Abstract: An in vitro method of preparing insulin-producing cell clusters for transplantation into a subject, comprising (a) seeding pancreatic progenitor cells onto a three-dimensional, porous scaffold at a seeding density greater than about 12.5 million cells per cm3 of scaffold and less than about 150 million cells per cm3 of scaffold, wherein the scaffold comprises a plurality of pores having an average pore diameter greater than about 225 ?m and less than about 550 pm, and (b) culturing the cells on the scaffold for more than about 3 days in culture medium to obtain insulin-producing cell clusters within the pores of the scaffold for transplantation into a subject. In exemplary aspects, the pancreatic progenitor cells are cells derived from pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.