Abstract: A three dimensional image, in a phased array magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. Three dimensional k-space data within an auto calibration signal (ACS) region and outside the ACS region are acquired. The k-space data within the ACS region are converted into hybrid space ACS data. Compression matrices and alignment matrices of the compression matrices for the hybrid space ACS data are found along a readout direction. Alignment matrices are multiplied to the compression matrices to achieve the properly-aligned compression matrices along the readout direction. All k-space data are converted into hybrid space. The properly-aligned compression matrices are applied to the hybrid space data to provide compressed data with fewer channels. The compressed data are used to form a three dimensional image.

Abstract: The present invention provides ?2 microglobulin as a biomarker for qualifying or assessing peripheral artery disease in a subject.

Abstract: Provide herein are fusion polypeptides that comprise a CD47 extracellular domain or a variant thereof that is fused to a Fc polypeptide. The fusion polypeptides are useful for treating an immunological disease or disorder in a subject according to the methods described herein. The fusion polypeptides are capable of suppressing immunoresponsiveness of an immune cell, inhibiting production of proinflammatory cytokines, including inhibiting immune complex-induced production of cytokines.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes at least a portion of an optical waveguide having a hollow core. The optical waveguide substantially confines a first optical signal and a second optical signal within the hollow core as the first optical signal and the second optical signal counterpropagate through the optical waveguide. Interference between the first optical signal and the second optical signal is responsive to perturbation of the at least a portion of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a sequence of energy interactions in a detector. A plurality of discrete energy interactions is received in a plurality of detector voxels. A plurality of possible sequences of interaction is formed based on the received plurality of discrete energy interactions. For each of the plurality of possible sequences of interaction, an a posteriori probability is computed, where the a posteriori probability is based on a likelihood that the possible sequence of interaction is consistent with the received plurality of discrete energy interactions. Additionally or alternatively, the a posteriori probability may be based on an a priori probability. One of the formed plurality of possible sequences of interaction is selected based on the computed a posteriori probability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to activate peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The present invention further provides methods for the identification of blocking agents of Tat protein activation of PBMCs and for identifying an active portion of a Tat polypeptide for incorporation as an immunogen in a vaccine. The present invention also provides an immunogen comprising an isolated variant of wild-type HIV Tat protein that exhibits reduced HIV priming of competent cells in comparison to the wild-type HIV Tat protein. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit for identifying blocking agents for HIV Tat protein.

Abstract: A method for inexpensive and efficient PHA biosynthesis includes operating a sequencing bioreactor in alternating phases of nutrient deprivation and carbon feedstock deprivation to select for robust PHA-producing microbes. Preferably, the bioreactor is operated in a non-sterile manner with mixed cultures of methanotrophs. The method also preferably uses periodic biomass-wasting (PHA harvesting) at the end of the carbon feed phase, gradually lengthening the time period of carbon deprivation phase to create a penalty for rapid PHA degradation and incentive for PHA accumulation. Also, bacterial enrichment cultures may be introduced periodically. The PHA-accumulating bacteria are preferably grown on common anaerobic degradation products, specifically volatile fatty acids, such as acetate and propionate, and methane gas. The PHA has useful applications in bioplastics and other products.

Abstract: A method of reducing damage to cells and tissue caused by an ischemic or hypoxic event is disclosed. The method includes administering to the cell or tissue, either in vivo or ex vivo, ??RACK peptide. The peptide can be administered before, during or after the ischemic or hypoxic event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of indirectly detecting at least one directly undetectable analyte of interest. According to the method, a leading electrolyte and a trailing electrolyte are provided. In addition, a mixture of the at least one directly undetectable analyte and at least two directly detectable spacer molecules is provided. The directly detectable spacer molecules and the directly undetectable analyte are then concentrated and separated into zones using isotachophoresis. A displacement between the zones of directly detectable spacer molecules is then used to determine the presence of the directly undetectable analyte.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.

Abstract: A solid-state fuel cell includes: an anode; an anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the anode; a hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film disposed on the anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer; a cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film; and a cathode disposed on the cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer.

Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein, as well as many aspects and embodiments of those inventions. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a resonator architecture including a plurality of in-plane vibration microelectromechanical resonators (for example, 2 or 4 resonators) that are mechanically coupled to provide, for example, a differential signal output. In one embodiment, the present invention includes four commonly shaped microelectromechanical tuning fork resonators (for example, tuning fork resonators having two or more rectangular-shaped or square-shaped tines). Each resonator is mechanically coupled to another resonator of the architecture. For example, each resonator of the architecture is mechanically coupled to another one of the resonators on one side or a corner of one of the sides. In this way, all of the resonators, when induced, vibrate at the same frequency.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects is facilitated with a micro-mirror-based access approach. According to an example embodiment, a micro-mirror is implemented to direct light to a live being such as a biological specimen or a living being. Light from the live being is detected and implemented for use in analyzing the live being. In certain applications, the micro-mirror is fastened to a live being, such as to a skull of a live mouse, while the live being is allowed to move in an unanesthetized state. Behavior of the live being and detected response from the live being are concurrently used to analyze the live being.

Abstract: Recombination in mammalian somatic cell chromosomes is promoted and marked by a method called mosaic analysis with double marker (MADM). Mouse “knock-in” techniques are used to create pairs of chromosomes in which recombinase target sites are placed at homologous chromosomal locations. The knock-in constructs are engineered so that cellular markers, such as green or red fluorescent protein (GFP or RFP), are only expressed after recombinase-induced recombination. This system provides high-sensitivity detection of recombinase-induced mitotic recombination, even down to the single cell level. When this recombination is induced in a mouse heterozygous for a mutation in a gene distal to the “knock-in” locus on the same chromosome, it results in homozygosity of this mutation in the labeled cells. This allows the analysis in singly-labeled neurons of genes whose pleiotropic effects might otherwise result in early lethality.

Abstract: A time-optimal MRI gradient design method utilizes constrained optimization to design minimum-time gradient waveforms that satisfy gradient amplitude and slew-rate limitations. Constraints are expressed as linear equations which are solved using linear programming, L1-norm formulation, or second-order cone programming (SOCP).

Abstract: Imaging time using PILS is reduced by using multiple coils with localized sensitivities with each coil having a separate demodulation channel thereby permitting parallel signal processing and image reconstruction. Images from the multiple coils are then combined to form an image with a larger field of view (FOV).

Abstract: A genetically-engineered anaerobic organism is provided which, under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor, produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its highly cytotoxic product in situ and methods of treating tumors using same.

Abstract: A method of oscillating dual-equilibrium steady-state angiography (ODESSA), utilizes a modified steady state free precession (SSFP) pulse sequence. The SSFP sequence is modified such that flowing material reaches a steady state which oscillates between two equilibrium values, while stationary material attains a standard, non-oscillatory steady state. When alternating sequences are employed, subtraction of adjacent echoes results in large, uniform signal from all flowing spins and zero signal from stationary spins. Venous signal can be suppressed based on its reduced T2. ODESSA arterial signal is more than three times as large as that of traditional phase-contrast angiography (PCA) in the same scan time, and also compares favorably with other techniques of MR angiography. Pulse sequences are implemented in 2D, 3D, and volumetric projection modes. Angiograms of the lower leg, generated in as few as 5 s, show high arterial SNR and full suppression of other tissues.

Abstract: A novel capacitively coupled NDR device can be used to implement a variety of semiconductor circuits, including high-density SRAM cells and power thyristor structures. In one example embodiment, the NDR device is used as a thin vertical PNPN structure with capacitively-coupled gate-assisted turn-off and turn-on mechanisms. An SRAM based on this new device is comparable in cell area, standby current, architecture, speed, and fabrication process to a DRAM of the same capacity. In one embodiment, an NDR-based SRAM cell consists of only two elements, has an 8F2 footprint, can operate at high speeds and low voltages, has a good noise-margin, and is compatible in fabrication process with main-stream CMOS. This cell significantly reduces standby power consumption compared to other type of NDR-based SRAMs.

Abstract: A quantum computer comprises a crystal lattice having storage atoms. The storage atoms have nuclear storage spins, and quantum bits are stored as orientations of the storage spins. A magnetic field is applied to the crystal, the magnetic field having a gradient on the order of 1T/&mgr;m. The gradient is generated by a micromagnet. The electrons of the crystal acquire a regular order, and the storage spins are initialized by inducing combined electron-nucleus transitions in the crystal, thereby transferring the electronic order to the storage spins. The storage spins are decoupled from each other by a decoupling magnetic field. Quantum logic operations are performed on the storage spins. Certain quantum logic operations require a modification of the decoupling field to recouple a plurality of the storage spins. Final polarizations of the storage spins are measured.