Abstract: A system and methods for removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from an environment, where the system includes an inert and organic biofilm substrata as biofilm media for dual use: 1) inoculation of microorganisms to degrade POPs and 2) accumulation of POPs on the substrata, effective in maintaining bioavailable concentrations for sustaining microbial activity. Microorganisms capable of degrading or transforming POPs are actively associated with the substrata as a biofilm. Application of this delivery vehicle will enhance the microbial degradation of POPs, while simultaneously adsorbing hydrophobic POPs from the environment making them bioavailable for the microorganisms located in the formed biofilms and additionally lowering the aqueous concentration of POPs that have detrimental effects towards fish and mammals as they bioaccumulate through the food chain.

Abstract: The present application is drawn to a synthetic, polymer hydrogel-based material, which is able to actively induce the body's natural hemostatic coagulation process in blood or acellular plasma. The present invention provides the development of a primary amine containing polymer hydrogel capable of inducing blood coagulation and delivering therapeutics for hemostatic or wound care applications, and a method of forming such a primary amine containing polymer hydrogel capable of inducing the blood coagulation process. The primary amine containing polymer hydrogel is able to achieve the same end result as biological-based hemostatics, without the innate risk of disease transmission or immunological response, and at a fraction of the price. Furthermore, due to its inherent hydrogel-based design the material has the capability of arresting blood loss while simultaneously delivering therapeutics in a controlled manner, potentially revolutionizing the way in which wounds are treated.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repairing a cardiac valve. A minimally invasive procedure includes creating an access in the apex region of the heart through which one or more instruments may be inserted. The device can implant artificial heart valve chordae tendineae into cardiac valve leaflet tissues to restore proper leaflet function and prevent reperfusion. The device punctures the apex of the heart and travels through the ventricle. The tip of the device rests on the defective valve and punctures the valve leaflet. A suture or a suture/guide wire combination is inserted, securing the top of the leaflet to the apex of the heart. A resilient element or shock absorber mechanism adjacent to the outside of the apex of the heart minimizes the linear travel of the device in response to the beating of the heart or opening/closing of the valve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for authenticating a biometric scanner, such as swipe type finger print scanners, involves estimating unique intrinsic characteristics of the scanner (scanner pattern), that are permanent over time, and can identify a scanner even among scanners of the same manufacturer and model. Image processing and analysis are used to extract a scanner pattern from images acquired with the scanner. The scanner pattern is used to verify whether the scanner that acquired a particular image is the same as the scanner that acquired one or several images during enrollment of the biometric information. Authenticating the scanner can prevent subsequent security attacks using counterfeit biometric information on the scanner, or on the user authentication system.

Abstract: Provided are substantially spherical, porous oxide microparticles having a plurality of substantially spherical voids, substantially spherical, porous oxide-organic polymer composite microparticles having a plurality of substantially spherical organic polymer domains. The microparticles can be made using a microdispersive suspension polymerization step to make microparticles having an organic polymer shell and a plurality of discrete substantially spherical organic nanoparticles. The microparticles can be used as polymerization catalyst supports.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for isolation of proliferating cells. In particular, the methods enrich stem cells in a mixture of stem cells and non-stem cells, and in some cases the non-stem cells may be differentiated cells. The methods exploit the non-adherent property of stem cells, as opposed to the adherent property of differentiating cells, by serially passaging the suspended cells in liquid media.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid emulsion includes a heat transfer fluid, and liquid droplets dispersed within the heat transfer fluid, where the liquid droplets are substantially immiscible with respect to the heat transfer fluid and have dimensions that are no greater than about 100 nanometers. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid emulsion is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: TIR-domain decoy peptides and TIR domain peptides are disclosed, as well as methods of using the peptides in the regulation of toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and signaling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for authenticating a biometric scanner, such as area type finger print scanners, involves estimating unique intrinsic characteristics of the scanner (scanner pattern), that are permanent over time, and can identify a scanner even among scanners of the same manufacturer and model. Image processing and analysis are used to extract a scanner pattern from images acquired with the scanner. The scanner pattern is used to verify whether the scanner that acquired a particular image is the same as the scanner that acquired one or several images during enrollment of the biometric information. Authenticating the scanner can prevent subsequent security attacks using counterfeit biometric information on the scanner, or on the user authentication system.

Abstract: Vaccine formulations effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are disclosed, as well as methods of using the vaccine formulations in the treatment and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections in a subject.

Abstract: A hemostatic tissue sealant sponge and a spray for acute wounds are disclosed. The sponge comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. The seal is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood inside the boundaries of the sponge, yet weak enough to substantially prevent damage to newly formed tissue upon recovery and subsequent removal of the sponge. In examples, the polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The spray comprises hydrophobically modified polymers that form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism to prevent loss of blood. In an example, the spray further comprises at least one reagent that increases the mechanical integrity of the clot. In another example, the reagent prevents microbial infection of the wound.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring at least one bioprocess parameter utilizes a barrier that separates an external sensor from a culture medium. The barrier allows analytes to diffuse in and out of the culture vessel, thereby allowing the bioprocess parameter to be measured non-invasively by the external sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a function module, a strength module, and a filter module. The function module compares an input signal, which has a component, to a first delayed version of the input signal and a second delayed version of the input signal to produce a multi-dimensional model. The strength module calculates a strength of each extremum from a plurality of extrema of the multi-dimensional model based on a value of at least one opposite extremum of the multi-dimensional model. The strength module then identifies a first extremum from the plurality of extrema, which is associated with a pitch of the component of the input signal, that has the strength greater than the strength of the remaining extrema. The filter module extracts the pitch of the component from the input signal based on the strength of the first extremum.

Abstract: A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides ?3, 2?3, 3?3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.

Abstract: Bio-adhesive compositions that include an extra-cellular matrix protein, bovine serum albumin conjugated with a fluorophore, and an aggregate are provided. The bio-adhesive composition may also include at least one component selected from the group consisting of collagen type IV, laminin, and chitosan. Also provided are methods of making the present compositions, that include taking a desired amount of extracellular matrix gel to liquid form of extracellular matrix; adding a desired amount of bovine serum albumin conjugated with a fluorophore; adding a desired amount of aggregate; and mixing. Further provided are methods for attaching cells to an apparatus using the present bio-adhesive compositions, and methods of attaching the present bio-adhesive compositions to an apparatus. Also provided are kits that include the present composition, components thereof or apparatuses, having the present composition attached thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for a vertical two-terminal nanotube device configured to capture and generate energy, to store electrical energy, and to integrate these functions with power management circuitry. The vertical nanotube device can include a column disposed in an anodic oxide material extending from a first distal end of the anodic oxide material to a second distal end of the anodic oxide material. Further, the vertical nanotube device can include a first material disposed within the column, a second material disposed within the column, and a third material disposed between the first material and the second material. The first material fills the first distal end of the column and extends to the second distal end of the column along inner walls of the column. The second material fills the first distal end of the column and extends to the second distal end of the column within the first material.

Abstract: Derivatives of bladder epithelial antiproliferative factor and methods of using them are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the glycopeptide compositions are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of medical conditions, including cancer. In other embodiments, there are compositions and methods related to treatment of bladder conditions. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-pipecolic acid or L-pipecolic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing an immune-mediated disease, e.g., an autoimmune disease, an allergy or an inflammatory disease. Diagnosis is made by detecting a heterozygous or homozygous genotype of haptoglobin 2 or by detecting and quantifying pre-haptoglobin 2 mRNA or protein. After diagnosis, the disease may be treated by decreasing cell permeability leading to increased transepithelial electrical resistance, for example, by administering an antibody directed against single chain zonulin thereby inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor and inhibiting proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2). Also provided is a single step method for determining severity of an immune-mediated disease in a subject by identifying a genotype for haptoglobin 2 in a biological sample from the subject. A homozygous genotype correlates to 2 copies of zonulin and a more severe disease than a heterozygous genotype correlating to 1 copy of zonulin.

Abstract: Provided are polynucleotides and proteins encoded by them which are useful for stimulating an immune response against Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in swine. The compositions can contain a newly discovered PRRSV strain or recombinant versions of it or polynucleotides isolated or derived from it, which can be provided as pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for sonication-assisted metal-enhanced fluorescence, luminescence, and/or chemiluminescence assay systems using low-intensity ultrasound waves to significantly reduce the assay time by increasing the kinetic movement of molecules within the system.