Abstract: A method for performing registration of multispectral retinal images. Corresponding cross-over points and bifurcation points of blood vessel in an eye are identified in a fixed image and in an offset image. The relative displacement of each point, between the images, is calculated. Based on these relative displacements, the offset of each pixel in the offset image is interpolated and the offset image is transformed into a corrected (distorted) image. Such an image can be used to assess the health of the eye. Further, a fixed image and a offset image of an eye are divided in a tile pattern. The relative displacement of each tile of the offset image with respect to the corresponding tile in the fixed image is calculated. An offset for each tile is calculated and the offset image is corrected as a function of those offsets.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a radiographic phase-contrast digital computed tomography imaging system and methods for same that can include obtaining a first and second plurality of 2D projection images over a range of scan angles, generating at least two statistically independent reconstructed images of an object from the first plurality of 2D projection images and the second plurality of 2D projection images, determining a material property as a function of volume for each of at least two materials represented in the projection images, using a conditional likelihood determination comprising the material property as a function of volume and the at least two statistically independent reconstructed images to differentiate the at least two materials in a reconstructed image of the object.

Abstract: The invention presented herein consists of systems and methods of secure storage for sensitive and confidential data, such as personal identity data, along with methods of securely accessing that data, and transferring information from that data, as necessary.

Abstract: Described herein are homing polypeptides that home to atherosclerotic plaque(s) in mammals and nucleic acids that encode such polypeptides. Also described are methods for detecting and treating conditions or disorders associated with, or characterized, by elevated levels of homing polypeptides that home to atherosclerotic plaque and/or vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: A device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system comprises a band wrapped around the neck with a vibrator positioned over the larynx. Upon activation by a button on a spoon held by an operator, such as the subject, the vibrator moves and vibrates the larynx. The patient initiates the sensory stimulation immediately prior to the patient's own initiation of a swallow by viewing on a display screen a movement feedback signal, possibly from a piezo-electric sensor also contained in the band which will also be displayed on the display screen. The signal from the switch device initiating sensory stimulation will be presented on the same display screen for the patient and trainer to observe when the button or switch is activated for sensory stimulation in relation to the onset of the swallow.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus for 3-D volume image reconstruction of a subject, executed at least in part on a computer for use with a digital radiographic apparatus can obtain a 3D volume reconstruction or projection image by generating a first-filtered set of projection images from a plurality of 2-D projection images taken over a range of scan angles and a different second-filtered set of projection images from the plurality of 2-D projection images. Then, for example, a first 3-D volume image of the subject from the first-filtered set of projection images and a second 3-D volume image of the subject from the second-filtered set of projection images can be combined using different weighting combinations in at least two corresponding portions to generate the 3-D volume image of the subject.

Abstract: Methods of determining whether a patient is suitable for erythropoietin (EPO) therapy, including (A) isolating a tissue sample from said patient; (B) determining the level of expression of EPH-B4 in said sample; and (C) correlating a presence of EPH-B4 expression to a negative physiological response to EPO therapy). In addition, methods of enhancing the effectiveness of EPO therapy in a patient by administering to said patient, in conjunction with EPO therapy, an siRNA specific for EPH-B4.

Abstract: A formulation to increase the ratio of gastrointestinal microbiota in phylum Bacteroidetes to microbiota of Firmicutes phylum preferably includes about 20-60 mg/kg of body weight of fermentable fiber, about 10-30 mg/kg of body weight of beta glucan and about 20-60 mg/kg of body weight of blueberry extracts or any fruit or berry ingredient preparation containing similar phenolics. This formulation is preferably used to control body weight, body composition, and blood glucose regulation, preferably in humans, and is preferably administered orally, preferably twice per day.

Abstract: The present invention provides aminohydantoin anti-malarial agents. In some embodiments, these agents have the property of functions of targeting malarial aspartic proteases while at the same time having low activity against human BACE. Methods of employing such agents are also provided.

Abstract: A coil electrode for use with an RFA (radio frequency ablation) apparatus, has a lead portion, and a helical portion coupled to the lead portion, the helical portion being formed of Nitinol SE510. Further, an RFA (radio frequency ablation) apparatus, comprises an applicator, the applicator including a handle and a cannulating delivery needle mounted to the handle, the cannulating delivery needle including a tip spaced apart from the handle. A coil electrode includes a lead portion housed in the cannulating delivery needle, and a helical portion coupled to the lead portion, the helical portion formed of Nitinol. The helical portion has a retracted state when housed within the cannulating delivery needle and a deployed state when moved out of the tip of the cannulating delivery needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers associated with breast cancer prognosis. These biomarkers include coding transcripts and their expression products, as well as non-coding transcripts, and are useful for predicting the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in a breast cancer patient, The present invention also relates to a novel method of identifying intergenic sequences that correlate with a clinical outcome.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or (II) and use of the compound in the preparation of drugs for treating cancer are disclosed. The study shows that the compounds can inhibit the growth of many kinds of tumor cells, can be used for targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and particularly can inhibit tumor cells with single or multiple mutations of EGFR (T790M). Therefore, the compound can be used as EGFR inhibitor to treat cancer and has a relatively large application value.

Abstract: Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists and partial agonists are known to modulate the reinforcing and drug-seeking effects induced by cocaine and other abused substances. By introducing functionality into the butylamide linking chain of the 4-phenylpiperazine class of ligands, improved D3 receptor affinity and selectivity, as well as water solubility, is achieved. A series of linking-chain derivatives are disclosed wherein functionality such as OH, OAc, and cis or trans-cyclopropyl groups have been introduced into the linking chain. In general, these modifications are well tolerated at D3 receptors and achieve high selectivity over D2 and D4 receptors.

Abstract: Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Brucellosis is a disease caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the monospecific genus Brucella melitensis. The invention in one aspect is an immunogenic nucleic acid composition comprising DNA encoding Brucella melitensis Invasion Protein B, a polypeptide with at least 95% identity thereto, or an immunologically active fragment of either of these, and an adjuvant. In another aspect, the invention is a DNA vaccine composition comprising a plasmid vector having DNA encoding a polypeptide as recited above, in which said plasmid vector is adsorbed to a liposome. Other aspects of the invention include methods of inducing an enhanced immune response to Brucella infection in an animal, methods for the differential diagnosis in an animal of brucellosis and vaccination by an immunogenic nucleic acid composition having DNA encoding any of the above-recited polypeptides, and a kit for conducting said differential diagnosis methods.

Abstract: Immunogenic polypeptides corresponding to one or more RSV G glycoproteins, or analogues thereof, are provided as components of vaccines. The inventive compositions are useful as both a prophylactic and therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of RSV infections and associated pulmonary or other diseases. The inventive immunogens include regions of the RSV G protein, specifically, amino acid residues 164-176 of RSV G A2 protein or analogues thereof. This inventive immunogen is operable alone or in combination with other polypeptides such as the RSV G protein amino acid residues 155-206, or other vaccines such as live RSV vaccines, or inactivated RSV vaccines or immunogenic analogues thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for the oral and vaginal administration of human Lactobacilli and uses thereof for physiologic restoration of the vaginal flora, physiologic maintenance of Lactobacillus flora in pathologic deficiency to produce Lactobacilli, treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis and prevention of preterm delivery caused through bacterial vaginosis.

Abstract: A system and method of cleaning and scrubbing contaminants, including sulfides, from an unclean or raw gas includes one or more containers, each of which include a gas permeable receptacle or bag containing an appropriate gas scrubbing medium for removing the contaminants from the gas stream. A gas extraction device is adapted via inserted into the gas scrubbing medium with the gas permeable receptacle wherein the gas extraction device is connected to at least one gas outlet port in the container. A series of containers can be used wherein the containers are connected sequentially to remove the gas. A system for bypassing one of the plurality of containers in order to clean out the container while the gas cleaning mechanism is still in operation is also described.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member that engages the inner needle during slidable receipt to create a drag force. The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member such that the binding surfaces engage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement. The shield and/or hub includes a retention element engageable between the shield and hub and a sheath retention element. The hub includes a magnifier for viewing fluid flashback.