Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a polymer comprising a sulfonated perfluorocyclopentyl compound. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sulfonated copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated polymers. A further aspect of the invention is directed to membranes prepared from the polymers of the claimed invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are surprising discoveries concerning the role of anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids in tumor vasculature and in viral entry and spread, and compositions and methods for utilizing these findings in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Also disclosed are advantageous antibody, immunoconjugate and duramycin-based compositions and combinations that bind and inhibit anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids, for use in the safe and effective treatment of cancer, viral infections and related diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable biomedical devices and methods of administering implantable biomedical devices, making implantable biomedical devices, and using implantable biomedical devices to actuate a target tissue or sense a parameter associated with the target tissue in a biological environment.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method that includes: depositing, in a deposition environment, an amorphous semiconductor material on a substrate to form a semiconductor film on the substrate; filling, in the depositing process, the deposition environment with a first precursor material such that the semiconductor film formed on the substrate includes a first layer having a first material characteristic; filling, in the depositing process, the deposition environment with a crystallization-stop precursor material such that the silicon film includes a crystallization-stop layer having a crystallization characteristic different from a crystallization characteristic of the first layer; depositing a metal film on the semiconductor film; and annealing the semiconductor film and the metal film at an predetermined annealing temperature for a predetermined period of time such that the first layer is at least partially crystallized and the crystallization-stop layer is at least partially amo

Abstract: Cellular targets on cancer cells have been identified that can be used with targeted molecular imaging to detect the cancer cells in vivo. Non-invasive methods for detecting cancer cells, such as metastasized cancer cells, are therefore provided. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite has at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle coated with a silica (SiO2) shell and terminated with at least one thiol group (—SH) and at least one CdSe/ZnS quantum dot linked with the at least one SiO2-coated magnetic oxide nanoparticle via the at least one thiol group. The at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle can be an iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle. A method of cancer treatment using the magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposites, includes the steps of delivering a plurality of nmagnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposites to a cancer cell, and subjecting the cancer cell with the plurality of magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposites to a radio frequency induction for a period of time effective to cause the cancer cell to die.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for generating microfluidic gradients, including an array of unique microfluidic gradients within an array of microchannels. Fluids within conduits are mixed in an intersection region to generate a mixed flow stream in a source reservoir channel that provides a gradient that varies with axial distance from the intersection region. Microchannels having an inlet connected to the source reservoir channel are configured to provide a microfluidic gradient in the microchannel. An outlet end of the microchannel is connected to a sink reservoir channel. By varying the ratio of fluid flow rates from the fluid conduits, the microchannel gradients are tuned. In this manner, a large number of unique gradients or array of microfluidic gradients is provided, wherein the gradient can be any number of physical or chemical parameters, including concentrations and physical fluid properties.

Abstract: A system and related methods for allowing for an increase in the use of spectrum resources through market based mechanisms for spectrum management. Spectrum trading mechanisms are implemented that allow for assignment and allocation decisions to be made by market forces. The system helps moderate an environment where buyers and sellers dynamically determine the assignment of spectrum and its uses.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to growth of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) using non-simian cells. In a particular example, porcine alveolar macrophage cells are described as having a capability of supporting infectivity and reproduction by PRRSV. Cells and cell lines of the invention are disclosed in connection with applications relating to PRRS disease, including vaccine technologies.

Abstract: Methods are provided to manipulate phagocytosis of cells, including hematopoietic cells, e.g. circulating hematopoietic cells, bone marrow cells, etc.; and solid tumor cells. In some embodiments of the invention the circulating cells are hematopoietic stem cells, or hematopoietic progenitor cells, particularly in a transplantation context, where protection from phagocytosis is desirable. In other embodiments the circulating cells are leukemia cells, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where increased phagocytosis is desirable.

Abstract: A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

Abstract: A partially degradable polymeric fiber includes a thermally degradable polymeric core and a coating surrounding at least a portion of the core. The thermally degradable polymeric core includes a polymeric matrix including a poly(hydroxy-alkanoate), and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the core polymeric matrix. The concentration of the metal in the polymeric matrix is at least 0.1 wt %. The partially degradable polymeric fiber may be used to form a microvascular system containing one or more microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Cell lines harboring a range of polymorphisms using recombinant cytochrome P450 or other chemical-metabolizing enzymes in a parent cell line that is minimally expressing or devoid of its own cytochrome P450 protein or other chemical-metabolizing enzymes of interest can be placed into an array format to enable high throughput screening of one or more chemicals for CYP450 or other enzyme-dependent metabolism (FIG. 9). Processing of the cells can be automated, done en-masse through use of an array having a substrate upon which a plurality of cell lines with exogenous chemical-metabolizing enzymes are coupled, and both relative and quantitative metabolism rates determined using mass spectrometry over time. Thus, methods are disclosed to measure, for example, the effects of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms on clinical drug metabolism in a high throughput manner for drug development and genetically personalized diagnostics and treatment regimens.

Abstract: Macroporous 3-D tissue engineering scaffold are manufactured by contacting an article comprising multiple distinct macroparticulate porogens distributed within a polymer scaffold, wherein the porogens are selectively and sequentially dissolvable by corresponding biocompatible stimuli.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments relating to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, compositions comprising the virus, and methods of using the virus. The virus may be used to immunize a mammal, including swine. Methods for generating an immune response against PRRS virus in swine by administering a composition comprising the virus are provided.

Abstract: Polymeric composite materials, particularly highly filled polyurethane composite materials are described herein. Such highly filled polyurethane composite materials may be formed by reaction and extrusion of one or more polyols, one or more di- or poly-isocyanates, and from about 45 to about 85 weight percent of inorganic filler such as fly ash. Certain polyols, including plant-based polyols can be used. Certain composite materials also contain chain extenders and/or crosslinkers. The polyurethane composite material may also contain fibers such as chopped or axial fibers which further provide good mechanical properties to the composite material. Shaped articles containing the polyurethane composite material have been found to have good mechanical properties, such that the shaped articles are suitable for building applications.

Abstract: Peptide compounds based on the CAP37 protein are disclosed, along with methods for treating various infections, wounds, and conditions, and methods of promoting healing and acceptance of grafts, using compositions containing these peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A toxin immobilization particle and method of fabrication is provided that includes a polysulfide-rubber polymer coated activated carbon particle that provides enhanced toxin adsorption. A porous activated carbon particle have a size range up to 2 mm is used. The polysulfide-rubber polymer coated activated carbon particle includes a polymer-dose range of up to 1.64 grams of sulfur per gram of activated carbon particles, where the toxins can include mercury, PCBs, chlorinated pesticides or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The method of forming the toxin immobilization particle includes condensing a polymer in a sulfide mixture to form a polysulfide-rubber polymer compound and coating an activated carbon particle with the polysulfide-rubber polymer. The levels of sulfur loading in the toxin immobilization particles are controlled by the polymer dose during the coating process, where the polysulfide polymer coated activated carbon particle provides enhanced toxin adsorption.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods related to the fermentation of xylose. Host cells having recombinant polynucleotides encoding one or more of aldose reductases, xylitol dehydrogenases, and xylulokinase are provided herein. Host cells having reduced expression of PHO13 are also provided herein. Also provided herein are uses of host cells provided herein, and methods relating to the use of xylose-containing materials.