Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery platform for the preparation of versatile sol-gel/hydrogel based nano and micro particles that can be loaded with small molecules. The delivery platform is suitable for topical, transdermal, IV, IP and aerosol drug delivery. Also disclosed herein are methods of treatment using the aforementioned particles.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of making modified paramagnetic nanoparticles with improved therapeutic loading efficiency and enhanced circulation properties. The method comprises coating a paramagnetic nanoparticle (PMNP) with a hydrophobic coating comprising lipophilic drug and a polymer. Also described herein is a PMNP, and a composition comprising PMNP. In certain embodiment, the PMNP have improved permeability through the blood brain barrier. Also described herein is a method of using the PMNP for the treatment of diseases. In certain embodiments, the method of treatment is a combination therapy. Described herein are imaging of therapeutic delivery of PMNP and diagnostic methods using the PMNP. Also described herein is a diagnostic kit that comprises the PMNP.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods to improve one or more signs or symptoms of smooth muscle diseases. Compositions of the disclosure may include a plasmid vector containing a variant nucleic that encodes for a variant amino acid sequence of the alpha subunit of the BK potassium channel. Compositions may further include a nanoparticle delivery system. Compositions and methods of use of the disclosure may be used to treat, for example, over active bladder (OAB) syndrome and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that enhance delivery of nitric oxide (NO) by combining nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) with exogenous glutathione (GSH), as well as therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that enhance delivery of nitric oxide (NO) by combining nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) with exogenous glutathione (GSH), as well as therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for displaying stent malapposition in a 2-D or 3-D image. A threshold malapposition distance can be set as an input in response to which a software component in an imaging pipeline automatically detects stent struts and calculates a malapposition distance from a lumen contour. Projections of stent strut dimensions can be used to compensate for stent imaging artifacts results from imaging probe orientation in the lumen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that enhance delivery of nitric oxide (NO) by combining nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) with exogenous glutathione (GSH), as well as therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for displaying stent malapposition in a 2-D or 3-D image. A threshold malapposition distance can be set as an input in response to which a software component in an imaging pipeline automatically detects stent struts and calculates a malapposition distance from a lumen contour. Projections of stent strut dimensions can be used to compensate for stent imaging artifacts results from imaging probe orientation in the lumen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that enhance delivery of nitric oxide (NO) by combining nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) with exogenous glutathione (GSH), as well as therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that enhance delivery of nitric oxide (NO) by combining nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles (NO-np) with exogenous glutathione (GSH), as well as therapeutic uses of the methods and compositions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of triggering optical coherence tomography data collection. The method includes collecting optical coherence tomography data with respect to a vessel using an optical coherence tomography probe disposed in the vessel; determining a clearing radius and a quality value for each frame of optical coherence tomography data collected for the vessel using a computer; determining if a blood clearing state has occurred using at least one clearing radius and at least one quality value; and generating a trigger signal in response to the blood clearing state.

Abstract: The present invention provides oxygenated hemoglobins in powdered form and methods of preparing a powdered form of a protein, such as hemoglobin, which comprise (a) mixing a solution of the protein with inulin, and optimally with a reducing sugar such as glucose or tagatose, and (b) drying the mixture. Also provided are blood substitutes formed from reconstituted powdered hemoglobins, and methods of treatment using the blood substitutes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for supporting a plurality of users to allocate the financial transactions of each user to a corresponding one of a plurality of ledgers. Each of the ledgers has a plurality of accounts. The apparatus comprises a memory comprising a plurality of storage locations, each of which stores a corresponding one of the ledgers for its user, and a server. The server is programmed to determine the attributes of each of the financial transactions, facilitate each of the users to construct its own allocation policy, and to allocate each financial transaction according to the allocation policy of its user into a corresponding account of that user.

Abstract: A chord propagation velocity measurement (CPVM) system is used in connection with, for example, a brightness-mode (B-mode) or doppler ultrasound imaging system. The CPVM system monitors ultrasound data provided to it by the ultrasound imaging system and enhances the functionality of the ultrasound imaging system by providing a chord propagation velocity (CPV) associated with a body region, such as a blood vessel in a living thing. The CPV is indicative of the stiffness of the body region. In architecture, the CPVM system includes a tissue processor connected to the scanner of the ultrasound system designed to analyze each acoustic scan line and to determine a category (type of region, for example, blood or tissue) for each point along each acoustic scan line. A display produces an image generated from acoustic scan lines. A user input mechanism permits a user to identify a region of interest in the image. The tissue processor produces samples based upon the region of interest in the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for machine polishing plastic ophthalmic lenses to a translucent finish using a polishing wheel with 7 micron or less sized diamond particles held in a binder, such as a resin or bronze. The polishing wheels of the present invention may be in the form of a wheel for polishing edges of the lenses, or a wheel called a generator tool or bell for polishing the optical surfaces of the lenses. Either form of wheel may also be used on glass lenses. Each form may be used on a special ophthalmic machine adapted for its use, which may be capable of automatic or semi-automatic operation, to easily and quickly produce finished lenses. With the generator form polishing wheel of the present invention, a new type ophthalmic machine may be made using generator tools for both forming or cutting and finer finishing or polishing the optical surfaces of either, or both, plastic and glass lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single stage crossbar and a controller for controlling the crossbar that provides a capacity for "wide-sense non-blocking" connection of input signals to outputs that exceeds the number of outputs to which a given input is connected. Thus, the capacity of the crossbar is increased using a smaller number of crosspoints in a single stage than was available in the prior art.In one aspect, the present invention is an apparatus for connecting a signal on one of a plurality of inputs to a non-busy one of a plurality of outputs, comprising a plurality of controllable switches arranged so that each input is connectable to at least an integer q outputs and so that no two inputs share more than an integer c outputs. The invention further comprises a controller for controlling the controllable switches to connect the signal to a non-busy output so that no more than an integer f outputs that are connectable to any input become busy, where f is less than q.