Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for detecting and capturing molecular biomarkers from a subject in situ. Specifically, the devices contain an array of microneedles to which are attached probes specific for one or more biomarkers of interest. The devices can be used directly on a subject (e.g., via skin piercing) in detecting the biomarkers in the body of the subject (e.g., tissues, blood stream).

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates, in part, to a strategy for novel pharmaceutical applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a genetically detoxified form of Vibrio cholera exotoxin (cholix) and the use of cholix-derived polypeptide sequences to enhance intestinal delivery of biologically-active therapeutics. Importantly, the systems and methods described herein provide for the following: the ability to deliver macromolecule doses without injections; the ability to deliver cargo, such as (but not limited to) siRNA or antisense molecules into intracellular compartments where their activity is required; and the delivery of nanoparticles and dendrimer-based carriers across biological membranes, which otherwise would have been impeded due to the barrier properties of most such membranes.

Abstract: A zirconium alloy suitable for forming reactor components that exhibit reduced irradiation growth and improved corrosion resistance during operation of a light water reactor (LWR), for example, a boiling water reactor (BWR). During operation of the reactor, the reactor components will be exposed to a strong, and frequently asymmetrical, radiation fields sufficient to induce or accelerate corrosion of the irradiated alloy surfaces within the reactor core. Reactor components fabricated from the disclosed zirconium alloy will also tend to exhibit an improved tolerance for cold-working during fabrication of the component, thereby simplifying the fabrication of such components by reducing or eliminating subsequent thermal processing, for example, anneals, without unduly degrading the performance of the finished component.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for the delivery of therapeutic or biologically active agents to tissue, for example by facilitating the transport of said agents through the skin of a human or animal. Therapeutic agents include various botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and other biologically active agents, which can be delivered across the skin and into the dermis using multiple strategies including microneedle drug delivery, transport moieties, or penetration enhancers such as extracellular matrix-digestive enzymes.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which may be used as an implant is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a creep resistant zirconium alloy comprising a coarse grained lath alpha microstructure. The microstructure can include small second phase precipitates. The small second phase precipitates can have a diameter less than 0.15 &mgr;m. The microstructure can be partially recrystallized. The microstructure is an acicular structure and can include a lath spacing within the range from about 0.5 to about 3.0 &mgr;m. The microstructure is an acicular structure and can include a lath spacing within the range from about 0.5 to about 3.0 &mgr;m. The present invention provides a nuclear fuel cladding comprising an annular layer of the creep resistant zirconium alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage, which matrix is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage, which matrix is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester.

Abstract: The method is for partially or completely rebuilding a damaged lens of a vehicle lamp, particularly a lens having an interior surface with a pattern of optical dispersion elements. It allows to inexpensively rebuild a lens, such as the lens of a tail lamp or signal lamp. A thermoplastic lens obtained with the present method can also be used to replace a broken glass lens of a headlamp. In the method, a patch of a flat thermoplastic material is provided to replace the damaged section of the lens or, in some cases, the whole lens. The patch is grooved to duplicate the pattern of optical dispersion elements. In case the damaged section or lens to be replaced is not flat, the patch is heat softened and shaped with the use of a mould created from the damaged section or lens. The patch is subsequently fixed to the housing. This method is simple, inexpensive and can be carried out locally whenever necessary.