Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions, methods and apparatus for DNA sequencing that can be performed, e.g., in a two-electrode chamber. The present invention also provides a method for sequencing a nucleic acid comprising immobilizing a plurality of complexes comprising a target nucleic acid, a primer nucleic acid, and a polymerase onto a surface, contacting the surface with a plurality of charged particles comprising a nucleotide phosphate by applying an electric field, reversing the electric field to transport unbound charged particles away from the surface, and detecting the incorporation of a nucleotide phosphate into a single molecule of the primer nucleic acid.

Abstract: A tissue construct is provided that comprises a pancreas derived microvessel fragment and a pancreatic islet cell. The pancreas derived microvessel fragment and the pancreatic islet cell can be incorporated into a biocompatible medium. Tissue constructs can be comprised of other cells, such as stem cells, combined with the pancreas derived microvascular fragment. Methods for isolating microvessel fragments from a pancreas are also provided and include enzymatic digestion of pancreatic tissue and separation of microvessel fragments from endocrine and exocrine tissue. Methods for treating diabetes are further provided and include administration of the tissue constructs.

Abstract: A system creates a query name bitmap signature comprising at least one bigram for a query name. The system calculates a query name bitmap range for the query name based on a match threshold and a number of bigrams in the query name bitmap signature. The system creates a data list name bitmap signature comprising at least one bigram, for each of a plurality of data list names, and identifies a subset of the plurality of data list names. The subset comprises data list name bitmap signatures that are within the query name bitmap range. The system reduces a number of comparisons by comparing only the query name and each of the subset of the plurality of data list names when performing the analytical name search. The system also reduces the number of comparisons by reducing the number of bit positions that are compared.

Abstract: Systems and methods for partial aortic occlusion are provided. The system may include a catheter having an expandable aortic blood flow regulation device disposed on the distal end of the catheter for placement within an aorta of a patient, and a catheter controller unit that causes the device to expand and contract to restrict blood flow through the aorta. The system also may include sensors for measuring blood pressure distal and proximal to the expandable device.

Abstract: There are disclosed compounds that modulate or inhibit the enzymatic activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and methods of treating proliferative disorders, such as cancer, viral infections and/or inflammatory disorders utilizing the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices for use in supporting various cell therapies and tissue engineering methods. The present invention provides an automated cell separation apparatus capable of separating cells from a tissue sample for use in cell therapies and/or tissue engineering. The cell separation apparatus can be used in combination with complementary devices such as cell collection device and/or a sodding apparatus to support various therapies. The automated apparatus includes media and tissue dissociating chemical reservoirs, filters, a cell separator and a perfusion flow loop through a graft chamber which supports a graft substrate or other endovascular device. The present invention further provides methods for using the tissue grafts and cell samples prepared by the devices described herein in a multitude of therapies including revascularization, regeneration and reconstruction of tissues and organs, as well as treatment and prevention of diseases.

Abstract: Compounds that modulate the oxidoreductase enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and compositions containing the compounds, are described herein. The use of such compounds and compositions for the treatment and/or prevention of a diverse array of diseases, disorders and conditions, including cancer- and immune-related disorders, that are mediated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is also provided.

Abstract: An expandable cage system for use in spinal surgery includes a top portion having an outwardly extending top arm, and a bottom portion having an outwardly extending bottom arm. The bottom arm is configured to engage with the top arm such that upon engagement, the top portion and the bottom portion are substantially restricted from movement relative to each other in an anterior-posterior direction, and in a medial-lateral direction. The expandable cage system further includes a removable shim configured to be positioned between the top portion and the bottom portion to hold the expandable cage in an expanded position within a spinal cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a spheroid is provided that includes the step of providing a suspension having one or more biologically-relevant materials dispersed within a biocompatible medium. An amount of a hydrophilic material is deposited on a defined area of a super-hydrophobic surface, and a droplet of the suspension is bioprinted onto the hydrophilic material positioned on the super-hydrophobic to thereby create the spheroid.

Abstract: Software installed in the nodes in a communication network allows them to perform a “name server” function, which entails the management of a dynamic list of the client devices that are connected to the cloud, a “task” function, which entails the receipt and transmission of the packets, and an “authority” function, which entails the determination of the routes of the packets through the cloud. Each node is capable of performing only one function at a time. After completing a job, a node reverts to an undifferentiated, state awaiting its next performance request.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic particulate and polymer composite having enhanced viscoelastic and rheological properties.

Abstract: A method of treating a sphincter deficiency disorder (e.g., incontinence; gastrointestinal disorders) is carried out by administering stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) to a sphincter or sphincter complex, such as a urethral or gastrointestinal sphincter (e.g., a rectal sphincter) of the subject in a treatment-effective amount.

Abstract: The LEDs in a phototherapy LED pad are controlled so that the intensity of the light varies in accordance with a sinusoidal function, thereby eliminating the harmonics that are generated when the LEDs are pulsed digitally. This is accomplished analogically by using a sinusoidal wave to control the gate of a MOSFET connected in series with the LEDs or by using a digital-to-analog converter to control the gate of the MOSFET with a stair step function representative of the values of a sinusoidal function at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, pulse-width modulation is used to control the gate of the MOSFET in such a way that the average current through the LEDs simulates a sinusoidal function. In additional to using a simple sine wave function, the LED current may also be controlled in accordance with “chords” containing multiple sine waves of different frequencies.

Abstract: In a secure cloud for transmitting packets of digital data, the packets may be repeatedly scrambled (i.e., their data segments reordered) and then unscrambled, split and then mixed, and/or encrypted and then decrypted as they pass through media nodes in the cloud. The methods used to scramble, split, mix and encrypt the packets may be varied in accordance with a state such as time, thereby making the task of a hacker virtually impossible inasmuch as he or she may be viewing only a fragment of a packet and the methods used to disguise the data are constantly changing.

Abstract: Implementations of mechanical screening systems may include a first trommel screen rotatably coupled within a second trommel screen, the second trommel screen including a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings, each opening of the first plurality of openings smaller than each opening of the second plurality of openings. The mechanical screening systems may also include an outer barrel coupled to the second trommel screen. The outer barrel may include a first slot opening and a second slot opening therein. The second trommel screen may be rotatable.

Abstract: In a photobiomodulation therapy (PBT) process, defined patterns (e.g., sequences of square-wave pulses, sine waves, or combinations thereof) of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) having one or more wavelengths, or spectral bands of wavelengths, are introduced into a living organism (e.g. a human being or animal) using a distributed system comprising two or more distributed components or “nodes” communicating using a bus or transceiver to send instructions or files between or among the constituent components. The distributed PBT system prevents intentional usurpation of system control (hacking), thwarts unauthorized monitoring of data (surveillance), and reduces the likelihood and severity of accidental system malfunction arising from corrupted command and control packets or ambient EMI.

Abstract: An expandable cage system for use in spinal surgery includes a top portion having an outwardly extending top arm, and a bottom portion having an outwardly extending bottom arm. The bottom arm is configured to engage with the top arm such that upon engagement, the top portion and the bottom portion are substantially restricted from movement relative to each other in an anterior-posterior direction, and in a medial-lateral direction. The expandable cage system further includes a removable shim configured to be positioned between the top portion and the bottom portion to hold the expandable cage in an expanded position within a spinal cavity.

Abstract: A method of treating a sphincter deficiency disorder (e.g., incontinence; gastrointestinal disorders) is carried out by administering stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) to a sphincter or sphincter complex, such as a urethral or gastrointestinal sphincter (e.g., a rectal sphincter) of the subject in a treatment-effective amount.

Abstract: A cervical spine plate attachment system includes a cervical spine plate that has a first surface configured to rest upon a first vertebra and a second vertebra, a second surface opposite the first surface and facing away from the first vertebra and the second vertebra, and a plurality of holes configured to receive fasteners to secure the cervical spine plate to the first vertebra and the second vertebra. The system also includes an alignment guide that detachably mounts to the cervical spine plate. The alignment guide comprises a pair of bars that rest upon the second surface of the cervical spine plate when the alignment guide is mounted to the cervical spine plate. The system also includes a fastener configured to secure the alignment guide to the cervical spine plate.

Abstract: There are disclosed compounds of formula (I) that modulate or inhibit the enzymatic activity of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and methods of treating proliferative disorders, such as cancer, viral infections and/or inflammatory disorders utilizing the compounds of the invention.