Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising transmembrane stem cell factor (tmSCF) lipid nanocarriers and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for mechanically conditioning cells to improve their proliferative function and multipotency, as well as protect them from advancing senescence. In the methods, brachial loading alone is first used to improve the efficiency of culture expansion. Once a sufficient population of healthy cells are generated, pharmacological agents are added as a cotreatment to drive differentiation into a desired phenotype. The conditioned cells may then be used to prepare compositions for administration to a patient to treat a disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising transmembrane stem cell factor (tmSCF) polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the lipid vesicle is a nanocarrier. Disclosed herein is a method for promoting angiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a tmSCF polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle. Disclosed herein is a method for treating a subject with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a tmSCF polypeptide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for permitting large scale user defined communications comprising animated scenes rendered in real-time are provided. Indications are received from sending ones of user devices regarding desire to create the user defined communications. User selections are received from templates generated at the sending user devices. Particular content items are retrieved from content databases in accordance with the user selections. Metadata is transmitted to receiving user devices that is sufficient to, when selected, cause generation of a custom animated scene with the particular content items in real-time at a viewing user device.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved drug-eluting tube devices. In some embodiments, the tube devices deliver analgesics directly at sites of internal discomfort, including, but not limited to, internal membranes and implant entry sites. In some embodiments, the tube devices can be reloaded with drug in situ. In some embodiments, the tube devices comprise lubricating coatings to reduce painful friction with internal membranes. In some embodiments, the tube devices further include flexible and pliable regions that dampen force transmission to implanted sites, such as by inadvertent pulling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring a hydrocarbon storage system. The system and method for using the system allows the operator to determine if any undesired releases of gaseous hydrocarbons are occurring. The method utilizes a computer programmed with a process simulator function suitable for miming equations of state and determining the unwanted release of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon storage system.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for treatment of metabolic diseases and disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and circadian rhythm-related disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring a hydrocarbon storage system. The system and method for using the system allows the operator to determine if any undesired releases of gaseous hydrocarbons are occurring. The method utilizes a computer programmed with a process simulator function suitable for miming equations of state and determining the unwanted release of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon storage system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for permitting large scale user defined communications comprising animated scenes rendered in real-time are provided. Indications are received from sending ones of user devices regarding desire to create the user defined communications. User selections are received from templates generated at the sending user devices. Particular content items are retrieved from content databases in accordance with the user selections. Metadata is transmitted to receiving user devices that is sufficient to, when selected, cause generation of a custom animated scene with the particular content items in real-time at a viewing user device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressor system suitable for carrying out artificial gas lift operations at an oil or gas well. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the compressor system. The methods disclosed provide the well operator with the ability to identify and maintain gas injection rates which result in the minimum production pressure. The minimum production pressure will be determined either by a bottom hole sensor or a casing pressure sensor located at the surface or any convenient location capable of monitoring pressure at the wellhead.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compressor system suitable for carrying out artificial gas lift operations at an oil or gas well. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the compressor system. The methods disclosed provide the well operator with the ability to identify and maintain gas injection rates which result in the minimum production pressure. The minimum production pressure will be determined either by a bottom hole sensor or a casing pressure sensor located at the surface or any convenient location capable of monitoring pressure at the wellhead.

Abstract: Semi-automated testing devices for a plumbing stack are disclosed. A semi-automated testing device in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise a transfer pump configured to automatically fill the plumbing stack; at least one automated gripping element configured to grip a supplemental pipe coupled to a pipe of the plumbing stack via a connection; at least one automated sealing element configured to seal the connection; and at least one sensor configured to measure a water level of the supplemental piping. A method of testing the plumbing stack with the semi-automated testing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process facilitator in communication with a safe located at a first location of an entity external to the process facilitator and further in communication with a banking institution located at a second location external to the process facilitator and different from the first location, wherein the process facilitator functions as an intermediary between the safe and the banking institution in order to reduce the processing requirements on the safe and the improve the efficiency of electronic communications with the banking institution. A system comprising the process facilitator and one or more safes in communication with the process facilitator and using the process facilitator as the intermediary between the safes and the banking institution is also described.

Abstract: Semi-automated testing devices for a plumbing stack are disclosed. A semi-automated testing device in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise a transfer pump configured to automatically fill the plumbing stack; at least one automated gripping element configured to grip a supplemental pipe coupled to a pipe of the plumbing stack via a connection; at least one automated sealing element configured to seal the connection; and at least one sensor configured to measure a water level of the supplemental piping. A method of testing the plumbing stack with the semi-automated testing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes a vapor recovery tower and a vapor recovery unit. The vapor recovery tower includes an internal heat exchanger suitable for heating crude oil processed by the vapor recovery tower. The vapor recovery unit includes a compressor suitable for compressing and thereby heating vapors and gases separated from crude oil by the vapor recovery tower. The gases heated by compression within the vapor recovery unit subsequently pass through the jacket or shell of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes a vapor recovery tower and a vapor recovery unit. The vapor recovery tower includes an internal heat exchanger suitable for heating crude oil processed by the vapor recovery tower. The vapor recovery unit includes a compressor suitable for compressing and thereby heating vapors and gases separated from crude oil by the vapor recovery tower. The gases heated by compression within the vapor recovery unit subsequently pass through the jacket or shell of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are proteovesicles, referred to herein as a “glypisomes”, that comprise a recombinant glypican polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle. Also disclosed is the use of these glypisomes to enhance the activity of growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising transmembrane stem cell factor (tmSCF) polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the lipid vesicle is a nanocarrier. Disclosed herein is a method for promoting angiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a tmSCF polypeptide embedded in a lipid vesicle. Disclosed herein is a method for treating a subject with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a tmSCF polypeptide.

Abstract: Semi-automated testing devices for a plumbing stack are disclosed. A semi-automated testing device in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise a transfer pump configured to automatically fill the plumbing stack; at least one automated gripping element configured to grip a supplemental pipe coupled to a pipe of the plumbing stack via a connection; at least one automated sealing element configured to seal the connection; and at least one sensor configured to measure a water level of the supplemental piping. A method of testing the plumbing stack with the semi-automated testing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smart payment device is issued to a user; the device is capable of both offline and online transactions and has a total available balance split. The split is between an available offline balance and an available online balance. It is determined whether the user has entered a primarily offline environment or will imminently enter a primarily offline environment. If this is so, the total available balance split is redistributed to favor offline transactions.