Main Menu

The invention pertains to a system for reconstructing images acquired from MR and CT scanners in a robust Gadgetron based cloud computing system. A hardware interface connects clinical imaging instruments (e.g., MR or CT scanners) with a cloud computing environment that includes image data reconstruction and processing software not limited by the computational constraints typical of static hardware with finite processor power.

In various x-ray imaging methods, including scattering correction and phase contrast imaging, intensity modulation in space is introduced into the projection images by the use of masks, gratings, or apertures. The present invention relates to a process to demodulate the modulation. The current demodulation processes are either to remove the modulation pattern through digital processing or to move the modulation pattern on the detector in a series of images that requires mechanical movements of a component and tends to lose some information of the imaged object.

The present invention relates to improving x-ray phase contrast imaging. The invention discloses a novel grating interferometer for phase contrast imaging with hard x-rays that overcomes limitations in the level of sensitivity by utilizing the advantages of far-field interferometers. The novel design and fabrication process can easily acquire absolute and differential phase images of lightly absorbing samples.

This technology is a highly sensitive tethered-bead immune sandwich assay. Analyte molecules are captured between two antibodies, a capture antibody and a detection antibody. The capture antibody on a micron-size bead binds analyte from a sample fluid. The bead-captured analyte is then exposed to a “detection” antibody that binds to the bead-captured analyte, forming a “sandwich”. The sandwiched analyte-bead complex then connects to a flexible polymer (such as DNA) anchored on a solid surface to form tethered particles.

Available for licensing are methods to generate T cells responsive to multiple polyomaviruses. The resulting T cell populations could be useful in treating immunosuppressed individuals with polyomavirus infections or polyomavirus-associated pathologies such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN), hemorrhagic cystitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS). The methods could also be used to restore polyomavirus-specific immunity in immunocompromised individuals.

Investigators at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have designed a novel lentiviral vector as a potential gene therapy for sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. The novel lentiviral vector encodes the beta-globin gene in a forward orientation and can produce 5-10 fold higher viral titer and 4-10 fold higher gene transfer efficiency to hematopoietic stem cells than reverse-oriented lentiviral vectors. In vivo studies conducted in rhesus macaques show beta-globin production after transplantation with this novel lentiviral vector.

Scientists at the NIH disclosed a mutated adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 5 by modifying sialic acid binding regions which mediate viral entry into host cells. Preliminary results from animal studies suggest that this modification can increase transduction by 3-4 folds in salivary glands and muscles, and can significantly decrease the potential of being neutralized by preexisting antibodies compared to the wild type AAV. Thus, the modified AAV5 vectors seem to be optimal for gene therapy.

Available for licensing and commercial development is a three-dimensionally configured curved catheter for safe traversal of the right atrial appendage (RAA). The device is configured to optimize one-way access of the pericardial space through the right atrium and into the RAA reducing the risk of coronary lacerations. Specifically the curved catheter is best described in three segments: a proximal segment, a transitional segment and a distal segment; the transition segment having a clockwise spiral shaped curvature.

Software is has been developed and available for licensing that fully automates image processing for the quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) pixel maps from firstpass contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) perfusion images. The system removes the need for laborious manual quantitative CMR perfusion pixel map processing and can process prospective and retrospective studies acquired from various imaging protocols. In full automation, arterial input function (AIF) images are processed for motion correction and myocardial perfusion images are corrected for intensity bias.

The invention relates to the use of adenosine to deplete alloreactive T cells from donor grafts to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The method includes culturing donor cells that include T cells with recipient antigen presenting cells (APCs) to form a mixture of cells. The recipient’s APCs activate donor T cells. The activated T cells are treated with high doses of adenosine or an adenosine-like molecule to decrease or inhibit viability of the activated donor T-cells.