Abstract: A series of MR image frames are acquired that depict a subject's heart at successive cardiac phases. Delayed enhancement of infarcted myocardium is depicted in some of the image frames by administering a contrast agent prior to data acquisition. Data acquisition is performed in a single breath hold by producing an RF inversion pulse followed by segments of SSFP pulse sequences during a succession of cardiac gated heart beats. The acquired MR image frames depict contrast between blood, viable myocardium and nonviable myocardium, and they depict left ventricle wall thickness and wall thickening throughout the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging capable of achieving spatial resolutions that can resolve objects smaller than 300 ?m are described. Ultrasound is transmitted to and steered over a volume-of-interest that contains a microbubble contrast agent to individually excite microbubbles. Signal data is acquired in response to the transmitted ultrasound, and a plurality of images are reconstructed by beamforming the acquired signal data. The spatial resolution of the beamformed images can be further increased using techniques that determine the position of the microbubble within each image to a greater level of accuracy than the point spread function (“PSF”) of the ultrasound system. The images can also be combined to produce a single high resolution image of the volume-of-interest using, for instance, a maximum pixel projection technique.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and uses of Tie2 binding and/or activating agents. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods and uses for inhibiting the expansion of colony forming unit-granulocytes, reducing eosinophils and/or basophils, for treating allergic disease or response or eosinophil/basophil associated condition and for reducing inflammatory cytokine and/or chemokine levels.

Abstract: A tracking device configured to be coupled to an interventional instrument and tracked by a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The tracking device includes, for example, paramagnetic and diamagnetic components that form first and second tracking members. When the tracking device is adjusted into a first arrangement, the tracking device will produce a local magnetic field in the presence of the magnetic field of an MRI system that is measurable by the MRI system. However, when the tracking device is adjusted into a second arrangement, the local magnetic field produced by the tracking device is reduced relative to the first arrangement, wherein the reduced local magnetic field produces substantially no magnetic field disturbances detectable by the MRI system. Images may be acquired of a patient in which the tracking device has been introduced and, using a numerical fitting method, an accurate location of the tracking device can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric form of a Tie 2 binding peptide monomer, wherein the multimeric form has Tie 2 agonist activity. The multimeric form, preferably a tetramer, stimulates angiogenesis and promotes wound healing. The present invention also features pharmaceutical compositions comprising the multimeric Tie 2 agonists, including those suitable for topical or systemic administration. Methods of using the multimeric Tie 2 agonists of the invention for stimulating angiogenesis and for promoting healing of wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or skin grafts, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.

Abstract: A method of controlling or treating an angiogenic dependent condition in a mammal, preferably in a human by administering an anti-angiogenic molecule such as an angiogenesis growth factor antagonist, and a chemotherapeutic agent in amounts and frequencies effective, in combination, to produce a regression or arrest of said condition while minimizing or preventing significant toxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent. Also a kit for controlling or treating an angiogenic dependent condition in a mammal, preferably in a human, comprising an anti-angiogenic molecule, such as an angiogenesis growth factor antagonist, and a chemotherapeutic agent in amounts effective, in combination, to produce a regression or arrest of said condition while minimizing or preventing significant toxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy transducer head comprises an ultrasound source emitting ultrasonic radiation, the ultrasound source comprising a plurality of transducer elements, integrated driving electronics coupled to the transducer elements, the electronics generating at least one output ultrasound waveform and driving at least some of the transducer elements independently based on the at least one output ultrasound waveform and temperature control structure providing cooling for the electronics.

Abstract: A device and software system with input and output capability for manipulating real and virtual objects in 3-dimensional space. The device consists of a six degree-of-freedom mechanical armature that has sensors to determine the location and orientation of a stylus and planar surface. In the input mode, manipulation of the physical armature will result in a corresponding two-dimensional, virtual image of the stylus and surface on a computer screen. The armature also has motors to automatically change the armature location and orientation in order to generate a physical representation in the real world of the location and orientation of a virtual object. The armature is built so that it maintains balance at any location and orientation to statically maintain the armature location and orientation without drifting to a null rest position.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring MR image data, which comprises the steps of applying a succession of RF excitation pulses to a selected region of an imaging subject to produce a corresponding succession of MR data signals, generating a readout gradient in association with each of the MR data signals, and acquiring sets of data points from the MR data signals to provide views respectively corresponding thereto. The data points of a view are respectively identified by positions in k-space along a first k-space axis, each of the positions along the first k-space axis having a time offset with respect to a reference.

Abstract: Methods for isolating ILK genes are provided. The ILK nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: A method for manipulating motion ghosts is disclosed. The method includes acquiring two image data sets, each including a time averaged image component and a ghost component and processing these components to separate the ghosts from the desired image and further using the ghost information to produce a dynamic image. Motion monitoring systems are not required. Improved scan times and noise control are allowed over previous methods.

Abstract: A method for producing dynamic images from a ghosted MR image is disclosed. The method includes acquiring an image data set including a time averaged image component and a ghost component and processing these components to produce a dynamic image. A motion monitoring system is not required as in conventional cine magnetic resonance imaging.