Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for constructing stable mammalian embryonic epithelial tissues and organs as well as constructing kidney tissue, and treating renal failure. Disclosed are methods of using an active epithelial growth factor having the capability of effectuating induction of growth and morphogenesis is cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of treating spasticity, rigidity, or muscular hyperactivity conditions by introducing a portion of an expanded population of neural stem cells into an area of a recipient spinal cord.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for droplet manipulation includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically addressable thin-film electrodes disposed on the substrate, at least one of the plurality of electrodes comprising a heating element in the form of a patterned electrode. A hydrophilic region is disposed in or above a portion of the heating element. The hydrophilic region may be permanent or electronically actuable. The thin-film electrodes have multi-function capabilities including, for instance, heating, temperature sensing, and/or sample actuation.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified cycloalkyne compounds; and method of use of such compounds in modifying biomolecules. The present invention features a cycloaddition reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the invention involves reacting a modified cycloalkyne with an azide moiety on a target biomolecule, generating a covalently modified biomolecule. The selectivity of the reaction and its compatibility with aqueous environments provide for its application in vivo (e.g., on the cell surface or intracellularly) and in vitro (e.g., synthesis of peptides and other polymers, production of modified (e.g., labeled) amino acids).

Abstract: A method of altering the conformation of a polypeptide having a known three-dimensional structure is described. The method comprises attaching a first end of a polymer to a first portion of the polypeptide, attaching a second end of the polymer to a second portion of the polypeptide, and altering the mechanical tension of the polymer, thereby altering the conformation of the polypeptide. The alteration of the conformation of the polypeptide may increase or decrease the binding affinity of the polypeptide for a substrate bound by the polypeptide, or alter the catalytic rate of an enzyme. Typically, the polymer is a polynucleotide or polypeptide.

Abstract: A method for producing libraries of structurally and stereochemically diverse molecules that can be screened for biological or chemical activity. A library of 91 heterocyclic compounds composed of 16 distinct scaffolds was synthesized through a sequence of phosphine-catalyzed ring-forming reactions, Tebbe reactions, Diels-Alder reactions, and, in some cases, hydrolysis to illustrate the methods. Three compounds inhibiting migration of human breast cancer cells are identified from the library.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the generation of broad size distributions of polynucleic acid fragments from larger polynucleic acids. The invention provides unbiased polynucleic acid fragments, i.e. fragments representative of all portions of the larger polynucleic acids. The methods are amendable to automation and are cost-effective. The methods comprise contacting the polynucleic acid sample with a reducing agent and a transition metal in a solvent to form a mixture. An exemplified reducing agent is sodium ascorbate, and an exemplified transition metal is copper.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for implementing textile-based screen-printed amperometric or potentiometric sensors. The chemical sensor can include carbon based electrodes to detect at least one of NADH, hydrogen peroxide, potassium ferrocyanide, TNT or DNT, in liquid or vapor phase. In one application, underwater presence of chemicals such as heavy metals and explosives is detected using the textile-based sensors.

Abstract: Inhibitors of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) are provided that incorporate multiple pharmacophores and are useful in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying compounds that are inhibitors of a calcium-activated chloride channel. Aminothiophene and aminothiazole compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, described herein that inhibit efflux of chloride through a calcium-activated chloride channel are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and sequelae of diseases, disorders, and conditions that are associated with aberrantly increased chloride and fluid secretion, for example, secretory diarrhea.

Abstract: Provided herein is tumor suppression composition and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for capturing CO2 and/or SO2, comprising: (a) a CO2 and/or SO2 absorber comprising an amine and/or amino acid salt capable of absorbing the CO2 and/or SO2 to produce a CO2- and/or SO2-containing solution; (b) an amine regenerator to regenerate the amine and/or amino acid salt; and, when the system captures CO2, (c) an alkali metal carbonate regenerator comprising an ammonium catalyst capable catalyzing the aqueous alkali metal bicarbonate into the alkali metal carbonate and CO2 gas. The present invention also provides for a system for capturing SO2, comprising: (a) a SO2 absorber comprising aqueous alkali metal carbonate, wherein the alkali metal carbonate is capable of absorbing the SO2 to produce an alkali metal sulfite/sulfate precipitate and CO2.

Abstract: NMR spectroscopy is performed on intervertebral disc tissue. Extent of degeneration is determined based on the NMR spectroscopy. Correlation between NMR spectral regions and at least one of tissue degeneration and pain are made. Accordingly, NMR spectroscopy is used to determine location and/or extent of at least one of degeneration or pain associated with a region of tissue, such as for example in particular disc degeneration, or discogenic pain. NMR spectral peak ratios, such as between N-Acetyl/cho and cho/carb, are readily acquired and analyzed to predict degree of tissue degeneration and/or pain for: tissue samples using HR-MAS spectroscopy; and larger portions of anatomy such as joint segments such as a spine, using clinical 3T MRI systems with surface head or knee coils; and tissue regions such as discs within spines of living patients using 3T MRI systems with a surface spine coil, thus providing a completely non-invasive diagnostic toolset and method to image and localize degeneration and/or pain.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: Methods for predicting a propensity for heart or kidney failure in a diabetic or pre-diabetic individual by determining the amount and/or molecular weight of islet amyloid polypeptide present in a sample from the individual are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to functional magnetic resonance imaging. In one aspect, a method may include generating a bulk magnetization in a subject, establishing a longitudinal relaxation time constant (T1) contrast between constituents in the subject, creating spatially localized magnetic resonance (MR) signals from the subject, detecting the MR signals, and generating a functional image of the subject.

Abstract: Methods for the heteroepitaxial growth of smooth, high quality films of N-face GaN film grown by MOCVD are disclosed. Use of a misoriented substrate and possibly nitridizing the substrate allow for the growth of smooth N-face GaN and other Group III nitride films as disclosed herein. The present invention also avoids the typical large (?m sized) hexagonal features which make N-face GaN material unacceptable for device applications. The present invention allows for the growth of smooth, high quality films which makes the development of N-face devices possible.

Abstract: Spectroscopic measurements are described based on light-molecule interaction in response to a resonant rate optical pulse train so that a Raman spectrum is reflected containing at least two types of vibrational mode information (e.g., vibrational frequency, and vibrational phase relaxation) on the molecules comprising the object. A pump optical pulse train generation means is configured for generating an optical pulse train having an arbitrary repetition rate which is directed through irradiation means to the sample object. Light from the sample object is collected and vibrational coherence is detected for the sample object. The sample is tested across a plurality of different repetition frequencies. The detected information can be compared with data from other known samples from within a database when analyzing the information collected.

Abstract: Provided are microfluidic designs and methods for rapid generation of monodisperse nanoliter volume droplets of reagent/target (e.g., molecule or cell) mix in emulsion oil. The designs and methods enable high-throughput encapsulation of a single target (e.g., DNA/RNA molecules or cells) in controlled size droplets of reagent mix. According to various embodiments, a microfabricated, 3-valve pump is used to precisely meter the volume of reagent/target mix in each droplet and also to effectively route microparticles such as beads and cells into the device, which are encapsulated within droplets at the intersection of the reagent channel and an oil channel. The pulsatile flow profile of the microfabricated pumps provides active control over droplet generation, thereby enabling droplet formation with oils that are compatible with biological reactions but are otherwise difficult to form emulsions with.