Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating an MRI system is provided. The disclosure provides a diffusion-prepared driven-equilibrium preparation for an imaging volume and acquiring 3-dimensional k-space data from said prepared volume by a plurality of echoplanar readouts of stimulated echoes. An excitation radio-frequency signal and first and second inversion RF signals are provided to define a field-of-view (FOV).

Abstract: The invention contemplates compositions for the treatment of malaria comprising an anti-malaria drug and an adjuvant which promotes vasodilation and methods of using same.

Abstract: Stabilized trimers of a clade A strain and a clade C strain of HIV-1 are provided. Broadly neutralizing antisera against HIV-1, methods of making broadly neutralizing antisera against HIV-1, broadly neutralizing vaccines against HIV-1, as well as methods of treating subjects infected with HIV, preventing HIV infection, and inhibiting HIV-mediated activities are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant adenovirus vectors (serotype 26 and serotype 35) encoding filovirus antigens. The adenovirus vectors can be used to induce protective immune responses against filovirus infection.

Abstract: A system determines motion correction data for use in diffusion MR imaging using an RF signal generator and magnetic field gradient generator which sequentially acquire in a single first direction through a volume, first and second slice sets individually comprising multiple individual diffusion image slices. The first set of slices and the second set of slices are spatially interleaved within the volume, by providing in acquiring the second slice set, a low flip angle RF pulse successively followed by a non-diffusion image data readout magnetic field gradient for acquisition of data representing a two dimensional (2D) non-diffusion image used for motion detection of the first slice set successively followed by, a first diffusion imaging RF pulse followed by a first diffusion imaging phase encoding magnetic field gradient for preparation for acquiring data representing a diffusion image slice of the second slice set.

Abstract: The present invention provides small molecule inhibitors of BMP signaling. These compounds may be used to modulate cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, and thus may be useful for treating diseases or conditions associated with BMP signaling, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, hematological disease, cancer, and bone disorders, as well as for modulating cellular differentiation and/or proliferation. These compounds may also be used to reduce circulating levels of ApoB-100 or LDL and treat or prevent acquired or congenital hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipoproteinemia; diseases, disorders, or syndromes associated with defects in lipid absorption or metabolism; or diseases, disorders, or syndromes caused by hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that include an extract of human feces, and methods for using such compositions, including methods for replacing or supplementing or modifying a subject's colon microbiota, and methods for treating a disease, pathological condition, and/or iatrogenic condition of the colon.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering a sheet of tissue into the eye in such a way that damage to the tissue is minimized, damage to the eye during insertion and manipulation of the tissue is minimized, and the tissue is released and delivered in a precise and controlled fashion.

Abstract: An isolated linear nucleic acid molecule comprising in this order: a first adeno-associated virus (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a nucleotide sequence of interest and a second AAV ITR, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is devoid of AAV capsid protein coding sequences. The said nucleic acid molecule can be applied to a host at repetition without eliciting an immune response. Methods for producing and purifying this nucleic acid molecule, and use of the same for therapeutic purposes are also provided.

Abstract: An MR imaging system uses multiple RF coils for acquiring corresponding multiple image data sets of a slice or volume of patient anatomy. An image data processor comprises at least one processing device conditioned for, deriving a first set of weights for weighted combination of k-space data of the multiple image data sets for generating a calibration data set comprising a subset of k-space data of composite image data representing the multiple image data sets. The image data processor uses the calibration data set in generating a first MR image data set, deriving the parameters of a probability distribution in response to the first set of weights and the first MR image data set and deriving a second set of weights and second MR image data set together using the probability distribution.

Abstract: A system for parallel image processing in MR imaging comprises multiple MR imaging RF coils for individually receiving MR imaging data representing a slice of patient anatomy. An MR imaging system uses the multiple RF coils for acquiring corresponding multiple image data sets of the slice. An image data processor comprises at least one processing device conditioned for, deriving a first set of weights for generating a calibration data set comprising a subset of k-space data of composite image data representing the multiple image data sets. The at least one processing device uses the calibration data set in generating a first MR image data set, deriving a second set of weights using the calibration data set and the generated first MR image data set and uses the second set of weights in generating a second MR image data set representing a single image having a reduced set of data components relative to the first composite MR image data set.

Abstract: A method for accelerated segmented magnetic resonance (MR) image data acquisition includes using a plurality of RF pulses to excite one or more slices of an anatomical area of interest according to a predetermined slice acceleration factor. Next, a collapsed image comprising the slices is acquired using a consecutive segment acquisition process. Then, a parallel image reconstruction method is applied to the collapsed image to separate the collapsed image into a plurality of slice images.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a personalized weight management program incorporating dynamic feedback control using a validated mathematical model of metabolism and weight change. In general, the subject matter provides a system for repeated monitoring of one or more parameters such as, for example, body weight, physical activity, diet, eating behavior, or various other physiological and behavioral measurements, and using the parameter(s) to calculate an objective and personalized measure of adherence to a prescribed intervention, iteratively update mathematical model parameters, and adjust the prescribed intervention based on revised model predictions. Such a dynamic feedback control methodology can improve adherence to weight management interventions and result in greater weight loss and improved weight maintenance. The present subject matter also relates to a novel, cost-effective, weight management tool that could be widely disseminated through the internet and mobile computing platforms.

Abstract: The invention discloses injectable hydrogels which are in the form of crosslinked nano beads or particle in the size range 5 nm to 10 ?m, comprising PAMAM dendrimer with asymmetrical peripheral end groups such that one of the terminal groups is involved in formation of hydrogel and the other in involved in the conjugation of drugs or imaging agents and their methods of preparation. The said gel is formed by reaction of the PAMAM dendrimer with asymmetrical end groups with other polymer wherein the other polymer is selected from the group of linear, branched, hyperbranched or star shaped polymers with functionalized terminal groups. The PAMAM dendrimer with asymmetrical terminal groups consists of a Generation 2 and above PAMAM dendrimer with symmetrical end groups modified using the amino acids or their modified forms.

Abstract: We tested the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a recombinant bispecific immunotoxin that recognizes both EGFRwt and tumor-specific EGFRvIII receptors. A single chain antibody was cloned from a hybridoma and fused to toxin, carrying a C-terminal peptide which increases retention within cells. The binding affinity and specificity of the recombinant bispecific immunotoxin for the EGFRwt and the EGFRvIII proteins was measured. In vitro cytotoxicity was measured. In vivo activity of the recombinant bispecific immunotoxin was evaluated in subcutaneous models and compared to that of an established monospecific immunotoxin. In our preclinical studies, the bispecific recombinant immunotoxin, exhibited significant potential for treating brain tumors.

Abstract: Provided are methods for treating GLUT1 and related brain energy deficiencies comprising administering odd-carbon fatty acid sources, e.g., C5 or C7 fatty acid sources, and related compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes.

Abstract: This relates to the use of an IGF-1 mimetic in human therapy. In particular, disclosed herein is the use of an IGF-1 precursor protein, particularly a human IGF-1 precursor protein, comprising the E-peptide for the treatment of Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) in a patient suffering from said disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparmagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising a polynucleotide. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for transfection and/or transformation of a cell with the polynucleotide. Further provided are methods of detecting transfection of a cell with the polynucleotide.

Abstract: Provided herein is a hydrogel composition comprising a graphene, a chitosan, and a polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) (PCG hydrogel). In some embodiments, the hydrogel further comprises a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) (TPCG hydrogel). Also provided is a method for differentiating a mesenchymal stem cell comprising contacting the cell with the PCG hydrogel. Further provided herein is a method for delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a cell comprising administering to the cell a TPCG hydrogel and the pharmaceutical composition.