Abstract: The invention features compositions comprising agents having cardiac protective activity isolated from epicardial progenitor cells and derivatives thereof, and methods for the use of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for treating certain oxidative stress conditions. In one aspect, compositions and methods of the invention can be used to treat a subject having an oxidative stress condition, for example, a subject having pulmonary fibrosis. In some embodiments, an inhibitor of ERp57 (for example, thiomuscimol) and/or an inhibitor of GSTP (for example, TLK-199) may be used to treat the subject. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for such therapies, methods for promoting such therapies, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to compounds, compositions, and methods useful to treat cancer in cells and subjects. In some aspects the invention includes compounds and methods that increase chemo-sensitivity and/or reduce chemo-resistance in a cancer cell. In certain aspects the invention includes compounds and methods useful to kill cancer cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders in female subjects. Diagnosis and treatment of such anxiety disorders are based, in part, on an analysis of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) expression levels in tissue collected from female subjects.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for a low numerical aperture exclusion imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic illumination source for illuminating a portion of a specimen; and for collecting an image created by the electromagnetic radiation an objective lens optically coupled to the electromagnetic illuminated portion of the specimen. The apparatus also includes an optical blocking plate disposed between the objective lens and a focusing lens. The optical blocking plate is positioned to substantially block undesired electromagnetic radiation from image sources distally aligned in the same optical axis as the specimen. This invention is enhances narrow depth of field characteristics in imaging. It also enhances discreet imaging in a narrow focus field by eliminating some or most of the light which contributes to wide depth of field focus. This is useful for optical sectioning ranging from microscopy to photography.

Abstract: The invention, in part, includes methods and compounds useful to prepare and functional class XIV myosin. Functional class XIV myosin prepared using methods of the invention may be useful to screen for and identify compounds that inhibit and treat parasitic infections and contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved cardiac pacemakers and methods of use thereof. In particular the cardiac pacemakers are useful for normalizing heart rates over resting heart rates in order to condition the heart to improve overall cardiac output.

Abstract: The invention features compositions featuring (a) one or more of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and human C-terminal CTGF peptide; and (b) one or more of insulin and IGF-1; and methods of using such compositions to reduce cardiac tissue damage associated with an ischemic event or to enhance engraftment of a cell in a cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Catheters, systems, and related methods for optimized for mapping, minimizing, and treating cardiac fibrillation in a patient, including an array of at least one stacked electrode pair, each electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein each electrode pair is configured to be orthogonal to a surface of a cardiac tissue substrate, wherein each first electrode is in contact with the surface to record a first signal, and wherein each second electrode is separated from the first electrode by a distance which enables the second electrode to record a second signal, wherein the catheter is configured to obtain one or more measurements from at least a first signal and a second signal in response to electrical activity in the cardiac tissue substrate indicative of a number of electrical circuit cores and distribution of the electrical circuit cores for a duration across the cardiac tissue substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mapping cardiac fibrillation in a patient include deploying a catheter in the patient's heart, wherein the catheter includes an array of at least one stacked electrode pair having a first electrode and a second electrode. Each electrode pair is configured to be orthogonal to the surface of a cardiac tissue substrate. A plurality of measurements are obtained from the electrode array in response to electrical activity in the cardiac tissue substrate for a duration indicative of a number of electrical circuit cores and distribution of the electrical circuit cores across the cardiac tissue substrate in the patient's heart. These are processed to obtain the density and distribution of electrical circuit cores which are mapped onto a representation of the patient's heart.

Abstract: The present invention has to do with a method and system for a high precision electronic psychrometer operable at low temperatures and high humidity environments. The electronic psychrometer includes thermistors for measuring wet and dry bulb temperatures and a wicked cage surrounding one of the thermistors. The wicking action of the wicked cage is controlled by an evaporation controller in conjunction with the wick's physical parameters. The electronic psychrometer determines relative humidity and provides a readout display and/or a control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for regulation of GSK3? activity. The invention provides phosphorylated GSK3? polypeptides and antibodies that recognize such polypeptides The invention further includes methods for treating disorders that are associated with elevated or reduced GSK3? activity.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to inhibitors of DUOX1. In some aspects, an inhibitor may be applied to a subject having or being at risk for asthma or other conditions. The inhibitor may be applied by various techniques, such as pulmonary or topical delivery. In some embodiments, the inhibitor may include a peptide or other moiety having a reactive electrophile. The reactive electrophile can target cysteine or other residues within DUOX1 to inhibit its activity, e.g., by covalently binding to the residue. Other non-limiting examples of suitable inhibitors include hydroxynonenal, curcumin, sulforaphane, cinnamaldehyde, dimethyl fumarate, or phenyl vinyl sulfonate. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such inhibitors, kits involving such inhibitors, devices or formulations containing such inhibitors, or the like.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and treating conditions associated with life-threatening neurological complications are provided. The methods involve in some aspects the identification of oxLDL and LOX-1 as critical players in pregnant subjects and in some cases subjects having severe preeclampsia (early onset preeclampsia). Related products and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A system for processing signals to enhance patient audibility of a plurality of signals in an MRI environment is provided. The system includes an acoustic measuring device for measuring sound power levels generated by the M RI and a principal frequency component identifier for identifying principal frequencies measured by the acoustic measuring device. The system also includes an audio equalizer for controlling the amplitude and frequency of each of the plurality of signals in accordance with the principal frequencies. Further provided by the system is an attenuator for attenuating an overall sound level of the signals being processed and a dynamic range compression processor.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an energy transfer system via a tire based inductor system. By using the tire, the area inside the tire, the tire rim, or the wheel as the inductive pick-up for a powered roadway system the prior art problems are solved. Namely, since the tire/wheel is always in contact, or near contact with the road, the air gap is reduced to a minimum, and substantially fixed, distance. By mounting the secondary on the perimeter of a wheel, relative motion between the road and inductor is minimized. In addition, the pick-up can be encased in the tire, eliminating the problem of road debris, snow and ice entirely. Also, some heating of the tire due to electrical losses may enhance traction and tread performance on snowy or wet roads. In all configurations, the vehicle's wheel suspension adjusts vertically adjusting for road imperfections and obstacles.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and treating conditions associated with life-threatening neurological complications are provided. The methods involve in some aspects the identification of oxLDL and LOX-1 as critical players in pregnant subjects and in some cases subjects having severe preeclampsia (early onset preeclampsia). Related products and kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved cardiac pacemakers and methods of use thereof. In particular the cardiac pacemakers are useful for normalizing heart rates over resting heart rates in order to condition the heart to improve overall cardiac output.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for modulating PPAR-? activity using relaxin or agonists thereof. The result is wide range of new therapeutic regimens for treating, inhibiting the development of, or otherwise dealing with, a multitude of illnesses and conditions, including small vessel disorders of the brain and those associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability, cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, epilepsy, stroke, CADASIL and migraine.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides for high particle removal rate and/or heat transfer from surfaces. The device removes particulate matter from a surface using a bounded vortex generated over the surface, with suction in the vortex center and jets for blowing air along the periphery. The jets are tilted in the tangential direction to induce vortex motion within the suction region. The vortex is said to be bounded because streamlines originating in the downward jets are entrained back into the central vortex.