Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reprogramming a somatic cell, including an adherent cell and a cell in suspension, into an induced pluripotent stem comprising expressing exogenous Sox-2, exogenous Klf-4, exogenous Oct3/4 from DNA that has not integrated into the genome of the somatic cell, suppressing p53 activity within the somatic cell, and exposing the somatic cell to reprogramming-assistance factors comprising an exogenous Alk-5 inhibitor, an exogenous histone deacetylase inhibitor, and an exogenous activator of glycolysis. Compositions and kits for use in such methods are also disclosed as are cells made by such a method.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reprogramming a somatic cell, including an adherent cell and a cell in suspension, into an induced pluripotent stem comprising expressing exogenous Sox-2, exogenous Klf-4, exogenous Oct3/4 from DNA that has not integrated into the genome of the somatic cell, suppressing p53 activity within the somatic cell, and exposing the somatic cell to reprogramming-assistance factors comprising an exogenous Alk-5 inhibitor, an exogenous histone deacetylase inhibitor, and an exogenous activator of glycolysis. Compositions and kits for use in such methods are also disclosed as are cells made by such a method.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reprogramming a somatic cell, including an adherent cell and a cell in suspension, into an induced pluripotent stem comprising expressing exogenous Sox-2, exogenous Klf-4, exogenous Oct3/4 from DNA that has not integrated into the genome of the somatic cell, suppressing p53 activity within the somatic cell, and exposing the somatic cell to reprogramming-assistance factors comprising an exogenous Alk-5 inhibitor, an exogenous histone deacetylase inhibitor, and an exogenous activator of glycolysis. Compositions and kits for use in such methods are also disclosed as are cells made by such a method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus using aqueous fixatives for fogging of ventilation ductwork, enclosures, or buildings containing dust, lint, and particulates that may be contaminated by radionuclides and other dangerous or unsafe particulate contaminants, which method and apparatus are capable of (1) obtaining full coverage within the ductwork and (2) penetrating and fixing the lint, dust and large particles present in the ductwork so that no airborne particles are released during or after the application of the fixative. New aqueous fogging solutions outperform conventional glycerin-based solutions. These aqueous solutions will fog using conventional methods of application and contain a surfactant to aid wetting and penetration of the lint and dust, a binder to stabilize loose or respirable particles, and an agent to aid in fogging and enhance adhesiveness. The solutions are safe and easy to use.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analog comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analog is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having two peptide chains each branched from a branch moiety, such as trifunctional amino acid residues, the branch moieties separated by a first linker of from 3 to about 20 backbone atoms, which peptide chains bind a heparin-binding growth factor receptor and are covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain, preferably by a second linker, which may be a hydrophobic second linker. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as pharmaceutical agents, soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having two peptide chains each branched from a branch moiety, such as trifunctional amino acid residues, the branch moieties separated by a first linker of from 3 to about 20 backbone atoms, which peptide chains bind a heparin-binding growth factor receptor and are covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain, preferably by a second linker, which may be a hydrophobic second linker. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as pharmaceutical agents, soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: A heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) analog having two substantially similar sequences (homodimeric sequences) branched from a single amino acid residue, where the sequences are analogs of a particular HBGF that binds to a heparin-binding growth factor receptor (HBGFR), or alternatively that bind to a HBGFR without being an analog of any particular HBGF. The homodimeric sequences may be derived from any portion of a HBGF. The synthetic HBGF analog may be an analog of a hormone, a cytokine, a lymphokine, a chemokine or an interleukin, and may bind to any HBGFR. Further provided are preparations for medical devices, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for steam generation replacing natural gas with a selected refined product of a feedstock of bitumen, asphaltenes or heavy oil using locally produced surplus bitumen, asphaltene or heavy oil, separating the asphaltenes and other components of the feedstock for use in providing a liquid fuel for steam generation. The lighter products from the separation equipment not used for liquid fuel may be blended into the produced bitumen, asphaltenes or heavy oil, to increase its API gravity and reduce the diluent required for transportation. This technology may be employed in open pit mining operations for the generation of steam and power. The refined components of the feedstock used to provide liquid fuel are selected to optimize energy output balancing planned energy demand against the value of the components of the feedstock used.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging system incorporates a plurality of imaging devices or cameras to generate a high resolution, wide field of view image database from which images can be combined in real time to provide wide field of view or panoramic or omni-directional still or video images.

Abstract: A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging system incorporates a plurality of imaging devices or cameras to generate a high resolution, wide field of view image database from which images can be combined in real time to provide wide field of view or panoramic or omni-directional still or video images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3D electronic packaging unit having a conductive supporting substrate that can achieve multi-chip stacking through the signal contacts on the both sides of the unit. The packaging unit can be batched manufactured on wafers or substrates, and thus reduce the manufacturing cost of each individual packaging unit; moreover, the conductive supporting substrate can be utilized to provide signal transmission of the electronic elements, and the supporting substrate can be used as a ground terminal for the carried electronic elements to enhance electric performance of the electronic elements. The supporting substrate is also a good thermal conductor that can release effectively heat energy generated by the electronic elements and accumulated inside the package to the outside of the package along the substrate to enhance reliability of the packaging structure.

Abstract: A heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) analog having two substantially similar sequences (homodimeric sequences) branched from a single amino acid residue, where the sequences are analogs of a particular HBGF that binds to a heparin-binding growth factor receptor (HBGFR), or alternatively that bind to a HBGFR without being an analog of any particular HBGF. The homodimeric sequences may be derived from any portion of a HBGF. The synthetic HBGF analog may be an analog of a hormone, a cytokine, a lymphokine, a chemokine or an interleukin, and may bind to any HBGFR. Further provided are preparations for medical devices, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Multi-domain peptides including a heparin-binding peptide sequence covalently linked to a linker sequence, which linker sequence is covalently linked to a trifunctional amino acid residue forming a branch with two arms, with substantially similar (homodimeric) cellular attachment peptide sequences covalently linked, directly or through an intermediate, to each branch arm, where the sequences are cell binding analogs of or derived from laminin or a portion of laminin. Further provided are preparations for medical devices, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having two peptide chains each branched from a branch moiety, such as trifunctional amino acid residues, the branch moieties separated by a first linker of from 3 to about 20 backbone atoms, which peptide chains bind a heparin-binding growth factor receptor and are covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain, preferably by a second linker, which may be a hydrophobic second linker. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as pharmaceutical agents, soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having at least one peptide chain, and preferably two peptide chains branched from a dipeptide branch moiety composed of two trifunctional amino acid residues, which peptide chain or chains bind a heparin-binding growth factor receptor and are covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain, preferably by a linker, which may be a hydrophobic linker. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as pharmaceutical agents, soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.

Abstract: Formulations, kits and methods for bone or cartilage repair, including treatment of osteogenic defects, including formulations of synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs, non-ionic polymers, gelling agents and calcium-containing agents.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs having two peptide chains each branched from a branch moiety, such as trifunctional amino acid residues, the branch moieties separated by a first linker of from 3 to about 20 backbone atoms, which peptide chains bind a heparin-binding growth factor receptor and are covalently bound to a non-signaling peptide that includes a heparin-binding domain, preferably by a second linker, which may be a hydrophobic second linker. The synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs are useful as pharmaceutical agents, soluble biologics or as surface coatings for medical devices.