Abstract: A plug with composite reinforced end(s) and a mostly-bismuth-alloy middle section. At least one end comprises a composite material. One end is a composite, with a bismuth alloy and a particulate material of greater strength than the bismuth material. A plug having both ends of the composite material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides SPAK/OSR inhibitors. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the disclosure can be used to treat, ameliorate, and/or prevent certain cancers in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated microphysiological device and fabrication methods thereof, as well as methods of use to perform biological assays.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of cell growth and tissue engineering, in particular, an engineered biomimetic culture platform (BCP) that has a nanotextured and micropatterned surface that provides both chemical and mechanical cues designed to mimic the structure of the in vivo extracellular micro-environment. The BCP can be used in assays to assess the migratory behavior and/or potential of a population of cells, such as tumor cells, as well as in screening assays for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes, or to identify agents that modify the migratory behavior or the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cells. BCPs as described herein further provide a platform for the identification of protein or genetic targets for the modification of cell migratory or invasion behavior.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated microphysiological device and fabrication methods thereof, as well as methods of use to perform biological assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the unexpected discovery of methods and devices that can be used for high-throughput precise quantification, detection and/or temporal profiling of cellular secretions. In various embodiments, the methods of the invention allow for high-throughput absolute detection of secretions of cells, identification of the nature of the secreted molecules, and/or the nature of the secreting cells. Further, the present invention includes a device combining microfluidics and antibody printing, wherein the device can be used to detect protein secretion signature of cells in a high-throughput manner. Further, the present invention includes compositions comprising molecules that can be used to reduce cell death and to implement cell-less therapies. Further, the present invention includes a method for training an algorithm to predict temporal profile of cellular secretion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to creating a highly versatile, high throughput, and convenient platform for interrogating migration phenotypes of GB cells in the context of diverse environmental parameters. Specifically, engineered substrates are employed to mimic the mechanical signals of natural ECM topography, and combine these tools with chemical cues presented in soluble and immobilized forms (PDGF and laminin, respectively). This platform achieves far greater resolution and sensitivity in migration analyses than do commonly used methods. More importantly, it can provide highly informative, patient specific results regarding tumor progression in vivo. Furthermore these capabilities strongly convey the immense clinical, prognostic potential of this simple test.

Abstract: Cell stimulation, staining, and visualization are common techniques in both clinical and research settings. The invention is directed to microfluidic devices for in situ cell stimulation, staining, and/or visualization, and related methods for applying one or more stimuli to the cells, and fixing and staining of cells in situ. The device allows for high-throughput screening of living cells using a minimal quantity of reagents where the fate of individual cells can be followed over time.

Abstract: The ability to form and maintain gradients is essential for the study of response of cells to various stimuli. The invention includes devices and methods for the high-throughput, reproducible formation of gradients for the study of living cells. The invention includes microfluidics device with a lest chamber having a depth flanked by flow-through channels having a deeper depth. Flow of two different fluids through the flow-through channels results in the creation of a gradient by diffusion across the test chamber having essentially no flow.

Abstract: The ability to form and maintain gradients is essential for the study of response of cells to various stimuli. The invention includes devices and methods for the high-throughput, reproducible formation of gradients for the study of living cells. The invention includes microfluidics device with a test chamber having a depth flanked by flow-through channels having a deeper depth. Flow of two different fluids through the flow-through channels results in the creation of a gradient by diffusion across the test chamber having essentially no flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targets of loss of imprinting (LOI) affected IGF2 gene products in pre-malignant tissues, where methods of inhibiting those targets, including IGFR1, are disclosed to prevent tumor development in subjects at risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The present invention also relates to methods of identifying increased risk in developing CRC in a subject, including methods of assessing the efficacy of a chemotherapeutic regimen. Further, the present invention relates to methods for identifying anti-neoplastic agents.

Abstract: Cell stimulation, staining, and visualization are common techniques in both clinical and research settings. The invention is directed to microfluidic devices for in situ cell stimulation, staining, and/or visualization, and related methods for applying one or more stimuli to the cells, and fixing and staining of cells in situ. The device allows for high-throughput screening of living cells using a minimal quantity of reagents where the fate of individual cells can be followed over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, computer systems, and computer programs for simulating a biological network. The methods of the present invention facilitate biological network simulations via automated equation generation based on the concept of a hierarchy of canonical forms that describe biological processes at various levels of detail. At each level of hierarchy two classes of canonical forms can be identified: the input canonical form, that is used to supply information to the program, and the output canonical form that is produced by a simulator. The methods in certain preferred embodiments include explicit output description and flexible user intervention at several steps through the model generation. Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide the modeling of developmental networks using an organism-as-a-graph approach using domains and fields.