Abstract: A system and method for inverting a cubical device 100 that inverts one or more faces of the cubical device 100 in a single fluid motion. In an embodiment, the cube faces are split in two face piece assemblies 210, in an alternative embodiment faces have only one invertible section 802, 702. The face piece assemblies 210 are initially held by cubical device 100 with a particular side facing inward. Operating the cubical device 100 causes one or more face piece assemblies 210, 803 to expand out from the center point of the cubical device 100, to rotate, and then collapse inward until cubical device 100 is reformed with the particular side of the faces in an outward-facing orientation. The joints, links and gears in the mechanism restrict the degrees of freedom to one such that the entire inversion movement is coupled. Multiple applications are proposed for the device, and embodiments having actuators for driving the inversion are disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds and methods useful for chemopreventative treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant proline-and-arginine rich (PR) peptides with defined structural characteristics for use in inhibiting mammalian 20S proteasome activity and modulating expression of genes regulating the NF-?B pathway. Mutant PR peptides of the present invention differ from wild-type PR peptides by having at least one to three amino acid substitutions, wherein at least one of the amino acid residues at position one, two or three of the mutant PR peptide is positively charged.

Abstract: Optical tomography systems that provide light of multiple distinct wavelengths from a plurality of sources are described. The systems direct light into mammalian tissue, and light from the mammalian tissue is collected at a plurality of reception points. Collected light from each reception point is separated according to its wavelength, and received by a photodetector to produce path attenuation signals representing attenuation along paths between the source locations and the reception points. An image construction system generates a tomographic image of the mammalian tissue from the path attenuation signals. One embodiment of an optical imaging system includes an optical coherence tomography-near infrared probe. The systems and methods may utilize a spectral derivative approach that provides insensitivity to the boundary and boundary artifacts in the signal, thereby improving the quality of the reconstructed images.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulatory combinations. Generally, the immunostimulatory combinations include a TLR agonist and a TNF/R agonist. Certain immunostimulatory combinations also may include an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric immune receptor molecules for reducing or eliminating tumors. The chimeric receptors are composed a C-type lectin-like natural killer cell receptor, or a protein associated therewith, fused to an immune signaling receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. Methods for using the chimeric receptors are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for classifying, determining severity, and predicting clinical endpoints of scleroderma based upon the expression of selected biomarker genes.

Abstract: An intelligent wearable monitoring system includes a wireless personal area network for extended monitoring of a patient's motor functions. The wireless personal area network includes an intelligent accelerometer unit, a personal server and a remote access unit. The intelligent accelerometer unit measures acceleration data of the patient, in real-time. The personal server processes the acceleration data, applying linear and non-linear analysis, such as fractal analysis, to generate motor function information from the acceleration data. Motor function information is transmitted to a remote access unit for statistical analysis and formatting into visual representations. A data management unit receives the formatted motor function information and displays the information, for example, for viewing by the patient's physician.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for screening drugs for antibiotic activity by screening a drug for activity to disrupt a toxin-antitoxin complex in a bacterial cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody which specifically binds a Spot 14 (S14 or THRSP) protein in human breast cancer cells and a method for using the same to predict disease-free survival and select treatment modalities for breast cancer. The present invention is also a method for inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the expression or activity of Spot 14. Compositions and methods for treating breast cancer are also provided.

Abstract: An optical tomography system has a group of lasers for generating light of multiple distinct wavelengths within a first wavelength band. Light from these lasers is directed into mammalian tissue at laser-specific locations on the tissue, and light from the mammalian tissue is collected at a plurality of reception points. Collected light from each reception point is separated according to its wavelength, and received by a photodetector to produce path attenuation signals representing attenuation along paths between the laser-specific locations on the tissue and the reception points. Image construction apparatus generates a tomographic image of heme concentrations in the mammalian tissue from the path attenuation signals. In an alternative embodiment, there is a second group of lasers operating in a second wavelength band, and the image construction apparatus can generate an image of heme oxygenation In the mammalian tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel molecular markers for diagnosis and classification of human breast cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for preventing or treating neuropathic pain. Using an agent to decrease the expression or activity of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), behavioral hypersensitivity is attenuated thereby preventing or treating neuropathic pain in a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a proline/arginine-rich peptide such as PR11 or PR39 for increasing cardiac mass or performance and in the treatment of heart failure.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for enhancing the immunogenicity of viral vaccine. The composition encompasses a viral vaccine in combination with at least one toll-like receptor and, in particular embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody. The compositions of the instant invention find application in the prevention or treatment of a viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing neuroendocrine cancers via detecting the presence of N-methyl D-asparate-associated (NMDA) glutamate receptors type 1 and/or type 2. Methods for preventing and treating neuroendocrine cancers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of joining at least two parts includes steps of dispersing a joining material comprising a multi-phase nanocrystalline magnetic metal-aluminum powder at an interface between the at least two parts to be joined and applying an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The AMF has a magnetic field strength and frequency suitable for inducing magnetic hysteresis losses in the metal-aluminum powder and is applied for a period that raises temperature of the metal-aluminum powder to an exothermic transformation temperature. At the exothermic transformation temperature, the metal-aluminum powder melts and resolidifies as a metal aluminide solid having a non-magnetic configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a DNA intercalating agent represented by the structure Y—Z—Y, wherein Y is an anti-tumor bis-carbazole and Z is a linear arrangement of multiple aromatic rings, containing at least two aromatic rings, or at least two alicyclic rings, wherein the rings are linked in a 1,4 or 1,3 manner. Methods of inhibiting cancer cells and treating subjects having cancer with these agents are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody which specifically binds a Spot 14 (S14 or THRSP) protein in human breast cancer cells and a method for using the same to predict disease-free survival and select treatment modalities for breast cancer. The present invention is also a method for inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the expression or activity of Spot 14. Compositions and methods for treating breast cancer are also provided.

Abstract: An animal model for chronic pain, and in particular lower back pain, is provided. Methods of identifying agents and reducing chronic pain with identified agents such as methotrexate are also provided.