Abstract: A method of thermally inducing and monitoring changes to localized regions of tissue illuminating a volume of tissue with a first beam of X-rays, detecting the portions of the first beam of X-rays that passed through the volume of tissue, generating a first X-ray image signal from the portions of X10 rays of the first beam detected, applying heat to at least a localized region of tissue within the volume of tissue after the illuminating and after the detecting, illuminating the volume of tissue with a second beam of X-rays, detecting portions of the second beam of X-rays that passed through the volume of tissue during the illuminating with the second beam of X-rays, generating a second X-ray image signal from the portions of X-rays of the second beam detected, and generating a difference image signal based upon a comparison of the first and second X-ray image signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for extracting rhythmic chroma information from a signal. A method may perform a process for rhythmic event perception, periodicity estimation, and chroma representation. Such a process may be implemented by a digital signal processor. The method may further include time-stretching a music signal so that a rhythm of the music signal matches a rhythm of motion detected by a motion sensor.

Abstract: Novel, sensitive and specific markers and methods for diagnostics and monitoring of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are provided. Kits and methods for the use of hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase and CD44 to diagnose HNSCC are described.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for screening a subject for the presence of coronary atherosclerosis, said method comprising measuring the expression level of at least 5 of the genes of Table 2 in a biological sample obtained from said subject, wherein an elevated level of expression of said 5 genes compared to a control level measured in a population of normal subjects is indicative of an increased probability of the subject having significant subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Methods for deciding on a treatment modality, based on a diagnostic procedure of the invention, are also described, as are kits for carrying out a method of the invention.

Abstract: A cell-based vaccine prolongs the survival of cancer patients. The vaccine includes a dose of irradiated cultured lung adenocarcinoma cells (AD100) transfected with HLA A1 and gp96-Ig (human gp96 wherein the endoplasmic reticulum retention signal, KDEL, is replaced with the Fc-portion of human IgG1 and was injected intradermally into patients suffering from advanced, relapsed, or metastatic NSCLC. Administration of the vaccine increased the mean survival time of the patients compared to that of similar patients treated with placebo. Moreover, the immune response of patients to the vaccine (antigen-induced interferon gamma production by T cells) correlated with the survival times.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for anatomical mapping utilizing optical coherence tomography. In the present invention, 3-dimensional fundus intensity imagery can be acquired from a scanning of light back-reflected from an eye. The scanning can include spectral domain scanning, as an example. A fundus intensity image can be acquired in real-time. The 3-dimensional data set can be reduced to generate an anatomical mapping, such as an edema mapping and a thickness mapping. Optionally, a partial fundus intensity image can be produced from the scanning of the eye to generate an en face view of the retinal structure of the eye without first requiring a full segmentation of the 3-D data set. Advantageously, the system, method and apparatus of the present invention can provide quantitative three-dimensional information about the spatial location and extent of macular edema and other pathologies.

Abstract: A system for the imaging, processing and evaluation of tissues provides prognostic and diagnostic details regarding diseased tissue. A set of quantitative measures were developed and integrated in an image-base analysis software tool designed for OCT images. The system and methods in this invention is significant because it allows assessing the optical properties and structure morphology differences between normal healthy subjects and diabetic patients with retinopathy up to ETDRS level 35 and without retinopathy.

Abstract: A novel reagent is used to identify arsenic-treated wood. The stain may detect arsenic extracted from wood into solution; arsenic transferred from wood to a wipe, which is then extracted into solution; or the stain may be directly applied at a predetermined location on the wood's surface. Copper preservatives are not detected by the stain and phosphate interference is minimized. The process is quick, inexpensive, and easy to use. Development of a blue color (i.e., reduction of at least some Mo (VI) to Mo (V) in molybdenum blue) indicates the presence of arsenic.

Abstract: Novel molecules termed STING which include nucleic acids, polynucleotides, oligonucleotides, peptides, mutants, variants and active fragments thereof, modulate innate and adaptive immunity in a subject.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents for treatment of Galactosemia and disorders thereof, and other enzyme related disorders thereof are identified. The compounds inhibit galactokinase (GALK) and other kinase activity and are identified by a high throughput screening assay.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide novel compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents that can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or in other cases have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used, among other things, to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as for example inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein represent biological response modifiers that alter the interaction between the body's cellular immune defenses and cancer cells to boost, direct, or restore the body's ability to fight the cancer when given with tumor vaccines.

Abstract: Compositions which specifically block cathepsin L function in podocytes, compositions which protect cytoskeletal adaptor protein (CD2AP) for degradation, compositions which modulate expression or function of cytoskeletal adaptor protein (CD2AP), protect against renal diseases or disorders. Methods of treatment in vivo involve use of one or more compositions.

Abstract: Methods of isolating and using stem cells from neural crest, e.g. periodontal ligament, isolated stem cell and therapeutic cell cultures, and therapeutic applications for a variety of conditions. The cells and cell cultures are especially useful for autologous administration.

Abstract: A small animal imaging system comprising a base element and a camera coupled to the base element, the camera being sized to image the eye of a small animal. A light-emitting diode is also included coupled to the base element. An OCT imaging apparatus is also included coupled to the base element. An X-Y scanner is also included coupled to the base element in communication with the OCT imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A system for analyzing and detecting early stage damage to the retina related to glaucoma. The reflectance of different wavelengths of light by the retinal nerve fiber layer are compared. Changes in relative reflectance values indicate damage to the retinal nerve fibers and indicate early glaucomatous optical neuropathy.

Abstract: Compositions of genetically engineered, secreted gp96 (gp69-Ig) induced strong mucosal and systemic immune responses and CD8 expansion that was independent of CD4 help. Immunization of patients with gp96-Ig immunization is especially attractive for induction of mucosal and systemic immunity to SIV/HIV and other diseases.

Abstract: Compositions which specifically block urokinase receptor (uPAR) in podocytes; compositions which modulate or block soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR); compositions which modulate pathways in which uPAR is associated with, protect against renal diseases or disorders. Methods of treatment in vivo involve use of one or more compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft having one or more fixed wings in a flying wing configuration, where the aircraft further includes a high performance co-flow jet (CFJ) circulating about at least a portion of an aircraft surface to produce both lift and thrust.

Abstract: A dual display phage system for the identification of protein interaction networks and therapeutic targets.

Abstract: A solid implantable bone construct (12) shaped like a cylinder, a cone, or a frustum, for anchoring ligament implants. The bone construct (12) can include a bone component and a biocompatible solid component. The bone component can include particulate bone of between 75 and 600 microns, powdered bone of 75 microns or smaller in size, or both. The biocompatible solid component can include calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a calcium phosphate product, or both. The bone component can be between 5 and 50 wt-% of the construct (12) and the biocompatible solid component can be at least 50 wt-% of the construct (12). Also disclosed is a composite graft (10) comprising a first bone dowel (12) and a ligament (20) and a method of securing one bone to another using the composite graft (10).