Abstract: A composition and a method of producing a composition which simulates hydration, cleansing and other properties of native vernix. The composition contains, in one embodiment, hydrated synthetic cells in a lipid matrix to provide properties which are substantially similar to those of native vernix, and may also contain proteins. In one embodiment, the composition contains water-in-oil emulsified particles providing water vapor transport and evaporative water loss properties simulating native vernix. In one embodiment, the composition contains cubosomes/water with up to 30% protein and about 5% lipid to about 30% lipid. The composition may be used to cleanse newborn skin, compromised skin surfaces, as well as normal skin, to provide hydration/barrier function, and other applications.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that permits differentiating LAM from another lung disorder. Methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of non-viral transduction vectors that can be used for both in vivo and in vitro applications. The present invention also provides a gene transfer vector that has comparable efficiency to a viral vector without the potential for a life-threatening immune response. Complexes according to the invention or portions thereof, can comprise a cellular delivery molecule or agent that can facilitate the translocation of the complex or portion thereof into cells. In some embodiments, cellular delivery molecules for use in the present invention may comprise one or more polymers of the present invention, e.g., polyamides, dendritic macromolecules and carbohydrate-containing degradable polyesters.

Abstract: A tunable optical component includes comprises a plurality of individual tunable liquid cells regularly arranged and integrated to at least one cell structure forming an array on the supporting substrate. A single liquid cell comprises several integrated cell walls, the cell walls projecting away from the supporting substrate and having a closed base area and an open cell surface at the cell wall edges. The liquid cell is filled with at least two liquids or fluids to provide at least one tunable interface area for varying the optical characteristic of the liquid cell.

Abstract: A display apparatus is described comprising a plurality of electrofluidic chromatophore (EFC) pixel cells. Each pixel cell comprises a fluid holder for holding a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid having differing display properties. The fluid holder comprises a fluid reservoir with a geometry having a small visible area onto the polar fluid, and a channel with a geometry having a large visible area onto the polar fluid. The channel is connected to the reservoir to enable free movement of the polar fluid and non-polar fluid between the channel and the reservoir. At least part of a surface of the channel comprises a wetting property responsive to a supply voltage. The pixel cell comprises at least one further pixel cell terminal that is coupled to a further electrode to supply a direct voltage to the pixel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to light transmissive, transflective, or reflective flat panel display devices and, more specifically, to light emissive flat panel displays constructed from high performance electrowetting light valve (ELV) devices (10a-g). An array of ELV devices (10a-g) is mounted on or adjacent to a backlight (11), employing a reflector (13) allowing for improved transmission. The backlight (11) may be partially diffusely reflective or translucent as to also allow for creation of a transflective display panel.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention find use in altering expression of PKC? in transgenic animals. The compositions of the invention include isolated transgenic animal cells, transgenic tissue, transgenic animals, and transgenic mice. The transgenic animals of the invention exhibit altered PKC? activity. The methods allow generation of transgenic animals with altered expression of PKC?. The invention allows modulation of cardiac contractility. In particular, the invention provides a method for altering the susceptibility of a transgenic animal to cardiomyopathy. A transgenic animal of the invention finds use in identifying anti-cardiomyopathic compounds.

Abstract: A crystal comprising the collagen binding domain of human GPVI is provided and defined by structural atomic coordinates. Employing computer modeling based on the crystal structure, including methods for identifying inhibitors of GPVI collagen binding activity, methods for screening libraries of compounds for potential to bind to the GPVI collagen binding domain, and methods of identifying a compound useful for the treatment of a GPVI-mediated disorder, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cushioned active cyclically deforming cushion or jacket (39) that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface of at least one chamber (2, 3, 4, 5) of the natural heart, including its base, configured so that internal components may be suspended from the jacket (39) by heart wall-penetrating cords to complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The cushion or jacket (39) provides protective and stabilizing openings (8, 9, 10) for atria and their inflow valves as well as for great vessels and their outflow valves. It is equipped with one or more actuator mechanisms (37, 38) that cyclically change shape at one or more sites, thus altering heart wall shape and chamber volume.

Abstract: Functional biological synthetic composite (BSC) membranes comprising phospholipids, biological membrane proteins and porous supports or membranes are provided. Lipid bilayers are formed on porous polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and poly (I-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes and in laser-drilled pores in a multi-well plastic plate as measured by increased resistance or decreased currents. BSC's comprising functional reconstituted Kv1.5 K channel and/or H/K ATPase transport proteins are also provided c inhibitor), methods of manufacture, and high throughput screening assays employing the inventive membranes are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed toward a method for treating an individual with a disorder affected by androgen receptor activity. This method includes administering a therapeutic amount of DL3 (6-amino-2-(2-4-tert-butyl-phenoxy)-ethylsulfanyl)-1H-pyrimidin-4-one) to the individual. In an additional embodiment, the disorder affected by androgen receptor activity includes cancer. Another embodiment is directed toward a method for treating an individual with prostate cancer. This method includes administering to the individual a therapeutic amount of an androgen receptor antagonist which reduces the production of prostate specific antigen and has only negligible androgen receptor agonist effects.

Abstract: A selectively permeable film supported membrane comprises a selectively permeable film comprising at least one ionomer; a bilayer formed on the film; and at least one transport substance incorporated into the bilayer. Methods for forming a selectively permeable film supported membrane comprise the steps of forming a bilayer on a selectively permeable film comprising at least one ionomer and incorporating at least one transport substance into the bilayer. Fuel cells, toxins detectors and protective devices comprise a selectively permeable film supported membrane.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that permits differentiating LAM from another lung disorder. Methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms (1) for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (2, 10, 22), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: A silane film that can be used in a wide range of environments, on metals of engineering interest, as a standalone process or as a primer for a top-coating by common paint systems. The film generally comprises: a) at least one bis-silane; b) a water soluble or dispersible polymer; c) nanoparticles; and, d) a water soluble solvent. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a leachable inhibitor into the silane film. In sum, the present invention teaches a silane composition that may be applied by dipping, wiping, spraying, brushing, or other conventional techniques, whereby the film composition provides a metal treatment that is water soluble and may provide the availability of the coating to “heal” by utilizing a leachable inhibitor whenever damage occurs from scrapes or scratches.

Abstract: The present invention is a MEMS-based two-phase LHP (loop heat pipe) and CPL (capillary pumped loop) using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic/anisotrophic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration. The principal working material is silicon (and compatible borosilicate glass where necessary), particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling. The microloop heat pipes (?LHP™) utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques. The device has no pump or moving parts, and is capable of moving heat at high power densities, using revolutionary coherent porous silicon (CPS) wicks. The CPS wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength-to-weight ratio. Also burst-through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub-micron scale. The two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance (20-60 w/cm2).

Abstract: The present invention is a MEMS-based two-phase LHP (loop heat pipe) and CPL (capillary pumped loop) using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic/anisotrophic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration. The principal working material is silicon (and compatible borosilicate glass where necessary), particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling. The microloop heat pipes (?LHP™) utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques. The device has no pump or moving parts, and is capable of moving heat at high power densities, using revolutionary coherent porous silicon (CPS) wicks. The CPS wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength-to-weight ratio. Also burst-through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub-micron scale. The two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance (20-60 w/cm2).

Abstract: A device and corresponding method for converting the contractile work of skeletal muscles into transportable energy. The device may comprise a converter having a mobile end adapted to be connected to a skeletal muscle, a relatively stationary end opposite the mobile end; one or more energy processing units operatively connected to the mobile and stationary ends of the converter, with each energy processing unit adapted to convert tensile forces generated by contraction of the skeletal muscle into transportable energy; and one or more energy conduits such as electrical wires associated with the relatively stationary end of the converter for delivering the transportable energy to power-consuming devices implanted in a body. The device may further comprise a relatively stationary end that is operatively connected to a body structure that is stationary relative to the skeletal muscle.