Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for assessing radiation exposure. For example, methods and materials that can be used to determine whether a mammal (e.g., a human) has been exposed to radiation and/or whether a mammal (e.g., a human) is at risk of developing one or more radiation injuries (e.g., cutaneous radiation injury (CRI) and/or acute radiation syndrome (ARS)) following radiation exposure (e.g., radiation therapy) are provided.

Abstract: A method of managing an online support group to increase the odds that users will attain their wellness goals is disclosed. A request from a user to join a support group is received. A preference of the user with respect to a type of the support group is received. The support group is selected from a plurality of support groups based on the preference of the user and a preference of a member of the support group. Based on an acceptance by the user of an option to join the support group, the plurality of support groups is reorganized.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides methods for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells by regulating the expression of endogenous cellular genes. Cellular reprogramming of somatic cells can be induced by activating the transcription of embryonic stem cell-associated genes (e.g., oct3/4) and suppressing the transcription of somatic cell-specific and/or cell death-associated genes. The endogenous transcription machinery can be modulated using synthetic transcription factors (activators and suppressors), to allow for faster, and more efficient nuclear reprogramming under conditions amenable for clinical and commercial applications. The current disclosure further provides cells obtained from such methods, along with therapeutic methods for using such cells for the treatment of diseases amendable to stem cell therapy, as well as kits for such uses.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides methods for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells by regulating the expression of endogenous cellular genes. Cellular reprogramming of somatic cells can be induced by activating the transcription of embryonic stem cell-associated genes (e.g., oct3/4) and suppressing the transcription of somatic cell-specific and/or cell death-associated genes. The endogenous transcription machinery can be modulated using synthetic transcription factors (activators and suppressors), to allow for faster, and more efficient nuclear reprogramming under conditions amenable for clinical and commercial applications. The current disclosure further provides cells obtained from such methods, along with therapeutic methods for using such cells for the treatment of diseases amendable to stem cell therapy, as well as kits for such uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of reducing the immunogenicity of CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins and the modified Cas proteins produced therefrom. In addition, the invention relates to methods for cell and gene therapy, including any and all genetic modifications and alterations of gene expression (and/or genetic elements) made in-vivo or ex-vivo using Cas proteins with reduced immunogenicity.

Abstract: A valve body defines a work passage, a high-pressure channel fluidly connected to the work passage, a tank passage, and a cavity disposed between the high-pressure channel and the tank passage. The cavity fluidly connects the high-pressure channel and the tank passage. The cavity is defined at least in part by a first portion within which a relief valve threadedly engages, a second portion disposed adjacent to the high-pressure channel, and an annulus interposed between the first portion and the second portion. The annulus fluidly connects to the tank passage. A surface area of the relief valve exposed to the annulus is greater than a cross-sectional area of the high-pressure channel.

Abstract: A method of managing an online support group to increase the odds that users will attain their wellness goals is disclosed. A request from a user to join a support group is received. A preference of the user with respect to a type of the support group is received. The support group is selected from a plurality of support groups based on the preference of the user and a preference of a member of the support group. Based on an acceptance by the user of an option to join the support group, the plurality of support groups is reorganized.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A valve body defines a work passage, a high-pressure channel fluidly connected to the work passage, a tank passage, and a cavity disposed between the high-pressure channel and the tank passage. The cavity fluidly connects the high-pressure channel and the tank passage. The cavity is defined at least in part by a first portion within which a relief valve threadedly engages, a second portion disposed adjacent to the high-pressure channel, and an annulus interposed between the first portion and the second portion. The annulus fluidly connects to the tank passage. A surface area of the relief valve exposed to the annulus is greater than a cross-sectional area of the high-pressure channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying specific binding partners (e.g. antibodies or antibody mimetics) which bind to a desired target polypeptide. In particular, the method involves expressing a library of specific binding partners in a population of mammalian cells, wherein each cell in the population of cells displays the target polypeptide on the outer surface of the cell, and identifying or isolating cells within the population of cells to which specific binding partners are bound.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment non-soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of non-soft tissue (e.g. bone). Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, bone tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including osteoporosis, Paget's Disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone fracture, osteomalacia, decrease in bone trabecular strength, decrease in bone cortical strength and decrease in bone density with old age.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment non-soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of non-soft tissue (e.g. bone) when combined with a biocompatible matrix, preferably SIS. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells with a biocompatible matrix for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, bone tissues in the treatment of various functional conditions, including osteoporosis, Paget's Disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone fracture, osteomalacia, decrease in bone trabecular strength, decrease in bone cortical strength and decrease in bone density with old age.

Abstract: A method of managing an online support group to increase the odds that users will attain their wellness goals is disclosed. A request from a user to join a support group is received. A preference of the user with respect to a type of the support group is received. The support group is selected from a plurality of support groups based on the preference of the user and a preference of a member of the support group. Based on an acceptance by the user of an option to join the support group, the plurality of support groups is reorganized.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to mutant gene(s) that confer upon microorganisms that express them an improved capacity to utilize xylose and improved capacity to co-utilize glucose and xylose thereby resulting in improved growth of the microorganism. Further encompassed are methods of producing fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives from cellulosic biomass, xylose, and/or a glucose/xylose mix by employing the host cells expressing the engineered XylR variants and compositions of biologically produced fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells (MDCs) that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating MDCs. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising MDCs for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. The invention also relates to uses of MDCs for the treatment of cosmetic or functional conditions, including, but not limited to skeletal muscle weakness, muscular dystrophy, muscle atrophy, spasticity, myoclonus and myalgia. The invention also relates to the novel use of MDCs for the increase of skeletal muscle.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides methods for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells by regulating the expression of endogenous cellular genes. Cellular reprogramming of somatic cells can be induced by activating the transcription of embryonic stem cell-associated genes (e.g., oct3/4) and suppressing the transcription of somatic cell-specific and/or cell death-associated genes. The endogenous transcription machinery can be modulated using synthetic transcription factors (activators and suppressors), to allow for faster, and more efficient nuclear reprogramming under conditions amenable for clinical and commercial applications. The current disclosure further provides cells obtained from such methods, along with therapeutic methods for using such cells for the treatment of diseases amendable to stem cell therapy, as well as kits for such uses.

Abstract: A panel assembly that is configured to be secured to a frame that includes a panel having a top and a bottom, a first bracket assembly and a second bracket assembly. The first bracket assembly includes a first pivot member and a first bracket. One of the first bracket and first pivot member is secured to the panel and the other is configured to be secured to the frame. The first bracket includes a slot defined therein that includes a throat and a pivot opening. The throat is defined between first and second throat surfaces and the throat is narrower than the pivot opening. The second bracket assembly includes a second pivot member and a second bracket. One of the second bracket and second pivot member is secured to the panel and the other is configured to be secured to the frame. The second bracket includes a pivot opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are genetic control circuits, cells, and methods that use a repressor polypeptide to reduce the transcription rate of an exogenous therapeutic polypeptide encoding gene in response to a change in condition.