Abstract: In particular, disclosed is a method for treating a patient with prostate cancer that involves genotyping a nucleic acid sample from the subject for one or more single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alleles in one or more genes angiogenesis, comparing the one or more SNP alleles to control allele frequencies to produce a SNP signature, and analyzing the SNP signature to generate a risk score. The risk score can represent the likelihood that the patient's prostate cancer will recur following radical prostatectomy. In particular embodiments, a high risk score in a patient with positive margins is an indication of a high risk of prostate cancer recurrence.

Abstract: Breast density is a significant breast cancer risk factor measured from mammograms. Evidence suggests that the spatial variation in mammograms may also be associated with risk. The variation in calibrated mammograms as a breast cancer risk factor was investigated and its relationship with other measures of breast density was explored using full field digital mammography (FFDM) as described herein. A matched case-control analysis was used to assess a spatial variation breast density measure in calibrated FFDM images, normalized for the image acquisition technique variation. The findings indicate the variation measure is a viable automated method for assessing breast density. Insights gained by this work may be used to develop a standard for measuring breast density.

Abstract: A method of introducing oxygen into a boiler system for combustion with a prepared fuel in a furnace combustion chamber comprises providing a plurality of swirl-inducing elements to the air stream delivery lines, and a plurality of oxygen delivery jets adjacent the intake region and substantially surrounding the air stream delivery lines; igniting the fuel gas to create a flame; and delivering a stream of oxygen through the jets tangentially to the flame envelope to substantially shape and stabilize a swirling flow field for the flame, the oxygen concentration in the flame envelope gradually increasing towards an outer periphery of the flame envelope. A boiler system for using the method can be a new system or a retrofit to an existing system. The method and system provide advantages in reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency while addressing the safety factors involved in introducing oxygen to boiler systems.

Abstract: A method of introducing oxygen into a boiler system for combustion with a prepared fuel in a furnace combustion chamber comprises providing a plurality of swirl-inducing elements to the air stream delivery lines, and a plurality of oxygen delivery jets adjacent the intake region and substantially surrounding the air stream delivery lines; igniting the fuel gas to create a flame; and delivering a stream of oxygen through the jets tangentially to the flame envelope to substantially shape and stabilize a swirling flow field for the flame, the oxygen concentration in the flame envelope gradually increasing towards an outer periphery of the flame envelope. A boiler system for using the method can be a new system or a retrofit to an existing system. The method and system provide advantages in reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency while addressing the safety factors involved in introducing oxygen to boiler systems.

Abstract: Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with biomolecules to serve as sensitive probes for early detection of the cancer cells, specifically for ovarian cancer and lung cancer, which represents the most lethal malignancies. The luminescence characterization of the bin-conjugated QDs with cancer specific antigens using linkage molecules. Photo-enhancement is measured at various laser density power, temperatures and laser wavelengths.

Abstract: Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with biomolecules to serve as sensitive probes for early detection of the cancer cells, specifically for ovarian cancer and lung cancer, which represents the most lethal malignancies. The luminescence characterization of the bin-conjugated QDs with cancer specific antigens using linkage molecules. Photo-enhancement is measured at various laser density power, temperatures and laser wavelengths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post-forming an acrylic sheet using radiant heat are disclosed. The heating apparatus includes radiant heating tubes mounted to a frame and positioned in a heating plane. A support platform is also mounted to the frame. A heating area is defined between the heating tubes and the support platform. The heating area is substantially exposed to the atmosphere, allowing unheated air to exchange with the heated air in the heating area. To use the apparatus, combustible gas is ignited and passed through the radiant heating tubes, such that heat radiates from the tubes to the heating area. An acrylic sheet is placed on the support surface such that the unfinished side of the sheet faces the radiant heating tubes. The entire sheet is positioned in the heating area for a selected period of time. The heated sheet is then positioned in a mold until almost cool. At that point, the sheet is removed and allowed to cool completely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post-forming an acrylic sheet using radiant heat are disclosed. The heating apparatus includes radiant heating tubes mounted to a frame and positioned in a heating plane. A support platform is also mounted to the frame. A heating area is defined between the heating tubes and the support platform. The heating area is substantially exposed to the atmosphere, allowing unheated air to exchange with the heated air in the heating area. To use the apparatus, combustible gas is ignited and passed through the radiant heating tubes, such that heat radiates from the tubes to the heating area. An acrylic sheet is placed on the support surface such that the unfinished side of the sheet faces the radiant heating tubes. The entire sheet is positioned in the heating area for a selected period of time. The heated sheet is then positioned in a mold until almost cool. At that point, the sheet is removed and allowed to cool completely.