Abstract: An implant for the repair of bone and cartilage that includes a cell conductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and an osteoconductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and calcium-containing mineral particles. The biopolymeric fibers from one zone overlap with the fibers in the other zone forming a stable physical and mechanical integration of the two zones, thus conferring in vivo stability to the implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming targeted collagen products having an amplified desired characteristic, including the step of adding peptides exhibiting a desired characteristic to collagen to form the targeted collagen product. Further disclosed are methods for forming a targeted collagen product lacking an undesired characteristic, including the step of subtracting peptides exhibiting the undesired characteristic from collagen to form the targeted collagen product. Also disclosed are targeted collagen products formed by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for tree preservation planning of a selected tree within an existing landscape including hardscape elements. The critical root loss percentage can be determined based upon the diameter size of each tree being impacted. In addition, the disclosure provides a system for determining survivability of an impacted tree that takes into account a number of factors to ensure a survivability percentage of at least 70%.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming targeted collagen products having an amplified desired characteristic, including the step of adding peptides exhibiting a desired characteristic to collagen to form the targeted collagen product. The adding step is performed so that the collagen is crosslinked to the peptide exhibiting the desired characteristic. Crosslinking of the collagen to the peptide exhibiting the desired characteristic occurs by modification of the peptide to facilitate binding to the collagen. Further disclosed are methods for forming a targeted collagen product lacking an undesired characteristic, including the step of subtracting peptides exhibiting the undesired characteristic from collagen to form the targeted collagen product. Also disclosed are targeted collagen products formed by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microwave emitting equipment, in particular to microwave oscillators. The proposed variants of an oscillator and a matrix-type microwave oscillator enable to efficiently direct microwave radiation from one or more microwave sources and sum up microwave radiations, thus ensuring high values of efficiency and output power, superior functional capabilities of the device, a high degree of synchronization of radiations emitted by said microwave sources. The microwave oscillator comprises a microwave source and a resonator with a microwave channel made therein. The resonator comprises a box and a base electrically connected to each other, while the microwave channel accommodates a suppressing means for suppressing a back wave. The matrix-type oscillator comprises a plurality of said microwave oscillators electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute which combines substantially the high mechanical stability of spherical porous granules without the limitation of reduced intergranular space. The granules have a high porosity whilst maintaining high stability, and can be pushed into a defect without risking significant breakage of the granules and, simultaneously, bone cells can grow into the space between the granules. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surface of the granules comprises indentations, when viewed from the exterior of the granules. An indentation increases the porosity within the implanted mass significantly and thus provides more space between the granules for tissue ingrowth. Due to the indentations on the granules, the granules have an irregular shape and thus an increase in the intergranular space is achieved, while mechanical stability is maintained. A biocompatible polymer, such as a collagen or gelatin, is disposed about at least some of the granules to form a coating thereon.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute which combines substantially the high mechanical stability of spherical porous granules without the limitation of reduced intergranular space, and a method for manufacturing the bone graft substitute. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surface of the granules comprises indentations that increases the porosity within the implanted mass significantly and thus provides more space between the granules for tissue ingrowth. The indentations on the granules cause them to have an irregular shape and thus an increase in the intergranular space is achieved, while mechanical stability is maintained. An exemplary method according to the invention includes the steps of manufacturing the granules; mixing the granules with a porogen; pressing the porogen into the surface of at least a portion of the granules; and removing the porogen from the implant mass to form the indentations in the surface where the porogen was pressed into the granules.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute which combines substantially the high mechanical stability of spherical porous granules without the limitation of reduced intergranular space. The granules have a high porosity whilst maintaining high stability, and can be pushed into a defect without risking significant breakage of the granules and, simultaneously, bone cells can grow into the space between the granules. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surface of the granules comprises indentations, when viewed from the exterior of the granules. An indentation increases the porosity within the implanted mass significantly and thus provides more space between the granules for tissue ingrowth. Due to the indentations on the granules, the granules have an irregular shape and thus an increase in the intergranular space is achieved, while mechanical stability is maintained. A biocompatible polymer, such as a polypeptide, is disposed about at least some of the granules to form a coating thereon.

Abstract: An implant for the repair of bone and cartilage that includes a cell conductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and an osteoconductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and calcium-containing mineral particles. The biopolymeric fibers from one zone overlap with the fibers in the other zone forming a stable physical and mechanical integration of the two zones, thus conferring in vivo stability to the implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for tree preservation efforts by determining a critical root zone of a selected tree within an existing landscape including hardscape elements. The critical root zones can be determined based upon the diameter size of each tree being impacted. The system includes generating a landscape map including visually representing the calculated critical root zone including any root zone loss within the existing landscape. In addition, the disclosure provides a system for determining survivability of an impacted tree that takes into account a number of factors to ensure a survivability percentage of at least 70%.

Abstract: The described invention provides compositions and methods for treating asthma, a disease, condition or pathologic process whose progression is characterized by one or more of aberrant fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition producing constriction in an airway, airway remodeling, and airway obstruction in lung tissue. The method includes administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic amount of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or functional equivalent thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the therapeutic amount of the polypeptide is effective to reduce the constriction of small airway dimensions and airway obstruction, treat airway remodeling, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant is disclosed. The implant includes a first homogeneous matrix layer and a second homogeneous matrix layer having a density different from that of the first homogeneous matrix layer. Biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the first homogeneous matrix layer are physically in contact with and cross-linked to the biopolymeric fibers at the surface of the second homogeneous matrix layer. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant that includes a first homogeneous matrix surrounding a second homogeneous matrix having a different density. Biopolymeric fibers at an inner surface of the first homogeneous matrix are physically in contact with and cross-linked to biopolymeric fibers at an outer surface of the second homogeneous matrix. Furthermore, methods for preparing the density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant and the three-dimensional density gradient biopolymeric matrix implant are provided.

Abstract: The described invention provides compositions and methods for reducing progression of a fibrosis in a tissue of a subject selected from liver, kidney or vascular fibrosis, the progression of the fibrosis being characterized by aberrant fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in the tissue. The method includes administering a therapeutic amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or functional equivalent thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the therapeutic amount of the polypeptide is effective to reduce progression of the fibrosis, to treat remodeling of the tissue, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A valve operating method for a sprinkler system with a plurality of electrical valves is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: receiving a user generated query signal; generating a first set of the control signals to a driving circuit of the plurality of electrical valves of the sprinkler system in response to the query signal; generating a detection signal successive to the first set of the control signals; orderly sending the detection signal to the plurality of solenoid valves; and sensing a voltage level of a sensing terminal of the driving circuit, and obtaining a sensing result accordingly. A first sub-circuit of the driving circuit is disabled in response to the first set of the control signals. The valve control device include electronic parts to implement the above-mentioned steps is also disclosed.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method for treating myocardial infarction (MI) in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutic amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide of amino sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a functional equivalent thereof made from a fusion between a first polypeptide that is a cell permeable protein (CPP) selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide of amino acid sequence YARAAARQARA (SEQ ID NO: 2), WLRRIKAWLRRIKA (SEQ ID NO: 21), WLRRIKA (SEQ ID NO: 22), YGRKKRRQRRR (SEQ ID NO: 23), FAKLAARLYR (SEQ ID NO: 25), and KAFAKLAARLYR (SEQ ID NO: 26), and a second polypeptide that is a therapeutic domain (TD), and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The described invention also provides a kit comprising a composition comprising at least one MK2 inhibitor peptide; a means for administering the composition; and a packaging material.

Abstract: A carbonate apatite prepared from natural bone. The carbonate apatite has a protein content of 2000-8000 parts per million and a surface area of 15 to 70 m2/g. Also provided is a method for preparing the carbonate apatite from cancellous bone particles.

Abstract: A collagen-coated tissue based membrane that is smooth on both sides so as to inhibit cell and tissue adhesion. Also disclosed are methods for making a collagen-coated tissue-based membrane.

Abstract: The described invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a polypeptide of amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a functional equivalent thereof with improved stability and bioavailability.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a polypeptide of amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a functional equivalent thereof, up to 5% w/w solids before drying, a component selected from the group consisting of glycerin, lactose, and trehalose and excluding mannitol, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, that preserves stability and bioavailability of the polypeptide is provided.

Abstract: A collagen-coated tissue-based membrane that is smooth on both sides so as to inhibit cell and tissue adhesion. The tissue-based membrane is a serous membrane having a fibrous surface and a smooth surface and the collagen is coated on the fibrous surface. Also provided are methods for making the collagen-coated tissue-based membrane.