Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating an oocyte for fertilization and implantation. For example, methods are provided for determining whether an oocyte expresses, or does not express, one or more of a group of markers identified as differently expressed between chromosomally normal and chromosomally abnormal oocytes. Also provided, for example, are methods for determining whether a cumulus cell expresses, or does not express, one or more of a group of markers identified as differently expressed between cumulus cells associated with chromosomally normal oocytes and cumulus cells associated with chromosomally abnormal oocytes. Methods are provided for the detection of marker expression of differentially expressed genes at the RNA level, as well as at the protein level.

Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated payment system directed to the care of a subject and method of same is described herein. This system and method includes a care planner for accurately approximating the costs for the subject during the course of care, an insurance verifier and estimator that identifies the portion of the costs for the subject that is covered by the subjects insurance, wherein the approximated costs less the covered insurance leaves a subject payment, a discount planner that evaluates the application of at least one discount to the subject payment, and a payment planner that enables a payment arrangement for the subject for the subject payment less any applied discounts.

Abstract: A process for growth of boron-based nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanowires, with a controlled diameter and with controlled chemical (such as composition, doping) as well as physical (such as electrical and superconducting) properties is described. The boron nanostructures are grown on a metal-substituted MCM-41 template with pores having a uniform pore diameter of less than approximately 4 nm, and can be doped with a Group Ia or Group IIa electron donor element during or after growth of the nanostructure. Preliminary data based on magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that Mg-doped boron nanotubes have a superconducting transition temperature on the order of 100 K.

Abstract: The instant invention is drawn to a hepatocyte targeted composition comprising a mixture of free glargine insulin and glargine insulin associated with a water insoluble target molecule complex, wherein the complex comprises multiple linked individual units and a supra-molecular lipid construct matrix. Glargine insulin is present within the complex in at least one form wherein the glargine insulin has a positive charge which interacts with a negative charge on the complex. The invention also includes methods for the manufacture of the composition and methods of managing blood glucose levels in individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible vesicles comprising semi-permeable, thin-walled encapsulating membranes which are formed in an aqueous solution, and which comprise one or more synthetic super-amphiphilic molecules. When at least one super-amphiphile molecule is a block copolymer, the resulting synthetic vesicle is termed a “polymersome.” The synthetic, reactive nature of the amphiphilic composition enables extensive, covalent cross-linking of the membrane, while maintaining semi-permeability. Cross-linking of the polymer building-block components provides mechanical control and long-term stability to the vesicle, thereby also providing a means of controlling the encapsulation or release of materials from the vesicle by modifying the composition of the membrane. Thus, the encapsulating membranes of the present invention are particularly suited for the reliable, durable and controlled transport, delivery and storage of materials.

Abstract: The instant invention is drawn to a hepatocyte targeted composition comprising a mixture of free recombinant human insulin isophane and free Recombinant human regular insulin insulin and a mixture of recombinant human insulin isophane and Recombinant human regular insulin insulin associated with a water insoluble target molecule complex, wherein the complex comprises multiple linked individual units and a supra-molecular lipid construct matrix. Recombinant human insulin isophane and Recombinant human regular insulin insulin are present within the complex in at least one form wherein the recombinant human insulin isophane and Recombinant human regular insulin insulin have regions of positive charge which interacts with a negative charge on the complex. The invention also includes methods for the manufacture of the composition and methods of managing blood glucose levels in individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes.