Abstract: A method for managing communication among a plurality of social network members. The method comprises defining a multi participant task, setting at least one forward rule limiting the distribution an invitation message for participating in the multi participant task, forwarding the invitation message to at least one addressee from a plurality of social network members, allowing the at least one addressee to forward the invitation message to at least one additional addressee from the plurality of social network members under the at least one forward rule, monitoring a plurality of feedbacks to the invitation message to determine whether the multi participant task is achieved, and updating a status of the multi participant task according to the determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic nose device based on chemically sensitive field effect transistors. In particular, the sensors of the electronic nose device are composed of non-oxidized, functionalized silicon nanowires which can detect volatile organic compounds with very high sensitivity. Methods of use in diagnosing diseases including various types of cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel method to reduce B-cell lymphoma cell migration to and engraftment of the spleen in patients with JAM-C positive B-cell lymphomas is described. In certain aspects, a method for identifying and treating JAM-C positive B-cell lymphoma patients with anti-JAM-C antibodies is provided. Recombinant antibody molecules that specifically bind to JAM-C are also disclosed.

Abstract: An iterative matching method for partial fingerprint verification includes providing database features and input features; initially comparing the input features with the database features using one of the database features as a first reference point, resulting in initial matched feature pairs between initial matched database features and corresponding initial matched input features; and progressively comparing the input features with the database features using a gravity center of the initial matched database features as a second reference point, resulting in progressive matched feature pairs between progressive matched database features and corresponding progressive matched input features.

Abstract: An inflatable connector comprising a bladder having at least two pipe securing areas formed as at least two separate cylindrical voids, respectively, in said bladder, wherein said at least two separate cylindrical voids are completely separated by a portion of said bladder and are configured to at least partially encompass at least two pipe portions, respectively, wherein said bladder is configured, when deflated, to enable insertion of said at least two pipe portions into said at least two pipe securing areas, respectively, and wherein said bladder is configured, when inflated, to secure said at least two pipe portions in said at least two pipe securing areas, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating microbial infections associated with an emergence of resistance of a pathogenic microorganism to an antimicrobial agent, following treatment with antimicrobial agent are disclosed. The methods are effected by using a polymer which exhibits antimicrobial re-sensitizing activity, for re-sensitizing the pathogenic microorganisms to the antimicrobial agent, in combination with the antimicrobial agent. Further disclosed are novel polymers having an antimicrobial re-sensitizing activity.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for evaluation of cardiac images, wherein enhanced evaluation of myocardial mechanical function is possible. The system and methods include methods for segmentation of cardiac images obtained via cMRI or other imaging modalities, wherein the segmentation allows for fusion of these images with images obtained from a different modality such as echocardiogram and/or LE-MRI. The fused images may then be used to provide a diagnosis or a recommendation for a procedure, such as implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Moreover, follow-up evaluation may be done using only one imaging modality, such as echocardiogram, for example. The system and methods disclosed herein further provide additional post-processing, such as computation of mid-myocardial strain, which can further be useful in diagnosis and planning.

Abstract: A method for making an oil-in-water dispersion or water-in-oil dispersion is disclosed. The method comprises the step of mixing a hydrophilic medium, a hydrophobic composition and non-derivatized cellulose solution in an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A robotic device for performing intracranial procedures, comprising a baseplate for mounting on the subject's skull and a rotatable base element rotating on the baseplate. The rotatable base element has a central opening through which a cannulated needle can protrude such that it can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the baseplate. This cannulated needle is robotically controlled to provide motion into and out of the subject's skull. A flexible needle is disposed coaxially within the cannulated needle, and it is controlled to move into and out of a non-axial aperture in the distal part of the cannulated needle. Coordinated control of the insertion motion of the cannulated and flexible needles, and rotation of the combined cannulated/flexible needle assembly enables access to be obtained to a volume of a region of the brain having lateral dimensions substantially larger than the width of the cannulated needle.

Abstract: An electronic device is presented; the device comprises an electrode structure located in electrical contact with a semiconducting element. The electrode structure is configured with two or more groups of regions comprising regions of a first group having first charge injection properties and regions of a second group having second charge injection properties being lower than the first charge injection properties. The regions of the second group are configured to provide barrier for injection of charge carriers from regions of the first group into the semiconductor element to thereby allow tailoring of desired electronic properties of the device.

Abstract: This invention provides (a) nanoparticle made of: sugar-beet pectin; and a bioactive compound (such as a nutraceutical or a drug) bound to sugar-beet pectin. The invention further provides foods, beverages, including clear ones, or pharmaceutical preparations, which are supplemented with the nanoparticles made of: sugar-beet pectin; and a hydrophobic bioactive compound bound to sugar-beet pectin. The process of making the nanoparticles of the invention, and methods for supplementing foods or beverages or pharmaceutical preparations with bioactive compounds via the nanoparticles of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite is provided. The composite includes a hydrogel and a fibrous component containing a plurality of fibers. Length of each of the plurality of fibers is less than about 1,000 ?m. A method of preparing a fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite is also provided. The method includes coating a hydrogel precursor solution on a substrate to form a hydrogel precursor film, depositing the plurality of fibers onto the hydrogel precursor film, and allowing the hydrogel precursor film to form a hydrogel film, thereby forming the fiber-reinforced hydrogel composite. A scaffold containing the fiber-reinforced composite, and a tissue repair method using the fiber-reinforced composite are also provided.

Abstract: Cell-targeted serine protease constructs are provided. Such constructs can be used in methods for targeted cell killing such as for treatment cell of proliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). In some aspects, recombinant serine proteases, such as Granzyme B polypeptides, are provided that exhibit improved stability and cell toxicity. Methods and compositions for treating lapatinib or trastuzumab-resistant cancers are also provided.

Abstract: A new class of pseudo-trisaccharide aminoglycosides having an alkyl group at the 5? position, exhibiting efficient stop codon mutation readthrough activity, low cytotoxicity and high selectivity towards eukaryotic translation systems are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and uses thereof in the treatment of genetic disorders, as well as processes of preparing these aminoglycosides. The disclosed aminoglycosides can be represented by the general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl; and all other variables and features are as described in the specification.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: Dominant negative (DN) variants of transcriptional enhancer factor 1-related (RTEF-1) are described. DN RTEF-1 polypeptides may be directly targeted to cells or delivered in nucleic acid expression vectors to alter cellular transcription. Methods for inhibiting VEGF production and thereby treating angiogenic disorders such as cancer are described. For example, in certain aspects, DN RTEF-1 may be used to treat angiogenic disorders of the eye such as age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A method of processing a query to a graph database using a plurality of processors. The method comprises providing a plurality of threads to be executed on a plurality of processors, each the thread is associated with one of a plurality of unique thread identifiers, providing a graph database having a plurality of graph database nodes and a plurality of graph database edges, each the graph database edge represents a relationship between two of the plurality of graph database nodes, receiving a query tree that defines a tree comprising plurality of query nodes connected by a plurality of query tree edges, and searching at least part of the graph database for a match with the query tree, wherein the searching is executed by the plurality of the processors, and wherein each the processor searches one of a plurality of sub-graphs of the graph database, each the sub-graph is defined by one of the plurality of thread identifiers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide derivatives of Amphotericin B having increased solubility and reduced toxicity relative to AMB, while retaining antifungal activity against multiple clinical fungal isolates. Derivatives of AMB are provided comprising a polymer group having an amine group, the polymer linked to mycosamine via a relatively stable linker such as an amide linker. The derivatives may be of the general formula [I]: wherein R is H, C1-4 alkyl or phenyl; R2 is (CH2)m wherein m is between 0 and 4; R3 and R4 are each independently H or C1-4 alkyl, R5 is or OH, R6 is selected from a group consisting of: amide and alkyl, and R7 is a water-soluble polymer, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, diastereomers, and prodrugs of the compound of Formula [I].

Abstract: The present invention concerns VLPT immunoreactive compositions for E. chaffeensis and compositions related thereto, including vaccines, antibodies, polypeptides, peptides, and polynucleotides. In particular, epitopes for E. chaffeensis VLPT are disclosed.

Abstract: A plasmonic lens is presented comprising a surface for interaction with an input electromagnetic field, wherein this surface has a pattern comprising an arrangement of a plurality of elongated spaced-apart features of a predetermined geometry arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along at least one segment of a spiral curve, each of the pattern features defining an elongated interface for creation of surface waves in response to the interaction with the incident electromagnetic field, such that the pattern provides linear-polarization-independent plasmonic focusing and large area, high contrast, circular polarization dichroic plasmonic focusing.