Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of “reprogramming” highly motile cells found in tumors, such as these highly motile GSC and/or MDSC clones, into “auto-destructive” cell “missiles” (referred to herein as therapeutic stealth cells) that can seek and destroy new foci of recurrence within the body, such as the brain. Cells with enhanced motility can be sorted out from heterogeneous populations and then be rendered “auto-destructive” by deterministic delivery of an anti-cancer agent, such as an oncolytic virus plasmid cocktail.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of “reprogramming” highly motile cells found in tumors, such as these highly motile GSC and/or MDSC clones, into “auto-destructive” cell “missiles” (referred to herein as therapeutic stealth cells) that can seek and destroy new foci of recurrence within the body, such as the brain. Cells with enhanced motility can be sorted out from heterogeneous populations and then be rendered “auto-destructive” by deterministic delivery of an anti-cancer agent, such as an oncolytic virus plasmid cocktail.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of “reprogramming” highly motile cells found in tumors, such as these highly motile GSC and/or MDSC clones, into “auto-destructive” cell “missiles” (referred to herein as therapeutic stealth cells) that can seek and destroy new foci of recurrence within the body, such as the brain. Cells with enhanced motility can be sorted out from heterogeneous populations and then be rendered “auto-destructive” by deterministic delivery of an anti-cancer agent, such as an oncolytic virus plasmid cocktail.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are MDSC-targeted extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with therapeutic cargo, as well as compositions, systems, and methods for making same. Also disclosed herein is an MDSC-targeting ligand, such as a fusion protein containing an MDSC-targeting moiety. Also disclosed are EVs containing the disclosed fusion protein. In some embodiments, the EV is also loaded with a therapeutic cargo. Also disclosed is an EV-producing cell engineered to produce the disclosed EVs. Also disclosed is a method for making the disclosed EVs that involves culturing the disclosed EV-producing cells under conditions suitable to produce EVs.

Abstract: A syringe guide includes: a syringe receiver including a receptacle configured to retain a syringe therein; a depth guide defining a reference surface; and a depth adjustment mechanism interconnecting the syringe receiver and the depth guide, and operable to change a distance between the receptacle and the reference surface.

Abstract: A syringe guide includes: a syringe receiver including a receptacle configured to retain a syringe therein; a depth guide defining a reference surface; and a depth adjustment mechanism interconnecting the syringe receiver and the depth guide, and operable to change a distance between the receptacle and the reference surface.

Abstract: A treatment system and method for continuous deionization of a biologically derived feed stream includes a plurality of electrodialysis units (3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) arranged in stages along a treatment line, and stages are controlled such that the feed stream attains a certain quality before entering the next stage. The feed and concentrate streams move in generally opposite sense along the line, matching fluid characteristics of dilute and concentrate cells. The treatment line has two or more stages. Systems may have phased staging operations, and cell constructions may adapt the electrodialysis units for enhanced processing of difficult process fluids. A controller sets operating potentials in different electrical stages, and simple control parameters optimize ion removal and current efficiency without polarization of the fluid. The invention also includes phased staging of reversal operation, and cell constructions or fillings that adapt the treatment cells for enhanced processing.

Abstract: A spacer element (1) is disclosed having an integral screen for use in filled cell electrodialysis. The spacer (1) has a continuous portion (2) impermeable to flow and a screen (3) which spans a centrally-located flow treatment region that contains active treatment material, such as ion exchange beads. The screen (3) may perform a structural function, allowing operation at elevated pressure, and may also define a minimum gap between adjacent membranes and enhance mixing along the flow path and at cell boundaries. The spacer element (1) may be configured to enhance hydraulic filling of the cells, and cell architecture is readily implemented in a wide range of useful flow path geometries utilizing the screen spacer element (1).

Abstract: An electrodeionization, (EDI) apparatus has flow cells with a sparse distribution of ion exchange (IX) material or beads. The beads extend between membranes defining opposed walls of the cell to separate and support the membranes, and form a layer substantially free of bead-to-bead dead-end reverse junctions. The beads enhance capture of ions from surrounding fluid in dilute cells, and do not throw salt when operating current is increased. In concentrating cells, the sparse bead filling provides a stable low impedance bridge to enhanced power utilization in the stack. A monotype sparse filling may be used in concentrate cells, while mixed, layered, striped, graded or other beads may be employed in dilute cells. Ion conduction paths are no more than a few grains long and the lower packing density permits effective fluid flow.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.

Abstract: An improved process for regenerating ion exchange resin, includes a regeneration step of displacing captured ions from the resin to regenerate its ion-capture functionality, followed by one or more fluid-employing post-regeneration steps such as a fluid displacement or rinse, a fluid transport or mixing, and a rinse down to quality. To avoid problems of early leakage of weakly held ions such as boron, the post-chemical or postdisplacement steps use water that is essentially free of boron, or otherwise avoid localized contamination in the regenerated resin which is used in bottles or beds (30). A two-stage polish may be operated with modified lead/lag bottles. A detector (D) for an indicator condition (conductivity, silica breakthrough) between stages determines when to shift the lag bottle forward, and periodically both bottles are replaced.

Abstract: A fluidized spray vessel. A vessel design is provided for recovering heat from gaseous heat streams. The vessel utilizes a semi-fluidized bed for obtaining desirable liquid/vapor contact times. A spray section is provided in which liquid is sprayed through nozzles designed to provide a mean droplet size having a terminal velocity of from about sixty percent to about ninety five percent of the superficial upward gas velocity. These spray tower design criteria enhance spray tower performance, and thus enables more efficient heat recovery to be practiced, particularly in systems where relatively low grade heat sources are encountered.

Abstract: Software that causes browser windows and other windows to instantly disappear from a computer screen upon activation of a function activator. Preferably, when a user activates the function activator, the software also causes any open browser applications to shut down as well. The function activator may comprise an icon displayed on the computer screen or a physical switch coupled to the software. Moreover, the software may be incorporated into an Internet Service Provider's browser software or be installed separately from the installation of the browser on the individual user's computer.

Abstract: A cross flow filtration apparatus for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis has pressure vessels with a plurality of filter cartridges in each vessel. A feed port is provided at an intermediate position on the side of the vessel, and two permeate flows or branches exit opposite ends of the vessel, and the first branch has a characteristically high “upstream” flux and quality, while the second is of lesser flux and/or quality. The system provides a high degree of moduarity, enhancing flux or yield at a reduced driving pressure or overall pressure drop. Centered or off-center port, and a stop or valve in the permeate stream may apportion flows between the two outlets. Staged systems may employ a first stage bypass to achieve a target quality with increased yield. A flow divider or adaptor permits the cartridges to fit and seal in the vessel and an installation tool or sleeve may facilitate installation or replacement of cartridges having a directional perimeter seal.

Abstract: A central air conditioning and ventilating system has an exterior air intake duct and a plurality of dampers for opening and closing air ducts. One damper is positioned in the exterior air intake duct and a second damper is positioned in the interior of a return air duct and a third damper is positioned in the interior return air duct escape air duct. The first damper can be opened while the second damper is closed and a third damper opened to convert the air conditioning system to a whole house ventilation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to retain elements of the spine or pelvis or both in a desired spatial relationship. A plurality of fasteners are connected with a plurality of the elements. A longitudinal member is connected with the fasteners by a plurality of connector members. The longitudinal member and fasteners are movable relative to each other to adjust the distance between the longitudinal member and fasteners to thereby obtain the desired spatial relationship between the longitudinal member and elements to which the fasteners are connected. Once the longitudinal member and fasteners have been positioned in the desired spatial relationship, clamps are engaged to hold the longitudinal member, fasteners and connector members against relative movement. To provide for the adjustability of the longitudinal member relative to the fasteners, oblong openings are formed in the connector members.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pair of corrective devices for a spinal column. A member is extendable between the corrective devices in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axes of the corrective devices. A first portion of the member is connected with one of the corrective devices and a second portion of the member is connected with the other of the corrective devices. The locations at which the corrective devices are connected with the member may be changed to enable the member to interconnect the corrective devices spaced different distances apart and at different orientations.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a bendable elongate rod with a vertebra. The apparatus comprises a body portion having an opening for receiving the rod. A connector portion is fixed to and extends from the body portion for connecting the body portion with the vertebra. A pair of spaced apart arcuate surfaces are located in the opening in the body portion for engaging the rod at axially spaced locations.