Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in determining the major morphological types of lung cancer are provided. The methods include detecting expression of at least one gene or biomarker in a sample. The expression of the gene or biomarker is indicative of the lung tumor subtype. The compositions include subsets of genes that are monitored for gene expression. The gene expression is capable of distinguishing between normal lung parenchyma and the major morphological types of lung cancer. The gene expression and somatic mutation data are useful in developing a complete classification of lung cancer that is prognostic and predictive for therapeutic response. The methods are suited for analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues. Methods of the invention include means for monitoring gene or biomarker expression including PCR and antibody-based detection. The biomarkers of the invention are genes and/or proteins that are selectively expressed at a high or low level in certain tumor subtypes.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a method for the reconstruction of image data from an examined object, using measuring data, wherein the measuring data were first recorded during a relative movement between a radiation source on a computer tomography system and the examined object. In at least one embodiment, the image reconstruction is based on a back projection of the filtered measuring data. During the back projection, a back projection weight that depends on the respective image point is used and the power with which the back projection weight is used is selectable.

Abstract: The present technology provides compositions and methods for treating chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, or diabetic nephropathy. The compositions comprise a nitrated lipid and an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The methods comprise administering a nitrated lipid in combination with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to a subject in need thereof, in an amount effective to treat diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and/or end-stage renal disease. The use of a nitrated lipid with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system exhibits a synergistic effect in treating chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis. In an illustrative method, Snapback-ARMS primers are used to amplify preferentially a target nucleic acid that is present in a low allele fraction. In another embodiment, tailed primers are used to identify the preferentially amplified allele.

Abstract: A new methodology for detecting, localizing, tracking, and counting objects. The method for state/space estimation includes arranging in a space a first pair of radio frequency sensors in a network of nodes. The first pair of radio frequency sensors is calibrated to determine a first fading condition associated with the first pair of radio frequency sensors. A signal strength of at least one signal sent between the first pair of nodes is measured. A first likelihood model is determined based on the first fading condition. A first posterior distribution is estimated based on the signal strength of the at least one signal using the first likelihood model for purposes of determining object information within the space.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions related to the detection of balanced reciprocal translocations/rearrangements and determination of the location of said balanced reciprocal translocations/rearrangements. Also disclosed are methods and compositions relating to the diagnosis of a disease or condition associated with uncontrolled cellular proliferation by the detection of balanced reciprocal translocation/rearrangement. Additionally, also disclosed are kits for the detection of balanced reciprocal translocations/rearrangements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on, a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating x-ray attenuation, where the x-ray attenuation compound can comprise a molecule having at least two conformational states, a first k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a first position, and a second k-edge atom attached to the molecule at a second position, where the molecule changes from a first conformational state to a second conformational state in response to an external stimulus. Additionally, a first interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the first conformational state can be within a first harmonic error of 0 to about 0.2, and a second interatom distance between the first k-edge atom and the second k-edge atom in the second conformational state can be within a second harmonic error of about 0.8 to 1.0.

Abstract: A self-navigating technique designed to detect motion in segmented sequences is disclosed. Certain embodiments compare a plurality of segments containing adjacent sets of k-space lines and produce an aliased error function which corresponds to a correlation of the segments. A global shift of the aliased error function may indicate the presence of in-plane rigid-body translation while other types of motion are evident in the dispersion or breadth of the error function. Some embodiments may then replace motion corrupted data with reacquired data. Further, some embodiments may correct or remove corrupted data retrospectively.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize a rotating magnetic field to drive a magnetically actuated device where the source of the rotating magnetic field is not constrained to a particular orientation with respect to the device. In one embodiment a rotating permanent magnet is utilized to actuate a magnetically actuated device where the magnet is not constrained to any position relative to the magnetically actuated device, such as the radial or axial position. Accordingly, the rotating permanent magnet may be directed in a manner to avoid collisions or other obstacles in a workspace while still effectively driving the magnetically actuated device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic thermometer for measuring a temperature profile along a measurement axis of a solid structure, comprising a continuous measurement pathway of a solid structure (310) having a longitudinal measurement axis and proximal (202) and distal ends (204), and at least two backscatterers (332) formed therein transverse to the longitudinal axis and separated by a predetermined separation distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-human animal model of protein aggregation cardiomyopathy. Also disclosed are compositions and methods of treating or preventing a condition in a subject caused or exacerbated by reductive stress. Also disclosed are compositions and methods of predicting, detecting, or monitoring reductive stress in a subject.

Abstract: Described herein is the synthesis of adhesive complex coacervates and their use thereof. The adhesive complex coacervates are produced by reacting (a) at least one poly anion comprising a plurality of activated ester groups, and (b) at least one polycation comprising a plurality of nucleophilic groups, wherein the nucleophilic groups react with the activated ester groups to produce a new oovalent bond between the polycation and the polyanion. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein have low interfacial tension with water and wettable substrates. When applied to a wet substrate they spread over the interface rather than beading up. The adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and drug delivery devices. In particular, the adhesive complex coacervates described herein are particularly useful in wet or underwater applications and situations where water is present such as, for example, physiological conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for scoring task information. Through the use of an electronic time management device, such as a cell phone or other portable digital computer based device programmed to support this method, a user enters a description of a task and when the task should be completed. This information is then communicated to a scoring system, and the information is scored without human intervention and points are given. Optionally, if the information cannot be automatically scored, it is scored by a person. These points can be banked and then be used toward a socially desirable reward, such as sending text messages or playing music or watching videos. This is particularly effective in teaching time management skills to young students who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Abstract: Conjugates of hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA)-derived copolymers having attached thereto TNP-470 and a high load (e.g., higher than 3 mol %) of alendronate (ALN), and processes of preparing same are disclosed. Conjugates of polymers or copolymers having attached thereto an anti-angiogenesis agent and an oligoaspartate bone targeting agent, and processes of preparing same, are further disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and uses thereof in the treatment and monitoring of bone related disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for isolating human neuroepithelial precursor cells from human fetal tissue by culturing the human fetal cells in fibroblast growth factor and chick embryo extract and immunodepleting from the cultured human fetal cells any cells expressing A2B5, NG2 and eNCAM is provided. In addition, methods for transplanting these cells into an animal are provided. Animals models transplanted with these human neuroepithelial precursor cells and methods for monitoring survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of the cells in the animal model via detection of human specific markers are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to isolated compounds useful as antifungal agents, for example, compounds having a structure represented by a formula: wherein R1 is hydrogen or hydroxyl; wherein R2 is hydrogen or xylose; and wherein R3 and R4 are each hydrogen or together oxygen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; methods of isolating and purifying same; pharmaceutical compositions comprising same; agricultural compositions comprising same; and methods of treating and/or preventing fungal infections using same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a quantity of cutting fluid dispensed for a cutting tool within a CNC or other machining system. The devices, systems, and methods may include controlling multiple fluids such that coolant, lubricant, or other fluids can be delivered at different locations, at different flow rates, have their flow rates changed independently, and/or have their flow rates changed dynamically during a machining operation. In some embodiments, a feedback loop or input may be provided to obtain and/or provide information regarding the machining operation—such as cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting friction, machining operation, tool in use, work piece geometry, and/or material—and automatically and/or independently modify the fluid flow rates. The fluid may be atomized with air or other gases to minimize the quantities of fluid used. Components in the system may be modular to allow the system to be used with existing and new machining technologies.