Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of IL-10 as a biological marker for predicting the responsiveness of a house dust mite allergic patient to house dust mite allergen immunotherapy.

Abstract: The invention concerns the identification of specific polypeptides, fragments variants thereof which can be used as markers for the efficacy of immunotherapy, particular for predicting responsiveness of a patient to immunotherapy.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome using peptide arrays, and providing a prognosis to patients.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of IL-10 as a biological marker for predicting the responsiveness of a house dust mite allergic patient to house dust mite allergen immunotherapy.

Abstract: The invention concerns the identification of specific polypeptides, fragments variants thereof which can be used as markers for the efficacy of immunotherapy, particular for predicting responsiveness of a patient to immunotherapy.

Abstract: This invention discloses an unexpected discovery that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) may be segregated into immunogenic or tolerogenic species based on novel biomarkers discovered herein. Exemplary biomarkers include CD8?+?+, CD8?+??, CD8????, C1q, and IL-9R. For example, pDCs with CD8?+?+, CD8?+?? are tolerogenic and CD8???? is immunogenic. Also disclosed are isolated pDCs, compositions comprising the pDCs, methods for isolating the pDCs, methods for treating immune-hyper-reactivity, such as airway hyper-reactivity, food allergy, asthma, and autoimmune disorders, by using compositions containing tolerogenic antigen presenting cells, preferably pDCs disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods for identifying tolerogenic antigen presenting cells by using one or more novel biomarkers disclosed herein, including RALDH expression, CD8?, CD8?C1qa, C1qc, and IL-9R. Also disclosed are methods for inducing Treg cells by using the pDCs disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods of detecting, diagnosing, monitoring or managing an XMRV-related neuroimmune disease such as chronic fatigue syndrome or XMRV-related lymphoma such as mantle cell lymphoma in a subject are disclosed. These methods comprise determining presence, absence or quantity an XMRV nucleic acid in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a diamond film of electronic quality at a high rate using a pulsed microwave plasma. The plasma that has a finite volume is formed near a substrate (in a vacuum chamber) by subjecting a gas containing at least hydrogen and carbon to a pulsed discharge. The pulsed discharge has a succession of low-power states and of high-power states and a peak absorbed power PC, in order to obtain carbon-containing radicals in the plasma. These carbon-containing radicals are deposited on the substrate in order to form a diamond film. Power is injected into the volume of the plasma with a peak power density of at least 100 W/cm3, while maintaining the substrate to a substrate temperature of between 700° C. and 1000 ° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to regenerative vacuum generators for use on aircraft or other transportation vehicles. Embodiments of the invention further relate to modified regenerative vacuum generators that provide a larger area for air flow, as well as provide larger RPMs than typical regenerative vacuum generators. Further embodiments of the invention relate to modified regenerative vacuum generators for use on aircraft or other transportation vehicles. These features help generate high flow and vacuum in less time, which ensure a good vacuum system, and allow the generators to be much smaller than generators currently used in these applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and efficient method of preparing an analyte-enzyme conjugate where the enzyme contains free, surface-accessible carboxyl moieties without generating undesired, cross-linked enzymes, while preserving CN the functionality of the enzyme. The method involves treating an enzyme with a blocking agent such that the free carboxyl moieties become non-reactive prior to the conjugation reaction with the desired analyte. The yield of the analyte-enzyme conjugate and the purity of the conjugates formed are high since cross-linking of the blocked enzymes is minimized or prevented. The invention is generally useful in preparing any conjugates of an analyte of interest and an enzyme containing surface accessible carboxyl moieties. The invention is particularly useful in preparing conjugates of any analyte of interest and horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phos-phatase or acetylcholine esterase.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis having independently interchangeable components. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having a first bearing surface defined at least in part by a first radius in the coronal plane. The femoral component further includes a second bearing surface defined at least in part by a second radius in the coronal plane, the second radius being displaced from the first radius. The distance between the center of the first radius to the center of the second radius is substantially constant and does not depend on the size of the femoral component. The knee joint prosthesis further includes a tibial component which is operable to engage the femoral component.