Abstract: A method of characterizing the biological activity of a candidate compound may include exposing cells to the candidate compound, and then exposing the cells to a repetitive application of electric fields so as to set the transmembrane potential to a level corresponding to a pre-selected voltage dependent state of a target ion channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for expression of polypeptides or delivery of interfering RNAs in various cell types.

Abstract: Work platforms are generally discussed herein for providing expanded work space for their users with specific discussions extended to portable work platforms that are mountable on vertical or horizontal poles and the like, such as utility poles, for expanding useful work space. The portable work platform has a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. A strap assembly having a webbing is connected to the base and configured for use with a ratchet mechanism to tension the webbing around a pole to mount to the platform. The beam enhances electrical isolation between the deck and the base.

Abstract: A method includes contacting a crude matrix with components of an isothermal nucleic acid amplification reaction for a target nucleic acid species, thereby providing a mixture; incubating the mixture under conditions sufficient for the isothermal nucleic acid amplification reaction to proceed, thereby providing a product; and determining whether an indicator of the target nucleic acid species is present in the product.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel reversibly terminated ribonucleotides which can be used as a reagent for DNA sequencing reactions. Methods of sequencing nucleic acids using the disclosed nucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for restoring tissue and organ function, which has been hindered by inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types through multi-lineage differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery that pluripotent hESCs maintained under defined culture conditions can be uniformly converted into a specific lineage by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid induces specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to neuronal progenitors and neurons efficiently. Similarly, nicotinamide induces specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes efficiently. This technology provides a large supply of clinically-suitable human neuronal or cardiac therapeutic products for CNS or myocardium repair.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bumper comprising slidably adjustable upper and lower tapered nylon wedges for eliminating rattle space between objects and their containers. A tapered lower wedge comprises a dovetail guide rail and opposing guide pin rails; a tapered upper wedge comprises a corresponding dovetail guide path and opposing slots shaped for insertion and slidable adjustment of the guide pin rails. Opposing helical extension springs secured to the sides of the upper and lower wedges minimize friction forces between the wedges as they slidably move relative to one another. External surfaces of the wedges may be contoured to accommodate the shape of the object and/or its container.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel reversibly terminated ribonucleotides which can be used as a reagent for DNA sequencing reactions. Methods of sequencing nucleic acids using the disclosed nucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention features novel, diverse, hybrid and engineered recombinase enzymes, and the utility of such proteins with associated recombination factors for carrying out DNA amplification assays. The present invention also features different recombinase ‘systems’ having distinct biochemical activities in DNA amplification assays, and differing requirements for loading factors, single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs), and the quantity of crowding agent employed.

Abstract: A process includes providing a mixture that includes a recombinase, a single-strand binding protein, and one or more oligonucleotides; and detecting particles in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions selected to monitor cardiorenal syndrome using assays that detect NGAL, preferably together with assays that detect natriuretic peptides such as BNP. Such methods and compositions can provide early indications of a deterioration in cardiorenal syndrome status, including prognosis regarding mortality and worsening renal function.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for using nonlinear four wave mixing to optically measure microarrays with sample cells of biological or chemical materials. Examples of suitable microarrays include but are not limited to DNA microchips and capillary electrophoresis microarrays.

Abstract: The invention provides novel a hybrid slip casting-Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) process which can be used to produce arbitrary shape geometries with controlled materials properties. The invention provides processes for the fabrication of Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) by a controlled Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD).

Abstract: The invention provides TLR agonists and conjugates thereof useful in vaccines and to prevent, inhibit or treat a variety of disorders including pathogen infection and asthma.

Abstract: Assay systems and specialized antibodies for the detection and quantitation of troponin I and troponin T in body fluids as an indicator of myocardial infarction. Since troponin I and T exist in various conformations in the blood, the ratios of the monomeric troponin I an T and the binary and ternary complexes, as well as which form of troponin present in the blood, may be related to the metabolic state of the heart. Disclosed is a system to determine the presence of a troponin form or a group of troponin forms in a sample of whole blood, serum or plasma. Also disclosed are antibodies which recognize, unbound troponin forms, the forms of troponin in binary complexes, the ternary complex of troponin I, T and C, and the conformations of troponin I having intramolecularly oxidized and reduced cysteines.

Abstract: This disclosure describes kits, reagents and methods for Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of re-combinase and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed kits, reagents and methods have the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes, thus offering easy and affordable implementation and portability relative to other amplification methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of protecting cells, especially non-vascular system, non-hematopoietic cells and tissues, from apoptosis and enhancing their engraftment, survival, and/or persistence by providing enhanced levels of PIM activity for the cell, including PIM-1 activity. Also disclosed are cells that have been engineered to express enhanced levels of PIM kinase, and methods of administering those cells to vertebrates.

Abstract: A method and application that utilizes a signal processing algorithm is provided for detecting plug-in electric vehicle charging events through interrogation of smart meter data. The method is a form of non-invasive load monitoring that allows the utility to track plug-in electric vehicle charging events in real time or over extended periods. These parameters are suitably flexible so as to accommodate diverse electric vehicle technologies and a range of electric vehicle owners' charging habits. Application of the method facilitates the integration of electric vehicles into utilities' electrical grids, protection of the utilities' assets, geographic mapping of electric vehicle owners and charging events, managed charging through communication between the utility and the vehicle or owner, managed charging through the offer of time of use rates for electric vehicle owners, and an enabling technology to accompany other Smart Grid functions such as Vehicle-to-Grid distributed energy storage.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified version of alpha B-Crystallin (?BC), and methods for delivering this modified version of alpha B-Crystallin (?BC) to tissues and cells; the invention provides a modified version of ?BC in which the serine at position 59 has been changed to glutamate to mimic phosphorylation and the serine at positions 19 and 45 have been changed to alanine to prevent phosphorylation of those residues. The invention also provides compositions and methods for ameliorating a cell from ischemia/reperfusion injury or protecting a cell from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Abstract: Compounds are provided for use with glucokinase that comprise the formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.