Abstract: An optical stack for use with an illuminated data display. The stack comprises the following layers: an opaque layer defining one or more openings therein, a diffuser layer disposed overlying the openings, a fiber optic glass layer overlying the diffuser layer, and transparent protective layer overlying the fiber optic glass layer. An illumination source is disposed within the one or more openings, and illumination from the illumination source propagates from the illumination source through the diffuser layer, through the fiber optic layer, and through the protective layer.

Abstract: A guidance system and method including receiving self-service option information from a self-service kiosk, wherein the self-service kiosk prompts the user to input information regarding a self-service option, processing the self-service option information to determine a correct kiosk destination for the user from a plurality of kiosk destinations, wherein the self-service order is processed at the correct kiosk destination, actuating a light source to illuminate a pathway to be followed by the user to reach the correct kiosk destination, wherein the pathway is visible on a floor of a user queuing location for processing self-service orders, between the self-service kiosk and the correct kiosk destination located in the user queuing location for processing self-service orders of the retail location, and prompting an available self-service kiosk to alert a nearby customer to an availability of the available self-service kiosk, to reduce a queue of customers in the user queuing location.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in osteoarthritis and/or in a particular stage of osteoarthritis, as well as a means of selecting the novel biomarker combinations. The measurement of expression of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers demonstrates particular advantage in one or more of the following: (a) diagnosing individuals as having arthritis, (b) differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis (OA) and (c) diagnosing individuals as having a particular stage of OA. Polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers are within the scope of the invention as are kits containing said polynucleotides and proteins and the use of said polynucleotides and proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in osteoarthritis and/or in a particular stage of osteoarthritis, as well as a means of selecting the novel biomarker combinations. The measurement of expression of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers demonstrates particular advantage in one or more of the following: (a) diagnosing individuals as having arthritis, (b) differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis (OA) and (c) diagnosing individuals as having a particular stage of OA. Polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers are within the scope of the invention as are kits containing the polynucleotides and proteins and the use of the polynucleotides and proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in osteoarthritis and/or in a particular stage of osteoarthritis, as well as a means of selecting the novel biomarker combinations. The measurement of expression of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers of the invention demonstrates particular advantage in one or more of the following: (a) diagnosing individuals as having arthritis, (b) differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis (OA) and (c) diagnosing individuals as having a particular stage of osteoarthritis (OA).

Abstract: The invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that are expressed in chondrocytes from any of the following developmental and disease stages: fetal, normal, mild osteoarthritic, moderate osteoarthritic, marked and osteoarthritic. The invention also relates to arrays and compositions comprising any combination of these nucleic acid sequences. The invention also provides for methods of using the arrays of the invention to diagnose osteoarthritis. The invention also provides for methods of identifying therapeutic agents that alter the level of expression of the nucleic acids of the invention or alter the anabolic level of a chondrocyte.

Abstract: A process for the production of dual-functional ion exchange resins from lignocellulosic agricultural material involving anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid and then cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and choline chloride, or cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with DMDHEU and choline chloride and then anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in osteoarthritis and/or in a particular stage of osteoarthritis, as well as a means of selecting the novel biomarker combinations. The biomarkers of the invention may be utilized to diagnose arthritis, differentiate between two stages of osteoarthritis and diagnose a particular stage of osteoarthritis. The invention provides kits comprising polynucleotides and/or proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers of the invention. Such kits are useful in diagnosing arthritis, differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis, diagnosing a particular stage of osteoarthritis monitoring disease progression, and monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: The invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that are expressed in chondrocytes from any of the following developmental and disease stages: fetal, normal, mild osteoarthritic, moderate osteoarthritic, marked and osteoarthritic. The invention also relates to arrays and compositions comprising any combination of these nucleic acid sequences. The invention also provides for methods of using the arrays of the invention to diagnose osteoarthritis. The invention also provides for methods of identifying therapeutic agents that alter the level of expression of the nucleic acids of the invention or alter the anabolic level of a chondrocyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.