Abstract: Provided herein are methods of identifying genomic region(s) predictive of an outcome of treatment with a cell therapy and/or of a phenotype of function of the cells. In some embodiments, the methods include epigenetic and/or epigenomic analyses of the cells in connection with methods for preparing engineered cells for cell therapy and/or predicting response to a cell therapy, e.g., engineered cells for cell therapy. In some embodiments, the methods include steps to assess, characterize and analyze changes or modifications in an epigenetic property of gene region or regions, such as chromatin accessibility, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, spatial chromosomal conformation, transcription factor occupancy and/or DNA methylation. In some embodiments, the epigenetic and/or epigenomic analysis includes determining the epigenetic properties of a cell, e.g., an engineered cell for cell therapy.

Abstract: A composition of matter for matrix conformance formed from an aqueous solution of an alginate polysaccharide and a method of forming an alginate polysaccharide gel. A Group IIA cation, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Mn.sup.2 +, Zn.sup.2+, a dialdehyde, or a diamine may be used to crosslink the resulting alginate gel. The gel may also comprise a modifier, such as a polyvinyl alcohol, a polycarboxylic acid, or a polyacrylamide. The rate and extent of crosslinking are controlled by varying the alginate molecular weight, the alginate concentration, or the type and concentration of crosslinker, or by adding a sequestering agent such as EDTA or citrate.

Abstract: A relatively high molecular weight polyvinyl sulfonate and a process for inhibiting scale deposition, particularly inorganic sulfate such as barium sulfate, wherein an aqueous fluid present in or produced from a subterranean formation is contacted with an aqueous solution having a relatively high molecular weight polyvinyl sulfonate dissolved therein. The aqueous fluid has a pH equal to or less than 6.0 and the polyvinyl sulfonate has a molecular weight of from about 9,000 to about 30,000.