Abstract: This invention provides biomarkers whose concentrations in blood plasma are associated with the presence or absence of PAD in the patient from whom the plasma sample is taken. The invention also provides biomarkers for distinguishing between PAD patients who are long claudicators and PAD patients who are not. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying additional biomarkers, methods for detecting the biomarkers in patients, and methods for identifying agents, including pharmaceutical agents, which interact with the biomarkers and are useful for preventing or treating PAD in patients.

Abstract: The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ionizing radiation from a source. A detector is disposed relative to the source to receive the ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation causes ionization and/or excitation in the detector, wherein an optical property of the detector is altered in response to the ionization and/or excitation. A source of coherent probing light is disposed relative to the detector to probe the detector. The detector outputs the probing light, wherein the output light is modulated in response to the altered optical property. A receiver receives the output light and detects modulation in the output light.

Abstract: We describe herein a cell-based multiplexing technique called detectable cell barcoding (DCB). In DCB, each individual sample is labeled with a different DCB signature that distinguishes each sample by one or both of detected intensity or type of detection characteristic. The samples are then combined and analyzed for a detectable characteristic of interest (e.g., presence of an analyte). By employing multiple distinct DCB labels at varying concentrations, one can perform multiplex analyses on up to hundreds or thousands (or more) of cell samples in a single reaction tube. DCB reduces reagent consumption by factors of 100-fold or more, significantly reduces data acquisition times and allows for stringent control sample analysis.

Abstract: Novel double and triple fusion reporter gene constructs harboring distinct imagable reporter genes are provided, as well as applications for the use of such double and triple fusion constructs in living cells and in living animals using distinct imaging technologies.

Abstract: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the spinal motion segment to move in a manner that mimics the natural motion of the spinal motion segment. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers including ?-2-microglobulin, Cystatin C, hsCRP and glucose as well as methods for using the biomarkers for diagnosing and/or assessing the risk of peripheral artery disease in a subject. In some embodiments, the subject being tested may be suffering from or at risk of other circulatory diseases, including coronary artery disease. Hemoglobin A1c or other proxies for measuring glucose levels may be substituted for or measured in addition to glucose in the context of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods are provided for protecting an individual from adverse long-term effects of neuroinflammation. Inflammatory blockade maintains neurogenesis capability after cranial irradiation by reducing the negative effects of activated microglia on neural precursor cells. These findings have broad implications for a variety of diseases of cognition, involving neuroinflammation and precursor cell dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitive system for measuring the physiological response of an in-vitro cell culture to an environmental parameter. An electrical property of the cell culture is measured as a control signal, and a parameter of a stimulus is adjusted in real time to maintain the control signal at a specified value as the environment of the cell culture is altered, for example, pharmacologically. Artifact reduction and real-time control methods are two key aspects of preferred embodiments of the invention, and enable highly accurate determination of pulse parameters which elicit a desired response. Both aspects must be highly robust to the natural variations inherent in a biological system. This system is beneficial for studying the effects of environmental alterations because extremely small changes in the physiological response can be measured over time, revealing the magnitude and time-dependence of the impact of these alterations on the cell culture.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to optical microcavities and emitters that are spectrally aligned in an arrangement having an array of such microcavity-emitter combinations. The spectral alignment can be selective, in that a portion of the array of microcavity-emitter combinations, or a single microcavity-emitter combination, can be individually spectrally aligned. In specific examples, light is coupled within a semiconductor device having wavelength-dependent structures and optical cavities optically couple to the wavelength-dependent structures. One of the optical cavities and a wavelength-dependent structure are spectrally aligned, independent of another of the optical cavities.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in detecting an optical signal, such as from a fluorescent agent, and converting it to a visible signal are provided. Aspects of the devices include a first light source that emits light onto a region of interest such as a body tissue, body fluid, or agent such as a fluorescent agent introduced into the body; a detector for detecting light emitted or reflected from the region of interest; and a visible light source that emits visible light onto the region of interest, where the color or intensity of the visible light is selected based on the amount of light at one or more wavelengths detected by the detector. Devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to identify an anatomical structure during surgery, without the need to eliminate ambient light.

Abstract: A method of changing or otherwise converting the biological activity of a PKC peptide agonist to a peptide antagonist is described. The method involves substituting one or more amino acid residues so as to effect a change in charge in the peptide and/or to otherwise make the sequence similar to a sequence derived from the PKC binding site on the RACK protein for the respective PKC enzyme. Methods of inhibiting the activity of a PKC enzyme, and various peptide antagonists of ?PKC are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods of multiplexing nucleic acid reactions, including amplification, detection and genotyping. The invention relies on the use of precircle probes that are circularized in the presence of the corresponding target nucleic acids, cleaved, and then amplified.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and apparatus are implemented for producing controllable charged particle beams. In one implementation, an apparatus provides a deflection force to a charged particle beam. A source produces an electromagnetic wave. A structure, that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic wave, includes a physical structure having a repeating pattern with a period L and a tilted angle ?, relative to a direction of travel of the charged particle beam, the pattern affects the force of the electromagnetic wave upon the charged particle beam. A direction device introduces the electromagnetic wave to the structure to provide a phase-synchronous deflection force to the charged particle beam.

Abstract: A rapid diagnostic assay for influenza virus, particularly avian influenza and more particularly H5N1, is described. The assay is based on amplification of a significant portion of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene and sequencing of several loci within the HA gene, using techniques which can obtain real time sequence information from multiple sites of a target DNA, in particular pyrosequencing and bioluminescence regenerative cycle. The assay contemplates the use of information-rich subsequences within the HA gene, e.g., (1) a glycosylation sequon; (2) receptor binding site; and (3) HA1/HA2 cleavage site. Other subsequences for sequencing include strain and clade markers, which vary among H5N1 strains.

Abstract: A highly specific and versatile surface chemistry for immobilization of amine-terminated probes is disclosed. A bi-layered polymer thin film serves as the platform for coupling the probes, which are preferably oligonucleotides. The process involves sequentially coating a substrate with polyamine and polyacid anhydride. Hydrolyzed polyacid anhydride groups may be converted to non-hydrolyzed groups at about 100° C. prior to probe attachment. The process of coating the substrate requires no harsh chemical pretreatment of substrates such as RCA or Piranha cleaning. In addition, simple thermal activation of the anhydride groups has a low requirement for storage, leading to a long shelf life of modified surfaces. The disclosed surface chemistry is especially compatible with microfabrication processes, and its effective application to magnetic biosensors is demonstrated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which uses harmonic cantilevers, such as used in atomic force microscopy, to detect variations in the attractive and repulsive forces on a solid surface as a result of macromolecular binding, for example, hybridization of a single stranded DNA molecule attached to the surface with another DNA molecule. The complexed macromolecule is less flexible than an uncomplexed molecule. It will typically have more negative charge due to amino acids or DNA monomers. Both stiffness of the surface and the attractive capillary forces will change after binding and may be detected. By scanning the harmonic cantilever across a surface with macromolecules attached in tapping-mode and by recording the signals at the high frequency vibrations provided by harmonic cantilever, complexed molecules on a surface may be identified and quantified.

Abstract: The invention relates to carbon surfaces modified with one or more azide groups. The invention also relates to methods of modifying carbon surfaces with one or more azide groups.

Abstract: A nitrogen-permeable structure includes a porous support and a nitrogen-permeable membrane adjacent to the porous support. The nitrogen-permeable membrane includes a first metal and a second metal, wherein the first metal is selected from niobium, tantalum, and vanadium, and the second metal is different from the first metal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for introducing a nucleic acid into the genome of a cell are provided. In the subject methods, a Sleeping Beauty transposon that includes the nucleic acid is introduced into the cell along with a source of a mutant Sleeping Beauty transposase that provides for enhanced integration as compared to the wild-type Sleeping Beauty transposase having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:01. Introduction of the mutant Sleeping Beauty Transposase and transposon results in integration of the nucleic acid into the cell genome. Also provided are mutant transposases and transposons, as well as systems and kits thereof, that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications.