Award Data

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A key need for urea monitoring is a simple and disposable device that can be easily integrated with existing hemodialysis (HD) technology. This proposal aims to demonstrate the feasibility of accurate on-line urea clearance monitoring using nanoengineered colorimetric films deposited directly on the inside surface of short lengths of standard dialysis tubing. T ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Influenza virus is one of the most important human pathogens accounting for widespread morbidity and mortality. Influenza virus is currently classified as a NIAID Biodefense Category C priority pathogen, a status that may be upgraded due to the recent emergence of a highly virulent strain of avian influenza virus in Thailand, Vietnam, North Korea and other Asi ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We aim to produce a significantly improved diagnostic system for autoimmune, rheumatologic disease. Similarities between autoimmune diseases and HIV-induced diseases led us to look for a retrovirus involved in autoimmune disease. We found a retrovirus, human intracisternal A-type particle (HIAP), in Sjogren's syndrome patients. Subsequently we found evidence in ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goals of this project are to develop, evaluate, and disseminate an Internet (web) application, Moderate Drinking (MD). MD will use a behavioral self-control training (BSCT) protocol that helps drinkers learn skills to either moderate their drinking or to abstain. The target population is members of the self-help organization, Moderation Management (MM) and ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The use of dietary supplements has become increasingly popular in the US, and these supplements are not subject to stringent pre-marketing testing or post-marketing surveillance. More than a third of American adults report using some form of CAM, with total visits to CAM providers each year now exceeding those to primary-care physicians. An estimated 15 million ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 4-Hydroperoxyifosfamide (HOO-IFOS) is a stable, pre-activated form (peroxide) of 4-HO-IFOS, the initial metabolite of Ifosfamide (IFOS). Under physiological conditions HOO-IFOS under goes spontaneously ring opening and conversion to isophosphoramide mustard (IPM), the active cytotoxic metabolite of IFOS. The objective of the proposed research is to synthesize 4 ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This Phase I SBIR proposal will yield a prototype of a fully synthetic simulation-based training system to teach proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment of incipient lesions and true dental caries. IDEA International, Inc., in conjunction with the Harvard Dental School and others with experience in the simulation and virtual environment business, will create ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this project is to demonstrate a methodology for improving the quality of retinal images taken with standard fundus camera. Kestrel has developed a family of algorithms that perform image retinal enhancement through the implementation of a methods that are inspired from human visual system mechanisms. Standard retinal images often suffer from i ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The principal objective of this application is to establish a new methodology for the early detection of abnormal lesions, whether pre-cancerous or cancerous, in breast imaging. Early detection is crucial to identifying lesions while they are still contained when the cure rate is near 100%. Existing mammography often does not identify lesions until significant ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Summary. Atherosclerosis is indicated by the American Heart Association as a primary factor in three fourths of deaths resulting from cardiovascular disease. It is now recognized that many coronary events and strokes are caused by atherosclerotic plaques that rupture - vulnerable plaques. It is important that the cardiologist be able to assess the risk of plaqu ...