Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating integrin activity. In particular, the present invention encompasses methods and compositions for altering the interaction between the ? and ? chain extracellular clasp regions.

Abstract: Nano-sized lipid vesicles with tailored properties are used as building blocks to generate lipid tubules between two glass surfaces. The tubules formed not only have defined orientation, width, and length, but they can also grow to be as long as 13 mm under ambient conditions, without externally supplied flow, temperature control, or catalyzing agents. The tubule membrane and its internal aqueous content can be manipulated by controlling the combination of different vesicle's lipid composition and aqueous entrapment. This self-assembly process opens up new pathways for generating complicated and flexible architectures for use in biocompatible molecular and supramolecular engineering. Aspects of the invention generate, for example, tubules encapsulated with siRNA, tubules with multiple branches, and polymerized fluorescent tubules in a single-throughput self-assembly process.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method for identifying subjects at risk for substance dependence by detecting the presence of polymorphism in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster and the CHRNA4 gene. The invention also encompasses determining the response of a subject to a therapeutic substance, treating substance dependence in a subject, and evaluating the response of a subject to a substance cessation treatment.

Abstract: A microscope assembly (102) includes an illumination source (104) coupled to an optical assembly by a coupler (132). The optical assembly includes an objective with optics that move along an optic axis. The illumination source (104) generates a light blade (106) that illuminates a portion of a sample (136) at an illumination plane (110). The light blade (106) induces a fluorescent emission from the sample (136) that is projected through the objective optics to a detector (126). The focal plane (122) of the objective optics is fixed with respect to the illumination source (104) by the coupler (132) so that the illumination plane (110) is coincident with the focal plane (122) as the objective optics move along the optic axis (124). 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 (124) to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging.

Abstract: Sonoelectric tomography to achieve high-resolution bioelectric imaging. Bioelectrical signals originating from various locations in an object are ultrasonically encoded to carry different frequencies that vary with time via a frequency-swept signal or chirp. The frequency-sweeping parameters are chosen so that no frequencies are duplicated in the medium at any given time. The frequency distribution is decoded, for example, by means of the Fourier transformation to recover a bioelectric image with high spatial resolution. The spatial resolution of the image is defined by the ultrasonic frequency parameters, whereas the image contrast is derived from the bioelectric signals. In an embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer transmits a frequency-swept (e.g., chirped) ultrasonic wave into the region of interest in the tissue. The ultrasonic wave may be focused to achieve high transverse resolution within the focal zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating osteoporosis and other bone disorders by inhibiting Notch signaling.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an attenuated RNA virus and methods of using an attenuated RNA virus. The RNA virus comprises, in part, an ion channel protein comprising a peptide tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for measuring the metabolism of a central nervous system derived biomolecule implicated in a neurological and neurodegenerative disease or disorder. In particular, the method comprises measuring the in vivo metabolism of the biomolecule in the central nervous system of a subject. Also provided is a method for determining whether a therapeutic agent affects the in vivo metabolism of a central nervous system derived biomolecule.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods of decreasing the lumenal diameter of a blood vessel by contacting the vessel with a myosin light chain phosphatase inhibitor.

Abstract: A method for measuring a fluid flow includes employing small light-absorbing particles as tracers that flow at the same speed as the fluid, measuring the photoacoustic Doppler shifts of the photoacoustic signals produced by these tracer particles, and determining, from the measurements, information about the flow including one or more of the flow speed, flow profile, and flow direction.

Abstract: The invention encompasses fluorescent cyanine dyes and methods of using such dyes. In particular, the invention encompasses near infrared polymethine cyanine dyes.

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: A method for obtaining a response of a tissue model system to an activator includes contacting a bio-artificial tissue model system with an activator and measuring cellular mechanical response thereto of at least one of contractile force and tissue stiffness. A method for obtaining a response of a tissue model system to an activator includes contacting a bio-artificial tissue model system with an activator and measuring cellular mechanical response thereto of at least one of contractile force and hysteresis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating amyloid-beta accumulation-associated disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The methods comprise modulating the concentration of amyloid-beta in the brain interstitial fluid. In particular, the methods comprise modulating the activity of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), which in turn modulates the concentration of amyloid-beta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the early detection or monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The invention provides biomarkers based on lipid profiles of biological samples and methods for using the biomarkers for the detection of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that have motifs that target the compounds to cells that express integrins. In particular, the compounds have peptides with one or more RD motifs conjugated to an agent selected from an imaging agent and a targeting agent. The compounds may be used to detect, monitor and treat a variety of disorders mediated by integrins.

Abstract: A depth cooling implant system having a probe device implanted inside a targeted area of the brain, such as the medial temporal lobe, for the treatment of epilepsy is disclosed. The probe device includes a heat pipe having a sensor for detecting the temperature of surrounding brain tissue as well as a plurality of recording electrodes for monitoring EEG activity of the brain. Further, the heat pipe defines a proximal portion in operative engagement with a cooling chip that provides a nearly instantaneous cooling effect to the heating pipe in order to immediately cool the targeted area of the brain when an epileptic seizure is detected. The probe device is operatively associated with a probe controller having a computer and battery arrangement that may be implanted in the patient in order to monitor brain activity and selectively activate the cooling chip for cooling the medial temporal lobe in response to an epileptic seizure.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinations and methods for inducing cell death, inhibiting angiogenesis, and inhibiting cell migration. In particular, the present invention provides methods for inducing cell death in a cell expressing an ?v?3 and/or an ?v?5 integrin.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a response of a tissue model system to an activator includes contacting a bio-artificial tissue model system with an activator and measuring cellular mechanical response thereto of at least one of contractile force and tissue stiffness. A method for obtaining a response of a tissue model system to an activator includes contacting a bio-artificial tissue model system with an activator and measuring cellular mechanical response thereto of at least one of contractile force and hysteresis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel lymphocyte inhibitory receptor termed BTLA which is expressed on both T and B cells, and identifies B7 family member B7x as interacting with BTLA to attenuate lymphocyte activity. Methods and compositions for modulating BTLA-mediated negative signaling and interfering with the interaction of BTLA and B7x for therapeutic, diagnostic and research purposes are also provided.