| DUKE UNIVERSITY Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120127475 | APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR LOW-COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY (LCI) - Low-coherence interferometry (LCI) techniques enable acquisition of structural and depth information of a sample. A “swept-source” (SS) light source may be used. The swept-source light source can be used to generate a reference signal and a signal directed towards a sample. Light scattered from the sample is returned as a result and mixed with the reference signal to achieve interference and thus provide structural information regarding the sample. Depth information about the sample can be obtained using Fourier domain concepts as well as time domain techniques. In another embodiment, an a/LCI system and method is provided that is based on a time domain system and employs a broadband light source. The systems and processes disclosed herein can be used for biomedical applications, included measuring cellular morphology in tissues and in vitro, as well as diagnosing intraepithelial neoplasia, and assessing the efficacy of chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124683 | Delivery method - The present invention relates, in general, to siRNA and, in particular, to a method of effecting targeted delivery of siRNAs and to compounds suitable for use in such a method. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122987 | TREATMENT OF DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR 35 (GPR35) - Compounds are provided having agonistic activity against G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35). The compounds are useful for providing antinociception, providing neuroprotection in case of stroke or ischemia, or treating gastric inflammation. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122736 | SENSORS INCORPORATING ANTIBODIES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A sensor comprising an electronic circuit electrically coupled to a type III-V semiconductor material, for example indium arsenide (InAs) and an antibody contacting the type III-V semiconductor material. The sensor produces measurable N changes in the electrical properties of the semiconductor upon antibody-antigen binding events. Electrical properties measurable by the electronic device may include resistivity, capacitance, impedance, and inductance. A method of detecting an antigen using sensors of the invention. A method of detecting a reaction of an analyte to a stimulus using sensors of the invention. Sensor arrays comprising multiple sensors of the invention. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122121 | ANTIBODIES AND IMMUNOTOXINS THAT TARGET HUMAN GLYCOPROTEIN NMB - The invention provides high affinity antibodies suitable for forming Immunotoxins that inhibit the growth of cells expressing human glycoprotein NMB, including glioblastoma multiform cells, anaplastic astrocytoma cells, anaplastic oligodendroglioma cells, oligodendroglioma cells, and melanoma cells. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121631 | POLYVALENT VACCINE - The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. The invention further relates to methods that use a genetic algorithm to create sets of polyvalent antigens suitable for use, for example, in vaccination strategies. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120115739 | ASSAY FOR ANTI-EGFRvIII ANTIBODIES - Detection of human antibodies directed against the tumor-specific protein Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant Class III (EGFRvIII) provide information on tumor burden and vaccine response. The methods of the invention permit the specific identification of antibodies that are able to bind to EGFRvIII. The methods are useful in determining the presence of an EGFRvIII-expressing tumor and in detecting immune responses following immunization with EGFRvIII-derived peptide as part of a cancer immunotherapy regimen. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114211 | Systems and Methods for Generating an Osteoarthritis Progression Predictor and Systems and Methods for Using the Predictor - Example systems and methods of generating an indicator of osteoarthritis (OA) progression are described. Fractal dimension curves are generated for horizontal and vertical trabecular components associated with a region of interest of a joint image. A statistical model is used to model shapes of the fractal dimension curves and a predictor of OA progression is calculated based on shape parameters of the statistical model. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120101367 | BLOOD SIGNAL SUPPRESSED CONTRAST ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Methods for achieving suppression of blood pool signal to image contrast-enhanced organs and vascular walls using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology. MRI data is then acquired with phase sensitive reconstruction so that blood pool signal is suppressed compared with the tissues of interest. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120089180 | ADHESIVE BONDING COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF USE - A polymerizable composition includes at least one monomer, a photoinitiator capable of initiating polymerization of the monomer when exposed to light, and a phosphor capable of producing light when exposed to radiation (typically X-rays). The material is particularly suitable for bonding components at ambient temperature in situations where the bond joint is not accessible to an external light source. An associated method includes: placing a polymerizable adhesive composition, including a photoinitiator and energy converting material, such as a down-converting phosphor, in contact with at least two components to be bonded to form an assembly; and, irradiating the assembly with radiation at a first wavelength, capable of conversion (down-conversion by the phosphor) to a second wavelength capable of activating the photoinitiator, to prepare items such as inkjet cartridges, wafer-to-wafer assemblies, semiconductors, integrated circuits, and the like. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087938 | Consensus/ancestral immunogens - The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralizes a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates and/or to an immunogen that induces a T cell immune response. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies, and/or to a method of inducing a T cell immune response, using such an immunogen. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding the present immunogens. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120083521 | Aptamers as agonists - Nucleic acid aptamers are described herein which can transduce a signal into cells by crosslinking a cell surface molecule, thereby inducing of one or more biological activities by the cells; in serving as agonists. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120082653 | METHODS OF LYSOSOMAL STORAGE DISEASE THERAPY - Methods of treating a lysosomal storage disorder and methods of increasing cellular uptake of a lysosomal enzyme using β2 agonists or therapeutic agents that increase expression of receptors for a lysosomal enzyme. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120077782 | METHOD OF ACTIVATION OF OXAZAPHOSPHORINES - The present invention provides a method of hydroxylating or oxidizing a compound of interest in a subject (e.g., a cytotoxic oxazaphosphorine prodrug), by administering the compound of interest to the subject; and concurrently administering the subject a metalloporphyrin in an amount effective to hydroxylate or oxidize the compound of interest in the subject. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120070877 | RATIONALLY DESIGNED MEGANUCLEASES WITH ALTERED SEQUENCE SPECIFICITY AND DNA-BINDING AFFINITY - Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120070488 | METHOD OF INDUCING NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES TO HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS - The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and, in particular, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies to HIV and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120065080 | ACID CERAMIDASE POLYMORPHISMS AND METHODS OF PREDICTING TRAITS USING THE ACID CERAMIDASE POLYMORPHISMS - Provided are methods of predicting a trait in a subject including obtaining information about at least a portion of a polynucleotide sequence of the subject, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the acid ceramidase polypeptide, and using the information to predict the expression of the trait in the subject. Further provided are methods of developing a treatment plan for a subject with a disease or condition responsive to exercise. The methods may include obtaining information about at least a portion of a polynucleotide sequence of the subject, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the acid ceramidase polypeptide, using the information to predict a trait selected from maintaining an exercise program and physiological responsiveness to an exercise program, and developing a treatment plan for the subject to treat the disease or condition. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120058132 | Treatment of glycogen storage disease type II - Methods of treating glycogen storage disease type II, by administering acid α-glucosidase, are described, as are compositions for use in treatment of glycogen storage disease type II. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120030783 | RATIONALLY DESIGNED MEGANUCLEASES WITH ALTERED SEQUENCE SPECIFICITY AND DNA-BINDING AFFINITY - Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120018306 | Sample Processing Droplet Actuator, System and Method - Sample processing droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a stamping device including a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a first plate including a path or network of control electrodes for transporting droplets on a surface thereof; (b) a second plate mounted in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the first plate providing an interior volume between the plates, the second plate including one or more stamping ports for transporting some portion or all of a droplet from the interior volume to an exterior location; (c) a port for introducing fluid into the interior volume between the plates; and (d) a path or network of reference electrodes corresponding to the path or network of control electrodes. Associated systems and methods including the stamping device are also provided. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120014507 | Automatic Generation of Patient-Specific Radiation Therapy Planning Parameters - An apparatus and method for automatically generating radiation treatment planning parameters are disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a database is constructed that stores: (i) patient data and past treatment plans by expert human planners for these patients, and (ii) optimal treatment plans that are generated using multi-objective optimization and Pareto front search and that represent the best tradeoff opportunities of the patient case, and a predictive model (e.g., a neural network, a decision tree, a support vector machine [SVM], etc.) is then trained via a learning algorithm on a plurality of input/output mappings derived from the contents of the database. During training, the predictive model is trained to identify and infer patterns in the treatment plan data through a process of generalization. Once trained, the predictive model can then be used to automatically generate radiation treatment planning parameters for new patients. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120003225 | AUTOANTIBODIES IN THE DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER - Methods, kits, and compositions for detecting and/or treating cancer based on detecting and/or administering an antibody, which can optionally be a bispecific antibody, having the immunoreaction characteristics of a cancer-associated autoantibody; an antigen for a cancer-associated autoantibody; or both an antibody having the immunoreaction characteristics of a cancer-associated autoantibody and an antigen for a cancer-associated autoantibody, in or to a subject in need thereof. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110318360 | ANTI-LIPID ANTIBODIES - The present invention relates, in general, to anti-lipid antibodies and, in particular, to methods of inhibiting HIV-I infection using anti-lipid (e.g. anti-phospholipid) antibodies. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110312947 | Method of improving -adrenergic receptor function - The present invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of a hyperinsulinemic patient to the anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects of a β adrenergic receptor (βAR) agonist. The method comprises administering to the patient the βAR agonist and an agent that reduces plasma insulin levels and thereby increases the sensitivity of the patient to the effects of the βAR agonist. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110311986 | CELL LINES COMPRISING SOUR-TASTE RECEPTORS - The present invention relates to sour taste receptors and compositions and methods thereof. In particular, the present invention provides assays and methods of screening for ligands specific for sour taste receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for screening for accessory proteins and mutations, polymorphisms and other potential sour taste receptor protein mutations that are associated with disease states, and therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for modulating sour taste receptors in vitro and in vivo. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110311181 | Optical Isolator - Various optical isolator embodiments are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a waveguide section utilizing materials that induce a propagation constant shift that is propagation-direction-dependent. Embodiments are characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves; the dimensions and direction of magnetization of the waveguide can be tailored so that, in a particular embodiment, the cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves is lower than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves. A particular embodiment is constructed as a single-mode waveguide on a substrate. The cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of materials. At least one part of the cross-section is a non-reciprocal magneto-optic medium, which has nonzero off-diagonal permittivity tensor components. This inhomogeneity induces a propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent. This device works as an optical isolator from the cut-off frequency of the lowest forward wave (lower frequency) to one for the lowest reverse wave (higher frequency). Various configurations consistent with the principles of the invention are disclosed. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110305700 | Anti-lipid antibodies - The present invention relates, in general, to anti-lipid antibodies and, in particular, to methods of inhibiting HIV-1 infection using anti-lipid (e.g. antiphospholipid) antibodies. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110301328 | POLYVALENT VACCINE - The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. The invention further relates to methods that use a genetic algorithm to create sets of polyvalent antigens suitable for use, for example, in vaccination strategies. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110299147 | High-Speed Multi-Dimensional Beam Scanning System With Angle Amplification - A beam-steering system having high positional resolution and fast switching speed is disclosed. Embodiments of the beam-steering system comprise a diffraction limited optical system that includes a reflective imager and two controllably rotatable MEMS elements. The optical system is characterized by a folded optical path, wherein light propagating on the path is incident on each MEMS element more than once. Each MEMS element imparts an optical effect, such as angular change, on the output beam. By virtue of the fact that the optical system is multi-bounce optical system, the optical effect at each MEMS element is multiplied by the number of times the light hits that MEMS element. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110294680 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PREDICTING SUCCESS IN ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE CESSATION AND FOR PREDICTING A RISK OF ADDICTION - The present invention relates to genetic polymorphisms that are associated with dependence on an addictive substance. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for predicting success in addictive substance cessation in a subject, such as predicting success in nicotine cessation. In some embodiments, nicotine cessation is accompanied by a nicotine replacement source and/or an antidepressant. The invention further provides a method for identifying a subject who has an increased risk of becoming dependent on an addictive substance. In some embodiments, the addictive substance is nicotine. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms and reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294189 | BIOMOLECULE POLYMER CONJUGATES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Methods for producing biomolecule-polymer conjugates, such as polypeptide-polymer conjugates, include attachment of an initiator agent to a biomolecule and in situ polymerization of a polymer from defined sites on the biomolecule. The conjugates may have desirable pharmacological properties and may be used therapeutically. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110287466 | Aggregate-Free Urate Oxidase for Preparation of Non-Immunogenic Polymer Conjugates - A naturally occurring or recombinant protein, especially a mutein of porcine urate oxidase (uricase), that is essentially free of large aggregates can be rendered substantially non-immunogenic by conjugation with a sufficiently small number of strands of polymer such that the bioactivity of the protein is essentially retained in the conjugate. Such conjugates are unusually well suited for treatment of chronic conditions because they are less likely to induce the formation of antibodies and/or accelerated clearance than are similar conjugates prepared from protein preparations containing traces of large aggregates. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110275928 | BLOOD SIGNAL SUPPRESSED ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Methods for achieving suppression of blood pool signal to image contrast-enhanced organs and vascular walls using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology. After administration of e.g., an intravenous contrast agent, an RF pulse sequence is applied that includes a preparatory section designed to modify signal from organ tissue differently than blood pool signal, followed by an inversion RF pulse. MR signals are then allowed to evolve during a wait time that is sufficiently long to permit tissue species with dissimilar T1 relaxation times to separate in signal yet short enough so that blood signal has greater negative magnetization than other tissues of interest. MRI data is then acquired with phase sensitive reconstruction so that blood pool signal is suppressed compared with the tissues of interest. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110275606 | SUBSTITUTED PORPHYRINS - Discloses are compounds according to Formula I. Further provided are methods of reducing oxidative stress in a cell, methods of treating a disease including cancer, and methods of treating a subject with a disorder associated with oxidative stress, the methods including administering a compound according to the invention. Also disclosed are methods of potentiating a cancer cell for treatment with ionizing radiation or chemotherapeutics including contacting the cell with an effective amount of a compound according to the invention. Further discloses are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound according to the invention. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110263920 | ADVANCED METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING CELL PROLIFERATION DISORDERS - The present invention relates to methods for treating cell proliferation disorders comprising (1) administering to the subject at least one activatable pharmaceutical agent that is capable of activation by a simultaneous two photon absorption event and of effecting a predetermined cellular change when activated, (2) administering at least one plasmonics-active agent to the subject, and (3) applying an initiation energy from an initiation energy source to the subject, wherein the plasmonics-active agent enhances or modifies the applied initiation energy, such that the enhanced or modified initiation energy activates the activatable pharmaceutical agent by the simultaneous two photon absorption event in situ, thus causing the predetermined cellular change to occur, wherein said predetermined cellular change treats the cell proliferation related disorder, and the use of plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exiton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP) in the treatment of various cell proliferation disorders, and the PEPST and EPEP agents and probes | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110242543 | INTERFEROMETRIC SYSTEMS HAVING REFLECTIVE CHAMBERS AND RELATED METHODS - Disclosed herein are interferometric systems having reflective chambers and related methods. According to an aspect, an interferometric system may include a light source for generating an illumination beam that propagates towards a sample. A sample holder may hold the sample and include a partially reflective cover for allowing a first portion of the illumination beam to pass therethrough to interact with the sample to produce a sample beam that propagates substantially along an optical axis. The cover may be oriented at an angle for reflecting a second portion of the illumination beam to produce a reference beam that propagates at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. An imaging module may redirect the reference beam towards the optical axis at a detection plane. A detector may intercept the sample and reference beams and may generate a holographic representation of the sample based on the beams. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110236384 | DIRECT DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM BASED ON THERMALLY RESPONSIVE BIOPOLYMERS - A method for delivering a drug depot of a compound of interest to a selected region in a subject. The method comprises administering a composition directly to said region of interest, the composition comprising the compound of interest to be delivered (such as an antiinflammatory agent or a chemotherapeutic agent) and a polymer (such as an elastin-like peptide or ELP) that undergoes an inverse temperature phase transition, so that a sustained release of the compound of interest at the selected region is provided. Compositions useful for carrying out the invention are also described. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236371 | Compositions And Methods For The Treatment Of Neurologic And Psychiatric Conditions - The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof for preventing or ameliorating disorders of the nervous system. More specifically, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, including phosphopeptides, that when administered disrupt TrkB-mediated activation of PLCγ1 phosphorylation. The invention further provides method of treatment comprising administering inhibitors of TrkB-mediated activation of PLCγ1 phosphorylation alone or in combination with other pharmaceutical compositions to prevent or ameliorate nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, stroke, anxiety, migraine, and pain. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236345 | COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR ELICITING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE - The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response, in particular for eliciting an immune response to at least one antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110230540 | MANASSATIN COMPOUNDS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Provided are manassantin compounds and methods of using the compounds. Provided are methods of treating a disease, the method comprising administering a compound according to Formula I. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds according to Formula I. Also provided are methods of inhibiting HIF-1 in a cell, the methods comprising administering to the cell a compound according to Formula I. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229479 | GENETIC ALTERATIONS IN ISOCITRATE DEHYDROGENASE AND OTHER GENES IN MALIGNANT GLIOMA - We found mutations of the R132 residue of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in the majority of grade II and III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas as well as in glioblastomas that develop from these lower grade lesions. Those tumors without mutations in IDH1 often had mutations at the analogous R172 residue of the closely related IDH2 gene. These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant gliomas. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110217231 | ANTI-TENASCIN MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY THERAPY FOR LYMPHOMA - A method of treating lymphoma in a subject comprises administering to a subject afflicted with lymphoma an antibody that binds to tenascin in a therapeutically effective amount. Preferably the antibody is monoclonal antibody 81C6 or an antibody that binds to the epitope bound by monoclonal antibody 81C6. Preferably the antibody is labeled with or conjugated to a chemotherapeutic agent, particularly a radioisotope such as | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110211106 | Monocentric Lens-based Multi-scale Optical Systems and Methods of Use - A monocentric lens-based multi-scale imaging system is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a monocentric lens as an objective lens that collects light from a scene. Monocentric lenses in accordance with the present invention include a spherical central lens element and a plurality of lens shell sections that collectively reduce at least one of spherical and chromatic aberration from the magnitude introduced by the spherical lens element itself. A plurality of secondary lenses image the scene through the objective lens and further reduce the magnitude of aberrations introduced by the objective lens. A plurality of sensor arrays converts optical sub-images of the scene into a plurality of digital images, which can then be used to form a composite image of the scene. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110195849 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IDENTIFYING INHIBITORS OF MUTS-alpha OR MUTS-beta INTERACTION WITH MUTL-alpha - Disclosed are methods and kits for screening potential inhibitors of MutSβ by screening agents for the ability to selectively inhibit interaction between MutSβ and MutLα. Also disclosed are kits for performing the methods of the invention. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110189262 | Methods and Compositions for Reducing Systemic Toxicity of Vectors - A method for reducing leakage of a delivery formulation from a target tissue via a damaged blood vessel during and after administration of the delivery formulation is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a delivery formulation comprising a blocking agent and one or more vectors encoding one or more polypeptides, wherein the delivery formulation is in a liquid form; and (b) administering the delivery formulation to a target tissue in a subject, wherein the administering results in the viscosity of the blocking agent increasing to at least about 100 cP, whereby leakage of the delivery formulation from the target tissue either during or after administration of the delivery formulation is reduced. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110184489 | METHOD OF TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS - The present invention relates, in general, to movement disorders and, in particular, to a method of treating movement disorders, including Parkinson's Disease. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110183340 | Phenotype-Genotype Relationship in Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) cases possessing the LOC387715 (rs 10490924) variant have a higher risk of neovascular AMD. Individuals with AMD who are homozygous for both variants might be at greater risk for earlier onset of neovascular AMD. Determining the presence of this variant indicates which path the disease may take and which nutritional, supplement, or medicaments are appropriate. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110182517 | SEGMENTATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF LAYERED STRUCTURES IN IMAGES - Disclosed herein are systems and method for segmentation and identification of structured features in images. According to an aspect, a method may include representing an image as a graph of nodes connected together by edges. For example, the image may be an ocular image showing layered structures or other features of the retina. The method may also include adding, to the graph, nodes adjacent to nodes along first and second sides of the graph. The added nodes may have edge weights less than the nodes along the first and second sides of the graph. Further, the method may include assigning start and end points to any of the added nodes along the first and second sides, respectively. The method may also include graph cutting between the start and end points for identifying a feature in the image. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110175672 | TUNABLE METAMATERIALS - Examples of the present invention include a metamaterial comprising a plurality of resonators disposed on a substrate, the substrate comprising a dielectric support layer and a relatively thin semiconductor layer, having a Schottky junction between at least one conducting resonator and the semiconductor layer. The properties of the resonator may be adjusted by modifying the physical extent of a depletion region associated with the Schottky junction. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110171195 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS USING AGENTS THAT MIMIC OR ELEVATE CYCLIC AMP - Methods and compositions are provided for treating a urinary tract infection (UTI). The methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof a cAMP elevator or agent that mimics cAMP, particularly a labdane diterpene such as forskolin or a derivative or analog thereof in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a UTI. The methods may further include administration of at least one cAMP elevator in combination with one or more additional active compounds from other classes of therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial agents or cholesterol lowering drugs. Compositions of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions and kits for treating a UTI in a subject in need thereof that include therapeutically effective amounts of at least two cAMP elevators, particularly where one of the cAMP elevators is a labdane diterpene such as forskolin or a derivative or analog thereof. In particular, the compositions and kits may also include at least one cAMP elevator in combination with one or more additional active compounds from other classes of therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial agents or cholesterol lowering drugs. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110157596 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENDOSCOPIC ANGLE-RESOLVED LOW COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY - Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110152317 | PREVENNTING THE OCCURRENCE OF OBESITY - Administration of autophagy inhibitor (e.g. 400 mg chloroquine daily) prevents occurrence of obesity and insulin resistance in human subject on prolonged high-fat diet. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152229 | BETULINIC ACID DERIVATIVES AS ANTI-HIV AGENTS - The present invention provides compounds of the general structure: | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110150915 | POLYVALENT VACCINE - The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. The invention further relates to methods that use a genetic algorithm to create sets of polyvalent antigens suitable for use, for example, in vaccination strategies. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110135637 | TRIMODAL CANCER THERAPY - Cancers are treated with three types of agents: a chemotherapeutic agent which induces lymphopenia; an inhibitory antibody to a surface marker on Treg cells; and an anti-cancer vaccine. This combination may lead to enhanced immune responses despite lymphodepletion. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110129537 | FUNCTIONALIZED METAL-COATED ENERGY CONVERTING NANOPARTICLES, METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF AND METHODS FOR USE - A functionalized nanoparticle, having a core, optionally having a shell on at least a portion thereof, wherein the core contains a material that can convert applied X-ray energy into emitted UV energy and wherein the shell, when present, contains a plasmonics active material; wherein the nanoparticle has on a surface thereof at least one psoralen compound capable of activation by the emitted UV energy, and the use of the functionalized nanoparticle in a method of treating a cell proliferation disorder such as cancer. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126889 | UP AND DOWN CONVERSION SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED SOLAR CELL PERFORMANCE OR OTHER ENERGY CONVERSION - A system and a conversion element for power conversion. The power conversion system includes a power conversion device which produces electric power upon illumination and includes a light conversion device which down-converts and up-converts a radiant source of energy into a specific energy spectrum for the illumination of the power conversion device. The conversion element includes a first plurality of particles which upon radiation from a first radiation source radiate at a higher energy than the first radiation source, and includes a second plurality of particles which upon radiation from the first radiation source radiate at a lower energy than the first radiation source. At least one of the first plurality of particles and the second plurality of particles can be at least partially metal coated. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110118332 | VIRAL MICRORNA - The present invention relates, in general, to micro RN As and. in particular, to viral microRNAs expressed by Herpes Simplex Vims 1 (HSV-1) or Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), to agents that inhibit such microRNAs and to methods of treatment based on the use of such agents. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117202 | UP AND DOWN CONVERSION SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCTION OF EMITTED LIGHT FROM VARIOUS ENERGY SOURCES INCLUDING RADIO FREQUENCY, MICROWAVE ENERGY AND MAGNETIC INDUCTION SOURCES FOR UPCONVERSION - Methods and systems for producing a change in a medium. A first method and system (1) place in a vicinity of the medium at least one upconverter including a gas for plasma ignition, with the upconverter being configured, upon exposure to initiation energy, to generate light for emission into the medium, and (2) apply the initiation energy from an energy source including the first wavelength λ | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110112073 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS RELATING TO HEAT SHOCK TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR ACTIVATING COMPOUNDS AND TARGETS THEREOF - The present invention relates to HSF activating compounds, methods for their discovery, and their research and therapeutic uses, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, chelates, non-covalent complexes, prodrugs, mixtures (including both R and S enantiomeric forms and racemic mixtures thereof), and pharmaceutical Formulations thereof. In particular, the present invention provides compounds capable of facilitating HSF1 homotrimerization, and methods of using such compounds as therapeutic agents to treat a number of conditions associated with irregular HSF1 activity. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110110866 | Elastin-like polypeptide and gadolinium conjugate for magnetic resonance imaging - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement agent comprising an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and one or more paramagnetic metal ions is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing ELP MRI contrast enhancement agents, formulations comprising ELP MRI contrast enhancement agents, and methods of using ELP MRI contrast enhancement agents to image biological samples and to image and deliver therapeutic agents to targeted sites in vivo. In some embodiments, the ELP MRI agents can be used in methods related to blood volume determination, in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and in vascular transport determinations. The ELP MRI contrast agents can also provide information on the expression of various proteins through affinity targeting or enzymatic crosslinking in order to aid in diagnosis and in the spatial definition of pathologic tissue. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110105865 | DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY DEVICE FOR QUANTIFYING TISSUE ABSORPTION AND SCATTERING - A diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system for quantifying electromagnetic absorption and scattering in a tissue is provided. Also provided are optical probes and methods for imaging a tissue mass. In some embodiments, the methods include the steps of contacting a tissue mass with an optical probe, wherein the optical probe includes at least one entity for emitting light that interacts with a tissue mass and then is remitted to a collecting entity, for collecting the light that has interacted with the tissue mass, wherein the collecting entity comprises a detector comprising one or more photodiodes; measuring turbid spectral data of the tissue mass using the optical probe; converting the turbid spectral data to at least one of absorption and scattering spectral data via a Monte Carlo algorithm or a diffusion algorithm; and quantifying tissue compositions and scatterer size in a tissue mass using the at least one of absorption and scattering spectral data. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110104308 | Treatment For Diseases Relying On Discovery That Thioredoxin Mediates Nitric Oxide - Patients having a disease associated with high level of thioredoxin system activity or a requirement for nitric oxide, e.g. large cell lymphoma or restenosis, are treated with a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, e.g. auranofin or arsenic trioxide, and a nitric oxide donating compound, e.g. isosorbide mononitrite or isosorbide dinitrite or nitroglycerin or S-nittrosothiol. Patients having a disease associated with nitric oxide synthase overexpression or increased activity, e.g. Parkinson's disease or septic shock or pancreatic cancer, are treated with Trx/Trx reductase upregulator, e.g. aptamer that binds to thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, and agent causing depletion of nitric oxide (or adduct thereof), e.g. L-NMMA or L-NAME or minocycline or ascorbate or N-acetylcysteine. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110104150 | ANTI-CD19 ANTIBODIES AND USES IN B CELL DISORDERS - The invention relates to immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment of B cell diseases and disorders in human subjects, such as, but not limited to, B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases and disorders, using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD19 antigen and that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1 or IgG3 human isotype. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG2 or IgG4 human isotype that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimerized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype that mediate human ADCC. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising monoclonal human, humanized, or chimeric anti-CD19 antibodies. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110076734 | Electrowetting Microarray Printing System and Methods for Bioactive Tissue Construct Manufacturing - Apparatuses and methods for manufacturing three-dimensional, bioactive, tissue scaffold fabrications with embedded cells and bioactive materials, such as growth factors, using biomimetic structure modeling, solid freeform fabrication, biocompatible hydrogel material, and electrowetting on dielectric-based multi-microarray printing. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110070241 | METHODS FOR MODULATING IMMUNE RESPONSES TO AAV GENE THERAPY VECTORS - The present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting an immune response to a viral vector used in gene therapy, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV), which involves co-administration of viral vector and an interfering molecule. The interfering molecule functions by either disrupting the TLR9-MyD88-type I IFN signaling pathway and/or neutralizing Type I IFNs, thereby inhibiting the immune response directed against the viral vector. The methods additionally encompass the step of re-administering the viral vector. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110070220 | Immunomodulating gene therapy - The present invention relates, in general, to Pompe disease and, in particular, to a methods of treating Pompe disease and to compounds/constructs suitable for use in such methods. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110059114 | Compositions and Methods for the Treatment of Radioresistant Glioma Stem Cells - Compositions and uses of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for the treatment and inhibition of gliomas in subjects in need thereof are provided. Methods for administering gamma secretase inhibitors in association with radiation for the treatment of radiation resistant gliomas are described. Compositions for the inhibition of Notch signaling and activity are provided. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110054023 | Inhibition of HIF-1 activation for anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory responses - The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the expression and/or activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) genes in a cancer cell, tissue or tumor. More particularly, the methods disclosed herein relate to inhibition of HIF-1 activation in a tumor, increasing sensitivity of a tumor cell to radiation and/or chemotherapy, delaying tumor growth, inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth, inhibiting inflammatory responses in a cell through the use of compositions that prevent the nitrosylation of HIF-1, and methods for screening for new inhibitors of HIF-1 activiation. Additionally, the compositions disclosed herein relate to compositions that can be employed in, and are identified by, the disclosed methods. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110021970 | NON-INVASIVE ENERGY UPCONVERSION METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IN-SITU PHOTOBIOMODULATION - Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by placing a nanoparticle having a metallic shell on at least a fraction of a surface in a vicinity of a target structure in a subject and applying an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The nanoparticle is configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength λ | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110020810 | TRPC6 INVOLVED IN GLOMERULONEPHRITIS - Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kidney disorder of unknown etiology and up to 20% of patients on dialysis have this diagnosis. A large family with hereditary FSGS carries a missense mutation in the TRPC6 gene on chromosome 11q, encoding the ion channel protein Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel 6. The missense mutation is a P112Q substitution, which occurs in a highly conserved region of the protein, enhances TRPC6-mediated calcium signals in response to agonists such as angiotensin II, and alters the intracellular distribution of TRPC6 protein. Previous work has emphasized the importance of cytoskeletal and structural proteins in proteinuric kidney diseases. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for glomerular disease pathogenesis. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110008815 | MEASURING AMOUNT OF BOUND AND COMBINED NITRIC OXIDE IN BLOOD - Amount of combined nitric oxide or nitric oxide present as iron nitrosyls in a blood sample is determined by directing a low power electromagnetic radiation beam at a blood sample to liberate nitric oxide gas, dissolving the liberated nitric oxide gas and electrochemically detecting amount of dissolved nitric oxide gas. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110008811 | Resin Assisted Capture of Cysteine-Modified Proteins/Peptides and Determination of Presence and Location of Modification - A resin connected by amide bond to pyridyl sulfide or methylthiosulfonate can be conjugated to a post traditionally modified protein/peptide to allow determination of presence and kind and optionally location of cysteine modification(s). | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110003887 | TREATING ONCOGENIC RAS DRIVEN CANCERS - Oncogenic Ras-driven cancer is treated with agent by interrupting pathway comprising activation of Akt by oncogenic Ras, activated Akt causing phosphorylation of eNOS at S1177 site of eNOS to provide activated eNOS in cancer cells and activated eNOS causing activation of wildtype Ras by nitrosylation thereof at C118 to provide GTP-bound activated wildtype H and N Ras. L-NAME can be orally administered to interrupt this pathway. Wortmannin can be administered intravenously to interrupt this pathway. Novel siRNAs are disclosed useful to interrupt said pathway. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110003012 | TREATING PATIENTS WITH SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE - A method for attenuating vasoconstriction in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage by administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which mediates an increase of bioactive nitric oxide in blood or tissue in the subarachnoid space to cause vasodilation in cerebral, carotid and basilar arteries after the administration of the compound, and wherein the administration of the compound does not reduce mean arterial blood pressure by more than 10%. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100314040 | FABRICATION OF METAMATERIALS - An example method of fabricating a metamaterial comprises providing a first metamaterial layer, the first metamaterial layer including a first plurality of conducting patterns, such as electrically coupled resonators. A second metamaterial layer is then formed, including a second plurality of conducting patterns, to form a multilayer metamaterial. Positional alignment of the first and second plurality of conducting patterns can be achieved relative to the same fiducial mark, which may be associated with the first metamaterial layer, for example supported by a first substrate or on an alignment layer that is attached to the first substrate. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100305058 | INDIVIDUALIZED CANCER TREATMENTS - The invention provides for compositions and methods for predicting an individual's responsitivity to cancer treatments and methods of treating cancer. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for predicting an individual's responsitivity to chemotherapeutics, including platinum-based chemotherapeutics, to treat cancers such as ovarian cancer. Furthermore, the invention provides for compositions and methods for predicting an individual's responsivity to salvage therapeutic agents. By predicting if an individual will or will not respond to platinum-based chemotherapeutics, a physician can reduce side effects and toxicity by administering a particular additional salvage therapeutic agent. This type of personalized medical treatment for ovarian cancer allows for more efficient treatment of individuals suffering from ovarian cancer. The invention also provides reagents, such as DNA microarrays, software and computer systems useful for personalizing cancer treatments, and provides methods of conducting a diagnostic business for personalizing cancer treatments. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100303848 | VACCINATION METHOD - The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to methods of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting cells (e.g., mucosal dendritic and epithelial cells) from viral challenge. The invention further relates to compounds (e.g., nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that can elicit an immune response and/or protect cells against viral challenge) and compositions suitable for use in such methods. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100298222 | USE OF AN AGENT THAT RESTORES TISSUE PERFUSION AND OXYGENATION - The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods for increasing perfusion in hypoxic regions of tissues in subjects. Also provided are methods for treating diseases and/or disorders associated with hypoxia in subjects, methods for increasing sensitivity of tumors to radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments, methods for delaying tumor growth in subjects, and methods for inhibiting tumor blood vessel growth in subjects. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods involve administering to subjects in need thereof a first composition selected from the group consisting of a nitrosylated hemoglobin and an agent that induces nitrosylation of endogenous hemoglobin in the subject and a second composition comprising a hyperoxic gas. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods also include treating a tumor with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations thereof. Also provided are inhalable gases that can be employed in the presently disclosed methods. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100291578 | Droplet-Based Pyrosequencing - The present invention relates to droplet-based pyrosequencing including a method of identifying a base at a target position in a sample nucleic acid. The method includes: (a) providing a droplet microactuator including a first droplet including a sample nucleic acid immobilized on a bead; and (b) on the droplet microactuator: (i) contacting the first droplet with one or more reagent droplets to yield a second droplet, wherein the one or more reagent droplets include reagents for extending a double stranded portion of the sample nucleic acid by incorporating a nucleotide at the target position; (ii) splitting the second droplet to yield a third droplet including the bead and a fourth droplet lacking the bead; and (iii) assaying the third droplet to determine whether the nucleotide was incorporated at the target position. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100286174 | INHIBITING GSNOR - Treatment of myocardial infarction to reduce infarct size and organogenesis is provided by administration of agents selected from the group consisting of | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100267802 | DELIVERY METHOD - The present invention relates, in general, to RNA silencing and, in particular, to a method of effecting targeted delivery of an RNA silencing moiety using a targeting moiety that binds to a cell surface receptor and mediates internalization of the RNA silencing moiety to be accessible to Dicer. Also provided is a chimeric nucleic acid molecule comprised of a targeting moiety and an RNA silencing moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is an aptamer and the RNA silencing moiety comprises a Dicer substrate. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100266621 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING CELL PROLIFERATION DISORDERS WITH PSORALEN DERIVATIVES - Psoralen compounds of Formula (I): | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100266581 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING S-NITROSOGLUTHIONE REDUCTASE - Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating the levels and/or activity of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in vivo or in vitro. Specifically disclosed are GSNOR deletion constructs, host cells and non-human mammals comprising GSNOR deletions, and methods of screening employing GSNOR deletion mutants. Also specifically disclosed are reagents and procedures for measuring, monitoring, or altering GSNOR levels or activity (as well as nitric oxide and S-nitrosothiol levels) in connection with various medical conditions. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100261263 | UP AND DOWN CONVERSION SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCTION OF EMITTED LIGHT FROM VARIOUS ENERGY SOURCES - A system for energy upconversion and/or down conversion and a system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. These systems include 1) a nanoparticle configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength λ | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100254966 | TREATMENT OF GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE TYPE II - Methods of treating glycogen storage disease type II, by administering acid α-glucosidase, are described, as are compositions for use in treatment of glycogen storage disease type II. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253941 | Coded Aperture Snapshot Spectral Imager and Method Therefor - The present invention enables snap-shot spectral imaging of a scene at high image generation rates. Light from the scene is processed through an optical system that comprises a coded-aperture. The optical system projects a plurality of images, each characterized by only one of a plurality of spectral components, onto a photodetector array. The plurality of images is interspersed on the photodetector array, but no photodetector receives light characterized by more than one of the plurality of spectral components. As a result, computation of the spatio-spectral datacube that describes the scene is simplified. The present invention, therefore, enables rapid spectral imaging of the scene. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100248390 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING LIGANDS OF ODORANT RECEPTORS - The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying odorant-odorant receptor interactions. In particular, the present invention relates to in silico methods for identifying odorant receptor-odorant interactions based on chemical and physical properties of odorant receptors and odorants. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100236929 | Droplet Actuators, Systems and Methods - A droplet actuator with arrays of electrodes electrically coupled to a number of controllable voltage sources that is less than the number of electrodes. A method of defining partitions for pin layouts in a droplet actuator for a specific assay, the method including: defining droplet traces for the assay; and defining a guard ring along the traces. Other methods, systems, droplet actuators, and algorithms are also provided. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100222561 | MODULATORS OF ODORANT RECEPTORS - The present invention relates to polypeptides capable of promoting odorant receptor cell surface localization and odorant receptor functional expression. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of ligands specific for various odorant receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of screening for odorant receptor accessory protein polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100220035 | METAMATERIAL MICROWAVE LENS - A metamaterial microwave lens having an array of electronic inductive capacitive cells in which each cell has an electrically conductive pattern which corresponds to incident electromagnetic radiation as a resonator. At least one cell has a first and second electrical sections insulated from each other and each which section has at least two legs. A static capacitor is electrically connected between one leg of the first section of the cell and one leg of the second section of the cell. A MEMS device is electrically disposed between the other legs of the first and second sections of the cell. The MEMS device is movable between at least two positions in response to an electrical bias between the first and second sections of the cell to vary the index of refraction and resonant frequency of The cell. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100201991 | Methods, Systems and Computer Program Products for Characterizing Structures Based on Interferometric Phase Data - Structure profiles from optical interferometric data can be identified by obtaining a plurality of broadband interferometric optical profiles of a structure as a function of structure depth in an axial direction. Each of the plurality of interferometric optical profiles include a reference signal propagated through a reference path and a sample signal reflected from a sample reflector in the axial direction. An axial position corresponding to at least a portion of the structure is selected. Phase variations of the plurality of interferometric optical profiles are determined at the selected axial position. A physical displacement of the structure is identified based on the phase variations at the selected axial position. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100190264 | Genetic Variants Increase the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the elderly whose etiology remains largely unknown. Previous studies identified chromosome 1q32 as harboring a susceptibility locus for AMD, but it was not identified. We identified a strongly associated haplotype in two independent data sets. DNA sequencing of the complement factor II gene (CHI) within this haplotype revealed a coding variant, Y402II, that significantly increases the risk for AMD with odds ratios between 2.45 and 5.57. This identifies Complement factor II as involved in pathogenesis of AMD. This single variant alone is so common that it likely explains 43 percent of AMD in older adults. In addition, we have replicated and refined previous reports implicating a coding change in LOC387715 as the second major AMD susceptibility allele. The effect of rs10490924 appears to be completely independent of the Y402II variant in the CFH gene. The joint effect of these two susceptibility genes is consistent with a multiplicative model, and together, they may explain as much as 65% of the PAR of AMD. In contrast, the effect of rs10490924 appears to be strongly modified by cigarette smoking. Smoking and LOC387715 together may explain as much as 34% of AMD. Our data indicate that variant genotypes at rs10490924 confer a substantially larger AMD risk to cigarette smokers than non-smokers. This observation is supported by traditional case-control modeling, by ordered subset linkage analysis (OSA) incorporating pack-years of cigarette smoking as a covariate, and by family-based association analysis using a more homogeneous set of families as defined by OSA. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100189643 | DRUG DELIVERY WITH STIMULUS RESPONSIVE BIOPOLYMERS - The present invention provides conjugate compounds comprising (a) an active compound; (b) optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, an affinity binding agent; and (c) a block copolymer, the block copolymer comprising: (i) a first elastin-like polypeptide having a first Tt and (U) a second elastin-like polypeptide having a second Tt greater than the first Tt. Method for the targeted delivering of an active compound in vivo to a selected region within a subject with such agents are also described. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100184992 | STABLE NEUTRAL NITRIC OXIDE SOURCE - C-nitroso compound capable of releasing neutral nitric oxide is made stable by forming a Diels Alder adduct thereof which is functionalized at the Diels-Alder double bond to impart the stability. Treatment of the stabilized adduct with agent that removes functionalization and regenerates Diels Alder double bond triggers delivery of neutral nitric oxide via retro Diels-Alder reaction and homolytic scission. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184822 | Method of modulating the activity of a nucleic acid molecule - The present invention relates, in general, to agents that modulate the pharmacological activity of nucleic acid molecules and, in particular, to agents that bind therapeutic or diagnostic nucleic acid molecules in a sequence independent manner and modulate (e.g., inhibit or reverse) their activity. The invention also relates to compositions comprising such agents and to methods of using same. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184080 | Methods of Detecting Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease Type 2A - Methods are described for screening a subject for risk of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A or for diagnosing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or a predisposition for developing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in a subject, by detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the mitofusin gene in a biological sample collected from the subject. Methods are also described for detecting the presence of a genetic polymorphism associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A in a sample of patient nucleic acid, by amplifying a mitofusin gene sequence in the patient nucleic acid to produce an amplification product; and identifying the presence of a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2A associated polymorphism in the amplification product. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100184055 | Method for Distinguishing Follicular Thyroid Adenoma (FTA) From Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC) - Follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is distinguished from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) by comparing amount of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, TARSH, and ACO1 in a test follicular thyroid specimen to a normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTA if the amount of expression product of TARSH is equal to or greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTC if the amount of expression product of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, or ACO1 is greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100171866 | Multiscale Optical System - A means of enabling an imaging lens system that overcomes some of the costs and disadvantages of the prior art is disclosed. A lens system in accordance with the present invention reduces or eliminates one or more aberrations of an optical input by separating image collection functionality from image processing functionality. As a result, each function can be performed without compromising the other function. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a collection optic that provides a first optical field, based on light from a scene, to a processing optic that comprises a plurality of lenslets. The processing optic tiles the first optical field into a plurality of second optical fields. Each lenslet receives a different one of the plurality of second optical fields, reduces at least one localized aberration in its received second optical field, and provides the corrected optical field to a different one of plurality of photodetectors whose collective output is used to form a spatially correlated sub-image of that corrected optical field. The sub-images are readily combined into a spatially correlated image of the scene. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100158901 | ANTI-CD19 ANTIBODY THERAPY FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE - The invention relates to immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and disorders in human subjects using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD19 antigen and that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1 or IgG3 human isotype. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG2 or IgG4 human isotype that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimerized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype that mediate human ADCC. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising monoclonal human, humanized, or chimeric anti-CD19 antibodies. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100156573 | METAMATERIALS FOR SURFACES AND WAVEGUIDES - Complementary metamaterial elements provide an effective permittivity and/or permeability for surface structures and/or waveguide structures. The complementary metamaterial resonant elements may include Babinet complements of “split ring resonator” (SRR) and “electric LC” (ELC) metamaterial elements. In some approaches, the complementary metamaterial elements are embedded in the bounding surfaces of planar waveguides, e.g. to implement waveguide based gradient index lenses for beam steering/focusing devices, antenna array feed structures, etc. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100145223 | Peripheral Reticular Pigmentary Change and Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Examination of 956 age-related macular degeneration cases showed that the complement factor H variant (Y402H, C allele at rs1061170) increases risk for the development of peripheral reticular pigmentary change. AMD phenotypes of 796 carriers of the CFH Y402H variant were compared to the AMD phenotypes of 160 non-carriers. Of 34 phenotypic features analyzed, only peripheral reticular pigmentary change (PRPC) was associated with this CFH variant (P-value 0.0006). The proportion of AMD cases with PRPC correlated with the number of CFH risk C alleles in a dose-response fashion. The association of CFH Y402H polymorphism with PRPC suggests that AMD changes are not limited to the macula. Current AMD grading methods assess only the macula; peripheral retinal changes should also be included in grading methods. PRPC may be used as a surrogate of a high-risk genotype and may be used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research purposes. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100144679 | MEDICATION KITS AND FORMULATIONS FOR PREVENTING, TREATING OR REDUCING SECONDARY FRACTURES AFTER PREVIOUS FRACTURE - The present invention provides a multi-component kit comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a bisphosphonate or analogue thereof in combination with an effective amount of Vitamin D, a metabolite thereof, a precursor thereof or an analogue thereof, wherein the kit provides instructions for daily dosing and correct chronological order of administration of components to provide a dosing regime for reducing secondary osteoporotic skeletal fractures in subjects at risk for vitamin D deficiency. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100143337 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING AND REGULATING OLFACTORY SENSATION - The present invention relates to the characterization of odorant receptors. In particular, the present invention relates to the OR7D4 proteins and nucleic acids encoding OR7D4 proteins and cell systems for screening for modulators of OR7D4 receptors. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of OR7D4 polymorphisms and mutations associated with altered olfactory sensation states, as well as methods of screening for therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of OR7D4 receptors. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100140093 | Droplet-Based Surface Modification and Washing - The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of providing a bead-containing droplet with a reduced concentration of a substance is provided, the method including providing a droplet microactuator including a droplet having a starting volume and including one or more beads and a starting concentration and starting quantity of the substance. The method further includes conducting one or more droplet operations to merge a wash droplet with the droplet provided in the above step to yield a combined droplet and including one or more droplet operations to divide the combined droplet to yield a set of droplets including a droplet including substantially all of the one or more beads and having a decreased concentration of the substance relative to the starting concentration and a droplet which is substantially lacking in the beads. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100136602 | SOUR TASTE RECEPTOR COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS - The present invention relates to sour taste receptors and compositions and methods thereof. In particular, the present invention provides assays and methods of screening for ligands specific for sour taste receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for screening for accessory proteins and mutations, polymorphisms and other potential sour taste receptor protein mutations that are associated with disease states, and therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for modulating sour taste receptors in vitro and in vivo. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100129329 | METHODS FOR USING ALDHbr CELLS TO SUPPLEMENT STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION - The present invention relates to methods repairing, regenerating, and reconstituting tissues by transplanting at least two stem cell populations, wherein the first and the second population of stem cells are introduced into a subject separated by a time interval of about 2 to about 24 hours. The first population comprises stem cells derived from umbilical cord. The second population comprises ALDHbr cells. These ALDHbr cells can be administered to a patient immediately after isolation or can be primed in culture using a combination of cytokines for about 2 to about 7 days prior to transplantation. The methods of the invention are useful in accelerating time to neutrophil and/or platelet engraftment and immune reconstitution following myeloablative therapy. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100125864 | MOBILE REMOTE CONTROL OF A SHARED MEDIA RESOURCE - Systems and methods for controlling a shared media resource are disclosed. One embodiment includes an edge device adapted to control the media resource based on content selection votes received from users in the shared space who transmit their votes to the edge device over a wide area communication network. In a particular example, a user can submit a vote via a mobile communication method such as text messaging. In another example, votes can be submitted by interacting with a web page or an email program. In another aspect, the edge device tallies the votes and, based on a configuration setting that defines a voting policy, the edge device controls a content selection of the media resource. In another example, the edge device can also receive input from one more local remote control devices that communicate directly with the edge device such as, for example, a standard infrared remote control unit. Depending on a configuration setting, communications from such units may be treated as votes or may override votes received to control the device directly. In another aspect a server coupled to the wide area network is adapted to receive and authenticate vote messages from users in the shared space and provide corresponding vote commands to the edge device. In a particular aspect, authenticating the vote messages includes use of a code that is displayed on the edge device such that a user in the shared space must include the code with the vote message in order for the user's vote to be accounted for in determining a content selection of the shared resource. In a more particular aspect, the code is periodically changed via code updating commands sent from the server to the edge device. In another aspect, an administrative user can interact with the server over the wide area network to set up the edge device and to set or change configuration settings of the edge device. In some alternatives, votes can be tallied and content selection determined on the server rather than the edge device and then the server can send content selection commands for to the edge device for controlling the shared media resource. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100116640 | Droplet-Based Surface Modification and Washing - The present invention relates to droplet-based surface modification and washing. According to one embodiment, a method of splitting a droplet is provided, the method including providing a droplet microactuator including a droplet including one or more beads and immobilizing at least one of the one or more beads. The method further includes conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the droplet to yield a set of droplets including a droplet including the one or more immobilized beads and a droplet substantially lacking the one or more immobilized beads. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100104628 | METHOD OF TREATING NEUROBLASTOMA - The present invention relates, in general, to neuroblastoma and, in particular, to a method of treating neuroblastoma tumors, including refractory neuroblastoma tumors. The invention also relates to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100104596 | ACUTTE TRANSMITTED HIV ENVELOPE SIGNATURES - The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to a method of inducing an immune response to HIV in a patient and to immunogens suitable for use in such a method. The invention also relates to diagnostic test kits and methods of using same. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100094060 | NITROXYL ION SOURCE WITH SECOND ORDER REACTION NITROXYL RELEASE - C-nitroso compound releases nitroxyl ion in blood in a second order reaction. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100080855 | HEDGEHOG SIGNALING AND CANCER STEM CELLS IN HEMATOPOIETIC CELL MALIGNANCIES - The present disclosure relates generally to methods of treating hematopoietic cell malignancy in a subject by administering to the subject a Hedgehog (Hh) pathway antagonist, such as a Smoothen (Smo) antagonist alone or in combination with an ABL-kinase antagonist. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a method of treating hematopoietic cell malignancy in a subject by administering the Hh pathway antagonist, such as the Smo antagonist cyclopamine, in combination with the ABL-kinase antagonist imatinib. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100076060 | Aptamers as agonists - Nucleic acid aptamers are described herein which can transduce a signal into cells by crosslinking a cell surface molecule, thereby inducing of one or more biological activities by the cells; in serving as agonists. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100068804 | METHODS OF STIMULATING EXPANSION OF HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS - The present invention relates, in general, to hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and, in particular, to methods of stimulating expansion of hematopoietic stem cells and to agents suitable for use in such methods. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100047167 | COMBINATION THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER - Disclosed herein is a method of treating a tumor by administering to the subject a treatment effective amount of a therapeutic antibody and an alkylating agent. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100047164 | Anti-Tumor Antibodies - Chondroition sulfate proteoglycans represent excellent targets for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Antibodies which target such proteoglycans can be used alone, in combinations, armed with a cytotoxic payload or unarmed. Combinations of such antibodies can target different epitopes of the proteoglycans. Internalization of the antibodies can increase the toxicity of the payloads. Single chain variable regions are especially advantageous for such anti-tumor immunotherapy. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100044697 | BRIGHT VISIBLE WAVELENGTH LUMINESCENT NANOSTRUCTURES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND DEVICES FOR USING THE SAME - Luminescent nanostructures (e.g., nanowires) and devices are provided which are capable of emitting bright visible light. The luminescent nanowires are most preferably in the form of a doped ZnO having a spectrally integrated ratio of visible to UV light of at least about 1000 or greater. The dopant for the ZnO luminescent nanowires may be at least one of sulfur, selenium, oxygen, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, with sulfur being especially preferred. The doped ZnO luminescent nanowires may be provided in devices for emitting visible light whereby visible light is emitted by the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires in response to excitation by UV light provided by a UV light source. The device may preferably comprise a transparent or translucent lens covering the UV light source, wherein the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires are present as a coating on a surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the device will comprise multiple UV light sources. Devices of the present invention may be provided with a flat panel lens which is positioned adjacent the multiple UV light sources and has a coating of the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires thereon. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100034778 | STEM CELLS - The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells and, in particular, to a method of expanding human stem cells using a retinoic acid receptor modulator. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100028905 | CHARACTERIZATION OF GRP94-LIGAND INTERACTIONS AND PURIFICATION, SCREENING, AND THERAPEUTIC METHODS RELATING THERETO - The presently disclosed subject matter discloses characterization of interactions between ligands and Hsp90 proteins, including GRP94, wherein ligand binding to the N-terminal nucleotide binding domain of GRP94 elicits a conformational change that converts the GRP94 from an inactive to an active conformation, and wherein the chaperone and peptide-binding activities of the GRP94 are markedly stimulated. Also disclosed are purification, screening, and therapeutic methods pertaining to the biological activity of GRP94, and in some instances HSP90, based upon the characterization of ligand interactions of Hsp90 peptide-binding proteins, including GRP94. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100025242 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING DROPLETS - Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided, the apparatus including a substrate, multiple arrays of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein corresponding electrodes in each array are connected to a common electrical signal, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate first side surface and patterned to cover the electrodes. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100016783 | NON-INVASIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IN-SITU PHOTOBIOMODULATION - Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by application of an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The methods may further be performed by application of an initiation energy to a subject in situ to activate a pharmaceutical agent directly or via an energy modulation agent, optionally in the presence of one or more plasmonics active agents, thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100015121 | INHIBITING GS-FDH TO MODULATE NO BIOACTIVITY - Patients needing NO donor therapy or inhibition of pathologically proliferating cells or increased NO bioactivity are treated with a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100015108 | Methods for treating cancers and pathogen infections using antigen-presenting cells loaded with RNA - Disclosed are cells and methods for treating or preventing tumor formation or infections with pathogens in a patient. The cells of the invention are antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells or macrophage) that have been loaded with RNA derived from tumors or pathogens. By administering the RNA-loaded antigen-presenting cells to a patient, tumor formation or pathogen infections can be treated or prevented. Alternatively, the RNA-loaded cells can be used as stimulator cells in the ex vivo expansion of CTL. Such CTL can then be used in a variation of conventional adoptive immunotherapy techniques. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100014090 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENDOSCOPIC ANGLE-RESOLVED LOW COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY - Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100010019 | Reactive Oxygen Generating Enzyme Inhibitor With Nitric Oxide Bioactivity and Uses Thereof - A reactive oxygen generating enzyme inhibitor with NO donor bioactivity, e.g., nitrated allopurinol, is useful to treat heart failure, stable angina, ischemic disorder, ischemic reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, sickle cell disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS and asthma and to obtain proper contraction of heart, skeletal and smooth muscle. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100003316 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING CELL PROLIFERATION DISORDERS USING PLASMONICS ENHANCED PHOTOSPECTRAL THERAPY (PEPST) AND EXCITON-PLASMON ENHANCED PHOTOTHERAPY (EPEP) - The use of plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exiton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP) in the treatment of various cell proliferation disorders, and the PEPST and EPEP agents and probes used therein. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100002988 | Optical Isolator - Various optical isolator embodiments are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a waveguide section utilizing materials that induce a propagation constant shift that is propagation-direction-dependent. Embodiments are characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves; the dimensions and direction of magnetization of the waveguide can be tailored so that, in a particular embodiment, the cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves is lower than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves. A particular embodiment is constructed as a single-mode waveguide on a substrate. The cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of materials. At least one part of the cross-section is a non-reciprocal magneto-optic medium, which has nonzero off-diagonal permittivity tensor components. This inhomogeneity induces a propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent. This device works as an optical isolator from the cut-off frequency of the lowest forward wave (lower frequency) to one for the lowest reverse wave (higher frequency). Various configurations consistent with the principles of the invention are disclosed. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090318388 | METHOD OF ACTIVATION OF OXAZAPHOSPHORINES - The present invention provides a method of hydroxylating or oxidizing a compound of interest in a subject (e.g., a cytotoxic oxazaphosphorine prodrug), by administering the compound of interest to the subject; and concurrently administering the subject a metalloporphyrin in an amount effective to hydroxylate or oxidize the compound of interest in the subject. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090317419 | Tetramers - The present invention relates, in general to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and, in particular, to B cell tetramers and to methods of using same for diagnosis, disease monitoring and vaccine development. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090311289 | VACCINE - The present invention relates, in-general, to Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and in particular to a carbohydrate-based vaccine for HIV and to methods of making and using same. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090304585 | Stabilized Compositions and Methods for Radiolabeling Pharmaceuticals with Alpha-Particle Emitters - Oxidants (e.g., N-chlorosuccinimide) can be used to stabilize α-particle emitters (e.g., | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090294966 | CARBON NANOTUBES AS INTERCONNECTS IN INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - A method of making an electrode, such as an interconnect for a semiconductor device, includes forming aligned carbon nanotubes using dielectrophoresis. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090294692 | PLASMONIC ASSISTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERIOR ENERGY-ACTIVATION FROM AN EXTERIOR SOURCE - A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090286769 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS USING NON-NATURALLY OCCURRING PROSTAGLANDINS - A method for treating hair loss in mammals uses compositions containing prostaglandin F analogs. The compositions can be applied topically to the skin. The compositions can arrest hair loss, reverse hair loss, and promote hair growth. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090285808 | ANTI-CD19 ANTIBODIES AND USES IN ONCOLOGY - The invention relates to immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment of B cell diseases and disorders in human subjects, such as, but not limited to, B cell malignancies, using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD19 antigen and that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1 or IgG3 human isotype. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG2 or IgG4 human isotype that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimerized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype that mediate human ADCC. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising monoclonal human, humanized, or chimeric anti-CD19 antibodies. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090275031 | Biomolecular nano device - Methods for measuring environmental parameters using chemical recording are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include generating a polymer comprising an ordered series of chemical units, wherein the position and number of each chemical unit in the polymer is indicative of a reading of the environmental state variable at a given point in time. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides compositions that can be employed in and/or that employ the disclosed methods for recording environmental state variables. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090269343 | Dual Specific Immunotoxin for Brain Tumor Therapy - We tested the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a recombinant bispecific immunotoxin that recognizes both EGFRwt and tumor-specific EGFRvIII receptors. A single chain antibody was cloned from a hybridoma and fused to toxin, carrying a C-terminal peptide which increases retention within cells. The binding affinity and specificity of the recombinant bispecific immunotoxin for the EGFRwt and the EGFRvIII proteins was measured. In vitro cytotoxicity was measured. In vivo activity of the recombinant bispecific immunotoxin was evaluated in subcutaneous models and compared to that of an established monospecific immunotoxin. In our preclinical studies, the bispecific recombinant immunotoxin, exhibited significant potential for treating brain tumors. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090263801 | Phenotype-Genotype Relationship in Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) cases possessing the LOC387715 (rs10490924) variant have a higher risk of neovascular AMD. Individuals with AMD who are homozygous for both variants might be at greater risk for earlier onset of neovascular AMD. Determining the presence of this variant indicates which path the disease may take and which nutritional, supplement, or medicaments are appropriate. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090260988 | Methods for Manipulating Droplets by Electrowetting-Based Techniques - Methods are provided for manipulating droplets. The methods include providing the droplet on a surface comprising an array of electrodes and a substantially co-planer array of reference elements, wherein the droplet is disposed on a first one of the electrodes, and the droplet at least partially overlaps a second one of the electrodes and an intervening one of the reference elements disposed between the first and second electrodes. The methods further include activating the first and second electrodes to spread at least a portion of the droplet across the second electrode and deactivating the first electrode to move the droplet from the first electrode to the second electrode. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090258860 | XANTHINE DERIVATIVES FOR THE TREATMENT OF VASCULAR DEPRESSION - Methods and compositions are provided for treating vascular depression. The methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof a xanthine derivative in a therapeutically effective amount to treat vascular depression, particularly the xanthine derivatives pentoxifylline or propentofylline. The methods may further include administration of an additional therapeutic agent in combination with the xanthine derivative selected from the group consisting of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), and a drug used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Compositions of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions and kits for treating vascular depression in a subject in need thereof that include therapeutically effective amounts of a xanthine derivative and an additional therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of an SSRI, an SNRI, and a drug used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090253731 | Method of identifying therapeutic agents - The present invention relates to a method of identifying agents suitable for use in treating epilepsy and other brain disorders, including but not limited to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. The invention further relates to methods of treatment based on the use of agents so identifiable. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253615 | No-modified hemoglobins and uses therefor - Nitrosylhemoglobin can be produced by introducing gaseous NO into an aqueous solution of hemoglobin. It has been demonstrated that nitrosylhemoglobin in aqueous solution can be converted to SNO-hemoglobin upon introduction of oxygen to the solution, as is postulated to occur in the lungs. Nitrosylhemoglobin can be used in methods to produce the physiological effects of NO, for example, to reduce vasoconstriction and to inhibit platelet aggregation. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253161 | FLUORESCENT PROCHELATORS FOR CELLULAR IRON DETECTION - Fluorescent probe compound of Formula Ia or Formula Ib: | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090252750 | ANTIBODIES AND IMMUNOTOXINS THAT TARGET HUMAN GLYCOPROTEIN NMB - The invention provides high affinity antibodies suitable for forming immunotoxins that inhibit the growth of cells expressing human glycoprotein NMB, including glioblastoma multiform cells, anaplastic astrocytoma cells, anaplastic oligodendroglioma cells, oligodendroglioma cells, and melanoma cells. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090252745 | Amino acids in the HCV core polypeptide domain 3 and correlation with steatosis - The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and compositions for predicting a tendency of a subject infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) to develop steatosis. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include the steps of (a) isolating from the subject a biological sample comprising an HCV Core polypeptide or a nucleic acid molecule encoding an HCV Core polypeptide; and (b) identifying the amino acids in the HCV Core polypeptide or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule in the biological sample corresponding to positions 182/186 of an HCV Core polypeptide amino acid sequence, whereby a tendency to develop steatosis in the subject is predicted when the amino acids corresponding to positions 182/186 of the HCV Core polypeptide amino acid sequence in the biological sample are either phenylalanine/valine or leucine/isoleucine. Also provided are compositions and methods for screening for candidate modulators of lipid accumulation in a subject as well as uses for the candidate modulators. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090247424 | DETECTION ASSAY DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - An article such as a biomolecular detector or biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon includes:(a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; and (c) a polymer layer formed on the linking layer; and (d) a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) bound to the polymer layer. Methods of making and using the articles are also described. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090246195 | ANTI-CD19 ANTIBODY THERAPY FOR TRANSPLANTATION - The invention relates to immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of GVHD, humoral rejection, and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in human subjects using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD19 antigen and that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1 or IgG3 human isotype. The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising human or humanized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG2 or IgG4 human isotype that preferably mediate human ADCC. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising chimerized anti-CD19 antibodies of the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype that mediate human ADCC. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising monoclonal human, humanized, or chimeric anti-CD19 antibodies. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090237254 | RF CONTROLLED DEVICES TO INCREASE COMPLIANCE WITH HANDWASHING PROTOCOLS - A system for monitoring compliance with handwashing protocols by a plurality of workers, each worker carrying a wireless tag having a worker identifier, the monitoring being performed in a facility having a plurality of areas, the system comprising a plurality of wireless tag reader/transmitters each having an area identifier, at least one wireless tag reader/transmitter being positioned in each of the areas and each wireless tag reader/transmitter being capable of reading the worker identifier stored in the wireless tag when the worker is within range of the wireless tag reader/transmitter and further capable of transmitting the worker and area identifiers to at least one computing device; and at least one of said wireless tag reader/transmitters being disposed at a handwashing station; wherein the at least one wireless tag reader/transmitter reads the worker identifier when the worker manipulates a device at the handwashing station dispensing a washing substance and transmits the worker and area identifiers to the at least one computing device. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090232910 | Biomarkers and therapeutics targets for cognitive decline - Enrichment of S and Z polymorphisms of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) in distinct subsets of patients with cognitive disorder (pre-existing affective disorders and APOE2 allele carriers) suggests that AAT variants are potential endophenotypes for Alzheimer Disease and related disorders of cognition, behavior and affect. Such disorders include ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, ADEM, and susceptibility to brain injury in toxic/chemical/biological/immunological events. In Alzheimer Disease, S and Z alleles affect age of onset and low AAT levels define faster progression rate. Twenty to thirty percent of all dementia patients display AAT and/or We polymorphisms. Effects of AAT may involve inflammation of liver/lung, macrophage activation and iron and lipid metabolism. AAT, its regulation, and iron metabolism represent therapeutic targets and AAT can serve as a biomarker for vulnerability and disease progression. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090221504 | DOSE OF AN ANGIOGENIC FACTOR AND METHOD OF ADMINISTERING TO IMPROVE MYOCARDIAL BLOOD FLOW - The present invention has multiple aspects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose pharmaceutical composition comprising from about 5 ng/dose to less than 135,000 ng of an angiogenic agent, typically from 5 ng to 67,500 ng. Preferably, the angiogenic agent is FGF, more preferably it is basic FGF (FGF-2). In its second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for inducing angiogenesis, or increasing myocardial perfusion or vascular density in a patient's heart, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area in need, as a single injection or a series of injections, a unit dose of an angiogenic agent. It is also within the scope of the present invention that a plurality of unit dose compositions be administered directly into the myocardium at a plurality of sites in need of angiogenesis. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area of need of angiogenesis in said patient, a unit dose (i.e., from about 5 ng to less than 135,000 ng) of an angiogenic agent. In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a patient for a myocardial infarction, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area in need of angiogenesis in said patient, a unit dose (i.e., from about 5 ng to less than 135,000 ng) of an angiogenic agent. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090220551 | CONCURRENT CHEMOTHERAPY AND IMMUNOTHERAPY - The concurrent administration of chemotherapy and immunotherapy has been considered a contraindication because of the concern that the induced lymphopenia would ablate therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. Temozolomide has been shown to be an effective chemotherapeutic for patients with malignant gliomas and to deprive patients with glioblastoma (GBM) patients of this agent in order to treat with immunotherapy is controversial. Despite conventional dogma, we demonstrate that both chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be delivered concurrently without negating the effects of immunotherapy, in fact, the temozolomide induced lymphopenia may actually be synergistic with a peptide vaccine. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090220462 | STEM CELLS - The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells and, in particular, to a method of expanding stem cells by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The invention further relates to methods of identifying compounds suitable for use in effecting expansion of stem cells. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090215874 | APTAMERS AS AGONISTS - The present invention relates, in general, to aptamers and, in particular, to aptamers capable of stimulating target molecules and to methods of using same. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212282 | Bright visible wavelength luminescent nanostructures and methods of making and devices for using the same - Luminescent nanostructures (e.g., nanowires) and devices are provided which are capable of emitting bright visible light. The luminescent nanowires are most preferably in the form of a doped ZnO having a spectrally integrated ratio of visible to UV light of at least about 1000 or greater. The dopant for the ZnO luminescent nanowires may be at least one of sulfur, selenium, oxygen, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, with sulfur being especially preferred. The doped ZnO luminescent nanowires may be provided in devices for emitting visible light whereby visible light is emitted by the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires in response to excitation by UV light provided by a UV light source. The device may preferably comprise a transparent or translucent lens covering the UV light source, wherein the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires are present as a coating on a surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the device will comprise multiple UV light sources. Devices of the present invention may be provided with a flat panel lens which is positioned adjacent the multiple UV light sources and has a coating of the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires thereon. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090206963 | TUNABLE METAMATERIALS USING MICROELECTROMECHANICAL STRUCTURES - A metamaterial comprises a support medium, such as a planar dielectric substrate and a plurality of resonant circuits supported thereby. At least one resonant circuit is a tunable resonant circuit including a conducting pattern and a voltage-tunable capacitor, so that an electromagnetic parameter (such as resonance frequency) may be adjusted using an electrical control signal. In some examples of the present invention, the voltage-tunable capacitor includes a MEMS structure. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090203658 | NEUROACTIVE STEROID COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREFOR - Provided are methods for ameliorating a symptom of a neuropsychiatric disorder in a subject. Also provided are methods for ameliorating at least one physical symptom or at least one psychological symptom resulting from tobacco cessation in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of a depressive disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of bipolar disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder or other anxiety disorder in a subject, methods for predicting a predisposition to suicide, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, or a combination thereof in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of a pain disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of traumatic brain injury in a subject, methods for ameliorating a sleep disorder in a subject, and methods for improving cognitive functioning in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a neuroactive steroid composition comprising pregnenolone (PG), allopregnanolone (ALLO), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (PROG), precursors thereof, metabolites thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090192166 | METHOD FOR AUGMENTING THE EFFECTS OF SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS - A method of treating a subject for a serotonergic neurotransmission dysregulation disorder, comprises administering the subject a serotonin enhancer (e.g., a serotonin reuptake inhibitor) in an amount effective to treat the disorder; and concurrently administering the subject 5-hydroxytryptophan in an amount effective to enhance the activity of the serotonin enhancer, (e.g., serotonin reuptake inhibitor). In preferred embodiments the disorder is depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090181420 | Inhibiting Smad signaling promotes neuron regeneration - Regeneration of a lesioned CNS axon of a mature neuron, determined to be subject to regeneration inhibition by Smad2/3 signaling, is promoted by contacting the neuron with an inhibitor of Smad2/3 signaling sufficient to promote regeneration of the axon. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090176229 | Methods and compositions for the identification of insect repellent compounds - Methods for identifying a candidate compound with an ability to modulate cation transport through a transient receptor potential (TRP) channel in a cell are disclosed. The methods can include (a) providing a cell expressing a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an transient receptor potential (TRP) channel gene product or a functional fragment or derivative thereof; (b) contacting the cell with the candidate compound; (c) comparing cation transport in the cell in the absence of the candidate compound with cation transport in the cell in the presence of the candidate compound; and (d) identifying a candidate compound through the comparing step that modulates cation transport in the cell through the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel. Also disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for insect TRP channel gene products, antibodies that bind to the disclosed TRP channels, and recombinant host cells the include the disclosed biosequences. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090162384 | Consensus/ancestral immunogens - The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates and/or to an immunogen that induces a T cell immune response. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies, and/or to a method of inducing a T cell immune response, using such an immunogen. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding the present immunogens. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090148541 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEBORRHEA - Methods and compositions are provided for treating dermatological diseases, disorders, and pathologies, including seborrheic dermatitis, in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, methods are provided for the treatment of a dermatological disease, disorder, or pathology comprising, topically administering to a subject in need of dermatological treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of bupropion, lithium or lithium salicylate, or combinations thereof. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090147342 | TRANSFORMATION-OPTICAL DESIGN OF RECONFIGURABLE OPTICAL DEVICES - The design method for complex electromagnetic materials is expanded from form-invariant coordinate transformations of Maxwell's equations to finite embedded coordinate transformations. Embedded transformations allow the transfer of electromagnetic field manipulations from the transformation-optical medium to another medium, thereby allowing the design of structures that are not exclusively invisible. A topological criterion for the reflectionless design of complex media is also disclosed and is illustrated in conjunction with the topological criterion to design a parallel beam shifter and a beam splitter with unconventional electromagnetic behavior. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090136496 | CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT - Provided herein are methods for identifying a subject afflicted with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who is responsive to treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent by detecting the presence or absence of at least one APOE4 allele in the subject, the presence of an APOE4 allele identifying the subject as responsive to the treatment. Also provided are methods of treating a subject afflicted with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including administering an estrogenic agent, an androgen withdrawal agent, an apoE4 peptide or mimetic thereof, and/or a chemotherapeutic agent in an amount effective to treat said chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Methods of determining a prognosis for a patient diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia are also provided. In addition, methods for stratifying a subject into a subgroup of a clinical trial and methods for identifying a patient in a clinical trial of a treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia are herein provided. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090135460 | High-Speed Multi-Dimensional Beam Scanning System With Angle Amplification - A beam-steering system having high positional resolution and fast switching speed is disclosed. Embodiments of the beam-steering system comprise a diffraction limited optical system that includes a reflective imager and two controllably rotatable MEMS elements. The optical system is characterized by a folded optical path, wherein light propagating on the path is incident on each MEMS element more than once. Each MEMS element imparts an optical effect, such as angular change, on the output beam. By virtue of the fact that the optical system is multi-bounce optical system, the optical effect at each MEMS element is multiplied by the number of times the light hits that MEMS element. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090124566 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERYTHROCYTE DISEASES - Methods to determine the susceptibility of a subject to erythrocyte diseases are provided. The methods comprise determining the miRNA compositions of erythrocytes from the subject. The present invention has discovered that erythrocytes comprise microRNA (miRNA) populations and the populations can be profiled or analyzed and used to determine the susceptibility for disease. The miRNA compositions can also be used to determine the severity of erythrocyte disease, and the features and clinical phenotypes of the erythrocyte disorders. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising erythrocyte miRNAs and methods for the treatment of a subject with an erythrocyte disease. In other embodiments of the invention, the miRNAs can be used to increase the life-span of erythrocytes through the introduction of an erythrocyte miRNA. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090105167 | Predicting responsiveness to cancer therapeutics - The invention provides for compositions and methods for predicting an individual's responsitivity to cancer treatments and methods of treating cancer. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for predicting an individual's responsitivity to chemotherapeutics, including salvage agents, to treat cancers such as ovarian cancer. The invention also provides reagents, such as DNA microarrays, software and computer systems useful for personalizing cancer treatments, and provides methods of conducting a diagnostic business for personalizing cancer treatments. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090098110 | INJECTABLE FORMS OF SOLID-FORMING CROSSLINKED BIOELASTIC BIOPOLYMERS FOR LOCAL DRUG DELIVERY - A method for delivering a compound of interest to a selected region in a subject is carried out by administering a composition to the region of interest, the composition comprising a cross-linked bioelastomer in combination with the compound of interest non-covalently combined with the cross-linked bioelastomer. In some embodiments, the composition is produced by the process of cross-linking a bioelastomer to produce a cross-linked polymer thereof, and then combining said cross-linked polymer with said compound of interest. Methods of making the compositions, and kits useful for carrying out the method, are also described. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090075271 | Methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative bleeding, renal dysfunction or stroke - The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative bleeding and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative bleeding. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090074677 | Neuroactive steroid compositions and methods of use therefor - Provided are methods for ameliorating a symptom of a neuropsychiatric disorder in a subject. Also provided are methods for ameliorating at least one physical symptom or at least one psychological symptom resulting from tobacco cessation in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of a depressive disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of bipolar disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder or other anxiety disorder in a subject, methods for predicting a predisposition to suicide, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, or a combination thereof in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of a pain disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject, methods for ameliorating a symptom of traumatic brain injury in a subject, methods for ameliorating a sleep disorder in a subject, and methods for improving cognitive functioning in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a neuroactive steroid composition comprising pregnenolone (PG), allopregnanolone (ALLO), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090073456 | APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR LOW-COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY (LCI) - Embodiments described herein involve low-coherence interferometry (LCI) techniques which enable acquisition of structural and depth information regarding a sample of interest. In one embodiment, a “swept-source” (SS) light source is used in LCI to obtain structural and depth information about a sample. The swept-source light source can be used to generate a reference signal and a signal directed towards a sample. Light scattered from the sample is returned as a result and mixed with the reference signal to achieve interference and thus provide structural information regarding the sample. Depth information about the sample can be obtained using Fourier domain concepts as well as time domain techniques. Several LCI embodiments employing a swept-source light source are disclosed herein. In another embodiment disclosed herein, an a/LCI system and method is provided that is based on a time domain system and employs a broadband light source. The systems and processes disclosed herein can be used for biomedical applications, including measuring cellular morphology in tissues and in vitro as well as diagnosing intraepithelial neoplasia, and assessing the efficacy of chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090048430 | Site specific protein modification - The present invention relates, in general, to protein modifications and, in particular, to a method of effecting site-specific labeling of proteins with covalently coupled reporter groups. The invention further relates to a method of effecting orientation-specific immobilization of proteins on a solid surface. The invention also relates to products produced by such methods. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090035778 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR CORRELATING GENETIC MARKERS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - The present invention provides, in certain aspects, a method of identifying a subject as having an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, comprising detecting in the subject the presence of a nucleotide variant in the interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain gene, whereby the presence of said variant identifies the subject as having an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090015826 | Optical assay system for intraoperative assessment of tumor margins - The subject matter described herein includes an optical assay system for intraoperative assessment of tumor margins. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a biological sample containment and illumination apparatus for holding a biological sample for illumination by a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The biological sample containment and illumination apparatus includes a plurality of frame members positioned with respect to each other to form an interior space for receiving a biological sample. At least one of the plurality of frame members includes a plurality of probe receiving locations for receiving a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The probe receiving locations position the probes with respect to the biological sample to allow illumination of plural locations of the biological sample by the probes. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090004742 | SELECTION OF ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T CELLS - The requirement of T cell activation for efficient expression of genes after messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) transfection is leveraged to identify and enrich antigen-specific T cells responding to antigen-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs). RNA transfection of marker genes is used for the selection and enrichment of antigen-specific T cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy. RNA-modified T cells are also used for the generation of enhanced effector populations for use in adoptive immunotherapy. Genes whose transient expression may significantly enhance the in vivo function of T cells (i.e., migratory receptors, anti-apoptotic genes or cytokines enhancing T cell proliferation/differentiation) are used in this modality. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080319036 | METHOD FOR TREATING OBESITY - The present invention relates, in general, to obesity, and, in particular, to a method of treating obesity and minimizing metabolic risk factors associated therewith using, for example, zonisamide or other weight-loss promoting anticonvulsant either alone or in combination with bupropion or other compound that enhances the activity of norepinephrine and/or dopamine via uptake inhibition or other mechanism. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080312156 | In-Situ Crosslinkable Elastin-Like Polypeptides for Defect Filling in Cartilaginous Tissue Repair - Defects in a cartilaginous tissue are filled by: (a) mixing (i) a first reagent composition preferably comprising an amine-free hydroxyalkyl (preferably hydroxymethyl) phosphine crosslinking agent with (ii) a second reagent composition comprising a bioelastic polymer, the bioelastic polymer preferably comprising elastomeric units, the elastomeric units preferably selected from the group consisting of bioelastic pentapeptides, tetrapeptides, and nonapeptides; to produce a therapeutic composition; and then (b) administering the therapeutic composition to the cargilagenous tissue. Compositions and kits for carrying out the method are also described. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080280834 | Compounds and methods for inhibiting apoptosis - The invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for inhibiting apoptosis and for the treatment of conditions related thereto. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080264797 | Apparatus for Manipulating Droplets - An apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having a set of electrical leads for connecting electrodes to a controller, a first set of electrodes, each connected to a separate one of the electrical leads, and a second set of electrodes, all connected to a single one of the electrical leads. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having a set of X electrodes, and a set of Y electrical leads, each connected to one or more electrodes, wherein X is greater than Y. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080261256 | Methods of assaying receptor activity and constructs useful in such methods - Described are methods of detecting G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activity in vivo and in vitro; methods of assaying GPCR activity; and methods of screening for GPCR ligands, G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) activity, and compounds that interact with components of the GPCR regulatory process. Constructs useful in such methods are described. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080248080 | Decelluarlized Tissue Engineered Constructs and Tissues - New methods for producing tissue engineered constructs and engineered native tissues are disclosed. The methods include producing a tissue engineered construct by growing cells in vitro on a substrate and then decellularizing the construct to produce a decellularized construct consisting largely of extracellular matrix components. The construct can be used immediately or stored until needed. The decellularized construct can be used for further tissue engineering, which may include seeding the construct with cells obtained from the intended recipient of the construct. During any of the growth phases required for production of the construct, the developing construct may be subjected to various tissue engineering steps such as application of mechanical stimuli including pulsatile forces. The methods also include producing an engineered native tissue by harvesting tissue from an animal or human, performing one or more tissue engineering steps on the tissue, and subjecting the tissue to decellularization. The decellularized, engineered native tissue may then be subjected to further tissue engineering steps. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080247920 | Apparatus for Manipulating Droplets - An apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a substrate having electrodes and adjacent reference elements configured for manipulating a droplet on a surface of the substrate. Other embodiments having a top plate, a footprint, and a dielectric are also included. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080241255 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF A MEDICAMENT - The disclosure relates to a method of enhancing nicotine or other medicament concentrations in a gaseous carrier. The methods are adaptable to the delivery of nicotine or other medicaments for therapeutic effect in various diseases, in particular nicotine for tobacco product use cessation, substitution and/or harm reduction. The disclosure further relates various devices and device design principles for practicing these methods. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080241078 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS USING C16-C20 AROMATIC TETRAHYDRO PROSTAGLANDINS - A method for treating hair loss in mammals uses compositions containing prostaglandin F analogs. The compositions can be applied topically to the skin. The compositions can arrest hair loss, reverse hair loss, and promote hair growth. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080213805 | Method for Distinguishing Follicular Thyroid Adenoma (FTA) from Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC) - Follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is distinguished from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) by comparing amount of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, Clorf24, TARSH, and ACO1 in a test follicular thyroid specimen to a normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTA if the amount of expression product of TARSH is equal to or greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTC if the amount of expression product of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, Clorf24, or ACO1 is greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080213296 | Immunogen - The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies using same. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080207582 | Substituted Porphyrins - A series of ortho isomers of meso tetrakis N-alkylpyridylporphyrins (alkyl being methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-hexyl, and n-octyl) and their Mn(III) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, uv/vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and electrochemistry. An increase in the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chains from 1 to 8 is accompanied by an increase in: (a) lipophilicity measured by the chromatographic retention factor, R | 08-28-2008 |
