Abstract: Biomarkers associated with neuroimmunological disease are described. The disclosed biomarkers are secreted proteins identified in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with neurological disease. The disclosed biomarkers identify patients with intrathecal inflammation, distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from patients with other types of inflammatory neurological diseases and from subjects without MS, distinguish progressive MS patients from patients with relapsing-remitting MS, identify subjects with non-MS inflammatory neurological diseases, differentiate healthy subjects from patients with any type of neurological disease, and/or identify subjects with increased disability, CNS tissue damage and/or neurodegeneration. Process-specific biomarkers that can be used in place of a brain biopsy to identify immune cell infiltration and/or activation in the CNS are also described.

Abstract: Large magnetic moment compositions are formed by stabilizing ternary or other alloys with a epitaxial control layer. Compositions that are unstable in bulk specimen are thus stabilized and exhibit magnetic moments that are greater that a Slater-Pauling limit. In one example, FexCoyMnz layers are produced on an MgO(001) substrate with an MgO surface serving to control the structure of the FexCoyMnz layers. Magnetizations greater than 3 Bohr magnetons are produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of O-(3-piperidino-2-hydroxy-1-propyl)-nicotinic amidoxime (BGP15), its tautomers, enantiomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the treatment of Familial Dysaustonomia.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope, a filter, and a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR are provided, with methods to use the same. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses, a secondary mirror, a primary mirror including an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal. The filter includes an etalon and a first filter. The micropulse differential absorption LIDAR includes first and second laser signals, a laser transmission beam selection switch, a first laser return signal switch, and a toggle timer.

Abstract: Laser 3D imaging techniques include splitting a laser temporally-modulated waveform of bandwidth B and duration D from a laser source into a reference beam and a target beam and directing the target beam onto a target. First data is collected, which indicates amplitude and phase of light relative to the reference beam received at each of a plurality of different times during a duration D at each optical detector of an array of one or more optical detectors perpendicular to the target beam. Steps are repeated for multiple sampling conditions, and the first data for the multiple sampling conditions are synthesized to form one or more synthesized sets. A 3D Fourier transform of each synthesized set forms a digital model of the target for each synthesized set with a down-range resolution based on the bandwidth B.

Abstract: Biomarkers associated with neuroimmunological disease are described. The disclosed biomarkers are secreted proteins identified in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with neurological disease. The disclosed biomarkers identify patients with intrathecal inflammation, distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from patients with other types of inflammatory neurological diseases and from subjects without MS, distinguish progressive MS patients from patients with relapsing-remitting MS, identify subjects with non-MS inflammatory neurological diseases, differentiate healthy subjects from patients with any type of neurological disease, and/or identify subjects with increased disability, CNS tissue damage and/or neurodegeneration. Process-specific biomarkers that can be used in place of a brain biopsy to identify immune cell infiltration and/or activation in the CNS are also described.

Abstract: Systems, compositions, methods and kits employ protein shells, such as ferritin or viral capsid shells, herein called nanobubbles, to enhance X-ray images of cells or body tissue under certain x-ray imaging methods. The nanobubbles have sub-micron size such as about 10 nm, about 40, 60, or 100 nm and may be functionalized for effective delivery to or uptake by a target tissue, in vivo or a cell culture. The nanobubbles are hollow, having a central core which may be empty or contain a fluid, such that the shells effectively form long-lived bubbles in the imaged environment, and are of low electron density and have different scattering properties than the surrounding tissue. X-ray imaging by spatial frequency heterodyne imaging enhances visualization or detection of tissue regions bearing the shells. The protein shells may be further treated to assure biocompatibility and/or to resist undesired interactions with non-targeted tissue, such as scavenging by the liver, or attack by the immune system.

Abstract: Vaccines and compositions containing an attenuated L. monocytogenes prsA2 htrA deletion mutant for use in the presentation of foreign or exogenous antigens and in the treatment or prevention of diseases such as cancer or infectious disease are provided.

Abstract: Biomarkers associated with neuroimmunological disease are described. The disclosed biomarkers are secreted proteins identified in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with neurological disease. The disclosed biomarkers identify patients with intrathecal inflammation, distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from patients with other types of inflammatory neurological diseases and from subjects without MS, distinguish progressive MS patients from patients with relapsing-remitting MS, identify subjects with non-MS inflammatory neurological diseases, differentiate healthy subjects from patients with any type of neurological disease, and/or identify subjects with increased disability, CNS tissue damage and/or neurodegeneration. Process-specific biomarkers that can be used in place of a brain biopsy to identify immune cell infiltration and/or activation in the CNS are also described.

Abstract: A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.

Abstract: A shared optics and telescope for transmitting a transmission beam and receiving a return signal is provided. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses operable to shape the transmission beam into an annular beam having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a secondary mirror operable to deflect the annular beam into a deflected annular transmission beam, and a primary mirror that includes an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal.

Abstract: A filter for a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR is provided. The filter comprises an etalon including a free spectral range substantially the same as a difference between a first laser wavelength and a second laser wavelength, the etalon further including a finesse providing substantial background noise suppression and substantially constant transmission of the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength over a predetermined range of wavelengths, and a first filter having a first filter bandpass selected to include the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying biomarkers of disease capable of affecting cognitive function. The biomarkers identified by the methods of the prevention may be used for predicting whether a mammal will develop a disease capable of affecting cognitive function. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of biomarkers predictive of neurological diseases in a mammal and the use of these biomarkers in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and/or prognosis of the neurological disease. The methods and systems provided enable an assessment and theoretical prediction of neocortical amyloid loading based on the measurement of biomarkers that will provide an indication of whether a mammal is likely to develop a neurological disease.

Abstract: Laser 3D imaging techniques include splitting a laser temporally-modulated waveform of bandwidth B and duration D from a laser source into a reference beam and a target beam and directing the target beam onto a target. First data is collected, which indicates amplitude and phase of light relative to the reference beam received at each of a plurality of different times during a duration D at each optical detector of an array of one or more optical detectors perpendicular to the target beam. Steps are repeated for multiple sampling conditions, and the first data for the multiple sampling conditions are synthesized to form one or more synthesized sets. A 3D Fourier transform of each synthesized set forms a digital model of the target for each synthesized set with a down-range resolution based on the bandwidth B.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of altering/improving Durum wheat phenotypes. Furthermore, methods of breeding Durum wheat and/or other closely related species to produce plants having altered or improved phenotypes are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to therapeutic compositions comprising recombinant bacteria. Further, the disclosure elaborates upon methods of utilizing the taught therapeutic compositions to treat autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The present teachings also relate to the disclosed recombinant bacteria and methods of producing the recombinant bacteria utilized in the compositions and methods. Further taught herein are dietary supplements and food additive compositions comprising the taught recombinant bacteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes an optical source for a single order single-sideband suppressed-carrier optical signal with a bandwidth that scales from over 4 gigaHertz or is at least 8 GHz from an optical carrier frequency. In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a stable laser source configured to output an optical carrier signal at a carrier frequency. The apparatus includes a radio frequency electrical source configured to output an electrical radio frequency signal with a radio frequency bandwidth less than one octave. The apparatus also includes an optical modulator configured to output an optical signal with the optical carrier signal modulated by the radio frequency signal in a plurality of orders (harmonics) of optical frequency sidebands. The apparatus further includes an optical filter configured to pass one single order optical frequency sideband of the optical signal, which sideband does not overlap the sideband of any other harmonic.

Abstract: Tunable filter arrays include an array of liquid crystal (LC) tunable Fabry-Perot (FP) microcavities. The microcavities are defined by first and second reflectors and an LC layer situated between the reflectors. The tunable filter is secured to an image sensor array so that the LC tunable microcavities are coupled to respective photodetectors of the image sensor array. Patterned electrodes are situated about the LC layer to tune the microcavities.

Abstract: Biomarkers associated with neuroimmunological disease are described. The disclosed biomarkers are secreted proteins identified in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with neurological disease. The disclosed biomarkers identify patients with intrathecal inflammation, distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from patients with other types of inflammatory neurological diseases and from subjects without MS, distinguish progressive MS patients from patients with relapsing-remitting MS, identify subjects with non-MS inflammatory neurological diseases, differentiate healthy subjects from patients with any type of neurological disease, and/or identify subjects with increased disability, CNS tissue damage and/or neurodegeneration. Process-specific biomarkers that can be used in place of a brain biopsy to identify immune cell infiltration and/or activation in the CNS are also described.

Abstract: The invention is a method of increasing hydrocarbon recovery through the biomineralization sealing of fractured geological formations followed by refracturing, including preparing a composition with biochemical components that is delivered into a geological subsurface through a cased well bore. Nutrient solutions are delivered into the geological subsurface through the well bore, thereby metabolizing the nutrient solutions with the biochemical components to create a mineralizing byproduct. Mineralizing solutions are delivered into the geological subsurface, delivering the composition, nutrient solutions and mineralizing solutions to targeted geological formations having existing formation fractures, through casing openings. Mineralizing solutions react with the mineralizing byproduct to produce minerals, which crystallize in the existing formation fractures, sealing and strengthening the existing formation fractures and resulting in sealed fractures.