Abstract: A method of retrieving fetal cells from an endocervical sample by removing the mucus from the endocervical sample by disassociating fetal cells and maternal cells in the endocervical sample; and isolating disassociated fetal cells from other cells in the endocervical sample. Also provided is a method of retrieving fetal cells from an endocervical sample, by obtaining a mixture of disassociated cells prepared by the above method, treating the cells with a fetal-specific antibody, identifying cells that have bound to the fetal-specific antibody, and isolating the identified cells. The disassociated cell prepared by the above method can be analyzed and used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the identification of fetal cells among cervical cells, determination of fetal cell density to predict high risk pregnancy, genetic analysis of fetal cells, and determination of growth factor or other biomarker expression to predict obstetrical disorders.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that utilize anti-CD11b antibodies, anti-CD18 antibodies, anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies, anti-integrin ?V antibodies, anti-integrin ?1 antibodies, Abciximab, neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF) protein, and/or combinations thereof to treat solid tumors are described.

Abstract: Methods of isolating and assaying fetal extravillous trophoblast cells, including assays of RNA of the fetal extravillous trophoblast cells according to aspects of the disclosure include obtaining a maternal endocervical sample containing fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from a pregnant subject; fixing the maternal endocervical sample in an aldehyde fixative, removing fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from the maternal endocervical sample thereby producing isolated extravillous trophoblast cells, isolating and assaying RNA from the fetal extravillous trophoblast cells.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and kits are described that can be used to distinguish cystic fibrosis patients from healthy individuals and from lung cancer patients. The systems, methods, devices, and kits utilize one or more serum biomarkers.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids and nucleic acid expression vectors containing optimized mGluR6 promoters for expression of transgenes in the retina. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for expression of gene products to preserve, improve, or restore phototransduction or vision.

Abstract: A Distributed sensing and control network includes multiple sensing/control nodes, each of which includes a controller. Each sensing/control node determines signal transmission/receipt scheduling based on a physical-ratio-k-scheduling (PRKS) protocol stored within the controller.

Abstract: A biosensor for use in detecting the presence of diseases, the biosensor comprising a detector for detecting a presence of at least one marker indicative of a specific disease. A method of determining efficacy of a pharmaceutical for treating a disease or staging disease by administering a pharmaceutical to a sample containing markers for a disease, detecting the amount of at least one marker of the disease in the sample, and analyzing the amount of the marker in the sample, whereby the amount of marker correlates to pharmaceutical efficacy or disease stage. Markers for gynecological disease. An immune-imaging agent comprising labeled antibodies, whereby the labeled antibodies are isolated and reactive to proteins overexpressed in vivo. Informatics software for analyzing the arrays, the software including analyzing means for analyzing the arrays.

Abstract: Methods of isolating DNA of a fetus of an ongoing pregnancy are provided according to the present invention which include obtaining a maternal endocervical sample containing maternal cells and fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from a pregnant subject; isolating fetal extravillous trophoblast cells from the maternal endocervical sample, producing isolated fetal extravillous trophoblast cells contaminated with maternal DNA; lysing the isolated fetal extravillous trophoblast cells; isolating fetal nuclei from the lysed fetal extravillous trophoblast cells, producing isolated fetal nuclei, thereby removing at least a portion of the contaminating maternal DNA; and purifying genomic DNA from the isolated fetal nuclei, producing purified fetal genomic DNA. The purified fetal genomic DNA can be assayed to determine a characteristic of a genomic DNA sequence of the purified fetal genomic DNA, thereby determining a characteristic of DNA of a fetus of an ongoing pregnancy.

Abstract: IgA-based Fc-folate conjugates as a treatment for cancer are provided. The conjugates utilize only the Fc portion of IgA to target its receptor on neutrophils (Fc?R1) to elicit antibody-dependent cellular-cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Abstract: This invention provides substituted pyrimidine compounds having the formula: wherein X is absent, CH2, S, or O, and R is an alkyl group having from one to ten carbon atoms, and optionally salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof, that are useful in treating a patient having a disease or cancer. The compounds of this invention are useful as multi-enzyme antifolates selectively targeting the folate receptor (FR). Further, a method of making 5- and 6-substituted cyclopenta[d]pyrimidine for nonclassical and classical antifolates as TS and DHFR inhibitors is provided.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for assessing the presence or risk of obstetrical complications, particularly those related to an angiogenic and anti-angiogenic imbalance. Also provided are methods of treating an angiogenic and anti-angiogenic imbalance with water-soluble statins, such as pravastatin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for integrating a plurality of data types are provided. The methods include obtaining, via a processor, a plurality of datasets of a given type including measurements of one or more quantitative variables related to a phenotype comparison, and a plurality of datasets of a different type including measurements of one or more quantitative variables related to the same phenotype comparison; calculating, via the processor, effect sizes of the variables of the first type, effect sizes of the variables of the second type, and global p-values for the first and second data types; and combining, via the processor, the effect sizes and/or the global p-values to identify the variables of either type that are relevant in the given phenotype comparison.

Abstract: TY-52156 compounds for the treatment of lung cancers and cancers mediated by KRAS gene mutations and/or TGF-?/Smad3 signaling are described. TY-52156 compounds antagonize sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 3 (S1PR3). Methods and kits for selecting subjects for particular treatments and/or clinical trials are also described.

Abstract: A method for etching a metal surface includes a step of contacting a metal surface with a protic compound for a first time period to produce a first modified surface. The first modified surface is contacted with a protic ligand-forming compound that reacts with the first modified surface to form a volatile metal-containing compound including a metal atom and the protic ligand-forming compound. The volatile metal-containing compound is removed from the vicinity of the metal surface.

Abstract: A compound having formula I for histone deacetylase inhibition is provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof wherein R is alkyl, C6-18 aryl, C5-18 heteroaryl, C8-22 alkylaryl, C8-22 alkylheteroaryl, or halo.

Abstract: Systems and methods to assess the health of various microbiomes and to identity species therein are disclosed. Described assessments and identifications can inform treatment decisions if a microbiome is determined to have a less than optimal balance of bacterial species within it; the presence of one or more negative species; and/or the absence of one or more positive species.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy based system and method for examination and interrogation provides a method for rapid and cost effective screening of various protein-based compounds such as bacteria, virus, drugs, and tissue abnormalities. A hand-held spectroscope includes a laser and optical train for generating a Raman-shifting sample signal, signal processing and identification algorithms for signal conditioning and target detection with combinations of ultra-high resolution micro-filters and an imaging detector array to provide specific analysis of target spectral peaks within discrete spectral bands associated with a target pathogen.

Abstract: Identifying pathways that are significantly impacted in a given condition is a crucial step in the understanding of the underlying biological phenomena. All approaches currently available for this purpose calculate a p-value that aims to quantify the significance of the involvement of each pathway in the given phenotype. These p-values were previously thought to be independent. Here, we show that this is not the case, and that pathways can affect each other's p-values through a “crosstalk” phenomenon that affects all major categories of existing methods. We describe a novel technique able to detect, quantify, and correct crosstalk effects, as well as identify novel independent functional modules. We assessed this technique on data from four real experiments coming from three phenotypes involving two species.

Abstract: An ionizing system includes a channel and a heater coupled to the channel. The channel has an inlet disposed in a first pressure region having a first pressure and an outlet disposed in a second pressure region having a second pressure. The first pressure is greater than the second pressure.