Abstract: This invention relates to a test for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis or TB) infection in a patient or subject, specifically a diagnostic test, including a breath test, whereby patients are provided a small dose of an isotopically labeled TB drug, Isoniazid (INH) orally or directly to the lungs of the patient or subject. If TB is present, a TB enzyme mycobacterial peroxidase KatG oxidizes the INH; and KatG specific metabolites, in particular, isotopically labeled nitric oxide (NO), nitrites, nitrates, carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide converted from carbon monoxide of INH cleavage are measured. Other embodiments relate to a diagnostic breath test for detecting TB utilizing isotopically labeled urea (preferably, carbon-13 labeled urea), alone or in combination with isotopically labeled isoniazid (preferably, nitrogen-15 labeled isoniazid), wherein M.

Abstract: A vision enhancing device for a person having macular degeneration of the retina, comprises a lens and a light diverging surface on the lens that symmetrically diverges away from the eye at an angle relative to an optic axis to redirect incident light away from the optic axis outwardly toward an un-diseased region of the retina. The light diverging surface can be a smooth surface, which can be a continuous curved surface, and can be a diverging conical surface. The lens can be an eyeglass lens, contact lens, intraocular lens, telescopic lens, correction lens, or magnification lens. A light diverging insert having a conical surface and, optionally, an end surface can be used in a lens for redirecting light to the un-diseased region of the retina.

Abstract: Methods and kits useful in the detection of occult blood in biological samples and specimens, for example to screen for colorectal cancer or detect blood in samples ex vivo, e.g., at a crime scene. Also provided are methods useful in diagnosing whether a subject is predisposed to, or suffers from, an occult-blood related disorder; and methods for direct micro-mapping of the distribution of occluded vessels associated with cerebral vascular injury.

Abstract: A method of generating an image sequence that includes the steps of detecting scene irradiance using detectors in a focal plane array, generating an output image sequence for each of the detectors based on the detected irradiance, and correcting the output image sequence generated by a first subset of detectors in the focal plane array and the output image sequence generated by a second subset of detectors in the focal plane array using the correction provided to the first subset of detectors.

Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing pathways in large genetic networks from genetic perturbations comprises an analysis method and system that applies a recursive algorithm for determining the path between every gene pair in an arbitrarily large genetic network from large-scale gene perturbation data and reconstructs all direct and indirect regulatory gene interactions in the network. Graph theory mathematics is applied to genetic network reconstruction in the following manner: Genetic perturbation data is used to identify all genes accessible from a perturbed gene to generate an accessibility list for the gene. Graph theory mathematics is applied to the accessibility list and its graph to determine a condensation of the graph as defined by the condensation's accessibility list. Graph theory mathematics is applied to the accessibility list, such as through a recursive algorithm performed on a desktop computer, to obtain an adjacency list for the gene that characterizes a genetic network.

Abstract: A distance of flight (DOF) approach to mass spectroscopy in which the resolution among the various ion masses is accomplished in space rather than time. A separate detector is associated with each ion mass resolution element. The DOF mass spectrometer can serve as one element in a tandem arrangement which has the capability to produce a full two-dimensional precursor/product spectrum for each bunch of ions extracted from the source. A “distance-of-flight” (DOF) mass analyzer is used in combination with time-of-flight (TOF) mass analysis for precursor and product dispersion. All the precursor ions can undergo a mass changing reaction simultaneously, while still retaining the essential information about the particular precursor m/z value from which each product ion m/z value emanated. Through the use of a two-dimensional detector, all the products ions from all the precursors can be detected for each batch of ions analyzed.

Abstract: A non-aqueous route and process for preparation of boron nitride utilizing aerosol assisted vapor phase synthesis (AAVS) wherein boron precursors are nitrided in one or two heating steps, and wherein a boron oxide nitride carbide intermediary composition is formed after the first heating step and may be further nitrided to form resultant spheroidal boron nitride powders including spheroidal particles that are smooth, bladed, have protruding whiskers, and are of turbostratic or hexagonal crystalline structure, specifically wherein the boron precursor is dissolved in a non-aqueous solution prior to aerosolization.

Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit is optimized by translating a first representation of its digital design to a second representation. The second representation includes multiple syntactic expressions that admit a representation of a higher-order function of base Boolean values. The syntactic expressions are manipulated to form a third representation of the digital design.

Abstract: A distance of flight (DOF) approach to mass spectrometry in which the resolution among the various ion masses is accomplished in space rather than time. A separate detector is associated with each ion mass resolution element. The DOF mass spectrometer can serve as one element in a tandem arrangement which has the capability to produce a full two-dimensional precursor/product spectrum for each bunch of ions extracted from the source. A “distance-of-flight” (DOF) mass analyzer is used in combination with time-of-flight (TOF) mass analysis for precursor and product dispersion. All the precursor ions can undergo a mass changing reaction simultaneously, while still retaining the essential information about the particular precursor m/z value from which each product ion m/z value emanated. Through the use of a two-dimensional detector, all the products ions from all the precursors can be detected for each batch of ions analyzed.

Abstract: A display and method of preparing 7-transmembrane and other receptors for real-time kinetic analysis of binding interactions. The invention includes display on beads and in micelles for multi-well and flow cytometric analysis. The invention is useful for ligand discovery and drug action discovery, and G-protein response in particular.

Abstract: A human Kunitz-type inhibitor polypeptide with enhanced antifibrinolytic activity, methods of making, and methods of use. The novel polypeptide is structurally similar to the KD1 domain of human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2).

Abstract: The invention includes compositions, kits and methods comprising a monoclonal antibody which shares key functional properties with the polyclonal antibodies which participate in the pathogenesis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (HIT/HITT) in a mammal. The monoclonal antibody of the invention preferentially binds with a PF4/heparin complex relative to the binding of the antibody with PF4 or heparin alone. The monoclonal antibody of the invention also binds specifically with PF4 in a complex with other glycosaminoglycans besides heparin, and also activates platelets. The monoclonal antibody of the invention is useful in methods for diagnosing and treating HIT/HITT in a mammal. A humanized version of the monoclonal antibody of the invention is also included, along with a process for humanizing the monoclonal antibody of the invention.

Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit is optimized by translating a first representation of its digital design to a second representation. The second representation includes multiple syntactic expressions that admit a representation of a higher-order function of base Boolean values. The syntactic expressions are manipulated to form a third representation of the digital design.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe device comprising: a first syringe comprising: a first syringe barrel including a first opening at a distal end thereof through which fluid may be forced or aspirated; and a first syringe plunger sliding within the first syringe barrel for forcing fluid through the first syringe barrel opening, the first syringe plunger including a stopper at a distal end thereof which sealingly and slidably engages the first syringe barrel; a reciprocating member which moves along a track parallel to the axial direction of the first syringe; and a reciprocating device connecting the first syringe plunger to the reciprocating member so that when one member of the group consisting of the first syringe plunger and the reciprocating member moves distally, the other member of the group is forced to move proximally.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-thiol reagents which inhibit enzyme activity of cell-associated protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) by oxidizing or blocking PDI active site vicinal thiol groups which normally participate in disulfide bond rearrangement of PDI substrates. Inhibition of this PDI function is particularly useful in blocking PDI-mediated entry of HIV or other virions into a host cell, as well as inhibiting lymphocyte traffic through the lymph nodes. The invention further provides an assay for the identification of such PDI inhibitors based on the discovery that inhibitors of the invention also induce shedding of the leucocyte L-selectin adhesion molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-thiol reagents which inhibit enzyme activity of cell-associated protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) by oxidizing or blocking PDI active site vicinal thiol groups which normally participate in disulfide bond rearrangement of PDI substrates. Inhibition of this PDI function is particularly useful in blocking PDI-mediated entry of HIV or other virions into a host cell, as well as inhibiting lymphocyte traffic through the lymph nodes. The invention further provides an assay for the identification of such PDI inhibitors based on the discovery that inhibitors of the invention also induce shedding of the leucocyte L-selectin adhesion molecule. The invention additionally provides for suppression of inflammation and of lymph node entry by calmodulin antagonists that, like PDI inhibition, cause leukocyte L-selectin shedding.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured device comprising a substrate including nanotroughs therein; and a lipid bilayer suspended on or supported in the substrate. A separation method is also provided comprising the steps of supporting or suspending a lipid bilayer on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises nanostructures and wherein the lipid bilayer comprises at least one membrane associated biomolecule; and applying a driving force to the lipid bilayer to separate the membrane associated biomolecule from the lipid bilayer and to drive the membrane associated biomolecule into the nanostructures.

Abstract: Biomarkers and polypeptide profiles for screening, detection, and monitoring of endometrial pathology, including endometrial cancer.