Abstract: According to some aspects, a transmissive and all-dielectric optical component/limiter with great cutoff efficiency using Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) as the active component is disclosed. In some embodiments, Vanadium dioxide is used for an optical limiter due to the large contrast in optical constants upon undergoing the semiconductor to metal phase transition. When triggered optically, this transition occurs within 60 fs, making the device suitable for an ultrafast laser environment. In addition, the phase transition threshold is tunable by applying stress or doping; therefore, the device cutoff intensity can be adjusted to fulfill specific requirements.

Abstract: Provided herein are substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines useful as inhibitors of BMP signaling. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the invention. The invention also provides medical uses of substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes an upper arm section for receiving an upper portion of an arm of a subject, a forearm section for receiving a forearm section of the arm, and at least one elbow joint rotatably coupling the upper arm section and the forearm section. In the orthotic device, the forearm section includes a release control operatively coupled to the at least one elbow joint, where the release control is configured to transition the at least one elbow joint from a restricted motion state to a free motion state when the release control is activated.

Abstract: A jointed mechanical device is provided. The device includes at least one element having a fixed end and a deflectable end. The device also includes at least one actuating structure having a first end coupled to at least the deflectable end of the element, where the actuating structure includes at least one elastic element in series with at least one non-elastic element. The device further includes at least one force actuator configured to apply an actuator force to a second end of the actuating structure. Additionally, the device includes a control system for adjusting an operation of the force actuator based at least one actuation input, an amount of the actuator force, and an amount of displacement generated by the force actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed are star polymers comprising a polymeric body having a core with a site-isolated chromophore and a plurality of polymer chains emanating from the core; and at least one chelating moiety bonded to at least one polymer chain. Also disclosed are bimodal contrast agents derived from star polymers and further comprising at least one metal chelated by the at least one chelating moiety. Also disclosed are methods of making and using same. Also disclosed are imaging methods employing the disclosed star polymers and/or bimodal contrast agents. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating coronary artery disease in a patient in need thereof by administering to the patient an antichlamydial amount of a rifamycin for a duration to treat said coronary artery disease.

Abstract: A novel prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the novel prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.