Abstract: This invention relates to biomaterial compositions, methods and kits for producing hydrogels with tunable physico-chemical properties. Specifically, the invention relates to producing cellulosic hydrogels having optimized physico-chemical properties enabling support of cell growth or as replacement or filler for tissue repair, reconstruction or augmentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-phase self-stratifying coating systems, and in particular, to multi-phase self-stratifying coating systems having a substantially homogeneous composition of polymeric binder components that upon application and cure generates a multi-phase stratified coating wherein each phase is rich in a different polymeric binder component and wherein individual phases are separated by a diffuse interface, such that the stratified coating exhibits a gradient behavior wherein a given interface exhibits the attributes of the polymeric binder component that is rich at that interface, and wherein at least one phase is rich in a polymeric binder having a telechelic resin with reactive internal groups, reactive end groups, and an alkoxide oligomer, and at least one other phase is rich in a polymeric binder having a fluorinated polymer derived from fluorinated vinyl-based monomers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is proposed for coordinating communication amongst wireless communication devices in a wireless network. The coordination scheme creates a side channel between heterogeneous wireless devices to enhance their cooperation. At the transmitter, the coordination scheme appends a customized preamble to a data payload, where the preamble is comprised of a sequence of energy pulses separated by a gap and the duration of the gap encodes coordination data for the receive device. At the receiver, the coordination scheme detects the preamble of the data packet; extracts the coordination data from the preamble of the data packet; and coordinates communication between the transmit device and the receive device using the coordination data.

Abstract: The present technology provides compositions and methods for treating chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, or diabetic nephropathy. The compositions comprise a nitrated lipid and an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The methods comprise administering a nitrated lipid in combination with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to a subject in need thereof, in an amount effective to treat diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and/or end-stage renal disease. The use of a nitrated lipid with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system exhibits a synergistic effect in treating chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy.

Abstract: A wide range tunable capacitor bank is provided. The capacitor bank comprises a variable capacitor, the capacitance value of which is adjustable within a predetermined capacitance range defined by a minimum capacitance value and a maximum capacitance value. The capacitor bank further comprises one or more switched capacitors each electrically connected in circuit to the variable capacitor. The variable capacitor is configured to allow the capacitance value thereof to be adjusted within the predetermined capacitance range and the one or more switched capacitors are configured to be selectively actuated to permit continuous tuning of the capacitor bank over a second capacitance range that is greater than the predetermined capacitance range. Applications in which the capacitor bank may be implemented, and a method of fabricating an integrated system comprising a plurality of passive components, such as, for example, those of the capacitor bank and high quality factor inductors, are also provided.

Abstract: Surface modification methods based on a combination of plasma and chemical treatments render an unfilled butyl rubber surface highly reactive toward organosilanes, allowing formation of an organosilane self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Plasma oxidation of the butyl rubber surface followed by vapour deposition of SiCl4 produces a hydrophilic surface suitable for anchoring organosilanes. Fabrication of SAMs on this hydrophilic butyl rubber surface with n-octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane (FOTS) via vapour deposition resulted in a 15% and 25% decrease in gas permeability, respectively, with no change in optical transparency of the butyl rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of the role of Wnt1 in multiple cardiovascular processes, including cardiac repair, angiogenesis, and stimulation of endothelial progenitor cells. This discovery provides methods of using Wnt1 to treat cardiovascular disorders and injuries.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating, inhibiting or attenuating a microbial infection in an individual who has or is at risk for developing such an infection, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a StIR composition to the individual.

Abstract: Nano-fibrous microspheres and methods for forming them are disclosed herein. In one embodiment the microsphere includes a plurality of nano-fibers aggregated together in a spherical shape; and a plurality of pores formed between at least some of the plurality of nano-fibers. The nano-fibers are formed of star-shaped polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of achieving directed evolution of viruses by in vivo screening or “panning” to identify viruses comprising scrambled AAV capsids having characteristics of interest, e.g., tropism profile and/or neutralization profile (e.g., ability to evade neutralizing antibodies). The invention also provides scrambled AAV capsids and virus particles comprising the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds for the treatment of cancer. Compounds disclosed herein are particularly effective for the selective inhibition of glioma cells.

Abstract: There is provided a differential pressure sensor capable of measuring a pressure fluctuation with a simple structure. The differential pressure sensor includes a main body formed with an air chamber, and an opening that causes an interior of the air chamber to be in communication with an exterior, and a detector provided at the opening. The detector includes a cantilever provided in a manner tiltable so as to block off the opening, and the cantilever is formed with a Piezo resistor layer.

Abstract: A monolithic semiconductor device that includes a waveguide structure optically coupled to an optical resonator. The optical resonator is adapted to process light at a predetermined wavelength. The optical resonator includes a closed loop waveguide having a plurality of straight sections that are optically coupled together by bend sections.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reconstructing images from limited or incomplete data, such as few view data or limited angle data or truncated data generated from divergent beams. The method and apparatus may iteratively constrain the variation of an estimated image in order to reconstruct the image. To reconstruct an image, a first estimated image may be generated. Estimated data may be generated from the first estimated image, and compared with the actual data. The comparison of the estimated data with the actual data may include determining a difference between the estimated and actual data. The comparison may then be used to generate a new estimated image. For example, the first estimated image may be combined with an image generated from the difference data to generate a new estimated image. To generate the image for the next iteration, the variation of the new estimated image may be constrained.

Abstract: In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to NO-releasing functionalized nanorods having a desirable aspect ratio. The nanorods are also capable of releasing a desirable amount of NO (nitric oxide). In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a composition comprising the NO-releasing nanorods. In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods of preparing NO-releasing nanorods having a specified aspect ratio. In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a method of combating infection comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising NO-releasing nanorods, wherein the nanorods have a specified aspect ratio and NO-release profile.

Abstract: Novel structural materials composed of industrial hemp fiber with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as methods for the production of the same are disclosed. The material's mechanical strength outperforms that of conventional lumber and could compete with glass fiber reinforced composites, particularly in tensile strength. In addition, this material offers many other significant advantages including insect free, high moisture resistance, no harmful chemical treatments, and no rapid corrosion in water environments.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for analysis of gas phase ions via ion mobility type analyzers, particularly high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility analyzers (FAIMS), by linking gas composition and/or flow rate with the scanning of compensation voltage or asymmetric waveform amplitude are provided. Linking these parameters results in improvements in resolution, sensitivity, and selectivity. The methods and devices according to the presently disclosed subject matter provide for the improvement in resolution for specific ions without affecting the entire FAIMS spectrum.

Abstract: There are provided with a source part made of a ferromagnetic material magnetized in a first direction, a drain part made of a ferromagnetic material magnetized in the first direction, and separated from and arranged in parallel to the source part, a channel part arranged between the source part and the drain part, and bonded with the source part and the drain part directly or through a tunnel layer, and a circularly polarized light irradiation part that irradiates the channel part with circularly polarized light for controlling a direction of spin of the channel part.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for separation of particles and methods for using the apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes three arms extending radially from a central reservoir, each arm being associated with a separation electrode. At least one on the arms includes a separation medium. Using a sequence of driving and mobility-changing voltages, target particles can be separated from closely related particles within a sample. For example, single point mutations can be resolved from a sample containing predominantly wild type nucleic acids.

Abstract: Herein are provided derivatized hyperbranched polyglycerols (“dHPGs”). The dHPG comprises a core comprising a hyperbranched polyglycerol derivatized with C1C20 alkyl chains and a shell comprising at least one hydrophilic substituent bound to hydroxyl groups of the core, wherein the hyperbranched polyglycerol comprises from about 1 to about 200 moles of the at least one hydrophilic substituent. The dHPGs are for use as agents for the delivery of a drug or other biologically active moiety to the urinary tract, the digestive tract, the airways, the vaginal cavity and cervix and the peritoneal cavity to treat indications such as cancer, which may be useful in the treatment of or the manufacture of a medicament, in the preparation, of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer, as a pre-treatment or co-treatment to improve drug uptake in a tissue. Furthermore, there are provided methods of making dHPGs.