Abstract: The disclosure provides biomaterials including scaffolds that include blood products including blood fractions and products including platelets for administration to subjects in need thereof. More specifically, the scaffolds based on step growth polymers are enriched with blood extracts that contain platelet rich plasma (PRP) and/or extracts of platelets. Compositions comprising a biomaterial or precursor thereof and a blood extract are provided, as are methods of making and using the biopolymers or precursors thereof. Kits and articles of manufacture comprising the biopolymers or precursors thereof are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of displaying data is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of an object by exposing an object to radiation at a plurality of view angles and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, operating a computer to reconstruct the projection data at a reconstruction resolution to form image data comprising a plurality of voxels representing locations within the object, each of the plurality of voxels being assigned an associated intensity indicative of a density of the subject matter at the respective location, determining a maximum resolution for display, above which variation in intensity between adjacent voxels is not supported by information in the projection data, the maximum resolution being less than the reconstruction resolution, and displaying the image data at or below the maximum resolution.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of displaying data is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of an object by exposing an object to radiation at a plurality of view angles and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, operating a computer to reconstruct the projection data at a reconstruction resolution to form image data comprising a plurality of voxels representing locations within the object, each of the plurality of voxels being assigned an associated intensity indicative of a density of the subject matter at the respective location, determining a maximum resolution for display, above which variation in intensity between adjacent voxels is not supported by information in the projection data, the maximum resolution being less than the reconstruction resolution, and displaying the image data at or below the maximum resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, systems, and methods for simultaneously detecting the presence and quantity of one or more different compounds in a sample using aptamer beacons. Aptamer beacons are oligonucleotides that have a binding region that can bind to a non-nucleotide target molecule, such as a protein, a steroid, or an inorganic molecule. New aptamer beacons having binding regions configured to bind to different target molecules can be used in solution-based and solid, array-based systems. The aptamer beacons can be attached to solid supports, e.g., at different predetermined points in two-dimensional arrays. The invention includes devices, methods, and computer software for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides computerized mechanisms for managing credit facilities. In one embodiment, computerized mechanisms coordinate and control communications between three types of entities that enable one entity to fund activity between a borrower and a lender. In another embodiment, the computerized mechanisms provide additional features to match each of the entities. In addition, other embodiments provide management mechanisms for managing the relationships between the entities that interface through their respective tools.

Abstract: In one aspect, A method of imaging an object of interest positioned in an exposure area is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of the object by providing radiation to the exposure area and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, performing a first reconstruction of the projection data to form at least one bootstrap image, obtaining first data based on information provided by the at least one bootstrap image, and performing a second reconstruction of the projection data based, at least in part, on the first data to form at least one second image.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of displaying data is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of an object by exposing an object to radiation at a plurality of view angles and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, operating a computer to reconstruct the projection data at a reconstruction resolution to form image data comprising a plurality of voxels representing locations within the object, each of the plurality of voxels being assigned an associated intensity indicative of a density of the subject matter at the respective location, determining a maximum resolution for display, above which variation in intensity between adjacent voxels is not supported by information in the projection data, the maximum resolution being less than the reconstruction resolution, and displaying the image data at or below the maximum resolution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging an object including the steps of projecting radiation from a radiation source through an object and moving the radiation source through multiple imaging positions relative to the object without stopping movement of the radiation source. Movement is accomplished while projecting radiation at more than one of the imagining positions with the source having a source velocity for at least one imaging position that is different from a source velocity for a second imaging position. Radiation transmitted through the object is also detected. Radiation may be projected while moving the radiation source through the multiple imaging positions. In addition, the velocity at which the radiation source is moved through a select imaging position may be related to a resolution desired for data collection at the select imaging position. The velocity of the radiation source may be varied within a select imaging position.

Abstract: In one aspect, A method of imaging an object of interest positioned in an exposure area is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of the object by providing radiation to the exposure area and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, performing a first reconstruction of the projection data to form at least one bootstrap image, obtaining first data based on information provided by the at least one bootstrap image, and performing a second reconstruction of the projection data based, at least in part, on the first data to form at least one second image.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of obtaining projection data of an object from a plurality of view angles with respect to the object is provided. The method comprises acts of providing radiation, at each of the plurality of view angles, to an exposure area in which the object is positioned, controlling a radiation energy of the radiation provided at each of the plurality of view angles such that the respective radiation energy is different for at least two of the plurality of view angles, and detecting at least some of the radiation passing through the exposure area at each of the plurality of view angles to obtain the projection data.

Abstract: In one aspect, A method of imaging an object of interest positioned in an exposure area is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of the object by providing radiation to the exposure area and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, performing a first reconstruction of the projection data to form at least one bootstrap image, obtaining first data based on information provided by the at least one bootstrap image, and performing a second reconstruction of the projection data based, at least in part, on the first data to form at least one second image.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of obtaining projection data of an object from a plurality of view angles with respect to the object is provided. The method comprises acts of providing radiation, at each of the plurality of view angles, to an exposure area in which the object is positioned, controlling a radiation energy of the radiation provided at each of the plurality of view angles such that the respective radiation energy is different for at least two of the plurality of view angles, and detecting at least some of the radiation passing through the exposure area at each of the plurality of view angles to obtain the projection data.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing and using aptamers as oncology therapeutics capable of binding to PDGF, PDGF isoforms, PDGF receptor, VEGF, and/or VEGF receptor or any combination thereof with affinity and specificity. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in solid tumor therapy and can be used alone or in combination with known cytotoxic agents for the treatment of solid tumors. Also disclosed are aptamers having one or more CpG motifs embedded therein or appended thereto.

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional tomosynthesis imaging of a target element is provided having an image acquisition element and a processor. The image acquisition element obtains a plurality of images of the target element from a plurality of angles and includes a radiation source that is positionable at a plurality of angles with respect to the target element and a radiation detector. The radiation detector is positioned so as to detect radiation emitted by the radiation source passing through the target element and determine a plurality of attenuation values for radiation passing through the target element to establish a radiation absorbance projection image of the target element for a particular radiation source angle. The processor is configured to apply an iterative reconstruction algorithm to the radiation absorbance projection images of the target element obtained from a plurality of radiation source angles to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of the target element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging an object including the steps of projecting radiation from a radiation source through an object and moving the radiation source through multiple imaging positions relative to the object without stopping movement of the radiation source. Movement is accomplished while projecting radiation at more than one of the imagining positions with the source having a source velocity for at least one imaging position that is different from a source velocity for a second imaging position. Radiation transmitted through the object is also detected. Radiation may be projected while moving the radiation source through the multiple imaging positions. In addition, the velocity at which the radiation source is moved through a select imaging position may be related to a resolution desired for data collection at the select imaging position. The velocity of the radiation source may be varied within a select imaging position.

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional tomosynthesis imaging of a target element includes an image acquisition element and a processor. The image acquisition element obtains a plurality of images of the target element from a plurality of angles and includes a radiation source that is positionable at a plurality of angles with respect to the target element and a radiation detector. The radiation detector is positioned so as to detect radiation emitted by the radiation source passing through the target element and determine a plurality of attenuation values for radiation passing through the target element to establish a radiation absorbance projection image of the target element for a particular radiation source angle. The processor is configured to apply an iterative reconstruction algorithm to the radiation absorbance projection images of the target element obtained from a plurality of radiation source angles to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of the target element.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, systems, and methods for simultaneously detecting the presence and quantity of one or more different compounds in a sample using aptamer beacons. Aptamer beacons are oligonucleotides that have a binding region that can bind to a non-nucleotide target molecule, such as a protein, a steroid, or an inorganic molecule. New aptamer beacons having binding regions configured to bind to different target molecules can be used in solution-based and solid, array-based systems. The aptamer beacons can be attached to solid supports, e.g., at different predetermined points in two-dimensional arrays. The invention includes devices, methods, and computer software for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: In one aspect, A method of imaging an object of interest positioned in an exposure area is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of the object by providing radiation to the exposure area and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, performing a first reconstruction of the projection data to form at least one bootstrap image, obtaining first data based on information provided by the at least one bootstrap image, and performing a second reconstruction of the projection data based, at least in part, on the first data to form at least one second image.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of displaying data is provided. The method comprises obtaining projection data of an object by exposing an object to radiation at a plurality of view angles and detecting at least some of the radiation exiting the object to form the projection data, operating a computer to reconstruct the projection data at a reconstruction resolution to form image data comprising a plurality of voxels representing locations within the object, each of the plurality of voxels being assigned an associated intensity indicative of a density of the subject matter at the respective location, determining a maximum resolution for display, above which variation in intensity between adjacent voxels is not supported by information in the projection data, the maximum resolution being less than the reconstruction resolution, and displaying the image data at or below the maximum resolution.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of obtaining projection data of an object from a plurality of view angles with respect to the object is provided. The method comprises acts of providing radiation, at each of the plurality of view angles, to an exposure area in which the object is positioned, controlling a radiation energy of the radiation provided at each of the plurality of view angles such that the respective radiation energy is different for at least two of the plurality of view angles, and detecting at least some of the radiation passing through the exposure area at each of the plurality of view angles to obtain the projection data.