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.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions, systems and methods for treating a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) solid tumor comprising a population of tumor cells are described. In some aspects, 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, is effective to inhibit a kinase activity in the population of tumor cells and to reduce cancer cell proliferation, to reduce tumor size, to reduce tumor burden, to induce tumor cell death, to overcome tumor chemoresistance, to enhance tumor chemosensitivity, or a combination thereof.

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: The described invention provides compositions and methods for preventing or treating a disease, condition, or pathologic process characterized by aberrant fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in a tissue of a subject. The method includes administering a therapeutic amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA (SEQ ID NO: 1) or functional equivalent thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A power line Ethernet adaptor is suitable to be applied to an external module including a first connector. The power line Ethernet adaptor includes a housing, a cover and a circuit board. The housing has an accommodating space. The cover is movably connected to the housing to move between an on-position and an off-position. When placed at the off-position, the cover covers the accommodating space. The circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space and has a power line Ethernet module and a second connector. When at least a part of the external module is disposed in the accommodating space, the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected to each other to establish the signal connection between the external module and the power line Ethernet module, and the cover also covers the external module when placed at the off-position.

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 flat self-curling permeable sheet membrane containing a matrix formed of crosslinked biopolymeric fibers. The matrix self-curls into a predetermined shape upon absorption of an aqueous fluid and is permeable to molecules having molecular weights not greater than 1×106 daltons. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a flat self-curling permeable membrane.

Abstract: A re-rollable membrane for wrapping around and protecting a cylindrical tissue having an injury site. The membrane includes a sheet of a porous matrix formed of cross-linked biopolymeric fibers. In one implementation, the sheet can be spirally rolled so that at least one portion overlaps another portion of the sheet and, upon absorption of a fluid, the overlapping portions adhere to each other closely so as to exclude penetration of cells. In another implementation, the sheet can be helically rolled to form a helix having a pitch of 2 mm to 40 mm and an inner diameter of 1 mm to 50 mm. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such re-rollable membranes.

Abstract: The described invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing adhesions in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising the step of (a) administering an adhesion-reducing amount of a composition comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence YARAAARQARAKALARQLGVAA [SEQ ID NO: 1] or a functional equivalent thereof and a carrier. The methods are clinically useful for reducing formation of adhesions initially and for therapeutic treatment of existing scars.

Abstract: A trigger signal generating device outputs a trigger signal activating an IC tag. The trigger signal generating device includes first and second trigger coils placed at a predetermined separation distance and each having predetermined magnetic field intensity distribution. Each of the first and second trigger coils includes attenuating means for attenuating intensity of a magnetic field generated by the first and second trigger coils to a predetermined level that allows the ID tag to detect trigger IDs of the first and second trigger coils on a side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided, and that does not allow the ID tag to detect the trigger ID of the first trigger coil on an opposite side to the side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided.

Abstract: In various aspects the present inventions provide compositions and methods for treatment of cardiac conditions. In various embodiments, the present inventions provide methods for treating a cardiac condition comprising the step of administering in a therapeutically effective amount the substantially cell free solution of an amphiphilic self-assembling peptide to a site of cardiac tissue that has been injured due to one or more of atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction; valve disease, pericardial disease, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and embolism.