Abstract: The present invention provides for enhancing engraftment by co-infusing at least two partially HLA matched umbilical cord blood (“UCB”) units. The invention further provides for positive C3a mediated priming on responsiveness to doses of SDF-1 and C3a induced incorporation of CXCR4 in membranes in HSC and progenitors. The invention further provides for enhancing the homing of UCB HSC and progenitors via the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway and that C3a and LL-37 are useful for this method. It is also disclosed herein that fragments of C3a (e.g., des-Arg) are effective in the methods of the invention, including enhancing homing of HSPCs to BM. The invention further encompasses the disclosure herein of NFAT1 regulation post-transcriptionally by both mir-184 and IFN-?. The present invention further provides for measuring and using differences between UCB and adult CD4+/45RA+ T-cells as a means of defining strategies to enhance optimal allogeneic stem cell transplantation outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising pramipexole and the use of such compositions to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As shown in FIG. 6B the mean+/?SEM serum 2,3-DHBA levels for the 12 ALS participants decreased significantly after pramipexole treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods by which surface modification techniques can be used to modify wide range polymeric or metal substrates using metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods useful for targeting and treating injured or diseased muscle, including cardiac and skeletal muscle. Disclosed herein are adenoviral vectors modified to contain enhancers, promoters, and genes to target muscle with high efficiency and to induce tissue specific gene expression of transgenes.

Abstract: A system or device for providing medical suction, particularly for intubating patients, wherein the system or device helps prevent clogging from solids dispersed in the liquid to be suctioned. This device will allow the user to effectively clear an airway or other region of the patient while minimizing the occurrence of clogs and providing for the effective and expedited unclogging of the device without the necessity of removing the device from the patient or requiring two hands to unclog.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of use thereof for restoring neuronal, muscular (cardiac and striated) and/or retinal tissue function in children and adults afflicted with chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as neurodegenerative movement disorders and ataxias, seizure disorders, motor neuron diseases, and inflammatory demyelinating disorders, are described herein. Examples of disorders include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The method involves administering a pharmaceutical composition containing an effective amount of a tetrahydrobenzathiazole, preferably a formulation consisting substantially of the R(+) enantiomer of pramipexole. R(+) pramipexole is generally administered in doses ranging from 0.1-300 mg/kg/daily, preferably 0.5-50 mg/kg/daily, and most preferably 1-10 mg/kg/daily for oral administration. Daily total doses administered orally are typically between 10 mg and 500 mg.

Abstract: The monolithic application of a high speed TWPDA with impedance matching. Use of the high speed monolithic TWPDA will allow for more efficient transfer of optical signals within analog circuits and over distances.

Abstract: The surface of a material is textured and by exposing the surface to pulses from an ultrafast laser. The laser treatment causes pillars to form on the treated surface. These pillars provide for greater light absorption. Texturing and crystallization can be carried out as a single step process. The crystallization of the material provides for higher electric conductivity and changes in optical and electronic properties of the material. The method may be performed in vacuum or a gaseous environment. The gaseous environment may aid in texturing and/or modifying physical and chemical properties of the surfaces. This method may be used on various material surfaces, such as semiconductors, metals and their alloys, ceramics, polymers, glasses, composites, as well as crystalline, nanocrystalline, polycrystalline, microcrystalline, and amorphous phases.