Abstract: The present invention includes a method, kits, and assays for identifying a human subject as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, or a human subject with multiple sclerosis caused by elevated soluble Interleukin 7 receptor (sIL7R), by obtaining a biological sample and detecting or measuring in the biological sample an amount of a soluble Interleukin-7 receptor (sIL7R) and an amount of an RNA Helicase DDX39B, whereby a lower expression of DDX39B and a higher secretion of sIL7R identifies the subject from which the biological sample was obtained as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, when compared to a human subject not having an autoimmune disease. The present invention also includes a method of modifying a treating of subjects based on the lower expression of RNA Helicase DDX39B alone or in combination with an increase in sIL7R.

Abstract: An imaging nanoparticle comprising a plant virus particle having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an imaging agent that is linked to the interior and/or exterior surface, and a layer of biocompatible mineral such as silica coated over the exterior surface, is described. The imaging nanoparticle can be used in method of generating an image of a tissue region of a subject, by administering to the subject a diagnostically effective amount of an imaging nanoparticle and generating an image of the tissue region of the subject to which the imaging nanoparticle has been distributed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for wound treatment and infection control. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of infections and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system on a flexible polymeric substrate layer with areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using techniques such as those found in additive manufacturing processes. The device is especially valuable in treating biofilm-based infections.

Abstract: A method of treating diabetic retinopathy in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more agents that act as a trap of reactive aldehydes and/or inhibit diabetes-induced superoxide generation and capillary degeneration regulated by GPCR signaling pathways.

Abstract: A method of treating an ocular disorder in a subject includes administering to the subject subtherapeutic amounts of two or more agents that inhibit and/or blocks the activation of Gs- or Gq-protein coupled receptors or Gs- or Gq-signaling cascade in ocular cells of the subject, and/or activates Gi-protein coupled receptors, which is induced or triggered by light induced all-trans-retinal generation.

Abstract: A method and assay for using carbonic anhydrase (CA), particularly CA-I or CA-II, as a biomarker of hemolysis. The method and assay detect hemolysis by determining a percentage erythrocyte hemolysis in a specimen or sample of blood based upon quantification of carbonic anhydrase present in the extracellular portion of the blood. The method and test serve to optimize therapeutic efficacy for treatments of hemolysis.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for protecting an integrated circuit chip design. The method can include storing in memory a circuit description of an integrated circuit core comprising a set of nodes and selecting a plurality of modification nodes from the set of nodes. A sequential structure can be inserted into the circuit description to provide a modified circuit description, the sequential structure utilizing the plurality of modification nodes as inputs. The modified circuit description can be stored in memory.

Abstract: An arrangement configured for controlling an antenna arrangement in a magnetic resonance device has an antenna arrangement that surrounds an examination region and that has at least one antenna element configured for emitting an amplified transmit signal. At least one amplifier is provided, at the input of which a high-frequency transmit signal is connected, which is present on the output side of the amplifier as an amplified transmit signal. The amplifier is connected to a feed point of the antenna arrangement on the output side, in order to emit the amplified transmit signal. Coil windings of a primary gradient coil are also provided, which at least partially include the antenna arrangement and the examination region. Coil windings of a secondary gradient coil at least partially include the coil windings of the primary gradient coil, the antenna arrangement (and the examination region).

Abstract: The solvent accessible reduced carbon atoms in a molecule of interest are labeled with heavy hydrogen. The carbon atoms are labeled under anaerobic, aqueous conditions by exposing the molecule of interest to a hydrogen atom abstractor in the presence of a heavy hydrogen source and a heavy hydrogen donor. If the hydrogen atom abstractor is hydroxyl radical, an electron scavenger source is provided. Optionally, an internal reference is provided to facilitate experimental reproducibility.

Abstract: A method of making an organopolysiloxane sheet or tube polymer involves contacting a sheet or tube silicate with an organo-H-chlorosilane to form an organosiloxane sheet or tube polymer with pendent .tbd.Si--H groups. Subsequently, the organosiloxane sheet or tube polymer with pendent .tbd.Si--H groups is contacted with an alkenyl group containing compound in the presence of a hydrosilation catalyst. The catalyst is used in an amount effective to catalyze a hydrosilation reaction between the alkenyl group on the alkenyl group containing compound and the hydride functionality on the organosiloxane sheet or tube polymer with pendent .tbd.