Abstract: An encoding/decoding apparatus and method using a low-density parity-check code (LDPC code) is disclosed. Basic column group information, serving as a set of information regarding positions of rows with weight 1, is extracted from a reference column in each column group of a predetermined parity-check matrix. Column group information transforms the positions of rows with weight 1 into positions whose lengths are within a required parity length. A parity-check matrix is generated according to the generated column group information. Data is encoded or decoded based on the generated parity-check matrix.

Abstract: Glycotargeting therapeutics are useful in the treatment of transplant rejection, autoimmune disease, food allergy, and immune response against a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.

Abstract: Biomaterials containing a three-dimensional polymeric network formed from the reaction of a composition containing at least a first synthetic precursor molecule having n nucleophilic groups and a second precursor molecule having m electrophilic groups wherein the sum of n+m is at least five and wherein the sum of the weights of the first and second precursor molecules is in a range from about 8 to about 16% b weight of the composition, preferably from about 10 to about 15%, more preferably from about 12 to about 14.5% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the first and second precursor molecules are polyethylene glycols functionalized with nucleophilic and electrophilic groups, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleophilic groups are amino and/or thiol groups and the electrophilic groups are conjugated, unsaturated groups.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle for delivery of nitric oxide comprising: a collection of micelles having an internal micelle core that comprises a polymer with N-diazeniumdiolate comprising NO complexed with secondary amines of the polymer. Embodiments include a method of making a nitric oxide vehicle comprising dissolving a polymer that comprises secondary amines in an aqueous solution and combining the polymer with nitric oxide in the solution to form a N-diazeniumdiolate comprising the nitric oxide complexed with the secondary amines, with the formation of the N-diazeniumdiolate causing the polymer to be at least partially insoluble in the solution and to form a collection of micelles that have an internal core that comprises N-diazeniumdiolate.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic methods for conformally coating non-uniform size cells and cell clusters for implantation, thus preventing immune rejection or inflammation or autoimmune destruction while preserving cell functionality. A method for conformally coating cells and c clusters with hydrogels that are biocompatible, mechanically and chemically stable and porous, with an appropriate pore cut-off size. The methods of the invention are advantageously reproducible and result in a relatively high yield of coated versus non-coated cell clusters, without compromising cell functionality. Conformal coating devices configured to perform the methods of the invention, methods of optimally utilizing said devices and purifying the coated islets, and coated biomaterials made by said methods.

Abstract: A device (10) for receiving implanted biological material includes a mechanoprotective surface (16) defining an adjacent space, an assembly (26, 28) for locally delivering media to said space, and a pump or slow/sustained release reservoir structure (14) operatively coupled to the assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space. The implanted biological material may be encapsulated or non-encapsulated.

Abstract: Heparin binding peptides derived from a Tenascin (TNC) III1-5 domain or a fibrinogen ?15-66 domain have been found that bind certain cytokines with high affinity. Materials and methods for making compositions and devices using these peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are described, including materials and methods for making molecules and materials that have a specific binding domain of a PlGF2. Embodiments include, for instance, medicaments, biomaterials, biomolecules, molecular fusions, and vaccines.

Abstract: Chemokines may be administered to a patient for immunotolerization. Chemokines include CCL19 and CCL21. Materials and methods for accomplishing tolerization and described.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly porous, biocompatible and biostable scaffold constructs for improving overall cell engraftment, survival, function and long-term viability. These scaffolds can provide mechanical protection to implanted cells, afford retrievability from a subject, and allow for both intra-device vascularization and a means to spatially distribute the cells within the device. The scaffold surface or material may be modified with one or more different adhesion proteins and optionally other biological factors for enhanced cell adherence and viability. Further, the scaffold surface or material may be modified with one or more agents with slow/sustained release characteristics to aid engraftment, survival, function or long-term viability. Implanted cells of the invention may be insulin-producing cells such as islets.

Abstract: Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics. Surface chemistries and chemical formulations for the nanoparticles are described.

Abstract: Bioactive molecules are entrapped within a matrix for the controlled delivery of these compounds for therapeutic healing applications. The matrix may be formed of natural or synthetic compounds. The primary method of entrapment of the bioactive molecule is through precipitation of the bioactive molecule during gelation of the matrix, either in vitro or in vivo. The bioactive molecule may be modified to reduce its effective solubility in the matrix to retain it more effectively within the matrix, such as through the deglycosylation of members within the cystine knot growth factor superfamily and particularly within the TGF? superfamily. The matrix may be modified to include sites with binding affinity for different bioactive molecules, for example, for heparin binding.

Abstract: Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for selectively patterning surfaces using radical species generated with a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst may comprise a photocatalytic semiconductor or a photosensitizer. The radical species are brought into contact with an oxidizable coating disposed on the surface, thereby locally oxidizing and selectively patterning the surface. The photocatalyst is preferably disposed on a delivery device, such as a stamp, mask, or scanning probe, that is brought into close proximity or contact with the coated surface. The photocatalyst is then excited in a manner capable of generating radical species, for example, oxygen-containing radical species, in appropriate media. It is expected that these radical species will be transferred to the coated surface along a substantially shortest distance path, thereby locally oxidizing and patterning the surface.

Abstract: Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired. Fusions with targeting peptides direct the fusions to the target, for instance a tumor, where the erythrocyte-binding ligands reduce or entirely eliminate blood flow to the tumor by recruiting erythrocytes to the target.

Abstract: Proteins are incorporated into protein or polysaccharide matrices for use in tissue repair, regeneration and/or remodeling and/or drug delivery. The proteins can be incorporated so that they are released by degradation of the matrix, by enzymatic action and/or diffusion. As demonstrated by the examples, one method is to bind heparin to the matrix by either covalent or non-covalent methods, to form a heparin-matrix. The heparin then non-covalently binds heparin-binding growth factors to the protein matrix. Alternatively, a fusion protein can be constructed which contains a crosslinking region such as a factor XIIIa substrate and the native protein sequence. Incorporation of degradable linkages between the matrix and the bioactive factors can be particularly useful when long-term drug delivery is desired, for example in the case of nerve regeneration, where it is desirable to vary the rate of drug release spatially as a function of regeneration, e.g.

Abstract: Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics.

Abstract: An encoding/decoding apparatus and method using a low-density parity-check code (LDPC code) is disclosed. Basic column group information, serving as a set of information regarding positions of rows with weight 1, is extracted from a reference column in each column group of a predetermined parity-check matrix. Column group information transforms the positions of rows with weight 1 into positions whose lengths are within a required parity length. A parity-check matrix is generated according to the generated column group information. Data is encoded or decoded based on the generated parity-check matrix.

Abstract: Chemokines may be administered to a patient for immunotolerization. Chemokines include CCL19 and CCL21. Materials and methods for accomplishing tolerization and described.