of treating tumors in a subject by modulating the phosphorylation of the transcription factor are also included.