Abstract: A nasogastic device and method is provided, including a first flexible tube having a distal end configured to be threaded through the nose of a patient, down the esophagus and into the stomach for enteral feeding, a second flexible tube disposed adjacent to the first tube having a distal end proximate to the distal end of the first flexible tube, the distal end of the second tube configured to terminate inside the esophagus for delivery of liquids to the esophagus or for sampling of the local environment, an inflatable balloon configured around the first and second flexible tubes, the inflatable balloon disposed proximal to the distal end of the first and second flexible tubes, a third flexible tube in fluid communication with the balloon configured to inflate the inflatable balloon; and a fourth flexible tube having a distal end portion communicating with an exterior portion of the inflatable balloon, the fourth tube configured to transport suspensions or solutions of materials, such as therapeutic molecules

Abstract: A nasogastric device and method is provided, including a first flexible tube configured to be threaded through the nose of a patient, down the esophagus and into the stomach for enteral feeding, a second flexible tube disposed adjacent to the first tube having a distal end, the distal end of said second tube configured to terminate inside the esophagus for delivery of liquids to the esophagus or for sampling of the local environment, an inflatable balloon configured around said first and second flexible tubes, a third flexible tube configured to inflate said inflatable balloon; and a fourth flexible tube communicating with an exterior portion of said inflatable balloon, the fourth tube configured to transport suspensions or solutions of materials; and an elastomeric sleeve which is used to control delivery of therapeutic suspensions of solutions of materials to the exterior of the device to the adjacent esophageal tissue.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the testing of a data sample involves a computing device carrying out the following actions: displaying a data sample on a user interface; receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a test to be performed on the data sample; receiving, via the user interface, an input of a result of the test; generating, in a graph database, a vertex representing a visual indicator corresponding to the input result; and creating, in the graph database, an association between the vertex representing the visual indicator and a vertex representing a file containing the displayed data sample.

Abstract: A nasogastric device and method is provided, including a first flexible tube configured to be threaded through the nose of a patient, down the esophagus and into the stomach for enteral feeding, a second flexible tube disposed adjacent to the first tube having a distal end, the distal end of said second tube configured to terminate inside the esophagus for delivery of liquids to the esophagus or for sampling of the local environment, an inflatable balloon configured around said first and second flexible tubes, a third flexible tube configured to inflate said inflatable balloon; and a fourth flexible tube communicating with an exterior portion of said inflatable balloon, the fourth tube configured to transport suspensions or solutions of materials; and an elastomeric sleeve which is used to control delivery of therapeutic suspensions of solutions of materials to the exterior of the device to the adjacent esophageal tissue.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the testing of a data sample involves a computing device carrying out the following actions: displaying a data sample on a user interface; receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a test to be performed on the data sample; receiving, via the user interface, an input of a result of the test; generating, in a graph database, a vertex representing a visual indicator corresponding to the input result; and creating, in the graph database, an association between the vertex representing the visual indicator and a vertex representing a file containing the displayed data sample.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the testing of a data sample involves a computing device carrying out the following actions: displaying a data sample on a user interface; receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a test to be performed on the data sample; receiving, via the user interface, an input of a result of the test; generating, in a graph database, a vertex representing a visual indicator corresponding to the input result; and creating, in the graph database, an association between the vertex representing the visual indicator and a vertex representing a file containing the displayed data sample.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the testing of a data sample involves a computing device carrying out the following actions: displaying a data sample on a user interface; receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a test to be performed on the data sample; receiving, via the user interface, an input of a result of the test; generating, in a graph database, a vertex representing a visual indicator corresponding to the input result; and creating, in the graph database, an association between the vertex representing the visual indicator and a vertex representing a file containing the displayed data sample.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions including silk fibroin, at least one hydrophilic agent, and at least one catechol donating agent, wherein the at least one hydrophilic agent and at least one catechol donating agent are conjugated to the silk fibroin. According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the silk fibroin may be crosslinked. In some embodiments, the silk fibroin is at least 50% (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more) crosslinked. In some embodiments, the present invention also provides methods for making such compositions.

Abstract: Substrates for cell culture and tissue engineering bioreactors consisting of polymers that change their shape over time under stimulation by temperature change, hydration, degradation, or other means. A method of controlling cell culture using a biodegradable shape memory polymer, wherein shape changes can transfer stresses, strains, or both to adherent or otherwise connected cells such that the mechanical stimulus impacts cell development and the resulting properties of tissues.

Abstract: Substrates for cell culture and tissue engineering bioreactors consisting of polymers that change their shape over time under stimulation by temperature change, hydration, degradation, or other means. A method of controlling cell culture using a biodegradable shape memory polymer, wherein shape changes can transfer stresses, strains, or both to adherent or otherwise connected cells such that the mechanical stimulus impacts cell development and the resulting properties of tissues.

Abstract: Modified charcoal briquets having a pillow silhouette when viewed from at least one side and configured to have less volume than similar unmodified pillow shaped briquets having the same dimensions are described. A random packing density for the modified briquets is between about 0.70 times and 0.92 times a random packing density for the unmodified pillow shape briquets. The random packing density for the modified briquets is between about 35% and 46%.

Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.