Abstract: Disclosed herein are adaptive filters, radiographic systems, and methods for controlling the radiation exposure of a target object during a radiographic imaging procedure. An adaptive filter can comprise first and second dynamic collimators that block or attenuate radiation that is incident upon the collimators, but allow radiation to pass between the collimators to reach the target object and radiation detector. The collimators can move relative to each other during a radiation emission such that the motion of the collimators allows different amounts of radiation from the radiation source to pass between the two collimators to each portion of the target object during the radiation emission. The amounts of radiation allowed to reach each portion of the target object can be determined based on a thickness of each portion of the target object.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of promoting regression of cancer in a mammal comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium therein; obtaining tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from the tumor tissue sample; expanding the number of TIL in a second gas permeable container containing cell medium therein using irradiated allogeneic feeder cells and/or irradiated autologous feeder cells; and administering the expanded number of TIL to the mammal. Methods of obtaining an expanded number of TIL from a mammal for adoptive cell immunotherapy are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide comprising an agonist of a MHC Class I binding native sequence having amino acid substitution(s) and enhanced immunogenicity compared to the native sequence. The invention provides DNA encoding the polypeptide, as well as vectors and cells comprising the DNA and methods comprising the administration of the polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of neuroprotection, inducing release of neurotrophic factors, inhibiting the over-activation of innate immune cells, attenuating the toxin-induced death and/or damage of tissues, reducing inflammation, treating an inflammation-related condition, and inhibiting NADPH oxidase, that includes contacting or administering an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention that include: valproic acid, sodium butyrate, and salts thereof; opioid peptides; a peptide comprising the tripeptide GGF; and morphinans, such as naloxone, naltrexone, 3-hydroxy-morphinan and dextromethorphan.