Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to treat pluripotent cells, whereby the pluripotent cells can be efficiently expanded in culture and differentiated by treating the pluripotent cells with an inhibitor of GSK-3B enzyme activity.

Abstract: An exemplary morphable ceramic composite structure includes a flexible ceramic composite skin and a truss structure attached to the skin. The truss structure can morph shape of the skin from a first shape to a second shape that is different than the first shape. The flexible ceramic composite skin may include a single-layer of three-dimensional woven fabric fibers and a ceramic matrix composite. The truss structure may include at least one actuatable element or an actuator may move a portion of the truss structure from a first position to a second position. A cooling component may be disposed in thermal communication with the skin. The cooling component may include thermal insulation or a cooling system that circulates cooling fluid in thermal communication with the skin. The morphable ceramic composite structure may be incorporated into any of an air inlet, combustor, exhaust nozzle, or control surfaces of a hypersonic aircraft.

Abstract: Cell-based compositions and methods of their use to inhibit an adverse immune response such as graft versus host disease or rejection of transplanted tissue in a transplant recipient that is histocompatibility mismatched to the transplant donor are disclosed. The compositions and methods utilize postpartum-derived cells, such as cells derived from the placenta or umbilicus.

Abstract: A self-transpiring hot skin for a hypersonic or reusable space vehicle that can provide protection to the vehicle during short periods of abnormally high heat flux (either planned in the flight profile or an off-nominal event). The hot skin includes a ceramic composite structure having an internal cavity that is coupled either to the insulating layer or directly to the support structure of the hypersonic vehicle. The internal cavity includes a material system that vaporizes, sublimes or decomposes into a gas when the temperature exceeds the upper temperature capability of the composite material. The gas transpires through the outer layer of the composite material to provide cooling to the outer layer below the upper temperature capability. Cooling may occur both by conduction of heat from the composite material to the transpiring gas and by the interaction of the transpiring gas with the boundary layer of hypersonic flow over the outer surface, leading to a reduction of the heat flux entering the surface.

Abstract: A temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment, a method of forming a sheet of the hooks and, a method of insulating the skin of a flight vehicle. Temporary loops are formed in a fabric containing temperature tolerant fiber tows, e.g., the tows may be carbon, a metal, a carbide such as carbon silicide, a nitride, or an oxide. The temporary loops are stiffened (e.g., with resin, metal or ceramic), and severed to form temperature tolerant fiber composite hooks. The sheet may be cut and permanently applied, for example, to the skin of a spacecraft or aircraft. A fibrous material, e.g., fibrous insulation or batting, may be pressed in place or formed into the hooks, or the fibrous material may be attached to another structure and pressed in place for a temperature tolerant hook and loop attachment.

Abstract: This idea represents a method for incorporation of a therapeutic molecule, preferably a protein or a growth factor, into a biodegradable scaffold, specifically one that is made of a foam nonwoven composite. The process utilizes a solvent preferably tertiary butanol to facilitate the infiltration of the particles of the therapeutic agent into the porous matrix of the scaffold. In the case of small molecules, such as a p38 kinase inhibitor, the drug is dissolved directly in sterile filtered t-butanol and a given amount is pipetted aseptically onto the pre-sterilized scaffold. The solution is readily adsorbed into the polymer matrix. The solution is readily frozen to allow minimal interaction with the polymer scaffold thereby protecting the scaffold's internal matrix. The solvent is then aseptically removed by lyophilization.

Abstract: This invention provides devices designed to effectively deliver multiple biological entities in combination for tissue engineering. In particular, the present invention provides devices capable of delivering cells or clusters of cells, such as islets of Langerhans, in combination with a therapeutic compound, such as an angiogenic growth factor, for the purpose of transplantation. The devices of the present invention are composed of at least two compartments that are designed independently and processed separately in order to accommodate different requirements of the biological entities. The compartments of the present device can be combined prior to or at the time of implantation, such that the therapeutic released from one compartment provides some benefit to cells hosted by another compartment to promote or improve their proliferation, differentiation, survival, or functionality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using function blocking tissue factor antibodies to enhance graft survival in mammals. Function blocking antibodies having the effect of blocking activated tissue factor (TF), TF and its ligand FVII as either the inactive TF:FVII or active TF:FVIIa complex, or block the formation of the TF:FVIIa:FX ternary complex are useful in the method. These properties provide a therapy that has directed action towards thrombotic events involving tissue-plasma interactions but does not prevent the intrinsic pathway for coagulation. Activated TF arises on cells, tissues, and organs during or after transplantation and is a major cause of graft loss.