Abstract: A dual chamber bioreactor for producing complex, multilayer tissue, organs, organ parts, and skin replacements has been developed. The bioreactor is modular and incorporates a removable tissue culture cassette. By rotating the dual chamber bioreactor along the horizontal axis, different populations of cells with different growth requirements can be cultured on the different surfaces of the tissue culture cassette that are exposed to different media reservoirs. Culturing different populations of cells on different surfaces of the tissue culture cassette enables the production of multilayer tissue and organs. The tissue culture cassette can contain one or more discrete tissue culture sections.

Abstract: Calprotectin inhibitors and derivatives thereof, and methods of using them for inhibiting or reducing metastatis and treating cancer are provided. The pharmaceutical formulations prepared from the compounds can be used in the treatment of cancer either as a single agent or in combination with at least one other cancer therapeutic, chemotherapeutic or anti-cancer agent.

Abstract: A bivalent siRNA chimera platform capable of efficiently delivering and silencing two or more genes in vivo or in vitro is provided. Methods of using the bivalent siRNA chimeras for selectively targeting cells to down-regulate the expression of multiple genes are also provided.

Abstract: Curcumin-based conjugates and methods of use thereof are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions including an effective amount of one or more curcumin conjugates are also provided. In particular embodiments, the compositions are formulated for oral delivery. The conjugates and pharmaceutical compositions thereof can be administered to a subject in need thereof to treat a host of diseases and disorders including but not limited to, cancer, inflammation, and microbial growth.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions for selectively inhibiting Akt3 are provided. Methods of using the compounds are also provided. Because Akt3 modulates the suppressive function of natural Tregs and the polarization of induced Tregs, the disclosed compounds are useful for modulating immune responses.

Abstract: Compositions for the inhibition of SUV39H1 methyltransferase activity and methods of use thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions may be used for treating certain types of cancer, inducing apoptosis in a cancer cell, increasing cell sensitivity to FasL-induced apoptosis, and overcoming cancer cell resistance to apoptosis and/or certain types of cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: Methods of selectively inhibiting Akt3 are provided. It has been discovered that 4-[(6-nitroquinolin-4-yl)amino]-N-[4-(pyridin-4-ylamino)phenyl]benzamide selectively inhibits Akt3. Because Akt3 modulates the suppressive function of natural Tregs and the polarization of induced Tregs, 4-[(6-nitroquinolin-4-yl)amino]-N-[4-(pyridin-4-ylamino)phenyl]benzamide can be used for modulating immune responses.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features methods for enhancing the efficacy of a tumor antigen in inducing an anti-cancer immune response in a subject by administering an OX40 agonist and an Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor with the tumor antigen.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cell collection device includes a sample brush including a proximal end, a distal end, and outwardly extending bristles provided at the distal end, and an outer sleeve adapted to receive the sample brush, the sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sleeve can be linearly slid along the length of the brush to encapsulate the bristles after they have been used to collect cells from a patient.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions for selectively inhibiting Akt3 are provided. Methods of using the compounds are also provided. Because Akt3 modulates the suppressive function of natural Tregs and the polarization of induced Tregs, the disclosed compounds are useful for modulating immune responses.

Abstract: Methods of selectively inhibiting Akt3 are provided. It has been discovered that 4-[(6-nitroquinolin-4-yl)amino]-N-[4-(pyridin-4-ylamino)phenyl]benzamide selectively inhibits Akt3. Because Akt3 modulates the suppressive function of natural Tregs and the polarization of induced Tregs, 4-[(6-nitroquinolin-4-yl)amino]-N-[4-(pyridin-4-ylamino)phenyl]benzamide can be used for modulating immune responses.

Abstract: Described herein are materials and methods for treating dyslipidemia in a mammalian subject in need thereof comprising administering a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist or variant thereof to the subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for glass composites suitable for tissue augmentation, biomedical, and cosmetic applications are provided. The glass microsphere component of the composites are biologically inert, non-reactive and act as a nearly permanent tissue filler. One embodiment provides a tissue augmentation composite containing an effective amount of solid glass microspheres, hollow glass microspheres, porous wall hollow glass microspheres, or combinations thereof with a suitable biocompatible matrix to serve as a bulking agent when injected into a patient. The compositions can be used for soft or hard tissue augmentation as well as delivery of cargos on demand.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions for selectively inhibiting Akt3 are provided. Methods of using the compounds are also provided. Because Akt3 modulates the suppressive function of natural Tregs and the polarization of induced Tregs, the disclosed compounds are useful for modulating immune responses.

Abstract: Methods for remotely measuring or monitoring one or more physiological parameters in a subject, such as blood volume pulse, heart rate, respiratory wave, or respiration rate, are provided. The methods include capturing a series of images of the subject, and processing the images to obtain physiological parameters of interest. These methods can be used to analyze single channel signals, including signals obtained from active night vision cameras. As a result, these methods can be used to measure or monitor one or more physiological parameters in both daylight and low-light conditions. Also provided are methods of removing false positives. Systems for remotely measuring or monitoring one or more physiological parameters in a subject, as well as methods of using thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: A system for providing interaction between a virtual human and a user, the system comprising: a tangible interface providing a physical interface between the user and the virtual human, an imaging system directed towards the physical interface to provide images of the user interacting with the tangible interface; a tracking system tracking at least one position or the user; a microphone capturing speech from the user; a simulation system receiving inputs from the tangible interface, the imaging system, the tracking system and the microphone, the simulation system generating output signals corresponding to the virtual human; and a display presenting the output signals to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of various injuries, disorders, dysfunctions, diseases, and the like of the brain with MAPCs, particularly in some aspects, to the treatment of the same resulting from hypoxia, including that caused by systemic hypoxia and that caused by insufficient blood supply. In some further particulars the invention relates, for example, to the treatment of hypoxic ischemic brain injury with MAPCs, in children for example, and to the treatment of cortical infarcts and stroke with MAPCs in adults, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of various injuries, disorders, dysfunctions, diseases, and the like of the brain with MAPCs, particularly in some aspects, to the treatment of the same resulting from hypoxia, including that caused by systemic hypoxia and that caused by insufficient blood supply. In some further particulars the invention relates, for example, to the treatment of hypoxic ischemic brain injury with MAPCs, in children for example, and to the treatment of cortical infarcts and stroke with MAPCs in adults, for example.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for the detection of neurotransmission or developmental disorders, including, but not limited to, myasthenia gravis that is seronegative for autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and/or muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK), the method including detecting autoantibodies that bind to LRP4, or an epitope thereof. Also included are methods for the treatment of an individual suffering from a neurotransmission disorder, the method including detecting in a bodily fluid of the individual autoantibodies that bind to LRP4, or an epitope thereof, and administering to the patient an effective amount an immunosuppressant and/or another appropriate therapeutic modality. Also included are antibodies that bind to autoantibodies to LRP4 and kits for the detection of neurotransmission or developmental disorders.

Abstract: A system for providing interaction between a virtual human and a user, the system comprising: a tangible interface providing a physical interface between the user and the virtual human, an imaging system directed towards the physical interface to provide images of the user interacting with the tangible interface; a tracking system tracking at least one position or the user; a microphone capturing speech from the user; a simulation system receiving inputs from the tangible interface, the imaging system, the tracking system and the microphone, the simulation system generating output signals corresponding to the virtual human; and a display presenting the output signals to the user.