Abstract: A method of processing of processing a hierarchical structure to respond to a query, comprising: a) Providing a hierarchical structure having a plurality of nodes of a plurality of node types. b) Receiving a query that defines a hierarchical query pattern defining hierarchical relationship between at least two query nodes. c) Simultaneously exploring the hierarchical structure in a bottom up manner by a plurality of threads to update a mapping data structure for each hierarchical structure node that has the same node type as a corresponding query node. Each thread updates the mapping data structure for each ancestor node of each node according to a match between each ancestor node and a corresponding parent node of the corresponding query node. d) Simultaneously analyzing the mapping data structure by the plurality of threads to identify at least one portion of the hierarchical structure that matches the hierarchical query pattern.

Abstract: A system for generating a mechanical wave is disclosed. The system comprises a camshaft having plurality of rotatable cams, serially mounted on a shaft along an axis of an elastic tubular shell to form a varying phase angle along the shaft. The system further comprises a plurality of cam followers arranged circumferentially about each cam, such that a rotary motion of the cams generates a linear motion of the cam followers to radially bias in internal wall the shell. The variation of the phase angle is selected to generate a three-dimensional traveling wave along the shell.

Abstract: Systems and methods using contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging for quantitative assessment of neovascularization, such as within a tumor or a plaque. The contrast agent moves in small blotches rather than in continuous flow, but image processing methods enable the detection and quantification of the blood flow, even in the tiny blood vessels of the vasculature tree. The image processing includes compensation for motion of the tissue arising from body movement. The position and extent of the discrete positions of contrast material may be accumulating during a complete heart cycle onto a single 2D image, to enable an indication of a vascular tree based on this local accumulated image. Dynamic processing (DP) of the discrete positions of contrast material enables a complete vascular tree to be obtained. The neovascularization is quantified by the ratio of its total area to that of the plaque in which the neovascularization has grown.

Abstract: Provided are method of generating a fiber from a globular protein such as albumin. Also provided are albumin fibers and fabrics and methods of using same for bonding a damaged tissue or for ex vivo or in vivo formation of a tissue.

Abstract: A field-emission device is disclosed. The device comprises a solid state structure formed of a crystalline material and an amorphous material, wherein an outer surface of the solid state structure is substantially devoid of the amorphous material, and wherein a p-type conductivity of the crystalline material is higher at or near the outer surface than far from the outer surface.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunoreactive peptides which can selectively bind Ehrlichia-specific anti-p120 or anti-p140 antibodies. Methods and kits utilizing the immunoreactive peptides are also provided. The immunoreactive peptides may be utilized, e.g., for determining whether or not a subject is infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia canis. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive peptides may be utilized in an ELISA or lateral flow assay.

Abstract: A neural network is disclosed. The neural network comprises a plurality of optogenetically modified neural cells being three-dimensionally distributed in a hydrogel medium and being disconnected from any solid support having a shear modulus above 1 GPa.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting and collection analytes fractionated based on pI, separating analytes via electrophoresis and pI, and purifying a target molecule using pI focusing and subsequent crystallization are provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods for treating diabetes comprising administering to a patient a GLP-1 agonist and an iron chelator. In various embodiments, methods are provided for culturing pancreatic beta islet cells comprising contacting the beta cells with a GLP-1 agonist and an iron chelator in an amount effective to promote survival of the beta cells.

Abstract: Methods and devices for purification of different cell components from the same sample are provided.

Abstract: A method of applying a nondestructive mechanical force on one or more cells in aqueous environment by inducing heat generated acoustic pressure pulses. The method comprises providing an energy transmission pattern to induce the applying of a desired nondestructive mechanical force on a at least one cell by forming a plurality of heat generated acoustic pressure pulses in an aqueous environment and instructing the radiation of a target area in proximity to the at least one cell in the aqueous environment with light energy according to the energy transmission pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides HIV-derived lentivectors which are safe, highly efficient, and very potent for expressing transgenes for human gene therapy, especially, in human hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as in all other blood cell derivatives. The lentiviral vectors comprise a self-inactivating configuration for biosafety and promoters such as the EF1? promoter as one example. Additional promoters are also described. The vectors can also comprise additional transcription enhancing elements such as the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element. These vectors therefore provide useful tools for genetic treatments such as inherited and acquired lympho-hematological disorders, gene-therapies for cancers especially the hematological cancers, as well as for the study of hematopoiesis via lentivector-mediated modification of human HSCs.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for stimulating insulin production, increasing beta cell mass, or decreasing beta cell loss in a subject. For example, methods of the embodiments can comprise administration of a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)1 receptor agonist and a CRF2 receptor agonist. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a selective CRF1 receptor agonist and a selective CRF2 receptor agonist.

Abstract: An isolated primate embryonic cell is provided as well as cell cultures and cell lines derived therefrom. Also provided are methods of generating and using such cells.

Abstract: Anti CMV antibodies are provided. Thus an antibody of the present invention comprises an antigen recognition domain capable of binding an MHC molecule being complexed with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 or pp64 peptide, wherein the antibody does not bind said MHC molecule in an absence of said complexed peptide, and wherein the antibody does not bind said peptide in an absence of said MHC molecule. Also provided are methods of using the antibodies.

Abstract: A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids and antibodies against SRPX2 and SRPX2 protein function in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis-related conditions, such as cancer or wound healing, can be treated by the composition comprising the SRPX2 antagonists or agonists, respectively.

Abstract: Processes for forming quantum well structures which are characterized by controllable nitride content are provided, as well as superlattice structures, optical devices and optical communication systems based thereon.