Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing elemental selenium (Se(0)), Se(0)-carrier conjugates, a chromophore photoproduct, fluorescent conjugates of the chromophore photoproduct and carrier molecules, or a mixture thereof are disclosed. Methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions such as inducing cell death are also disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of making the pharmaceutical compositions and components thereof.

Abstract: A conductive electrode is attached to the clinician's finger and current pulses are applied thereto as the clinician searches for a nerve to be anesthetized by palpating in the region of the nerve. The target nerve is stimulated to indicate when the nerve is located.

Abstract: A uniform-field resonator includes a central cavity section having a cross-section which is set to the cutoff frequency for a particular microwave propagation mode and a pair of end sections which enclose the cavity to form a resonator in which the field is substantially uniform along the entire length of the central cavity—regardless of its length. A number of end section design strategies and resulting structures are described for supporting the uniform-field mode of operation in the central cavity section.

Abstract: Two sets of time course NMR data are acquired using an EPI pulse sequence in which both gradient recalled echo NMR signals and spin-echo NMR signals are acquired after bolus injection of a contrast agent. The gradient-echo signals and spin-echo NMR signals are employed to calculate rCBV maps which are corrected for contrast leakage and used as a measure of tumor angiogenesis. Both the gradient echo and spin echo signals are employed to calculate a &Dgr;R2 weighting ratio which is also a measure of tumor angiogenesis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the in vivo reduction of free radical levels in mammalian subjects in need thereof. In contrast to the inhibitory approach described in the prior art (i.e., wherein the function of the species responsible for free radical production is inhibited), the present invention employs a scavenging approach whereby overproduced free radical is bound in vivo to a suitable free radical scavenger. An exemplary free radical scavenger contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention is a dithiocarbamate-ferrous iron complex. This complex binds to free radicals, forming a stable, water-soluble free radical-containing complex. When administered to a subject afflicted with a disorder associated with free radical overproduction (e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the in vivo reduction of free radical levels in mammalian subjects in need thereof. In contrast to the inhibitory approach described in the prior art (i.e., wherein the function of the species responsible for free radical production is inhibited), the present invention employs a scavenging approach whereby overproduced free radical is bound in vivo to a suitable free radical scavenger. An exemplary free radical scavenger contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention is a dithiocarbamate-ferrous iron complex. This complex binds to free radicals, forming a stable, water-soluble free radical-containing complex. When administered to a subject afflicted with a disorder associated with free radical overproduction, the water-soluble free radical-containing complex is produced and then filtered through the kidneys, concentrated in the urine, and eventually excreted by the subject, thereby reducing in vivo free radical levels.

Abstract: Time course MRI data is acquired from the hippocampal region of the brain and processed to produce an index which is a measure of the functional connectivity between locations therein. The MRI data is acquired while the brain is substantially at rest and the spontaneous low frequency component of the time course data at each location in the hippocampus is extracted and compared in a cross-correlation process.

Abstract: An EPI pulse sequence is performed by an MRI system which acquires images of the brain over a time interval during which the subject performs a function or is stimulated in a pattern. An fMRI parameter is calculated for each voxel which indicates those regions of the brain that are active during the study. The same acquired NMR data is employed in a jackknife method for recalculating the fMRI parameter many times and from the distribution of the recalculated values a confidence level indicator is produced. Low confidence level indicators are used to exclude regions which are otherwise indicated as active.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the in vivo reduction of free radical levels in mammalian subjects in need thereof. In contrast to the inhibitory approach described in the prior art (i.e., wherein the function of the species responsible for free radical production is inhibited), the present invention employs a scavenging approach whereby overproduced free radical is bound in vivo to a suitable free radical scavenger. An exemplary free radical scavenger contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention is a dithiocarbamate-ferrous iron complex. This complex binds to free radicals, forming a stable, water-soluble free radical-containing complex. When administered to a subject afflicted with a disorder associated with free radical overproduction, the water-soluble free radical-containing complex is produced and then filtered through the kidneys, concentrated in the urine, and eventually excreted by the subject, thereby reducing in vivo free radical levels.

Abstract: Functional NMR data is acquired from a subject using an EPI pulse sequence while a prescribed pattern of light is displayed that stimulates locations throughout the subject's field of view. Brain activity responsive to the light stimulation is measured and a functional field map is produced which indicates all the locations in the subject's field of view which produce brain activity in the visual cortex.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided articles for use in non-invasive measurements of nitric oxide levels in a variety of fluid media, e.g., in mammalian body fluids. Articles according to the present invention comprise a nitric oxide trapping agent contained within a vessel, wherein the vessel comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Nitric oxide diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane and is trapped therein for subsequent quantitative analysis. Articles of the present invention are particularly useful in selectively detecting nitric oxide in the presence of other NOx species.

Abstract: A local head coil for an MRI system includes a passive shim assembly having ferroshims placed to reduce B0 field inhomogeneities caused by susceptibility effects in the subject being imaged. A prescan is performed with the subject in place to measure B0 field inhomogeneities and the passive shim assembly is tailored to the subject by attaching ferroshim inserts based on these measurements.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the in vivo reduction of nitric oxide levels in a mammalian subject. In contrast to the inhibitory approach described in the prior art (i.e., wherein the function of the enzymes responsible for nitric oxide production is inhibited), the present invention employs a scavenging approach whereby overproduced nitric oxide is bound in vivo to a suitable nitric oxide scavenger. The resulting complex renders the nitric oxide harmless, and is eventually excreted in the urine of the host. Further in accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and formulations useful for carrying out the above-described methods. An exemplary nitric oxide scavenger contemplated for use in the practice of the present invention is a dithiocarbamate-ferrous iron complex. The present invention relates to methods for reducing in vivo levels of .multidot.NO as a means of treating subjects afflicted with inflammatory and/or infectious disease.

Abstract: A preparation of recombinant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase is disclosed, wherein the preparation has at least 0.024 unitsg specific activity. Preferably, the preparation has at least 0.24 units/mg specific activity and is a crude cell extract. Preferably, at least 90% of the synthase molecules have not been substantially proteolytically cleaved. A preparation of recombinant HMG-CoA synthase wherein the preparation retains 50% activity after storage at 4.degree. C. for six months is also disclosed. A method of evaluating the efficacy of candidate anti-isoprene and anti-cholesterol drugs is also disclosed which comprises exposing the candidate drug to a recombinant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA synthase preparation.

Abstract: A local RF and gradient coil for acquiring images of the human brain using fast NMR pulse sequences includes an end capped RF bird cage coil surrounded by a 3 axis gradient coil assembly. An RF shield is disposed between the RF coil and the gradient coils and it is divided into separate segments to reduce eddy currents induced by the changing gradient fields.

Abstract: A local RF and gradient coil for acquiring images of the human brain using fast NMR pulse sequences includes an end capped RF bird cage coil surrounded by a 3 axis gradient coil assembly. An RF shield is disposed between the RF coil and the gradient coils and it is divided into separate segments to reduce eddy currents induced by the changing gradient fields.

Abstract: A method of detecting nitric oxide in an aqueous body fluid of a mammal comprises introducing into the body fluid the agents required to form a water-soluble, stable, paramagnetic complex with nitric oxide and then subjecting the body fluid to magnetic resonance methods which can detect the complex to determine if any nitric oxide was present. A paramagnetic complex containing nitric oxide also is described, as well as, a method of diagnosing septic shock in a mammal by stabilizing and detecting the presence of nitric oxide in a body fluid of the mammal.

Abstract: A video system for use by a patient positioned in the bore of an MRI scanner includes a scope through which the patient can view a remote target area while a scan is being performed. A liquid crystal display system produces a color image at the target area which can be manipulated with a computer to perform MRI brain function experiments or tests.

Abstract: A method for externally eradicating by inactivation infectious pathogenic contaminants in body tissues, such as blood, so that it can be introduced into an animal comprises admixing the body tissues with an effective, non-toxic, amount of a photoactive agent which selectively binds to the contaminant, passing the resulting mixture through an irradiation chamber, and then irradiating the resulting mixture with an effective level of visible light for an effective period of time to eradicate the contaminants.

Abstract: A phantom for use in training persons in locating and aspirating tumors identified by X-ray in a human body part consists of a body of a tissue equivalent X-ray permeable material containing at least one aspiratable simulated tumor suspended in the interior of the body. A method of making the phantom also is disclosed.