Abstract: Disclosed herein are metal matrix composites and methods of making and use thereof. For example, disclosed herein are methods of making a metal matrix composite comprising a metal matrix reinforced by a high entropy alloy. The methods comprise mixing a first powder and a second powder to form a powder mixture, wherein the first powder comprises a plurality of particles comprising a metal and the second powder comprises a plurality of particles comprising a high entropy alloy. The methods further comprise compacting the powder mixture to form a pellet and adding the pellet to a molten metal, the molten metal comprising the metal in a molten state, thereby melting the pellet to form a molten mixture. The methods further comprise subjecting the molten mixture to an ultrasonic treatment and casting the ultrasonic treated mixture to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to relates generally to metal alloys. The present disclosure relates more particularly to High Entropy Alloys having relatively high strength and relatively low weight. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a multiple-principal-element high-entropy AlCrTiV metal alloy comprising Al in an amount of 5-50 at %; Cr in an amount of 5-50 at %; Ti in an amount of 5-60 at %; and V in an amount of 5-50 at %, wherein the total amount of Al, Cr, Ti and V is at least 80 at %.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to relates generally to metal alloys. The present disclosure relates more particularly to High Entropy Alloys having relatively high strength and relatively low weight. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a multiple-principal-element high-entropy AlCrTiV metal alloy comprising Al in an amount of 5-50 at %; Cr in an amount of 5-50 at %; Ti in an amount of 5-60 at %; and V in an amount of 5-50 at %, wherein the total amount of Al, Cr, Ti and V is at least 80 at %.

Abstract: Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for restoring tissue and organ function, which has been hindered by inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types through multi-lineage differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery that pluripotent hESCs maintained under defined culture conditions can be uniformly converted into a specific lineage by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid induces specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to neuronal progenitors and neurons efficiently. Similarly, nicotinamide induces specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes efficiently. This technology provides a large supply of clinically-suitable human neuronal or cardiac therapeutic products for CNS or myocardium repair.

Abstract: Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great potential for restoring tissue and organ function, which has been hindered by inefficiency and instability of generating desired cell types through multi-lineage differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery that pluripotent hESCs maintained under defined culture conditions can be uniformly converted into a specific lineage by small molecule induction. Retinoic acid induces specification of neuroectoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to neuronal progenitors and neurons efficiently. Similarly, nicotinamide induces specification of cardiomesoderm direct from the pluripotent state of hESCs and triggers progression to cardiac precursors and cardiomyocytes efficiently. This technology provides a large supply of clinically-suitable human neuronal or cardiac therapeutic products for CNS or myocardium repair.

Abstract: Stem cells, including mammalian, and particularly primate primordial stem cells (pPSCs) such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hold great promise for restoring cell, tissue, and organ function. However, cultivation of stem cells, particularly undifferentiated hESCs, in serum-free, feeder-free, and conditioned-medium-free conditions remains crucial for large-scale, uniform production of pluripotent cells for cell-based therapies, as well as for controlling conditions for efficiently directing their lineage-specific differentiation. This instant invention is based on the discovery of the formulation of minimal essential components necessary for maintaining the long-term growth of pPSCs, particularly undifferentiated hESCs. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin, ascorbic acid, and laminin were identified to be both sufficient and necessary for maintaining hESCs in a healthy self-renewing undifferentiated state capable of both prolonged propagation and then directed differentiation.