Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of disease. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of disease. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the breakthrough of hardness in a water softener measures a change in the conductivity of elongated cation-exchange material in contact with the treated water.

Abstract: Methods, systems and compositions for recovery of regenerant ions from spent regenerant solution by utilization of electrodialysis are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for separating spent regenerant using an electrodialysis system comprising selective membranes are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for treating a friable solid ion-removal material to prevent fragmentation during regeneration.

Abstract: A method inducing chimerism and allograft tolerance by co-infusion of stem/progenitor-like cells and donor cells, wherein the donor cells can be bone marrow cells. The method also comprises the conditioning comprising depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and administration of low doses of anti-neoplastic drugs. The inventive method comprises an aspect wherein allograft tolerance is induced without systemically suppressing the immune system.

Abstract: A method inducing chimerism and allograft tolerance by co-infusion of stein/progenitor-like cells and donor cells, wherein the donor cells can be bone marrow cells. The method also comprises the conditioning comprising depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and administration of low doses of anti-neoplastic drugs. The inventive method comprises an aspect wherein allograft tolerance is induced without systemically suppressing the immune system.

Abstract: A photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system and a method of cooling photovoltaic (PV) cells in the system is described herein. Energy from an excitation source such as the sun hits the PV cells in the PV-T system causing heating that reduces PV efficiency. The PV cells are cooled by fluid in an intact heat-transfer system making a heated water byproduct while the PV cells release a form of energy. In addition, the PV-T system can be implemented in a desalination plant to harvest energy and heat for desalination processes. The present invention also includes methods for transferring heat from PV cells to the earth to improve PV performance and reduce thermal shock to the PV cells.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the breakthrough of hardness in a water softener measures a change in the conductivity of elongated cation-exchange material in contact with the treated water.

Abstract: A method inducing chimerism and allograft tolerance by co-infusion of stein/progenitor-like cells and donor cells, wherein the donor cells can be bone marrow cells. The method also comprises the conditioning comprising depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and administration of low doses of anti-neoplastic drugs. The inventive method comprises an aspect wherein allograft tolerance is induced without systemically suppressing the immune system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for hydrolysis of a chemical hydride is provided. The method includes adding a chemical hydride to a reaction chamber and exposing the chemical hydride in the reaction chamber to a temperature of at least about 100° C. in the presence of water and in the absence of an acid or a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the chemical hydride undergoes hydrolysis to form hydrogen gas and a byproduct material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) system and a method of cooling photovoltaic (PV) cells in the system is described herein. Energy from an excitation source such as the sun hits the PV cells in the PV-T system causing heating that reduces PV efficiency. The PV cells are cooled by fluid in an intact heat-transfer system making a heated water byproduct while the PV cells release a form of energy. In addition, the PV-T system can be implemented in a desalination plant to harvest energy and heat for desalination processes. The present invention also includes methods for transferring heat from PV cells to the earth to improve PV performance and reduce thermal shock to the PV cells.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of disease. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of disease is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of disease.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of disease. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of the healing rate of an acute traumatic wound.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy.

Abstract: A novel co-culture system using human brain endothelial cells (HUBEC) which promotes the expansion of human CD34+CD38? cells consistent with the PMVEC system is disclosed. HUBEC were isolated from cadaveric donors, passed in primary culture, cloned and found to be Von Willebrand Factor positive. Cultivation of purified bone marrow CD34+ cells on HUBEC monolayers supplemented with GM-CSF+IL-3+IL-6+SCF+flt-3 ligand caused a 14.5-fold increase in total cells, an 6.6-fold increase in CD34+ cells, and, most remarkably, a 440-fold increase in CD34+CD38? cells after 7 days. Further, CFU-GM production increased 15.1-fold, BFU-E increased 8-fold, and CFU-Mix increased 5.2-fold. Optimal generation was dependent upon the continued presence of exogenous supplied cytokines. In comparison, identically treated stroma-free suspension cultures supported a 10.2-fold expansion of total cells, a 3-fold increase in CD34+ cells and maintained the CD34+CD38? cell pool after 7 days of culture.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for hydrolysis of a chemical hydride is provided. The method includes adding a chemical hydride to a reaction chamber and exposing the chemical hydride in the reaction chamber to a temperature of at least about 100° C. in the presence of water and in the absence of an acid or a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the chemical hydride undergoes hydrolysis to form hydrogen gas and a byproduct material.

Abstract: Polymer membranes are disclosed having increased permeability. The process of the present disclosure, for instance, can increase the ion permeability of membranes and/or the gas permeability of membranes. In one embodiment, for instance, a precursor polymer is subjected to energy in an amount sufficient to form damage tracks through the thickness of the polymer. The damage tracks are then oxidized to form free radical groups. The precursor polymer is then hydrolyzed causing ion groups to form that cluster along the damage tracks. In one embodiment, sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based copolymer ionomer membranes are formed that have increased conductivity. Other ionomer membranes that may be formed according to the present disclosure include copolymers of a vinyl hydrocarbon and a vinyl carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Methods, systems and compositions for recovery of regenerant ions from spent regenerant solution by utilization of electrodialysis are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for separating spent regenerant using an electrodialysis system comprising selective membranes are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for treating a friable solid ion-removal material to prevent fragmentation during regeneration.

Abstract: A process and system for purifying water is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, the process may be used to remove a divalent salt, such as calcium sulfate, from a water source in order to prevent the divalent salt from precipitating during the process. The water source, for instance, may be fed to an ion separating device, such as an electrodialysis device. In the electrodialysis device, an ion exchange takes place between the divalent salt and another salt, such as a monovalent salt to produce two concentrated salt streams that contain salts having greater solubility in water than the divalent salt. In one embodiment, the two salt streams that are produced may then be combined to precipitate the divalent salt in a controlled manner. During the process, various other components contained within the water feed stream may also be removed from the stream and converted into useful products. In one particular embodiment, the process is configured to receive a byproduct stream from a reverse osmosis process.