Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and assay kits comprising functionalized nanocrystals having extending therefrom a plurality of polynucleotide strands of known sequence; wherein primary dots are used to operably link to a molecular probe, and secondary dots comprise a plurality of polynucleotide strands which are complementary to the plurality of polynucleotide strands of the primary dots. Also provided is a method for detecting the presence or absence of target molecule in a sample comprising operably linking primary dots to molecular probe, contacting the complex formed with the sample, contacting the sample with successive additions of secondary dots and primary dots. If target molecule is present in the sample, the primary dots and secondary dots will form dendrimers that can be detected by fluorescence emission.

Abstract: A method and device to treat cardiovascular vulnerable plaque is provided by heating an implanted structure placed adjacent to a vulnerable plaque tissue to conduct heat into the vulnerable plaque tissue for a period of time. In a preferred embodiment, the implanted structure is a stent-like structure (SLS), and the heating of the implanted structure is a non-invasive inductive heating. The detecting of the vulnerable plaque tissue can be accomplished by techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), infrared spectroscopy, thermography, blood tests, ultrasound, and X-ray, etc.

Abstract: Provided are a functionalized, encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystal comprising a liposome having encapsulated therein one or more fluorescent nanocrystals; use of the functionalized, encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals in detection systems; and a method of producing functionalized, encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals. A method of using the functionalized encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals having affinity molecule bound thereto comprises contacting the functionalized encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals with a sample so that complexes are formed between the functionalized encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals and substrate for which the affinity molecule has binding specificity, if the substrate is present; exposing the complexes in the detection system to an excitation light source, and detecting a fluorescence peak emitted from the complexes, if present.

Abstract: A laparoscopic fascial closure device for fashioning a secure closure about a laparoscopic puncture site. The device comprises an elongate cannula having proximal and distal ends. A needle suture complex is selectively deployed from the distal end of the device that is operative to deploy a suture across the puncture site from within the body and draw the free ends of the suture outwardly from the body via the laparoscopic port site. The device is configured to be utilized through a ten millimeter or larger laparoscopic port, and is operative to position the suture at the puncture site such that the suture extends in a diametrically-opposed configuration at least 1.0 cm or greater across opposed sides of the puncture site.

Abstract: The formation of self-assembled patterns in a substrate through deformation induce by a mask placed above the substrate are disclosed. Methods of the present invention may be used to form arrays of nanometer sized pillars as well as mesas from a thin deformable layer of the substrate or a thin film of material deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for treating neurological conditions by proper placement of a probe and sensing, stimulating or both areas of the brain especially the intralaminar nuclei (ILN”). Moreover, stimulation is controlled and offered when certain conditions within the area of interest are detected. Stimulation and sensing include electrical, chemical or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting restenosis in a subject following coronary angioplasty, atherectomy, or arterial bypass graft surgery comprised of administering wortmannin analogs of the present invention is described herein.

Abstract: A double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask which functions as both a mask for the nose and mouth of a patient and a mask for the tracheostomy tube area of a patient is disclosed. The mask of the present invention serves as a means for delivering a gaseous medicament or a liquid, such as liquid medication, in the form of a fine spray or mist to the nose, mouth, and trachea of the patient simultaneously. The upper body of the mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the patient and the lower body of the mask fits a patient's tracheostomy tube area. The upper and lower mask bodies are connected to one another and to a nebulizing apparatus by a delivery conduit such as a standard “T” connector.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions formed by a method for exchanging the water in an optionally substituted polythiophene dispersion with a specific mixture of organic solvents. The resulting compositions exhibit improved electrical conductivity, optical transparency, environmental stability, excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates and processing characteristics. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions formed by a method for exchanging solvent in a mixture that includes water and an optionally substituted thiophene. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of thioredoxin as, inter alia, a cell growth stimulator, as well as a screen for agents that are useful in reducing or preventing thioredoxin-associated apoptosis inhibition and agents that are useful in inhibiting thioredoxin stimulated cell growth.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and biological activity of 3-deoxy-Dmyo-inositol ether lipid analogs as inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling and cancer cell growth. The compounds of the present invention are useful as anti-tumor 5 agents which effectively inhibit the growth of mammalian cells.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture modeling device comprising a housing having an interior chamber, an inlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber, an outlet port in fluid communication with the internal chamber, a plurality of hollow fibers disposed within the interior chamber and traversing the length of the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. Each of the plurality of hollow fibers has an interior defining an intracapillary space and the interior chamber defines an extracapillary space unoccupied by the plurality of hollow fibers. To access the extracapillary space of the device, a portion of the housing is removable. The device can be used to conduct permeability, drug efficacy, and gene expression studies.

Abstract: A fluorescent ink composition comprising functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals, an aqueous-based ink carrier comprising water or a water-based solution, and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition or formulation which includes an asymmetric disulfide which alone or in combination inhibits or interferes with cellular redox function, as well as a method of using same to restore normal cellular function. More specifically, the composition of the present invention interacts with, interferes with or inhibits abnormal cellular proliferation and restores or prevents inhibition of cellular apoptosis.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; two membranes, preferably each being gas permeable, which are securedly sealed in a leak-proof selaing to a frame in forming a culture chamber therebetween; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.