Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided for preparing and using a multi-layer polymeric microstructure composition for delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject. In various embodiments, the therapeutic agent includes at least one selected from the group of: a drug, a protein, a sugar, a carbohydrate, and a nucleotide sequence. In related embodiments, the composition is a fiber, a suture, a sphere, an implant, or a scaffold.

Abstract: A tissue retaining system having a pair of tissue retainers for retaining two end portions of tubular tissue, such as a heart valve, to a bioreactor is disclosed. Each tissue retainer includes a stepped portion that permits custom fitting of the tissue retainer to a particular size of tubular tissue. The stepped portion of each tissue retainer defines a plurality of progressively larger concentric steps in which one of the concentric steps matches the size of a particular tubular tissue being engaged. The tubular tissue is then anchored to the tissue retainer by suture pull downs that anchor the tubular tissue to one of the concentric steps of the tissue retainer in a fluid tight engagement. This engagement process is repeated to secure the other end portion of the tubular tissue to another tissue retainer such that the tissue retaining system may then be engaged to the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries that express highly diverse peptides or protein domains and, in particular, methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries wherein the nucleic acid fragments of the libraries are derived from two or more diverse characterized genomes.

Abstract: Implementation of a meta-model service of a service oriented architecture industry model repository into a web ontology language representation of at least one topic map meta-model into a plurality of temporal scope topic map meta-models representing states of the at least one topic map meta-model at different times. The implementation includes assigning topics, occurrences, and attributes from the meta-model service to the at least one topic map meta-model. The topics, occurrences, and attributes are assigned from the at least one topic map meta-model to plurality of temporal scope topic map meta-models. The topics, occurrences, and attributes from the plurality of temporal scope topic map meta-models are converted into resource description framework triples; and the resource description framework triples are persisted into the resource description framework repository.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bioreactor system (3, 4) that is suited for one time use. The bioreactor system (3, 4) comprises a first bioreactor vessel (1), a second bioreactor vessel (20), a tissue retainer (35), and a cap (40). Advantageously, the bioreactor system (3, 4) of the present invention provides a sterile environment that is maintained over the course of cell seeding applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topical composition comprising (i) an amount of an AP-1 signaling inhibitor sufficient to reduce, delay or prevent apoptosis and/or necrosis induced by dermal wounding and/or to induce and/or enhance proliferation of a cell; and (ii) a suitable carrier or excipient e.g., a topical carrier or excipient or other carrier or excipient for dermal application. For example, the AP-1 signaling inhibitor is a peptide analog comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 104. The present invention also provides a method of treating a dermal wound comprising topically administering said topical composition to a subject suffering from a dermal wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising peptidyl inhibitors of CD40L-dependent signalling that are not derived from a natural binding partner of CD40L such as CD40, or from a native CD40-CD40L interface. More particularly, the peptidyl inhibitors of the present invention are derived from natural sources that do not express CD40-CD40L costimulatory pathways. The invention also provides synthetic derivatives and analogs of the peptidyl inhibitors having enhanced binding affinity for CD40L or enhanced inhibitory activity relative to their parent molecules.

Abstract: A system and method of improving access to digital image files by combining close and activation cycles within a memory device into a single step and eliminating a pipeline delay in the process. The system and method further enhance data access efficiencies by sequential storage of successive video lines or elements of video lines in different banks with the same memory device. The techniques used to improve access to digital image data may be particularly useful when accessing digital image files that may have been rotated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining or identifying or isolating a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) or analog or derivative thereof having cell-type selectivity and/or at least capable of passing through a Blood Brain Barrier of an animal subject. This invention also provides CPPs and analogs and derivatives thereof, such as those set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-27 of the Sequence Listing, and compositions comprising one or more of the CPPs, including conjugates in which a CPP or analog or derivative thereof is linked to a cargo molecule. The invention also provides methods for transporting cargo molecules across cell membranes to specific locations within cells, and for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing diseases that are treatable by a cargo molecule to which a CPP or analog or derivative of the invention is attached. The invention also provides tailored peptide libraries for use in identifying or isolating CPPs.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided for preparing and using a multi-layer polymeric microstructure composition for delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject. In various embodiments, the therapeutic agent includes at least one selected from the group of: a drug, a protein, a sugar, a carbohydrate, and a nucleotide sequence. In related embodiments, the composition is a fiber, a suture, a sphere, an implant, or a scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising peptidyl inhibitors of CD40L-dependent signaling that are not derived from a natural binding partner of CD40L such as CD40, or from a native CD40-CD40L interface. More particularly, the peptidyl inhibitors of the present invention are derived from natural sources that do not express CD40-Cd40L costimulatory pathways. The invention also provides synthetic derivatives and analogs of the peptidyl inhibitors having enhanced binding affinity for CD40L or enhanced inhibitory activity relative to their parent molecules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data exploration in a data processing system. An apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an analyzing component for analyzing a data model to identify a first and a second data entity and a relationship between the first and the second data entity; a generator component for creating a first and second atom data entity associated with the first and the second data entity; a generator component for creating a link data entity associated with the relationship between the first and second data entity; and an assignor component for assigning a behavior to one of the atom data entities or the link data entity, wherein the atom data entity exhibits a behavior associated with the link data entity and wherein the link data entity exhibits a behavior associated with one of the atom data entities.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries that express highly diverse peptides or protein domains and, in particular, methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries wherein the nucleic acid fragments of the libraries are derived from two or more diverse characterized genomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising peptidyl inhibitors of CD40L-dependent signalling that are not derived from a natural binding partner of CD40L such as CD40, or from a native CD40-CD40L interface. More particularly, the peptidyl inhibitors of the present invention are derived from natural sources that do not express CD40-CD40L costimulatory pathways. The invention also provides synthetic derivatives and analogs of the peptidyl inhibitors having enhanced binding affinity for CD40L or enhanced inhibitory activity relative to their parent molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of interchangeable modules each of which is adapted to interface with at least one image receptor having predetermined physical interface parameters, including means for receiving image data from the at least one image receptor, processing means for converting the received image data into a converted, common format, and bus means for adapting to and communicating with a mother board. The interchangeable modules can be embodied in a plurality of daughter boards that are adapted for electrical connection to a mother board. Each daughter board can include the physical interface corresponding with the image receptor for which it has been programmed to receive data, with the physical interface being adapted for extending outwardly from a cabinet enclosing the daughter board and the mother board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-hybrid screening method for the identification and/or isolation of a peptide that is capable of modulating a phenotype in a cell, tissue or organism. For example, the non-hybrid screening method identifies a peptide that is derived from an organism that is unrelated to the cell, tissue or organism. Alternatively, or in addition, the non-hybrid screening method identifies a peptide that is capable of rescuing the cell, tissue or organism from cell death or inducing a cell, tissue or organism to grow. The present invention also provides a non-hybrid screening method for identifying a peptide that is useful for treating a disease and/or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for decellularized tissue and method for decellularizing tissue. The method generally comprises the steps of obtaining a harvested tissue, performing a muscle shelf debridement, treating the tissue with an enzyme, washing the tissue with a detergent, and performing an organic solvent extraction on the tissue. The tissues decellularized according to the present invention have several advantages including removing more of the residual cell debris, dsDNA, and chemicals, as well as exhibiting less calcification and better ultimate tensile strength than tissues prepared not according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Implementation of a meta-model service of a service oriented architecture industry model repository into a web ontology language representation of at least one topic map meta-model into a plurality of temporal scope topic map meta-models representing states of the at least one topic map meta-model at different times. The implementation includes assigning topics, occurrences, and attributes from the meta-model service to the at least one topic map meta-model. The topics, occurrences, and attributes are assigned from the at least one topic map meta-model to plurality of temporal scope topic map meta-models. The topics, occurrences, and attributes from the plurality of temporal scope topic map meta-models are converted into resource description framework triples; and the resource description framework triples are persisted into the resource description framework repository.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating a software application into an information technology (IT) infrastructure. An inventory is created using a Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) approach from the Object Management Group (OMG). The inventory includes information about: each component of the IT infrastructure, the software application, how each component communicates with each other component, and how the software application communicates with each component. Each element of information in the inventory has a single source and owner. The inventory is used to analyze the IT infrastructure and the software application during integrating the software application. From contents of the inventory, using the MDA approach from the OMG, artifacts that execute the integration are generated, and test programs are generated to verify that the integration is complete and correct.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries that express highly diverse peptides or protein domains and, in particular, methods for producing nucleic acid fragment libraries wherein the nucleic acid.