Abstract: A device delivers a chemical or biological agent, the device comprises an imprint molecule (IM) to be delivered by the device; an electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer (EMIP) imprinted with the imprint molecule, the EMIP having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding the imprint; and an electric potential producing member (EPM), the EPM being capable of producing an electric potential between the EPM and the EMIP; whereby when the EMIP has a predetermined density of imprint molecule bound at the binding sites, and whereby when a sufficient potential is produced between the EPM and the EMIP, the imprint molecule is released from the binding site and thereby delivered by the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide therapeutic agent, useful in enzyme replacement therapy, with increased therapeutic benefits for the central nervous system. The invention provides a method of enhancing the effect of a polypeptide or protein on the central nervous system by the attachment of a short acidic amino acid sequence. Specifically the inventors disclose the attachment of a 4-15 acidic amino acid sequence to human ?-glucuronidase by construction of a fusion protein. This molecule is useful in the treatment of type VII mucopolysaccharidosis when administered to a patient.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for using polymerizable hydrogels to cause tracheal obstruction (TO) for treatment of pulmonary hypoplasia disorders to improve lung development in-utero. Use of the compound can cause effective TO for the purposes of inducing lung growth.

Abstract: An efficient method to reduce product wastes due to inaccurate transformation temperatures for shape memory products and parts, which provides a useful method for optimizing shape memory alloys phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties by using heat treatment procedures below 250 degrees C. for extended dwell times.

Abstract: A device delivers a chemical or biological agent, the device comprises an imprint molecule (IM) to be delivered by the device; an electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer (EMIP) imprinted with the imprint molecule, the EMIP having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding the imprint; and an electric potential producing member (EPM), the EPM being capable of producing an electric potential between the EPM and the EMIP; whereby when the EMIP has a predetermined density of imprint molecule bound at the binding sites, and whereby when a sufficient potential is produced between the EPM and the EMIP, the imprint molecule is released from the binding site and thereby delivered by the device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention contemplates a mutant E-WE thrombin precursor that contains the SEQ ID NO:1 amino acid residue sequence. Another aspect contemplates a thrombin precursor that contains the amino acid residue sequence Asp/Glu-Gly-Arg at positions 325, 326 and 327 based on the preprothrombin sequence. A third aspect contemplates a thrombin precursor that contains the SEQ ID NO:1 amino acid residue sequence as well as the amino acid residue sequence Asp/Glu Gly Arg at positions 325, 326 and 327 based on the preprothrombin sequence. Also contemplated is a composition that contains an effective amount of mutant thrombin dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method is also disclosed for enhancing treating and preventing thrombosis in a mammal in need using that composition.

Abstract: A method of predicting weather-exacerbated threats, said method comprising inputting localized weather measurement data into a weather threat prediction system; predicting future localized weather conditions based on said localized weather measurement data combined with modeling from National Weather Service Data; inputting natural environment and infrastructure data into said weather threat prediction system; correlating said infrastructure data with said predicted future localized weather conditions; and determining a threat level index over a region, a threat level indicating an area having a certain probabilistic likelihood of being harmed by said future weather conditions.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the metabolic state of an organelle in the presence of a potential organelle modulating agent is disclosed. A first organelle-modified bioelectrode is provided that is electrically coupled to a second electrode of opposite polarity in a circuit. The first bioelectrode is contacted with an aqueous carrier containing a biologically acceptable electrolyte and an effective amount of a potential organelle modulating agent and an effective amount of an organelle substrate. The substrate is reacted at the bioelectrode to form an ionic product that is released into the aqueous carrier-containing electrolyte to thereby provide a current at the second electrode when the circuit is closed. A metabolic flux data set is obtained during the reaction and is compared to a control metabolic flux data set obtained under the same conditions in the absence of the organelle modulating agent, thereby determining the metabolic state of the organelle.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the discovery that red blood cells contain phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), and that inhibition of that phosphodiesterase allows for an enhanced accumulation of cAMP and subsequent release of ATP. It was further discovered that RBCS treated with insulin accumulate significantly less cAMP and release significantly less ATP than normal RBCS. Likewise, RBCS of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (hyperinsulinemia) accumulate significantly less cAMP and release significantly less ATP than normal RBCS. It was further discovered that prostaglandin analogues synergistically work with phosphodiesterase 3B inhibitors to improve or increase cAMP accumulation and ATP release RBCS. Thus the invention is directed to compositions and methods for improving ATP release by RBCS, via administering PDE3B inhibitor or a combination of PDE3B inhibitor and prostaglandin analogue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sickle-cell zygosity in a subject, comprising: forming a first solution comprising a sample from the subject, a phosphate buffer, a detergent, and a reducing agent; subjecting the first solution to centrifugation to form a second solution and a supernatant; taking a color reading of the supernatant and of the second solution; optionally filtering the second solution to form a filtrate and a precipitate, and optionally measuring the amount of the precipitation and the absorbance of the filtrate or taking a color reading of the filtrate.

Abstract: A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting hair growth and/or treating or preventing hair loss (alopecia) by contacting the cells with a TGF-? antagonist or inhibitor either alone or in combination with other alopecia-inhibiting compounds.

Abstract: An underwater structure for supporting an above-water structure having an underwater portion immersed for some period of time underneath a water line of a body of water is provided. The underwater structure includes, but is not limited to, a turbulence reducing member connected with the underwater portion.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for detecting a target comprising a repeating epitope.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the ultrasensitive detection of oligonucleotides, proteins, protein complexes, biomolecules, and infectious agents using a peroxidase driven deposition of substrates onto interferometry capable biosensors, coupled to the specific recognition of the target molecules. More specifically, methods are disclosed to specifically immobilize biological target molecules onto the surface of interferometry capable biosensors and to associate the target molecules with peroxidase enzymes. Through the peroxidase driven deposition of substrates onto the interferometry capable biosensors there is the ability to achieve ultrasensitive detection and quantification of specific target molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for an animal model of Parkinson's disease. In particular, disclosed is the use of antisense compounds to inhibit the expression of ALDH1A1 in the substantia nigra of an animal brain for the purpose of creating an animal that will displays the symptoms of a human with Parkinson's Disease, including various biochemical, histological, and behavioral characteristics. Also disclosed are methods for using the animal model for Parkinson's disease to test potential therapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the discovery that red blood cells contain phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), and that inhibition of that phosphodiesterase allows for an enhanced accumulation of cAMP and subsequent release of ATP. It was further discovered that RBCs treated with insulin accumulate significantly less cAMP and release significantly less ATP than normal RBCs. Likewise, RBCs of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (hyperinsulinemia) accumulate significantly less cAMP and release significantly less ATP than normal RBCs. It was further discovered that prostaglandin analogues synergistically work with phosphodiesterase 3B inhibitors to improve or increase cAMP accumulation and ATP release by RBCs. Thus the invention is directed to compositions and methods for improving ATP release by RBCs, via administering PDE3B inhibitor or a combination of PDE3B inhibitor and prostaglandin analogue.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of delivering therapeutic agents to bone. More specifically, the invention relates to endowing a large molecule vectors i.e., adeno virus, retrovirus, liposomes, micelles, natural and synthetic polymers, or combinations thereof, with the ability to target bone tissue in vivo and with improved stability in the blood, by attaching multiple copies of acid amino acid peptides. One preferred embodiment of the invention relates to endowing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector with the ability to target bone-tissue in vivo and improve its stability, by the addition of multiple acidic amino acid peptides attached to the capsid of the viral vector.

Abstract: The invention contemplates transplacental enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for deficiency of a polypeptide such as a tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) by administering a before-described pharmaceutical composition to a pregnant animal whose fetus or embryo is in need of such therapy. The fusion protein of such a composition comprises a water-soluble TNSALP portion, e.g., C-terminus-truncated TNSALP peptide-bonded to an IgG1 antibody Fc portion. The invention also contemplates a method for treating a metabolic disorder, such as HPP, in a fetus or embryo were a protein is administered to a pregnant mother. The fusion protein comprises a Fc fragment of an IgG1 antibody peptide-bonded to TNSALP. The protein crosses the placenta of the mother and enters the fetal blood stream. The protein is taken up into fetal tissue such that the TNSALP restores normal metabolic activity in the fetus.

Abstract: Locking screw system includes screw and female threaded receiver that provide for and lock through interference fitting, which may be from major-major and/or minor-minor diameter interference. The system may be embodied as an orthopedic implant or implant component.