Abstract: The invention provides devices and associated methods for transplanting cells within the body. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the transplantation of insulin-producing cells including, for example, islet cells. In other embodiments, the cells are encapsulated prior to implantation. The encapsulation system and device optionally may contain one or more biologically active substances including, for example, an immunorepellant, an angiogenic protein, and/or a particulate oxygen generating substance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the treatment of diabetes using artificial islets of Langerhans. In one example, the artificial islet of Langerhans include islets or stem cells (but can also include hepatocytes or even any biological cell type) encapsulated in alginate microcapsules. The microcapsules can then be shrunk to reduce dead space between the capsules and the cells by incubating at physiological human temperatures and/or alginate crosslinking in the presence of barium chloride.

Abstract: An e-learning system has a local classroom with an instructor station and a microphone and a local student station with a microphone, a remote classroom with an instructor display and a student station with a microphone, and planar displays and video cameras in each of the classrooms, the remote and local classrooms connected over a network, with a server monitoring feeds and enforcing exclusive states, such that audio and video feeds are managed in a manner that video and audio of the instructor, the local students and the first remote students, as seen and heard either directly or via speakers and displays by each of the instructor, the local students and the remote students presents to each as though all are interacting in the same room.

Abstract: An e-learning system has a local classroom with an instructor station and a microphone and a local student station with a microphone, a remote classroom with an instructor display and a student station with a microphone, and planar displays and video cameras in each of the classrooms, the remote and local classrooms connected over a network, with a server monitoring feeds and enforcing exclusive states, such that audio and video feeds are managed in a manner that video and audio of the instructor, the local students and the first remote students, as seen and heard either directly or via speakers and displays by each of the instructor, the local students and the remote students presents to each as though all are interacting in the same room.