Abstract: Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes, comprising exposing human stem cells, progenitor cells, or white adipocytes to culture with an differentiation cocktail that comprises one or more browning agents (e.g., one or more macromolecular crowders), and optionally one or more adipogenic agents, are described, as are populations of human brown adipocytes generated by the methods, and uses for the populations. Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes in an individual, such as by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an differentiation cocktail, are also described.

Abstract: Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes, comprising exposing human stem cells, progenitor cells, or white adipocytes to culture with an differentiation cocktail that comprises one or more browning agents (e.g., one or more macromolecular crowders), and optionally one or more adipogenic agents, are described, as are populations of human brown adipocytes generated by the methods, and uses for the populations. Methods of generating functional human brown adipocytes in an individual, such as by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an differentiation cocktail, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the production of differentiated mammalian cells. More particularly, the present invention provides cellular differentiation methods employing culturing the cells on a feeder layer or under feeder-free conditions in cell culture and further contacting the cells with an inhibitor of the PI3-kinase pathway and a member of the TGFb family for the generation of differentiated mammalian cells from pluripotent mammalian stem cells. Preferably, the differentiated cell is selected from the group consisting of a mesendodermal cell, a mesodermal cell, and an endodermal cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stabilizing pluripotent cells through the transcriptional activation of c-myc. Alternatively, the cells are stabilized through the transcriptional activation of c-myc, and the stabilization of c-myc protein levels. c-myc protein can be stabilized through the inhibition of GSK3? or through other components of the cellular machinery that impact on c-myc stability. The invention contemplates the stabilized pluripotent cells produced using the methods described herein. Methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the stabilization of pluripotent cells through modulating transcriptional activation of c-myc, stabilization of c-myc protein levels, and/or inhibition of GSK3? activity are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the production of differentiated mammalian cells. More particularly, the present invention provides cellular differentiation methods employing culturing the cells on a feeder layer or under feeder-free conditions in cell culture and further contacting the cells with an inhibitor of the PI3-kinase pathway for the generation of differentiated mammalian cells from pluripotent mammalian stem cells. Preferably, the differentiated cell is selected from the group consisting of a mesendodermal cell, a mesodermal cell, and an endodermal cell.

Abstract: A communication headset is disclosed that includes a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly includes at least a first speaker coil and a second speaker coil. One speaker coil is for receiving a communication signal, and another speaker coil is for receiving an active noise cancellation signal. Each of the speaker coils co-acts with a magnetic field for causing a diaphragm to move responsive to the communication signal and the active noise cancellation signal individually or simultaneously.