Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides and extracellular matrix binding (ECM) peptides that are tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA and to tissues such as cartilage. The novel biomaterial compositions can be used to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: A system implements task contention reduction via policy-based selection. Tasks waiting to be performed are indexed in a task data structure that groups the tasks based on the resources to which the tasks pertain. Workers request batches of tasks for the workers to perform. A scan cycle includes building multiple batches of tasks by scanning the task data structure for a requesting worker. A policy (e.g., random or some other form of optimization) determines where the scan cycle starts in the data structure. Each batch of tasks is delivered to a worker along with a token that keeps the state of the scan cycle (e.g., where the scan cycle started, and where the next scan to build the next batch within the scan cycle begins). The worker returns the token with the next request for the next batch and the next batch is built based on the token's state information.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides and extracellular matrix binding (ECM) peptides that are tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA and to tissues such as cartilage. The novel biomaterial compositions can be used to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides and extracellular matrix binding (ECM) peptides that are tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA and to tissues such as cartilage. The novel biomaterial compositions can be used to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: A collagen-based or gelatin-based formulation that is compliant yet strong and has a high suture-strength value is disclosed. This material is simple to synthesize, behaves like a rubbery material, and is the first type of solely collagen-based compliant material without using elastin. The formulation maintains the strength of collagen, but can be stretched to several times its initial dimension and can be sutured without leaking. The suture retention strength can reach up to 350-grams force. The presently disclosed collagen-based formulation can be used in variety of applications where high strength, compliance, or stretchability is required, such as in urinary tissues, intestinal tissues, heart tissues, and skin.

Abstract: A database management system provisions a database server that replicates assignments of resource identifiers to resources that are managed by another database server. Based at least in part on assignment of existing sets of identifiers to other database servers, the database management system identifies a set of identifiers that is distinct from these existing sets and assigns this set of identifiers to the provisioned database server. If the database management system detects an event that causes the database server to lose its ability to receive these assignments of identifiers from the other server, the database management system enables the database server to assign identifiers from its assigned set of identifiers.

Abstract: A system partitions a graph representation of relationships between block devices and associated snapshots into a plurality of cells to more evenly distribute computing resource usage attributable to the block devices and snapshots. The relationships may be analyzed to determine resource usage associated with the block devices and/or the snapshots wherein the resource usage corresponds to a mutation operation rate or number of mutation operations performed (or scheduled for performance). As a result of determining that the resource usage for a given cell exceeds a predetermined threshold for resource usage, the cell may be partitioned into a plurality of cells, and a portion of the corresponding block device(s), and subsequent snapshot(s) generated therefrom, may be assigned to the new cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue scaffold mold apparatus and methods for use of the mold apparatus to simply, rapidly and easily form molded tissue scaffolds from fibrous proteins such as collagen, and with other matrix components having complex 3-dimensional designs that can be seeded with stem cells for creating biologically and mechanically functional tissues/grafts. The inventive methods and apparatus allows for tissue engineering of hollow or concave and tubular organs and tissues, and will have immediate impact in a wide range of biomedical areas from tissue engineering, regeneration and reconstructive surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides and extracellular matrix binding (ECM) peptides that are tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA and to tissues such as cartilage. The novel biomaterial compositions can be used to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides and extracellular matrix binding (ECM) peptides that are tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA and to tissues such as cartilage. The novel biomaterial compositions can be used to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomaterial compositions that can immobilize HA to the ocular surfaces through an HABpep and transmembrane mucins and collagen of ocular tissues can act as anchoring sites. These biomaterial compositions provide prolonged HA binding and retention in both ex vivo and in vivo animal models. HA eye drop solutions with these the inventive biomaterials can prolong the biological and physical benefits to the ocular surface and potentially be more effective in treating eye disorders including dry eye than standard HA-eye drop presently available. Methods of making and use of the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A plurality of coding violation indications corresponding to software code are categorized according to a plurality of coding quality attributes. The coding violation indications may be reported via static analysis tools or via manual analysis of the software code. The categorized coding violations serve as the basis for determining a plurality of code quality indices each corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of coding quality attributes. In an embodiment, the plurality of code quality indices may be further processed to determine an overall code quality index for the software code. One or more of the resulting code quality indices may be displayed to a user. In this manner, code quality indices may be provided that are directly based on coding violations reported through static analysis.

Abstract: The present inventors employed cyclodextrins for use as a proteoglycan substitute to engineer a biomimetic collagen-based matrix composition. The resulting incorporation of cyclodextrin in the inventive collagen compositions increased collagen thermal stability and reduced collagen fibrogenesis. As a result, a thick, transparent and mechanically strong collagen-based composition was formed. This cyclodextrin-collagen composition holds a great potential to be used as a therapeutic eye patch for corneal repair. Additionally, the composition can support development of multi-layered structures, with different layers promoting different biological properties. Methods for making these inventive compositions and their use are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of hyaluronic acid (HA). The biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides and extracellular matrix binding (ECM) peptides that are tethered to synthetic biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA and to tissues such as cartilage. The novel biomaterial compositions can be used to coat or chemically modify cartilage or tissues with a biologically compatible polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional biomaterial comprising one or more biocompatible polymers and one or more ?-cyclodextrin molecules having a plurality of hydroxyl groups capable of being chemically substituted with another functional group or moiety to form a pseudopolyrotaxane structure. The multifunctional biomaterials of the present invention provide synthetic 2D or 3D biomaterial scaffolds and nanofibers that can be decorated with multiple chemical functionalities without altering the base network. The polymer chains can be crosslinked via the terminal ends of the polymers and not through the ?-cyclodextrin molecules. The inventive technology is useful for engineering tissue with human stem cells, including, mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs). Methods for making the multifunctional biomaterials and their use in biological application are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for providing HA to the ocular environment. A contact lens according to the present invention is treated at its surface with a HA binding peptide. The HA binding peptide can be covalently bonded to a functional group on the surface of the contact lens, such as OH, COOH, or NH2. The lens can then be pretreated with HA for immediate increased wearer comfort upon insertion of the lens. As HA is washed away or degraded from the surface of the lens, the HA binding peptide remains and therefore HA can be replenished from endogenous or exogenous sources.

Abstract: An inimer, and process for making same, having the following formula: wherein X=halogen, nitroxide, thioester; R?H or CH3; and R?=aliphatic, non-aliphatic, linear or branched, mesogenic, non mesogenic, chiral, achiral, hydrocarbon, non-hydrocarbon, selected from fluorocarbon, oligo(oxyethylene) and siloxane substituents, alkyl, aryl, mesogenic group, non-mesogenic group, aliphatic, non-aliphatic, siloxane, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, or other fluorocarbon group, and polymers, and the process of making them, from the inimer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic composition comprising a combination of: a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer and a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate copolymer comprising soft block ester units of the formula (8a): wherein m is 4 to 18, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a melt volume rate of 14 cc/10 min to 22 cc/10 min at 300° C. and under a load of 1.2 Kg and a dwell time of 6 minutes, according to ASTM D1238-04, wherein an article molded from the thermoplastic composition and having a thickness of 3.2 mm has a percent transmittance of greater than 85% according to ASTM D1003-00, and wherein 100% of a set of five test articles each having a thickness of 3.2 mm and molded from the thermoplastic composition exhibit ductile fracture at ?40° C. when measured for notched Izod Impact according to ASTM D256-04. An article comprising the thermoplastic composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of coding violation indications corresponding to software code are categorized according to a plurality of coding quality attributes. The coding violation indications may be reported via static analysis tools or via manual analysis of the software code. The categorized coding violations serve as the basis for determining a plurality of code quality indices each corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of coding quality attributes. In an embodiment, the plurality of code quality indices may be further processed to determine an overall code quality index for the software code. One or more of the resulting code quality indices may be displayed to a user. In this manner, code quality indices may be provided that are directly based on coding violations reported through static analysis.

Abstract: An inimer, and process for making same, having the following formula: wherein X=halogen, nitroxide, thioester; R?H or CH3; and R?=aliphatic, non-aliphatic, linear or branched, mesogenic, non mesogenic, chiral, achiral, hydrocarbon, non-hydrocarbon, selected from fluorocarbon, oligo(oxyethylene) and siloxane substituents, alkyl, aryl, mesogenic group, non-mesogenic group, aliphatic, non-aliphatic, siloxane , perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, or other fluorocarbon group, and polymers, and the process of making them, from the inimer.