Abstract: The present invention provides a personal support system for use by physically disabled and/or otherwise unstable persons. The support system generally includes: a body harness donned by the user; a navigational surface mounted to the ceiling or other overhead support feature in a structure; a device mounted for movement along the navigational surface; a retractable line such as a strap extending between the body harness and mounted moving device; a motor to control the winding and unwinding of the cable/strap; and a control module for the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the secretion of transcriptionally regulated proteins from recombinant cells. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for accelerating the secretion dynamics of human insulin from recombinant cells using nonsense mediated mRNA decay of the preproinsulin mRNA transcript.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for repair, replacement or augmentation of soft tissues in an organism. The devices comprise cellular compositions comprising cells and preferably, structural proteins such as collagen or elastin. The devices can also be used in methods for testing the effects of agents on soft tissues.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to insulin delivery systems and compositions having a insulin secreting ? cell line or insulin secreting recombinant non-? cells sequestered in a glucose-responsive material. The disclosed insulin delivery systems can be surgically implanted in a host and can provide a continuous source of insulin from the cells contained in the device. The combination of living cells with a glucose-responsive material provides a hybrid insulin delivery system that delivers physiologically relevant amounts of insulin in response to physiologically relevant glucose levels. In some aspects, the disclosed devices have a biphasic release of insulin in response to sudden increases in glucose concentrations in the fluids bathing the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the secretion of transcriptionally regulated proteins from recombinant cells. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for accelerating the secretion dynamics of human insulin from recombinant cells using nonsense mediated mRNA decay of the preproinsulin mRNA transcript.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for repair, replacement or augmentation of soft tissues in an organism. The devices comprise cellular compositions comprising cells and preferably, structural proteins such as collagen or elastin. The devices can also be used in methods for testing the effects of agents on soft tissues.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of highly purifying a polypeptide or other biological compounds from a contaminant by crystallization comprising contacting a mixture containing uncrystallized polypeptides and a contaminant with an exogenous nucleating agent, crystallizing the polypeptides, thereby forming at least one crystal of the polypeptide attached to the nucleating agent, the attached crystal being of a high purity, and at least one polypeptide crystal unattached to the nucleating agent, the unattached crystal being of a lower purity than the attached crystal, and separating the crystal attached to the nucleating agent from the crystal unattached to the nucleating agent.