Abstract: Embodiments of a microfluidic system and method for stimulating a blast shock wave that supports a short and defined laminar flow of a liquid media solution through a microfluidic device such that sheer stress on neural tissue disposed within the microfluidic device is precisely controlled are disclosed. The microfluidic system includes a pneumatic device applies a blast shock wave having a quick rise time across a microfluidic channel of the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes an inlet reservoir in fluid flow communication with an outlet reservoir through the microfluidic channel. The inlet and outlet reservoirs are secured to a top structure which is attached to a bottom structure that collectively defines the microfluidic channel with a cover slip that is attached to the underside of the bottom structure.

Abstract: A device and method for simulating a blast shock wave of the type produced by explosive devices such as bombs. A pneumatic charge releases a blast shock wave along a conduit which terminates in a first outlet that communicates with the atmosphere and a second outlet that is sealed to a specimen chamber. The first outlet has a quick release valve that prevents venting of the pneumatic charge to the atmosphere until the pressure at the valve reaches a predetermined level that opens the valve. The pneumatic charge therefore initially flows through the second outlet to direct the blast into the specimen chamber, until subsequent opening of the quick release valve redirects the gas flow out of the first outlet and rapidly reduces pressure in the chamber. The blast wave closely simulates the Friedlander curve, and its effects are viewed during instead of only after the blast is completed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotides set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 1. SEQ ID NO: 1 is an example of GP64-6His nucleic acid. The invention further provides polypeptides encoded by GP64-6His nucleic acids as well as the polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention also provides liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides as well as liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides and biological molecules. The invention further provides a method of increasing the solubility of polypeptides comprising linking a 6His tag to a polypeptide and measuring the solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide, whereby an increase in solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide can be detected. The invention also provides a method of solubilizing a viral fusion polypeptide comprising linking a 6His tag to a viral fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotides set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 1. SEQ ID NO: 1 is an example of GP64-6His nucleic acid. The invention further provides polypeptides encoded by GP64-6His nucleic acids as well as the polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention also provides liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides as well as liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides and biological molecules. The invention further provides a method of increasing the solubility of polypeptides comprising linking a 6His tag to a polypeptide and measuring the solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide, whereby an increase in solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide can be detected. The invention also provides a method of solubilizing a viral fusion polypeptide comprising linking a 6His tag to a viral fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: An in vitro model system for viral infection is comprised of a tissue block from adult tonsil or lymph node supported on a matrix which is flexible and porous and wherin the supported tissue block is cultured in a medium whose surface is congruent with the tissue block/matrix interface. The histoculture system can be used to screen for antiviral drugs and to monitor the course of viral diseases.