Abstract: A bioreactor for preferably three-dimensional cell culturing comprises a scaffold chamber, a first tube, a second tube and a first valve with a scaffold adapter, a tube adapter and a medium adapter. The first valve has a housing with a longitudinal female portion ending in an opening and a longitudinal actuator being arranged through the opening of the female portion of the housing such that the actuator is arranged partially inside the housing and partially outside the housing, wherein the actuator of the first valve is axially moveable relative to the housing of the first valve between a first position in which the first valve is in the operation position and a second position in which the first valve is in the medium change position. By providing the actuators in the first valve which is applied by axial movements, operation of the bioreactor can be comparably simple and safe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic resonance method for the quantification of molecular diffusion. The method uses a diffusion-weighted (dw) double echo steady state sequence (DESS). In particular, the method allows direct quantification of molecular diffusion from two steady state scans with differing diffusion weighting such as one with diffusion-weighting and preferably one without diffusion weighting. Such a quantification of molecular diffusion allows for rapid and/or quantitative measurements of physiological and/or functional parameters of living tissue. Quantitative measurements are often a prerequisite for pre-clinical and clinical research as well as for clinical trials in drug research performed at different sites. Especially for the early diagnosis of subtle or diffuse pathological changes, quantitative MR promises to have a very significant impact.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for quantification of transverse relaxation times (T2) using steady-state free precession sequences (generally known as fast imaging sequences) and their sensitivity to a quadratic increase of the RF pulse phase, also known as RF spoiling. Using at least two image acquisitions with different partial RF spoiling increments, T2 can be assessed with high precision and with short acquisition times in the limit of large excitation angles being independent on the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and magnetization transfer effects as compared to other SSFP based quantitative T2 methods. This invention is not restricted to any kind of target and may be applied in 3D as well as in 2D.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modification of the frequency response profile of steady-state free precession (SSFP) type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Using alternating dephasing moments within succeeding radiofrequency (RF) excitation pulses, the frequency response function of SSFP sequences can be modified to different shapes such as near triangular or bell shaped. The particular response function as produced by alternating dephasing moments can be used, among others, for functional brain MRI, MR spectroscopy or spatial encoding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the following general formula: (I) wherein R1 and R2 are fatty acyl groups, a process to extract them from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and their use in the treatment or the prophylaxis of tuberculosis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for quantification of transverse relaxation times (T2) using steady-state free precession sequences (generally known as fast imaging sequences) and their sensitivity to a quadratic increase of the RF pulse phase, also known as RF spoiling. Using at least two image acquisitions with different partial RF spoiling increments, T2 can be assessed with high precision and with short acquisition times in the limit of large excitation angles being independent on the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and magnetization transfer effects as compared to other SSFP based quantitative T2 methods. This invention is not restricted to any kind of target and may be applied in 3D as well as in 2D.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a treatment of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, by blocking the large conductance, Ca2+-activated potassium channel KCNMA1 Embodiments of the invention include methods of detecting the level of expression of KCNMA1, methods for treating patients with prostate cancer, and methods of discovering drugs for treating cancer.