Abstract: Methods for differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-lineage cells are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods utilize sequential culturing of the primate pluripotent stem cells in certain growth factors to produce hepatocyte-lineage cells. In certain embodiments, the population of cells produced by the methods is further enriched for hepatocyte-lineage cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer substrate for use in the attachment and functioning of hepatocyte and hepatocyte like cells. In particular, the polymer substrate is a polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a micro-electrical mechanical system apparatus includes (i) a comb drive actuator having at least one irregularly shaped finger and (ii) a movable Fabry-Perot filter cavity mirror coupled to the comb drive actuator. According to some embodiments, a relationship between a voltage applied to the comb drive actuator and an amount of displacement associated with the movable mirror is substantially linear.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a micro-electrical mechanical system apparatus includes an actuator within a plane and at least one movable mirror oriented substantially normal to the plane. The actuator may move the movable mirror with respect to a fixed mirror oriented substantially normal to the plane and substantially parallel to the movable mirror. The space between the fixed and movable mirrors might comprise, for example, a Fabry-Perot filter cavity for a spectrometer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a micro-electrical mechanical system apparatus includes (i) a comb drive actuator having at least one irregularly shaped finger and (ii) a movable Fabry-Perot filter cavity mirror coupled to the comb drive actuator. According to some embodiments, a relationship between a voltage applied to the comb drive actuator and an amount of displacement associated with the movable mirror is substantially linear.

Abstract: Methods for differentiating primate pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-lineage cells are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods utilize sequential culturing of the primate pluripotent stem cells in certain growth factors to produce hepatocyte-lineage cells. In certain embodiments, the population of cells produced by the methods is further enriched for hepatocyte-lineage cells.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a micro-electrical mechanical system apparatus includes first and second mirrors that define a cavity. Moreover, a photonic band-gap structure coats a surface of at least one of the first or second mirrors to improve reflectivity. Another embodiment includes a third mirror, wherein the second and third mirrors form a second cavity. The spaces between the mirrors might comprise, for example, a pair of Fabry-Perot filter cavities for a spectrometer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a micro-electrical mechanical system apparatus includes a bi-stable actuator and at least one movable Fabry-Perot filter cavity mirror coupled to the bi-stable actuator. The bi-stable actuator may be associated with a first latched position and a second latched position and may comprise, for example, a thermal device, an electrostatic device (e.g., a parallel plate or comb drive), or a magnetic device. According to some embodiments, a relationship between a voltage applied to an actuator of a Fabry-Perot filter and an amount of displacement associated with a movable mirror is substantially linear.