Abstract: The present invention provides methods of promoting the revascularization and/or reenervation of central nervous system lesions using an in-situ crosslinkable hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanopillar arrays that may have relatively large dimensions and relatively large interpillar distances. The present invention also relates to methods of forming the same. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of forming hexagonal nanopillar arrays include forming a base comprising aluminum; forming a hexagonal pattern of pits in the aluminum; anodizing the aluminum to form aluminum oxide comprising a primary hexagonal nanopore array at the positions of the pits in the aluminum; depositing a conductive material into the nanopores of the primary hexagonal nanopore array; and removing the mask and the aluminum oxide to provide the hexagonal nanopillar array.

Abstract: A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention provide an Impedance-based Arc-Fault Determination Device (IADD) and method that, when attached to an electrical node on the power system and through observations on voltage, current and phase shift with a step load change, determine the effective Thevenin equivalent circuit or Norton equivalent circuit at the point of test. The device and method determine the expected bolted fault current at the test location of interest, which enables calculation of incident energy and the assignment of a flash-hazard risk category.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that can be used in individual weight control protocols that is capable of detecting in real time information with regard to number of bites taken, time between bites, and so forth. The weight control device can detect bites through motion detection via a sensor worn on the wrist or hand of a user. The device can include notification capabilities that can alert a user as to excessive eating speed, excessive amounts of food intake, and the like so as to provide immediate feedback for purposes of weight control.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-dimensional (3D) systems as may be utilized for ex vivo tissue or cell growth and development. A system generally includes a base material and at least one wicking fiber embedded therein through which a liquid can be spontaneously drawn by capillary action. Wicking fibers can define a plurality of colinear channels along the exterior surface of the axial length of the fiber. Wicking fibers can be present in disclosed systems as individual fibers or in bundles. Disclosed systems can be useful in various scientific studies, including, but not limited to, drug discovery, vaccine development, cell biology studies, and biomaterial development.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of multiple site-specific recombination systems for use in transgene containment in plants. More specifically, the present invention describes coordinated excisional DNA recombination by multiple (e.g., dual) recombinases to achieve excision of unwanted transgenic DNA as well as recombinase-coding sequences themselves by self-excision. Further, the simultaneous use of multiple site-specific recombination systems in combination with controllable total sterility technology (i.e., no or reduced sexual reproduction), provides the production of environmentally safe, clean transgenic plants, enhancing the capability and public acceptance of transgenic technology for plant trait modification.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenging system comprising a free radical scavenger (e.g., ?-tocopherol, trimethylhydroquinone, ubiquinol, carotenoids, flavonoids, etc. and mixtures thereof) and a transition metal (e.g., iron (II), copper, manganese, cobalt, etc. and mixtures thereof) in a medium is generally provided. The medium containing the antioxidant and the transition metal has been thermally processed by heating to at least about 150° F. for at least about 10 minutes. Methods of removing oxygen from an environment surrounded by a medium containing the oxygen scavenging system and methods of making the oxygen scavenging system in a medium are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to siRNAs that are targeted to RNAs encoding two or more enzymes of a subfamily of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, along with vectors, cells, and kits comprising the siRNAs. The invention further relates to methods of decreasing expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes in a non-human animal, animals in which expression of two or more CYP subfamily genes has been decreased, and methods of using such animals to study the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that can advantageously utilize the natural consumptive and conversion processes of an aquatic organism culture system to concentrate and separate microbial plant-generated lipids. For instance, an aquatic organism culture can be maintained and/or grown upon an algal biomass. The natural conversion processes of the animals allows for uptake and processing of the components of the algal biomass into animal lipid. The aquatic animal culture can then be easily harvested such that a high percentage of the converted algal-generated lipid can be extracted using a low cost, simple and quick process. The disclosed processes provide an efficient oil production, conversion and recovery system that can be economically scaled up for use in, for example, integrated bioenergy and biodiesel production.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for development and recovery of lipids from biomass. A plant or microorganism-based biomass can be developed to encourage a desired lipid profile. Following development, ecologically friendly normally gaseous fluids such as carbon dioxide can be pressurized to a supercritical state followed by rapid expansion. The fluid is first contacted with a biomass source including oil-containing microorganisms and/or agricultural products. For instance, fungi or algae can be bioconverted from another biomass sources such as canola seed or corn syrup and then contacted with the high pressure fluid. During a contact period, the fluid can diffuse into the biomass, and in particular through the cell walls of the biomass. The fluid undergoes rapid release of pressure and opens the cell structure for improved release of oil. The fluid can optionally be utilized for extraction following the explosion process. For instance, the fluid can be re-pressurized in the same vessel for extraction processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable tissues including one or more enzyme inhibitors bound in the tissues, bioprostheses including the tissue, and methods for incorporating enzyme inhibitors in implantable tissues. Disclosed tissue can exhibit increased resistance to degradation, and specifically, degradation due to enzyme activity following implantation. Moreover, the disclosed methods can lead to increased levels of beneficial components bound in implantable tissues following a fixation/stabilization protocol. Increased levels of beneficial agents in an implantable tissue can further improve the implantable tissues and bioprostheses incorporating the tissues through improved mechanical characteristics and longer lifespan.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, materials and systems that can be used to determine qualitatively or quantitatively the level of uranium contamination in water samples. Beneficially, disclosed systems are relatively simple and cost-effective. For example, disclosed systems can be utilized by consumers having little or no training in chemical analysis techniques. Methods generally include a concentration step and a complexation step. Uranium concentration can be carried out according to an extraction chromatographic process and complexation can chemically bind uranium with a detectable substance such that the formed substance is visually detectable. Methods can detect uranium contamination down to levels even below the MCL as established by the EPA.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that can be utilized to define and control the delivery rate of a biological agent from a carrier matrix such as a biocompatible hydrogel. The carrier matrices of the present invention can include ligands incorporated within the matrix at a predetermined concentration level (CLT). In addition, the ligands within the matrix can display a particular, predetermined affinity for the biologically active agents to be delivered by the system. In particular, the affinity between the ligand and the biologically active agent can have a known predetermined dissociation constant (KD). When utilizing the system, the agent can be incorporated within the matrix due to association of the agent with the ligand. In addition, the agent can be protected from side reactions due to the association of the agent with the ligand. Through particular selection of the parameters CLT and KD, the rate of release of the biologically active agent from the matrix can be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite materials that can more closely mimic the mechanical characteristics of natural elastic tissue, such as vascular tissue. Disclosed materials include a combination of elastic nanofibers and non-elastic nanofibers. Also disclosed are a variety of methods for forming the composite materials. Formation methods generally include the utilization of electrospinning methods to form a fibrous composite construct including fibers of different mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: Pallet systems are described that can be formed of corrugated paperboard without the necessity of any attachment materials such adhesives, staples, or the like. Individual stringers of a pallet matrix are interwoven together, with stringer notches interlocking with notches of crossing stringers from both above and below any one stringer. Systems can be easily and quickly assembled and, should the need arise, can be quickly repaired, for instance by replacement of one or more individual runners. Systems can also exhibit extremely high strength, and can withstand greater than about 20,000 pounds of static compression at less than about ? inch deflection.

Abstract: A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.

Abstract: A method, system and device to use a dilute alkaline solution held at sub-critical temperature and pressure conditions to remove rapidly chloride ions from corroded iron artifacts.

Abstract: Disclosed are a series of kneadable, pliable polymers for use in forming compositions that can be used as bone wax or as a cellular scaffold. Polymers can include a polysaccharide backbone and can be biocompatible and thrombogenic. In addition, the compositions can be osteoconductive as well as biodegradable. The disclosed compositions can be used to help control bleeding from bone surfaces as well as to promote bone regeneration and fusion. The compositions can inhibit the growth of microorganisms in implantation sites and can be loaded with additional bioactive agents to further promote healing and infection prevention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods related to viral inhibition. In some forms, the compounds, compositions and methods are related to binding RNA.