Abstract: A fluid heating system may include a solar collection system configured for focusing sunlight on a focal axis, an elongated flow element arranged and configured for transporting fluid along the solar collection system at the focal axis, and a flow-control assembly comprising thermostatic valves configured to control the flow of the fluid in the elongated flow element such that pathogens present in the fluid are substantially inactivated before the fluid exits the fluid heating system. A method of operating a fluid heating system wherein the fluid heating system comprises a parabolic solar collector and a support structure may also be provided.

Abstract: Processing genetic information comprises: receiving an input that includes information pertaining to a specific genetic variant; and identifying, in a database comprising genotype information of a plurality of candidate individuals, a matching individual imputed to have the specific genetic variant. The genotype information of the matching individual corresponding to the specific genetic variant is not directly assayed.

Abstract: A battery module comprises an electrochemical cell including a first dielectric layer positioned on a first side of the cell, a first side plate in opposition to the first side, and a first adhesive layer positioned between the first side plate and the first side. The first dielectric layer defines a first window. The first adhesive layer is adhered to the first side plate and the first side through the first window. Another battery module comprises first and second cells, a base plate, a frame, and a first and second adhesive portion. The frame includes a beam positioned between the first cell and the second cell and is in engagement with a first side and a second side of the first and second cells, respectively. The first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portions are positioned between the base plate and the bottom surfaces of the cells.

Abstract: A system for assembling and delivering a communications service or product is described which is flexible to accommodate the rapid introduction of new product/service offerings on a frequent basis. The method involves receiving data relating to a number of communication service components and creating and storing a data structure for each communication service component. Data is also received relating to a communication service, the data identifying at least one of the communication service components and a data structure for the communications service is created and stored. In response to receiving an input requesting provisioning of the communications service, an end-to-end process flow for delivering the communications service is automatically created based on the data structure for the communications service and the data structure for the identified communication service components.

Abstract: A battery module comprises an electrochemical cell including a first dielectric layer positioned on a first side of the cell, a first side plate in opposition to the first side, and a first adhesive layer positioned between the first side plate and the first side. The first dielectric layer defines a first window. The first adhesive layer is adhered to the first side plate and the first side through the first window. Another battery module comprises first and second cells, a base plate, a frame, and a first and second adhesive portion. The frame includes a beam positioned between the first cell and the second cell and is in engagement with a first side and a second side of the first and second cells, respectively. The first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portions are positioned between the base plate and the bottom surfaces of the cells.

Abstract: A system for assembling and delivering a communications service or product is described which is flexible to accommodate the rapid introduction of new product/service offerings on a frequent basis. The method involves receiving data relating to a number of communication service components and creating and storing a data structure for each communication service component. Data is also received relating to a communication service, the data identifying at least one of the communication service components and a data structure for the communications service is created and stored. In response to receiving an input requesting provisioning of the communications service, an end-to-end process flow for delivering the communications service is automatically created based on the data structure for the communications service and the data structure for the identified communication service components.

Abstract: A system for assembling and delivering a communications service or product is described which is flexible to accommodate the rapid introduction of new product/service offerings on a frequent basis. The method involves receiving data relating to a number of communication service components and creating and storing a data structure for each communication service component. Data component is also received relating to a communication service, the data identifying at least one of the communication service components and a data structure for the communications service is created and stored. In response to receiving an input requesting provisioning of the communications service, an end-to-end process flow for delivering the communications service is automatically created based on the data structure for the communications service and the data structure for the identified communication service components.

Abstract: A system for assembling and delivering a communications service or product is described which is flexible to accommodate the rapid introduction of new product/service offerings on a frequent basis. The method involves receiving data relating to a number of communication service components and creating and storing a data structure for each communication service component. Data component is also received relating to a communication service, the data identifying at least one of the communication service components and a data structure for the communications service is created and stored. In response to receiving an input requesting provisioning of the communications service, an end-to-end process flow for delivering the communications service is automatically created based on the data structure for the communications service and the data structure for the identified communication service components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ultraviolet light absorbers of the benzoxazinone, oxanilide, benzylidene malonate, quinazoline and benzotriazole classes. The invention also relates to polymer and photographic compositions stabilized against the deleterious effects of light induced degradation which comprise the novel ultraviolet light absorbers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ultraviolet light absorbers of the benzoxazinone, oxanilide, benzylidene malonate, quinazoline and benzotriazole classes. The invention also relates to polymer and photographic compositions stabilized against the deleterious effects of light induced degradation which comprise the novel ultraviolet light absorbers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel ultraviolet light absorbers of the benzoxazinone, oxanilide, benzylidene malonate, quinazoline and benzotriazole classes. The invention also relates to polymer and photographic compositions stabilized against the deleterious effects of light induced degradation which comprise the novel ultraviolet light absorbers.

Abstract: A tissue engineering bioreactor is disclosed for growing three-dimensional tissue. Cells are seeded onto a mesh and provided with two media flows, each contacting a different side of the cells. The media flows contain different concentrations of nutrients, allowing nutrients to be delivered to the cells by diffusion gradient. The bioreactor can be used to grow liver tissue, and designed as an extracorporeal liver assist device in which blood or plasma is exposed to the three-dimensional liver tissue. The blood or plasma from a patient directed to flow against the liver tissue. The liver tissue is further exposed on its opposite side to media providing nutrients and gases. The device provides porous boundaries between the blood or plasma, tissue, and media; allowing nutrient and protein delivery by diffusion gradient to dialyze a patient's blood.

Abstract: A stromal cell-based three-dimensional cell culture system is provided which can be used to culture a variety of different cells and tissues in vitro for prolonged periods of time. The stromal cells along with connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attach to and substantially envelope a framework composed of a biocompatible non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells. Living stromal tissue so formed provides support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture and/or cultures implanted in vivo. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts in vivo, which can be utilized in the body as a corrective tissue.

Abstract: The novel gene, Rasp-1, which is up-regulated in regenerating liver, is disclosed. The novel RASP-1 protein, which is encoded by the Rasp-1 gene, is also disclosed. In addition, antibodies against the Rasp-1 gene products are also disclosed. Furthermore, the use of Rasp-1 nucleic acid sequences, Rasp-1 gene products, and antibodies against Rasp-1 gene products in the treatment and diagnosis of liver disorders is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stromal cell-based three-dimensional cell culture system is prepared which can be used to culture a variety of different cells and tissues in vitro for prolonged periods of time. The stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attach to and substantially envelope a framework composed of a biocompatible non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells. The living stromal tissue so formed provides the support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture and/or cultures implanted in vivo. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts in vivo, which can be utilized in the body as a corrective tissue.

Abstract: A tissue engineering bioreactor is disclosed for growing three-dimensional tissue. Cells are seeded onto a mesh and provided with two media flows, each contacting a different side of the cells. The media flows contain different concentrations of nutrients, allowing nutrients to be delivered to the cells by diffusion gradient. The bioreactor can be used to grow liver tissue, and designed as an extracorporeal liver assist device in which blood or plasma is exposed to the three-dimensional liver tissue. The blood or plasma from a patient directed to flow against the liver tissue. The liver tissue is further exposed on its opposite side to media providing nutrients and gases. The device provides porous boundaries between the blood or plasma, tissue, and media, allowing nutrient and protein delivery by diffusion gradient to dialyze a patient's blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation and use of pre-chondrocytes from the umbilical cord, specifically from Wharton's jelly, that give rise to chondrocytes which produce cartilage. The isolated pre-chondrocytes, or the chondrocytes to which they give rise, can be mitotically expanded in culture and used in the production of new cartilage tissue for therapeutic use. "Banks" of pre-chondrocytes or chondrocytes can be stored frozen, and thawed and used to produce new cartilage tissue as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating the proliferation and appropriate cell maturation of a variety of different cells and tissues in three-dimensional cultures in vitro using TGF-.beta. in the culture medium. In accordance with the invention, stromal cells, including, but not limited to, chondrocytes, chondrocyte-progenitors, fibroblasts, fibroblast-like cells, umbilical cord cells or bone marrow cells from umbilical cord blood are inoculated and grown on a three-dimensional framework in the presence of TGF-.beta.. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc.

Abstract: A stromal cell-based three-dimensional cell culture system is provided which can be used to culture a variety of different cells and tissues in vitro for prolonged periods of time. The stromal cells along with connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attach to and substantially envelope a framework composed of a biocompatible non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells. Living stromal tissue so formed provides support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture and/or cultures implanted in vivo. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts in vivo, which can be utilized in the body as a corrective tissue.