Abstract: A novel function phospholipase A2, referred to herein as calcium-independent phospholipase A2? (iPLA2?) having SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, and nucleic acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4) encoding and expressing iPLA2? is disclosed. This novel enzyme has been isolated and characterized and is involved in the catalysis and hydrolysis of lipids cycling in a living cell biosystem. In an embodiment, the iPLA2? polypeptide is encoded and expressed by an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a set of iPLA2? polynucleotides. In one aspect, an isolated and characterized gene comprises a polynucleotide having a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4.

Abstract: A device for cooling the central nervous system (e.g., the brain) is disclosed that is specifically designed to provide cooling of an injured central nervous system for neuroprotective, antiepileptogenic, and/or antiepileptic treatments. In one embodiment, a portion of the cooling device is placed in a recess formed by removal of a portion of a patient's skull. An embedded heat-collecting portion of the cooling device is formed to fit in the location of the formed recess and a thermally conductive material of the heat-collecting portion is placed adjacent the dura mater to provide the desired degree of cooling. A heat-dissipating external plate is in thermal contact with the internal plate, and can be selectively sized according to a specific purpose.

Abstract: G protein biosensors comprising mammalian G protein subunits fused to fluorescent proteins emitting a FRET signal expressed in living intact functional cells. The intensity of the FRET signal is strongly responsive to the activation state of the biosensors. The biosensors respond reproducibly to agonist and antagonist drug molecules specific for G protein coupled receptors. The biosensors have utility in identifying and classifying candidate therapeutic drugs as to their therapeutic value.

Abstract: A microreactor for preparing a radiolabeled complex or a biomolecule conjugate comprises a microchannel for fluid flow, where the microchannel comprises a mixing portion comprising one or more passive mixing elements, and a reservoir for incubating a mixed fluid. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the microchannel and is disposed downstream of the mixing portion. A method of preparing a radiolabeled complex includes flowing a radiometal solution comprising a metallic radionuclide through a downstream mixing portion of a microchannel, where the downstream mixing portion includes one or more passive mixing elements, and flowing a ligand solution comprising a bifunctional chelator through the downstream mixing portion. The ligand solution and the radiometal solution are passively mixed while in the downstream mixing portion to initiate a chelation reaction between the metallic radionuclide and the bifunctional chelator. The chelation reaction is completed to form a radiolabeled complex.

Abstract: A growth factor delivery scaffold combines a heparin/fibrin-based delivery system (HBDS) with a backbone based on polymer nanofibers for tissue (e.g., tendon and ligament) repair. The scaffold has improved surgical handling properties compared to the gelatinous consistency of the prior art HBDS system and retains the capability for delivering mesenchymal cells and controlling the release of growth factors. One application for the scaffold is mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for flexor tendon repair. The scaffold can deliver growth factors in a sustained manner, can be implanted for flexor tendon repair, is biocompatible, and is not cytotoxic. The growth factor delivery scaffold may also be used in the surgical repair of an injury to bone, muscle, cartilage, or other tissues.

Abstract: A microscope assembly includes an illumination source coupled to an optical assembly by a coupler. The optical assembly includes an objective with optics that move along an optic axis. The illumination source generates a light blade that illuminates a portion of a sample at an illumination plane. The light blade induces a fluorescent emission from the sample that is projected through the objective optics to a detector. The focal plane of the objective optics is fixed with respect to the illumination source by the coupler so that the illumination plane is coincident with the focal plane as the objective optics move along the optic axis. The objective and illumination may be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging while the objective and illumination may also be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging.

Abstract: The sensitivity and specificity of the optical modality can be enhanced by the use of highly absorbing compounds as contrast agents. Novel macrocyclic cyanine and indocyanine bioconjugates that absorb and emit light in the near infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. These compounds are especially useful for endoscopic, localized photoacoustic, and sonofluorescence imaging, detection and therapy of tumors and other abnormalities.

Abstract: A particle detection system is provided. The particle detection system includes at least one tapered optical fiber, a light source configured to transmit light through the at least one tapered optical fiber, a photodetector configured to measure a characteristic of the light being transmitted through the at least one optical fiber, and a computing device coupled to the photodetector and configured to determine whether a nanoparticle is present within an evanescent field of the at least one tapered optical fiber based on the measured light characteristic.

Abstract: A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment effects for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, early in the course of clinical disease or prior to the onset of brain damage and clinical symptoms. Methods of measuring the in vivo metabolism of biomolecules produced in the CNS in a subject are provided.

Abstract: A system including: (i) a methodology for targeted cellular ablation in zebrafish; (ii) a methodology for regional cellular ablation in zebrafish. These methodologies are used to identify genetic components that regulate cellular regeneration and to identify drug compounds that influence cellular regeneration for the purpose of developing therapies for degenerative conditions. Transgenic zebrafish disclosed herein contain transgenic constructs composed of: (i) cell and/or tissue-type specific regulatory elements (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems for medical applications. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidized state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. The solution can be dehydrated to produce the dry copolymer for storage. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods of making and using the reversible hydrogel systems.

Abstract: The invention derives from the identification of HVEM as the native ligand for BTLA. The invention provides compositions and methods for modulating BTLA-HVEM interactions and BTLA and HVEM activity, which are useful for modulating immune responses. Agonists and antagonists of the BTLA-HVEM interaction are provided, and methods of treating a variety of conditions through the modulation of immune responses are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidize state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. Reversible nanogels can also be formed from a dilute solution of the copolymers. The hydrogel is formed with nanoparticles embedded therein to form a nanocomposite whose refractive index and modulus can be controlled by varying the amounts of nanoparticles and the polymer concentration of the hydrogel, respectively.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, primers, and probes for the detection of mutations in a nucleic acid sequence for a DICER1 polypeptide.

Abstract: Palladium-seeded, dendritic platinum nanostructures that are useful as electrocatalysts and methods for preparing such nanostructures. The palladium-platinum nanostructures may be incorporated into fuel cell electrodes including fuel cells that include a proton exchange membrane (PEM).

Abstract: Determining an intended action based on one more cortico-physiologies within brain signals includes establishing communication with one or more electrodes for sensing the brain signals of a subject, and concurrently receiving brain signals representative of a plurality of cortico-physiologies. The brain signals are transmitted to a processor for use in determining the intended action and controlling a device.

Abstract: Determining an intended action based on one more brain signal frequencies includes establishing communication with one or more electrodes for sensing brain signals of a subject, and acquiring the brain signals via the electrodes while the subject performs at least one cognitive task, wherein the acquired brain signals having a plurality of frequencies associated therewith. A physiologic change at one or more of the plurality of frequencies may then be identified from the acquired brain signals, and the one or more of the plurality of frequencies are associated with the cognitive task.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to using magnetic fields for the purposes of modifying the absorption characteristics of materials, such as semiconductor materials, to both tune the materials to specific wavelengths and to enhance the absorption of the materials by concentrating the continuum of states of the conduction and valence bands into magnetic field-dependent Landau levels.

Abstract: A system including: (i) a methodology for targeted cellular ablation in zebrafish; (ii) a methodology for regional cellular ablation in zebrafish. These methodologies are used to identify genetic components that regulate cellular regeneration and to identify drug compounds that influence cellular regeneration for the purpose of developing therapies for degenerative conditions. Transgenic zebrafish disclosed herein contain transgenic constructs composed of: (i) cell and/or tissue-type specific regulatory elements (e.g.