Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for imaging in animals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of producing a microCT image of a stained specimen, wherein said specimen is a non-human organ, said process comprising: incubating a specimen in a first staining composition, said first staining composition comprising a first staining agent, to produce a stained specimen; submerging said stained specimen in a liquid with an electron density lower than that of said stained specimen; and placing said stained specimen in a specimen holder and scanning said stained specimen in an X-ray computed tomography scanner to produce said microCT image of said stained specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting the presence or absence of disease in subjects based, at least in part, on results of analysis of a sample using computational molecular phenotyping. Further disclosed herein are methods for monitoring the status of subjects diagnosed with disease based at least partially on results of computational molecular phenotyping. The test samples disclosed herein are represented by, but not limited in anyway to, biopsy samples of body tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of producing a microCT image of a stained specimen, wherein said specimen is a non-human organ, said process comprising: incubating a specimen in a first staining composition, said first staining composition comprising a first staining agent, to produce a stained specimen; submerging said stained specimen in a liquid with an electron density lower than that of said stained specimen; and placing said stained specimen in a specimen holder and scanning said stained specimen in an X-ray computed tomography scanner to produce said microCT image of said stained specimen.

Abstract: Processes for producing a microCT image for virtual histology using x-ray microscopic computed tomography are described along with processes for rapid and inexpensive high-throughput methods of high resolution imaging for screening an ex vivo embryo for phenotype using computed tomography imaging. Staining of particular components of specimens with one or more staining agents is described which contributes to high quality image generation and identification of anatomical structures as well as localization of molecular targets. Inventive animal and specimen holders are detailed which allow for reduced post-imaging processing of generated images. In particular, animal and specimen holders are provided which include a highly transparent bed or liner which separates the animal or specimen from a less transparent structure.

Abstract: Processes for producing a microCT image for virtual histology using x-ray microscopic computed tomography are described along with processes for rapid and inexpensive high-throughput methods of high resolution imaging for screening an ex vivo embryo for phenotype using computed tomography imaging. Staining of particular components of specimens with one or more staining agents is described which contributes to high quality image generation and identification of anatomical structures as well as localization of molecular targets. Inventive animal and specimen holders are detailed which allow for reduced post-imaging processing of generated images. In particular, animal and specimen holders are provided which include a highly transparent bed or liner which separates the animal or specimen from a less transparent structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for imaging in animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and systems for the analysis of imaging data, in particular, whole-animal imaging data acquired using microCT. Included in the invention are methods for registering and comparing test images to one or more reference images to identify and analyze anatomical features of interest. Also provided by the invention are methods and systems for efficient, semi-automatic and fully automatic methods for generating morphological statistics for anatomical features contained in imaging data. Libraries of images, including raw data acquired from imaging apparatuses as well as processed images, are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the identification and validation of biomarkers. The methods and compositions of the invention include the use of exogenous molecules specifically designed and chosen to be associated with a particular disease or biological process. Biomarkers identified and used according to the invention can be indicative of a number of biological processes, including disease state, response to a therapeutic intervention (such as pharmacological treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, combination therapies, and the like), and responses to physiological challenges (such as aging, environmental toxins, etc.). Biomarkers identified through the methods and compositions of the invention may also serve as targets of therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: A graphic arts image development process includes the generation of a computer tomography scan of an object to yield a computer data file representative of a three-dimensional volume X-ray density of the object. Computer algorithms operate on the computer data file to yield an object rendering as a three-dimensional array of false color pixels. A graphic arts technique is applied to the object rendering within a two-dimensional image space to yield the graphic arts image. Graphic art image techniques applied to the object rendering include duplication, symmetry inversion, contrast inversion, superposition, or distortion. Superposition is of a second image where the second image is provided by conventional imaging techniques or is a rendering of a second object produced by computer tomography scanning.

Abstract: A high-throughput assay for characterizing a subject's genetic makeup is disclosed. Specifically, a high-throughput assay utilizing PCR is disclosed that permits the rapid and accurate characterization of a subject's inherited alleles of the polymorphic glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1, and GSTT1. This method allows detection of the specific alleles inherited, including the gene dosage of GSTM1 and GSTT1 while not requiring restriction endonuclease digestion of the PCR products in order to detect length differences. Further, the method allows all analyses to be performed simultaneously in the same gel lane, thus further adding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract: A high-throughput assay for characterizing a subject's genetic makeup is disclosed. Specifically a high-throughput assay utilizing PCR is disclosed that permits the rapid and accurate characterization of a subject's inherited alleles of the polymorphic glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1, and GSTT1. This method allows detection of the specific alleles inherited, including the gene dosage of GSTM1 and GSTT1 while not requiring restriction endonuclease digestion of the PCR products in order to detect length differences. Further, the method allows all analyses to be performed simultaneously in the same gel lane, thus further adding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract: A high-throughput assay for characterizing a subject's genetic makeup is disclosed. Specifically a high-throughput assay utilizing PCR is disclosed that permits the rapid and accurate characterization of a subject's inherited alleles of the polymorphic glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1, and GSTT1. This method allows detection of the specific alleles inherited, including the gene dosage of GSTM1 and GSTT1 while not requiring restriction endonuclease digestion of the PCR products in order to detect length differences. Further, the method allows all analyses to be performed simultaneously in the same gel lane, thus further adding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract: A uniform cross-section and ribbed thermoplastic compressor valve which can be used as a discharge valve for a compressor and has internal rib structure and uniform wall thickness. The valve member can be made of high-performance polymeric resin such as polyimide. The valve member comprises a base member, an annular wall member, a central member protruding from the base member, and a plurality of internal wall members. The internal wall members provide the internal rib structure which strengthens the valve member and allows for light-weight construction. Preferably, there are six internal wall members and the central member has a cavity.