Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression profiles, and in particular, to a peripheral blood gene expression profile of an environmental exposure, ionizing radiation. The invention further relates to methods of screening patients for radiation exposure based on gene expression profiling and to kits suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: Downhole tool assembly comprises a whipstock engageable with a flow control device. The whipstock comprises a channel. A core is removably mounted in the channel. The flow control device comprises a valve with a shiftable sleeve for selectively directing fluid flow. In a process of drilling and operating a branched well, the whipstock is anchored at a junction in a first well. A second well is drilled from the junction in a direction defined by the work face of the whipstock. After drilling, the core is removed to open the channel in the whipstock. The valve can be set to direct fluid flow to the second well so a fluid pressure can be applied to the second well. The valve can also be set to direct fluid flow through the channel to the first well, so a fluid pressure can be applied to the first well.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression profiles, and in particular, to a peripheral blood gene expression profile of an environmental exposure, ionizing radiation. The invention further relates to methods of screening patients for radiation exposure based on gene expression profiling and to kits suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression profiles, and in particular, to a peripheral blood gene expression profile of an environmental exposure, ionizing radiation. The invention further relates to methods of screening patients for radiation exposure based on gene expression profiling and to kits suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: A method of autologous rescue of an individual exposed to a harmful hematopoietic stem cell condition is described. The method includes removing hematopoietic stem cells from the individual, culturing the hematopoietic stem cells and reintroducing cultured hematopoietic stem cells into the individual. Stem cells are grown in a stromal-cell free medium. The harmful condition can be radiation. The culture medium can contain any of several growth stimulating factors.

Abstract: An ex-vivo method of treating myeloablation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, particularly myeloablation due to ionizing radiation is disclosed. An ex-vivo method of restoring a depleted population of rapidly proliferating hematopoietic stem cells is also disclosed. The methods comprise co-culturing resistant hematopoietic stem cells in a culture medium comprising a monolayer of endothelial cells and various cytokines. Bone marrow stem cells harvested from animals exposed to 1050 cGy were incapable of providing hematopoietic recovery in secondary irradiated recipients. Bone marrow stem cells harvested from animals exposed to 1050 cGy and then co-cultured×10 days with endothelial cell monolayers showed complete recovery of hematopoietic repopulating capacity which was equivalent to normal BM stem cells.