Abstract: Protein kinases are important signaling molecules involved in tumorigenesis. Mutational analysis of the human tyrosine kinase gene family (98 genes) identified somatic alterations in ?20% of colorectal cancers, with the majority of mutations occurring in NTRK3, FES, GUCY2F and a previously uncharacterized tyrosine kinase gene called MCCK/MLK4. Most alterations were in conserved residues affecting key regions of the kinase domain. These data represent a paradigm for the unbiased analysis of signal transducing genes in cancer and provide useful targets for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The invention provides molecular switches which couple external signals to functionality, and combinatorial methods of making and using the same involving circular permutation of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The switches according to the invention can be used, for example, to regulate gene transcription, target drug delivery to specific cells, transport drugs intracellularly, control drug release, provide conditionally active proteins, perform metabolic engineering, and modulate cell signaling pathways. Libraries comprising the switches, expression vectors and host cells for expressing the switches are also provided.

Abstract: A system for measuring nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation time T1 and spin-spin relaxation time T2 of a sample includes a source of a substantially uniform magnetic field B0 for immersing at least a portion of the sample; a nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and detection system constructed and arranged to excite at least a portion of the sample with a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance pulse sequences, each applied with a repetition time that is preselected to be sensitive to a T1 value of at least a portion of the sample, and to detect nuclear magnetic resonance emissions from the sample in response to excitations to provide a plurality of detection signals; and a signal processing system configured to communicate with the nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and detection system to receive the plurality of detection signals.

Abstract: Clostridium novyi is an obligate anaerobe that can infect hypoxic regions within experimental tumors. We found that mice bearing large, established tumors were often cured when treated with C. novyi plus a single dose of liposomal doxorubicin. The secreted factor responsible for this phenomenon was identified and, surprisingly, proved to be a member of the lipase family. The gene encoding this protein, called liposomase, has the potential to be incorporated into diverse therapeutic methods to deliver specifically a variety of chemotherapeutic agents to tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions to treat glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GDE) related disorders. The invention also relates to methods treating GDE related disorders. The invention further relates to kits for treating GDE related disorders in a subject. The invention further relates to methods of identifying novel treatments for treating GDE related disorders in a subject.

Abstract: A cooperative-control robot includes a base component, a mobile platform arranged proximate the base component, a translation assembly operatively connected to the base component and the mobile platform and configured to move the mobile platform with translational degrees of freedom substantially without rotation with respect to said the component, a tool assembly connected to the mobile platform, and a control system configured to communicate with the translation assembly to control motion of the mobile platform in response to forces by a user applied to at least a portion of the cooperative-control robot. The translation assembly includes at least three independently operable actuator arms, each connected to a separate position of the mobile platform. A robotic system includes two or more the cooperative-control robots.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating, preventing or reducing age related vascular stiffness and impaired cardiovascular function in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutic amount of IL-10 or an IL-10 agonist or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same. Also included herein are methods for determining whether a biologically active agent can treat, prevent or reduce age related vascular stiffness and impaired cardiovascular function using an in vitro model in a IL-10 knockout IL-10(tm/tm) mouse which lacks IL-10 function.

Abstract: A computational sensing array includes an array of sensing elements. In each sensing element, a first signal is generated from a transducer. A second signal is produced by a collection unit in response to receiving the first signal. The second signal may be modified, in a conditioning unit. A sensing element preprocessing unit generates a word representing the value of the modified second signal, and may produce an indication of change of the first signal. A current value of the word may be stored in a state holding element local to the sensing element, and a previous value of the word may be retained in a further state holding element local to the sensing element.

Abstract: Described herein are high-throughput methods of monitoring D-serine levels in plasma. The assay involves the use of strong cation solid phase extraction (SPE) to isolate D-serine from plasma, followed by quantitation of D-serine using the D-amino acid oxidase-(DAAO-) catalyzed reaction. Also described are methods of screening for compounds that act as DAAO inhibitors.

Abstract: A digital phased array may include a plurality of antenna elements forming a main array of the digital phased array, a plurality of mixers configured to down-convert data received at respective ones of the antenna elements, a plurality of analog-to-digital converters configured to digitize data provided by corresponding ones of the mixers, and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor may be configured to receive digitized data including at least one interference signal and at least one desired signal, determine an angle of arrival of the at least one interference signal, steer a beam of the main array toward the at least one interference signal based on the determined angle of arrival, and perform interference cancelation relative to the at least one interference signal.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of inhibiting angiogenesis, and treating or preventing a disease or disorder (or symptoms thereof) associated with angiogenesis, wherein an anti-angiogenesis compound is administered to a subject.

Abstract: A movement device for flexing and/or straightening a joint of a user includes a first anchor element adapted to be positioned adjacent a jointed appendage of a user at a first position. A second anchor element is adapted to be positioned about the jointed appendage at a second position, wherein the jointed appendage is located between the first anchor element and the second anchor element. A spring member is positioned between the first and second anchor elements wherein the spring member is fixedly secured to the second anchor element and moveable through the first anchor element to thereby allow the spring member to bend about a joint of the appendage when said appendage is flexed. The spring member is configured to exert bending forces in opposition to working muscles of the user to straighten or flex the joint of the appendage.

Abstract: Combinations of anti-cancer vaccines and inhibitory antibodies to CD223 overcome immune suppression in cancer patients. The vaccines may be isolated antigens, groups of antigens, or whole tumor cells. The inhibitory antibodies may be generated in an animal by injection of fragments of CD223. Antibodies may be monoclonal antibodies or single chain antibodies or humanized antibodies.

Abstract: A topical composition includes a nanoemulsion of a plurality of hydrophobic particles having a hydrophilic coating therein. The hydrophobic particles are derived from the same or different hydrophobic material and each hydrophobic particle has a melting point below the melting point of the respective hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic particles comprise a mean particle size of less than about 10 nm, and the nanoemulsion further includes one or more pharmaceutically active agents.