Abstract: At a first device there is received from a second device (i) a native pixilated image and (ii) interactive filter data associated with the image. The filter data corresponds to an interactive filter applied to the image. A first representation of the image is displayed in accordance with the interactive filter data on the display. All or a first subset of the pixels of the image are obscured in the first representation. Responsive to user input, for a limited period of time, a second representation of the image is displayed in place of the first representation. None or a second subset of the pixels of the image is obscured in the second representation, where the second subset is less than the first subset. Then there is displayed on the display, after the limited period of time has elapsed, the first representation in place of the second representation.

Abstract: At a first device there is received from a second device (i) a native pixilated image and (ii) interactive filter data associated with the image. The filter data corresponds to an interactive filter applied to the image. A first representation of the image is displayed in accordance with the interactive filter data on the display. All or a first subset of the pixels of the image are obscured in the first representation. Responsive to user input, for a limited period of time, a second representation of the image is displayed in place of the first representation. None or a second subset of the pixels of the image is obscured in the second representation, where the second subset is less than the first subset. Then there is displayed on the display, after the limited period of time has elapsed, the first representation in place of the second representation.

Abstract: At a first device there is received from a second device (i) a native pixilated image and (ii) interactive filter data associated with the image. The filter data corresponds to an interactive filter applied to the image. A first representation of the image is displayed in accordance with the interactive filter data on the display. All or a first subset of the pixels of the image are obscured in the first representation. Responsive to user input, for a period of time specified by the filter, a second representation of the image is displayed in place of the first representation. None or a second subset of the pixels of the image is obscured in the second representation, where the second subset is less than the first subset. Then there is displayed on the display, after the limited period of time has elapsed, the first representation in place of the second representation.

Abstract: At a first device there is received from a second device (i) a native pixilated image and (ii) interactive filter data associated with the image. The filter data corresponds to an interactive filter applied to the image. A first representation of the image is displayed in accordance with the interactive filter data on the display. All or a first subset of the pixels of the image are obscured in the first representation. Responsive to user input, for a period of time specified by the filter, a second representation of the image is displayed in place of the first representation. None or a second subset of the pixels of the image is obscured in the second representation, where the second subset is less than the first subset. Then there is displayed on the display, after the limited period of time has elapsed, the first representation in place of the second representation.

Abstract: Genes that are up- or down-regulated during differentiation provide important leverage by which to characterize and manipulate early-stage pluripotent stem cells. Over 35,000 unique transcripts have been amplified and sequenced from undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells, and three types of differentiated progeny. Statistical analysis of the assembled transcripts identified genes that alter expression levels as differentiation proceeds. The expression profile provides a marker system that has been used to identify particular culture components for maintaining the undifferentiated phenotype. The gene products can also be used to promote differentiation; to assess other relatively undifferentiated cells (such as cancer cells); to control gene expression; or to separate cells having desirable characteristics. Manipulation of particular genes can be used to forestall or focus the differentiation process, en route to producing a specialized homogenous cell population suitable for human therapy.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for qualifying embryonic stem cells intended for human therapy. A large-scale sequencing project has identified important markers that are characteristic of undifferentiated pluripotent cells. Combinations of these markers can be used to validate the self-renewing capacity of ES cells, and their ability to differentiate into tissue types suitable for regenerative medicine. The marker system of this invention has been used to screen feeder cells, media additives, and culture conditions that promote proliferation of stem cells without differentiation. A culture system optimized by following these markers is suitable for rapid expansion of undifferentiated cells from existing lines, or the derivation of new lines that are equally apposite for clinical use.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for qualifying embryonic stem cells intended for human therapy. A comprehensive sequencing project has identified important markers that are characteristic of undifferentiated pluripotent cells. Combinations of these markers have been used to screen feeder cells, media additives, and culture conditions that promote rapid expansion of stem cells without differentiation. By measuring undifferentiated stem cell markers, and markers formed by early progenitors such as stromal cells, the user can quantitate the proportion and extent of differentiation. This establishes standardized criteria for master cell banks and cell cultures that can then be used to produce therapeutic cell populations and medicaments for use in regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Detection of members of a conserved, dispersed gene family is used to ascertain levels of host cell genomic DNA in a sample.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for qualifying embryonic stem cells intended for human therapy. A large-scale sequencing project has identified important markers that are characteristic of undifferentiated pluripotent cells. Combinations of these markers can be used to validate the self-renewing capacity of ES cells, and their ability to differentiate into tissue types suitable for regenerative medicine. The marker system of this invention has been used to screen feeder cells, media additives, and culture conditions that promote proliferation of stem cells without differentiation. A culture system optimized by following these markers is suitable for rapid expansion of undifferentiated cells from existing lines, or the derivation of new lines that are equally apposite for clinical use.

Abstract: Genes that are up- or down-regulated during differentiation provide important leverage by which to characterize and manipulate early-stage pluripotent stem cells. Over 35,000 unique transcripts have been amplified and sequenced from undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells, and three types of differentiated progeny. Statistical analysis of the assembled transcripts identified genes that alter expression levels as differentiation proceeds. The expression profile provides a marker system that has been used to identify particular culture components for maintaining the undifferentiated phenotype. The gene products can also be used to promote differentiation; to assess other relatively undifferentiated cells (such as cancer cells); to control gene expression; or to separate cells having desirable characteristics. Manipulation of particular genes can be used to forestall or focus the differentiation process, en route to producing a specialized homogenous cell population suitable for human therapy.