Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method of producing a decellularized composite tissue bioscaffold for musculoskeletal tissue interface reconstruction by physicochemically treating a musculoskeletal tissue interface isolated from allogeneic sources. In certain embodiments, such musculoskeletal tissue interfaces can also be isolated from xenogeneic sources. The method comprises treatment of the interface with detergents, chemical oxidants and ultrasonic energy, and wash steps in between to remove residual detergents as well as oxidants. The resulting bioscaffold may be freeze-dried or lyophilized, sterilized and aseptically packaged for subsequent use.

Abstract: The present methods are exemplified by a process in which maternal blood containing fetal DNA is diluted to a nominal value of approximately 0.5 genome equivalent of DNA per reaction sample. Digital PCR is then be used to detect aneuploidy, such as the trisomy that causes Down Syndrome. Since aneuploidies do not present a mutational change in sequence, and are merely a change in the number of chromosomes, it has not been possible to detect them in a fetus without resorting to invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Digital amplification allows the detection of aneuploidy using massively parallel amplification and detection methods, examining, e.g., 10,000 genome equivalents.

Abstract: As visual recognition scales up to ever larger numbers of categories, maintaining high accuracy is increasingly difficult. Embodiment of the present invention include methods for optimizing accuracy-specificity trade-offs in large scale recognition where object categories form a semantic hierarchy consisting of many levels of abstraction.

Abstract: The present methods are exemplified by a process in which maternal blood containing fetal DNA is diluted to a nominal value of approximately 0.5 genome equivalent of DNA per reaction sample. Digital PCR is then be used to detect aneuploidy, such as the trisomy that causes Down Syndrome. Since aneuploidies do not present a mutational change in sequence, and are merely a change in the number of chromosomes, it has not been possible to detect them in a fetus without resorting to invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Digital amplification allows the detection of aneuploidy using massively parallel amplification and detection methods, examining, e.g., 10,000 genome equivalents.

Abstract: Inducible promoters for the coordinated expression of at least one heterologous gene in yeast and methods of using them are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to sets of inducible promoters derived from S. cerevisiae and related species that can be induced in the presence of nonfermentable carbon sources.

Abstract: As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus and/or method involves a plurality of transducer elements that convert energy waves conveyed via a multi-directional radiation pattern into electrical charge. A power-accumulation circuit accumulates electrical charges from each of the plurality of transducer elements, with each of the transducer elements being arranged at different respective off-axis angles relative to an axis at which the energy is being conveyed. The power-accumulation circuit accumulates energy from each of the individual energy-transduction areas, such that energy received at different respective off-axis angles contributes to the accumulation of electrical charge.

Abstract: An X-ray detector array includes a scintillator that converts input X-ray radiation to secondary optical radiation output from the scintillator, a first telecentric micro lens array that array receives the secondary optical radiation, a phase coded aperture, where the first telecentric micro lens array directs the secondary optical radiation on the phase coded aperture, a second telecentric micro lens array, where the secondary optical radiation output from the phase coded array is directed to the second telecentric micro lens array, a patterned grating mask, where the second telecentric micro lens array directs the optical beam on the patterned mask, and a photodetector array, where the patterned mask outputs the optical beam in a pattern according to the patterned mask to the photodetector array, where the photodetector array outputs a signal, where a photon fringe pattern is imaged and sampled in the wavelength domain of the radiation from the scintillator.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a subject with for an intracellular pathogen infection, by administering an agent that reduces the binding of CD47 on a infected cell to SIRP? on a host phagocytic cell, in an effective dose for increasing the phagocytosis of infected cells.

Abstract: A method of fabricating in-plane or out-of-plane thin-film multi-axial magnetic anisotropy devices is provided that includes either depositing a magnetic material with perpendicular or partially perpendicular anisotropy patterned into a multi-directional, curved, or closed path or depositing a thin-film of magnetic material on a piezoelectric material, where the magnetic material is arranged in a pattern, depositing excitation electrodes on the piezoelectric material, where the excitation electrodes are arranged in a pattern, biasing the piezoelectric material, by applying a voltage across the excitation electrodes, where an electric field through the piezoelectric material is generated by the applied voltage across the excitation electrodes, where the piezoelectric material is biased by the electric field to provide stress to the magnetic material, where the stress rotates a magnetization of the magnetic material, and patterning the magnetic material into a multi-directional, curved, or closed path.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods for preventing or attenuating neuronal damage or stimulating neuronal repair, prior to or following central nervous system injury associated with acute or chronic nervous system injury. Macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor agonists including macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF or CSF-1), interleukin-34 (IL-34), proteins or biologically active fragments thereof, peptides or biologically active fragments thereof, peptidomimetics, or small molecules, and the like are effective for prevention or treatment of acute nervous system injury or chronic nervous system injury involving Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an electrostrictive element by which an electrostrictive element including an expandable and contradictable film electrode having a thin and uniform thickness can be easily formed. In a method of manufacturing an electrostrictive element 1, screen printing is performed while a first jig 12 contacts with a face of a dielectric film 2 opposite to a face where screen printing is performed such that the first jig 12 surrounds an area where the screen printing is performed. Thus, a film electrode 3 is formed.

Abstract: Combinations of reductive dehalogenase (rdh) genes are a distinguishing genomic feature of closely-related organohalogen-respiring bacteria. This feature can be used to deconvolute the population structure of organohalogen-respiring bacteria in complex environments and to identify relevant subpopulations, which is important for tracking interspecies dynamics needed for successful site remediation. The present disclosure encompasses embodiments of a nanoliter qPCR platform to identify organohalogen-respiring bacteria by quantitatively identifying major orthologous reductive dehalogenase gene groups.

Abstract: Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cells, including hematopoietic cells, e.g. circulating hematopoietic cells, bone marrow cells, acute leukemia cells, etc.; and solid tumor cells. In some embodiments of the invention the circulating cells are hematopoietic stem cells, or hematopoietic progenitor cells, particularly in a transplantation context, where protection from phagocytosis is desirable. In other embodiments the circulating cells are leukemia cells, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where increased phagocytosis is desirable.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a population of cells is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the method includes i) obtaining an array of cells on a substrate, wherein the cells are labeled with one or more mass tags and are separated from one another, ii) measuring, using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), the abundance of the one or more mass tags at a plurality of locations occupied by the cells, thereby generating, for each individual cell measured, a set of data, and iii) outputting the set of data for each of the cells analyzed. Also provided herein are systems that find use in performing the subject method. In some embodiments, the system is an automated system for analyzing a population of cells using SIMS.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are provided for improving the function, i.e. clinical outcome, of solid organ transplants. Lung transplantation is of particular interest. In the methods of the invention, a nanoparticle formulation comprising an effective dose of an iron chelator active agent in nanoparticle form, including without limitation, deferoxamine (DFO), deferasirox (DFX), and deferiprone (DFP), etc. is topically applied to the surface of tissues during episodes of graft rejection.

Abstract: A variable stiffness spring is provided that includes a dielectric diaphragm having a biaxially pre-strained film, where the dielectric diaphragm includes an out-of-plane stiffness at zero voltage, a first electrode disposed on a first side of the dielectric diaphragm and a second electrode disposed on a second side of the dielectric diaphragm, where the out-of-plain stiffness is relaxed by an applied voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Methods are provided to enhance the efficacy of antibody therapy directed to tumor cells.

Abstract: A system combines complete, ultra-thin cells into a monolithic and robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yields orders of magnitude faster desalination. The electrode pairs are located so that a flow of feed water flows through or around the electrode pairs with the flow perpendicular to sequentially applied electric potentials. The system is controlled to charge the series of electrode pairs sequentially or phased. That means the charging of the second electrode pair is delayed with regard to the charging of the first electrode pair and the charging of a third electrode pair is delayed with respect to the charging of the second electrode pair.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated NpHR-based molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated NpHR-based molecule and a promoter. Either a high expression of the molecule manifests a toxicity level that is less than about 75%, or the light-activated NpHR-based proteins are expressed using at least two NpHR-based molecular variants. Each of the variants characterized in being useful for expressing a light-activated NpHR-based molecule that responds to light by producing an inhibitory current to dissuade depolarization of the neuron. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion pumps or for controlling inhibitory currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) biomarkers, NEC biomarker panels, and methods for obtaining a NEC signature for a sample are provided. Also provided are methods, compositions, and kits for making a Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) assessment of an individual, e.g. for diagnosing NEC in a patient, prognosing NEC in a patient, treating an NEC patient, etc. These methods find use in a number of applications, such as diagnosing and treating infants who are suspected of having NEC, intestinal perforation (IP), or sepsis.