Abstract: A method of conducting a sequence of linked simulation operations, utilizing a computer-based simulation model, commences with the performance of a first simulation operation to generate an output condition. A further simulation operation, which is defined to sequentially follow the first simulation operation, is then formed utilizing the simulation model. The second simulation operation at least partially and automatically inherits the output condition generated by the first simulation operation as an input condition. In this way, the second simulation operation commences with a configuration captured from a preceding simulation operation as an input condition. Multiple simulation operations may at least partially inherit a configuration from the first simulation operation.

Abstract: A method of conducting a sequence of linked simulation operations, utilizing a computer-based simulation model, commences with the performance of a first simulation operation to generate an output condition. A further simulation operation, which is defined to sequentially follow the first simulation operation, is then formed utilizing the simulation model. The second simulation operation at least partially and automatically inherits the output condition generated by the first simulation operation as an input condition. In this way, the second simulation operation commences with a configuration captured from a preceding simulation operation as an input condition. Multiple simulation operations may at least partially inherit a configuration from the first simulation operation.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms and novel methods of identifying and screening for drugs useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and its clinical symptoms. Targeted manipulation of a computer model of a human rheumatic joint provided the surprising result that decreasing the activity of FLIP, an inhibitor of apoptosis, by at least 25% has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition of the activity of FLIP by at least 25% is predicted to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms and novel methods of identifying and screening for drugs useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and its clinical symptoms. Targeted manipulation of a computer model of a human rheumatic joint provided the surprising result that cross-linking soluble Fas-ligand (sFasL) has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be alleviated by administering a sFasL-specific cross-linker.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a novel method of treating an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and novel methods of identifying and screening for drugs useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and their clinical symptoms. The inventors have made the discovery that the activity of galectin-3, a ?-galactoside-binding lectin known to have an effect on some cancers, has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be alleviated by administering a compound that inhibits the activity of galectin-3.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a novel method of treating inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and novel methods of identifying and screening for drugs useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and their clinical symptoms. The inventors have made the discovery that the activity of HIF-1?, a transcription regulator known to have an effect on some cancers, has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be alleviated by administering a compound that inhibits the activity of HIF-1?.

Abstract: The invention encompasses systems, methods, and apparatus for predicting and monitoring an individual's response to a therapeutic regimen. The invention includes multiple virtual patients, an associating subsystem operable to associate the subject with one or more of the virtual patients, and a simulation engine operable to apply one or more experimental protocols to the one or more virtual patients identified with the subject to generate a set of outputs.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms and novel methods of identifying and screening for drugs useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and its clinical symptoms. Targeted manipulation of a computer model of a human rheumatic joint provided the surprising result that the activity of CD99, an adhesion molecule known to have an effect on some cancers, has a significant impact on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition of the activity of CD99 is predicted to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mathematical and computer model of a joint. The model includes representation of the biological processes related to the synovial tissue and cartilage. In one embodiment, the model represents a human joint afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A method of generating a display, or representation, of a simulation model within a graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The simulation model includes a number of objects, which may include state, function, link and modifier objects. The method commences with the display of node representations for at least first and second objects. Thereafter, a link representation, which represents an underlying link object, is selected from a predefined set of link representations to represent a desired relationship condition between the first and second objects. Each link representation of the set is associated with a distinct relationship condition. Each relationship condition may further be defined in terms of an underlying equation. Thereafter, the selected link representation is shown to extend between the respective node representations representing the first and second objects.

Abstract: A method of managing objects within the simulation model commences with the storage of a first value for a particular parameter within an object of the simulation model. A panel is then displayed within the user interface. The relevant parameter of the above-identified object may then be identified for inclusion within this panel. In response to the identification of the parameter, an identifier (such as an icon) associated with the parameter is displayed within the panel. A second value for the relevant parameter of the object may then be inputted by a user via the panel. The second value for the parameter is then stored separately from the first value for the parameter, and these first and second values can be selectively applied to the parameter.

Abstract: A method of providing access to object parameters of a simulation model involves the display of a diagram panel within a user interface, this diagram panel including icons representative of objects modeled within the simulation model. An access panel is also displayed within the user interface, this access panel being distinct and apart from the diagram panel. A set of object parameters, in terms of which objects within the simulation model may be defined, are identified for inclusion and display within the access panel. In response to identification of the set of object parameters, an identifier for each parameter of the set is displayed within the access panel. A value for at least one of the object parameters is then inputted by a user via the access panel, and this inputted value is then assigned to the relevant parameter.

Abstract: A method of generating a display, or representation, of a simulation model within a graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The simulation model includes a number of objects, which may include state, function, link and modifier objects. The method commences with the display of node representations for at least first and second objects. Thereafter, a link representation, which represents an underlying link object, is selected from a predefined set of link representations to represent a desired relationship condition between the first and second objects. Each link representation of the set is associated with a distinct relationship condition. Each relationship condition may further be defined in terms of an underlying equation. Thereafter, the selected link representation is shown to extend between the respective node representations representing the first and second objects.