Abstract: The identification of Her2-specific monoclonal antibody m860 is described. The m860 antibody was identified from a human naïve phage display Fab library by panning against the extracellular domain of human Her2. M860 binds to cell surface-associated Her2 with an affinity comparable to that of trastuzumab (Herceptin®), but binds to a different epitope. Using site-specific glycan engineering, m860 was conjugated to the small molecule drug auristatin F. The antibody-drug conjugate was stable, bound cell-surface expressed Her2 and exhibited potent cell killing of Her2-positive cancer cells, including trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In some examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. Several examples emphasize the use of morphology analysis using correlation to static templates and/or inter-event correlation analysis.

Abstract: Method for reprogramming of stromal cells into hematopoietic cells are provided. Also provided are mesenchymal stromal cells that can be reprogrammed into hematopoietic cells. In addition, hematopoietic cells reprogrammed from mesenchymal stromal cells are provided. Reprogramming stromal cells into hematopoietic cells is effected through a vector encoding a transcription factor that controls hematopoietic cell differentiation. Methods of treating subjects having diminished hematopoietic cell populations are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanoparticles comprising octapod iron oxide having eight trigonal bipyramidal arms and a method of preparing the same. The nanoparticles are prepared by heating a mixture of a ferric carboxylate, a carboxylic acid, a chloride salt, water, and a non-polar solvent, to a temperature above about 300° C. Also disclosed is a method of magnetic resonance imaging a tissue in a mammal, comprising use of the aforesaid nanoparticles.

Abstract: Glucagon formulations that resist fibril formation are disclosed. The formulations comprise curcumin derivatives such as ferulic acid and/or tetrahydrocurcumin and can further comprise human serum albumin, polysorbate-80, and L-methionine.

Abstract: A system and method for patient transfer, including patient transfer from a bed to a rollable chair and patient transfer from a wheelchair to a bed. A docking assembly can connect a rollable chair to a bed for transfer. The systems and methods can provide a safe, dignified, and comfortable transfer for patients. A transfer bed, a docking assembly, and a wheelchair can be used together as a system and can reduce the physical and psychological burden of bedridden patients and their caregivers. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be appropriate for use within a patient's home, nursing home, hospital or any location where a patient is transferred between a bed and a wheelchair. The transfer bed, docking assembly, and wheelchair can be controlled such that a patient is transferred from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated, purified population of human cells comprising CD8+ T cells with reduced Cbl-b activity. The invention provides uses of such cells in methods for inducing or enhancing an anti-tumor immune response in a subject. These methods comprise: (a) providing a cell population, from a subject or from another source, which comprises CD8+ T cells, (b) reducing Cbl-b activity in the CD8+ T-cells, (c) administering the cells of step (b) to the subject. The invention provides methods for making CD8+ T cells that do not require stimulation through a co-receptor in order for the cell to become activated or proliferated in response to contact via its T cell receptor. Such methods are based upon reducing function of Cbl-b. The invention also provides methods for identifying agents which affect Cbl-b expression or activity.

Abstract: Magnetic compression anastomosis can be carried out by placing cooperating magnets, one in the ileal conduit and one in the ureter, to lock together and form the anastomosis. The magnets may be placed to form a side-to-side anastomosis. At least one of the magnets can include radioactive material. Catheters may be used to place the magnets, and the catheters may have at least one deflatable or retractable tissue spacer.

Abstract: A system and method for computer-assisted karyotyping includes a processor which receives a digitized image of metaphase chromosomes for processing in an image processing module and a classifier module. The image processing module may include a segmenting function for extracting individual chromosome images, a bend correcting function for straightening images of chromosomes that are bent or curved and a feature selection function for distinguishing between chromosome bands. The classifier module, which may be one or more trained kernel-based learning machines, receives the processed image and generates a classification of the image as normal or abnormal.

Abstract: Described are implants, tools, and methods useful for treating pelvic conditions such as prolapse, by placing an implant to support pelvic tissue, the implants, tools, and methods involving one or more of an insertion tool that works in coordination with a sheath, adjusting engagements, specific implants and pieces of implants, placement of implants at locations within the pelvic region, and insertion, adjusting, and grommet management tools.

Abstract: A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2. BBP increases the overall osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a susceptible host against an infection of Shigella sonnei are disclosed. Such compositions and methods are useful for protecting the host against bacillary dysentery and shigellosis.

Abstract: A thermally developable material comprising a support and having thereon at least one thermally developable imaging layers comprising in reactive association at least one non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions, at least one reducing agent for said reducible ions, at least one binder comprising vinyl butyral repeat units and vinyl alcohol repeat units, and at least one crosslinker comprising an isocyanate group, where the thermally developable material has a composition that exhibits an equivalent weight ratio of the vinyl alcohol repeat units in the at least one binder to the isocyanate groups in the at least one crosslinker of at least 75.

Abstract: A closure device for closing a bodily passageway is provided. The device includes first and second frames and first and second crossbars. A sheet of biocompatible material is attached to one or more of the frames. The first crossbar extends across the first frame and has terminal crossbar ends connectively linked to separate sites on the first frame; the second crossbar is similarly linked to the second frame. The crossbars are attached to each other at a connection point, and they are each configured to bend away from the connection point when the closure device is deployed to close a bodily passageway. A method of making the closure device is provided, as well as a method for closing a bodily passageway using such a device. Further, a closure device assembly is provided, including a closure device, a delivery catheter housing, and a delivery release member.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for quantitatively assessing hand function strength and range of motion via various instrumentations are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a hand function diagnostic and therapeutic system includes distal and proximal finger flexion measurement apparatuses used to automate quantitative assessment of hand function based on a combination of strength, range of motion, and time performance metrics.

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering encircling implants can include two separate limbs that are held together at a distal articulation by the implant being delivered. The implant can comprise a suture and/or a braided tube. The implant can extend through or over the limbs. The implant and at least a distal portion of the limbs can be compressible into a delivery shape that allows for advancement through the lumen of a delivery catheter. When the distal portion of the limbs move out of the delivery catheter, the limbs and implant can resiliently assume a loop shape that is complementary to a shape of a target around which the encircling implant is to be placed. The limbs are then retracted from along the implant to leave the implant in the desired delivery position. The delivery device can be used to place encircling implants around the heart or other targets, and the implant can be tightened to exert compressive force on the target.

Abstract: A containment system for reducing the release of harmful respirable particles through surface openings in equipment that carries sand includes a filter-receiving member configured to be coupled over an opening in a surface of the equipment and a filter member configured to be coupled to the filter-receiving member. The filter-receiving member can have a first side, a second side, and a passageway extending from the first side to the second side. The filter can have a porosity that permits air to flow through the filter member and restricts the flow of solid particulates.

Abstract: A fetal heart rate measuring assembly (1) comprising an ultrasound transducer (71) adapted to perform fetal heart rate measurements when attached to the abdomen of a pregnant woman, a logic unit (31) connected to the ultrasound transducer (71), a battery (39), and a measurement presentation unit (35), wherein the entire assembly (1) is adapted to be attached to said pregnant woman. The assembly further comprises an accelerometer (73) adapted to sense movement of the pregnant woman.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmoscope comprising a camera and an associated illumination device; the invention further concerns a novel method for processing a plurality of images of the eye taken by said device; and software, typically included in said ophthalmoscope, for executing said method.