Abstract: An MR imaging system uses multiple RF coils for acquiring corresponding multiple image data sets of a slice or volume of patient anatomy. An image data processor comprises at least one processing device conditioned for, deriving a first set of weights for weighted combination of k-space data of the multiple image data sets for generating a calibration data set comprising a subset of k-space data of composite image data representing the multiple image data sets. The image data processor uses the calibration data set in generating a first MR image data set, deriving the parameters of a probability distribution in response to the first set of weights and the first MR image data set and deriving a second set of weights and second MR image data set together using the probability distribution.

Abstract: A system for parallel image processing in MR imaging comprises multiple MR imaging RF coils for individually receiving MR imaging data representing a slice of patient anatomy. An MR imaging system uses the multiple RF coils for acquiring corresponding multiple image data sets of the slice. An image data processor comprises at least one processing device conditioned for, deriving a first set of weights for generating a calibration data set comprising a subset of k-space data of composite image data representing the multiple image data sets. The at least one processing device uses the calibration data set in generating a first MR image data set, deriving a second set of weights using the calibration data set and the generated first MR image data set and uses the second set of weights in generating a second MR image data set representing a single image having a reduced set of data components relative to the first composite MR image data set.

Abstract: A method for accelerated segmented magnetic resonance (MR) image data acquisition includes using a plurality of RF pulses to excite one or more slices of an anatomical area of interest according to a predetermined slice acceleration factor. Next, a collapsed image comprising the slices is acquired using a consecutive segment acquisition process. Then, a parallel image reconstruction method is applied to the collapsed image to separate the collapsed image into a plurality of slice images.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising a micelle having a hydrophobic superparmagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, a first coating comprising a cationic polymer, and a second coating comprising a polynucleotide. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for transfection and/or transformation of a cell with the polynucleotide. Further provided are methods of detecting transfection of a cell with the polynucleotide.

Abstract: Provided herein is a hydrogel composition comprising a graphene, a chitosan, and a polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) (PCG hydrogel). In some embodiments, the hydrogel further comprises a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) (TPCG hydrogel). Also provided is a method for differentiating a mesenchymal stem cell comprising contacting the cell with the PCG hydrogel. Further provided herein is a method for delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a cell comprising administering to the cell a TPCG hydrogel and the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A system for perfusion and diffusion MR imaging of a portion of patient anatomy includes an RF (Radio Frequency) signal generator for generating RF excitation pulses in anatomy and enabling subsequent acquisition of associated RF echo data. A magnetic field gradient generator generates anatomical volume select magnetic field gradients for phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in a three dimensional (3D) anatomical volume. The RF signal generator and the gradient generator acquire within a single MR imaging scan, perfusion image data of the 3D volume, at least partially in the presence of contrast agent, and diffusion image data of the 3D volume.

Abstract: A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2. BBP increases the overall osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of leukemic hematopoietic stem cells in a subject with leukemia is described. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including a compound of formula I: I wherein R1 is independently selected from hydrogen and methyl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of 4,8-dimethyl-non-1-enyl, 4,8-dimethyl-nonyl, non-1-enyl, and nonanyl groups; X is a carboxyl, phosphonic, or sulfonic moiety, and n is an integer from 1 to 6, or a compound of Formula II: II wherein R1 is a C6-C12 alkyl or C6-C12 alkoxy group; R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methoxy, and hydroxyl; and R3 is an alkyl or cycloalkyl group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Substituted 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N?,N?-triacetic acid and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclcododecane-N,N?,N?,N??-tetraacetic acid compounds with a pendant amino or hydroxyl group, metal complexes thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of making and use in diagnostic imaging and treatment of cellular disorders.

Abstract: A method of testing bacterial cells for antimicrobial susceptibility includes preparing a suspension of the bacterial cells in a non-nutrient medium, mixing with the suspension an antimicrobial, a carbohydrate usable by the bacterial cells, metallic nanoparticles, and a lectin, and incubating the mixture while monitoring a parameter of the nanoparticles responsive to use of the carbohydrate by the bacterial cells. More broadly stated, the invention includes a method of testing an agent for its effect on cell metabolism by preparing a suspension of cells in a non-nutrient medium, mixing the suspension with the agent, adding a carbohydrate usable by the cells, metallic nanoparticles, and a lectin with binding specificity for the added carbohydrate, and monitoring a nanoparticle parameter responsive to the cells.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a recombinant bacterium capable of eliciting an immune response against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a vaccine comprising the bacterium, and methods of using the bacterium.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for echoperiodontal imaging. In one embodiment, a system includes a transducer configured to transmit a series of ultrasonic signals at a plurality of corresponding locations along soft tissue of a jaw and receive a plurality of echo signals; and an imaging system controller configured to obtain a plurality of echo signal data of the soft tissue and a plurality of transducer positions, where each echo signal data corresponds to one of the plurality of transducer position.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to substituted azaindenoisoquinoline compounds, in particular 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-azaindenoisoquinoline compounds, which are inhibitors of topoisomerase I, processes and intermediates for their syntheses, pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds, and methods of using them in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Methods for identifying new therapeutic activities for known therapeutic agents, as well as systems for practicing the same, are provided. Aspects of the invention further include are methods and compositions for the treatment of an acute graft rejection (AR).

Abstract: Novel thrombin/prothrombin protease/zymogen variants which have anticoagulation activity and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and kits for determining a cancer's (e.g., breast cancer) metastatic potential and tumor aggressiveness in a subject (e.g., a human patient) and for measuring a subject's response to cancer therapy involve analyzing expression of Sema7A in a biological sample from the subject, and correlating increased expression of Sema7A in the biological sample compared to a control sample with metastatic potential of the cancer, wherein the expression of Sema7A is linearly proportional to the metastatic potential of the cancer in the subject. These methods, kits and assays provide for individualized diagnosis and treatment options for cancer (e.g., breast cancer) patients. They can be used independently, or can be combined with additional diagnostic tests and/or prognostic methods. Compositions, kits and methods for treating a subject having cancer (e.g., breast cancer) include administering a composition for inhibiting Sema7A expression or activity to the subject.

Abstract: Methods and therapeutic treatments of ocular diseases are provided including applying peg-Arginase I to affected eyes. Methods are provided that simultaneously treat inflammation and neovascularization of eyes while promoting healing. Methods are provided to treat lesions or infections of an eye.

Abstract: Surface-modified polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), compositions for making them, and their use in drug delivery are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for identifying agents useful for the treatment of proteinopathies.