Abstract: A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2. BBP increases the overall osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis.

Abstract: Substituted 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N?,N?-triacetic acid and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclcododecane-N,N?,N?,N??-tetraacetic acid compounds with a pendant amino or hydroxyl group, metal complexes thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of making and use in diagnostic imaging and treatment of cellular disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for echoperiodontal imaging. In one embodiment, a system includes a transducer configured to transmit a series of ultrasonic signals at a plurality of corresponding locations along soft tissue of a jaw and receive a plurality of echo signals; and an imaging system controller configured to obtain a plurality of echo signal data of the soft tissue and a plurality of transducer positions, where each echo signal data corresponds to one of the plurality of transducer position.

Abstract: Novel thrombin/prothrombin protease/zymogen variants which have anticoagulation activity and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: Small molecule inhibitors of Stat3 and their derivatives are disclosed. Also described are methods to inhibit cell growth by use of Stat3 inhibitors, and the use of Stat3 inhibitors for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. Further, inhibitors of Stat3 that also do not inhibit Stat1 are described as well as their derivatives. Methods of screening additional compounds for Stat3 inhibition activity and/or non-inhibition of Stat1 activity are also described herein.