Abstract: Systems and methods are described for performing mechanical analysis of particulate systems by describing particle morphology of particles within the system using Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline (NURBS). One embodiment includes generating a NURBS description for the particle morphology of a plurality of particles within a particulate system, determining contact points between at least two particles based on the NURBS description, determining a magnitude of the contact between the at least two particles based on the NURBS description, determining normal forces and associated moments based upon the contact points and the magnitude of the contact between the at least two particles, determining tangential forces and associated moments based upon the contact points and the magnitude of the contact between the at least two particles, and performing mechanical analysis of the particulate system based on the contact between the at least two particles and the resulting forces and associated moments.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the rapid and sensitive detection of post-translationally modified proteins, and particularly of those with posttranslational glycosylations. The methods can be used to detect O-GlcNAc posttranslational modifications on proteins on which such modifications were undetectable using other techniques. In one embodiment, the method exploits the ability of an engine˜red mutant of ?-1,4-galactosyltransferase to selectively transfer an unnatural ketone functionality onto O-GlcNAc glycosylated proteins. Once transferred, the ketone moiety serves as a versatile handle for the attachment of biotin, thereby enabling detection of the modified protein. The approach permits the rapid visualization of proteins that are at the limits of detection using traditional methods. Further, the preferred embodiments can be used for detection of certain disease states, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Abstract: Hardware and software methodology are described for cardiac health measurement. Hemodynamic waveforms variously acquired for a subject are analyzed to calculate or approximate intrinsic frequencies in two domains in two domains across the Dicrotic Notch. The intrinsic frequencies provide metrics/measures that correlate to the cardiac health of the subject. The systems may be used for monitoring a condition and/or is diagnosis. Exemplary uses include identifying (diagnosing) the presence of arrhythmia, heat failure, atrial fibrillation, aneurysms, vessel stenosis or aortic valve dysfunction and the necessity for valve replacement and/or monitoring congestive heart failure progression, together with identifying the acute need for hospitalization in connection with daily testing for any such condition.

Abstract: A device and method are described in which the lifetime of a fluorescent species or fluorophores is detected in the absence of any optical filter. Based on the measured fluorescent lifetimes, molecules or compounds attached to a fluorophores such as small organic molecules, polymers, peptides, saccharides and nucleic acids can be identified or assayed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions comprising metal alloy powders. The disclosure also provides a photoelectrode, methods of making and using, including systems for water-splitting are provided. The photoelectrode can be a semiconductive material having a photocatalyst such as nickel or nickel-molybdenum coated on the material.

Abstract: Deployable units and systems made of deployable units are described. The units have a retractable brace transitioning from a retracted condition to a deployed condition through a gravity driven movement, a latching arrangement contacting the brace and keeping the brace in position when the brace is in the deployed condition, and a guiding arrangement to guide the movement of the brace. The systems comprise plural deployable units to be arranged in a building structure, each unit to be located in a respective bay per story space of the building structure.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube needles and needle arrays are described in which the precursor pillars are etched by oxygen plasma treatment to provide tapered and/or sharp-tip needles. Processes, products by process, and devices incorporating the sharp-tip needles are further described.

Abstract: Hardware and software methodology are described for a non-invasive approach to blood pressure measurement in pulmonary artery and systemic arteries by using wall displacement and blood velocity that are measured using ultrasound, microwave techniques and/or other radiofrequency (RF) techniques.

Abstract: A neural probe includes at least one shaft, at least one first electrode disposed on a first side of the at least one shaft, and at least one second electrode disposed on a second side of the at least one shaft. The at least one second electrode is separately addressable from the at least first electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sensing intraocular pressure are described. In one embodiment, a miniaturized IOP monitoring system is provided using a nanophotonics-based implantable IOP sensor with remote optical readout that can be adapted for both patient and research use. A handheld detector optically excites the pressure-sensitive nanophotonic structure of the IOP-sensing implant placed in the anterior chamber and detects the reflected light, whose optical signature changes as a function of IOP. Optical detection eliminates the need for large, complex LC structures and simplifies sensor design. The use of nanophotonic components improves the sensor's resolution and sensitivity, increases optical readout distance, and reduces its size by a factor of 10-30 over previously reported implants. Its small size and convenient optical readout allows frequent and accurate self-tracking of IOP by patients in home settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-enhanced device for substance transfer between the device and a tissue. The device comprises a substrate with substantially aligned carbon nanotubes anchored within the substrate, and with at least one end of the carbon nanotubes protruding from the substrate. The protruding nanotube ends may be coated with a drug for delivery of the drug into body tissue. The present invention may be incorporated into an angioplasty catheter balloon or into a patch that is worn on the skin. The carbon nanotubes can be grouped in clusters to effectively form nano-needles which can transfer fluid to or from the subdermal tissue. The nano-needles can be used in conjunction with a sensor to ascertain body fluid information such as pH, glucose level, etc.

Abstract: An implantable diagnostic device in accordance with the present disclosure includes a probe assembly that can be implemented in a variety of ways. A few example implementations include: a needle inside which is located a bio-sensor chip (the needle being insertable into a human being); a compact package containing the bio-sensor chip (the compact package configured for placement inside a catheter); or a silicon-based bio-sensor package configured for insertion into a vein.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for a prosthetic injectable intraocular lens. The lenses can be made from silicone, fluorosilicone, and phenyl substituted silicone and be semipermeable to air. One or more silicone elastomeric patches located outside the optical path on the anterior side but away from the equator can be accessed by surgical needles in order to fill or adjust optically clear fluid within the lens. The fluid can be adjusted in order to set a base dioptric power of the lens and otherwise adjust a lens after its initial insertion. The elastomeric patches are sized so that they self-seal after a needle is withdrawn. A straight or stepped slit in the patch can allow a blunt needle to more easily access the interior of the lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides for scaffolds for growing RPE cells, comprising two or more biodegradable polymers. The present invention also provides for methods for creating a scaffold for growing RPE cells. Additionally, the present invention provides for RGD peptide linked polymer scaffolds for supporting the growth of RPE cells. The present invention provides methods of culturing RPE cells using the scaffolds produced herein. The present invention also provides methods of treating vision loss through the administration of RPE cell attached RGD peptide linked polymer scaffolds produced herein. The present invention further provides kits for treating vision loss.

Abstract: Bias-switchable dual-band infrared detectors and methods of manufacturing such detectors are provided. The infrared detectors are based on a back-to-back heterojunction diode design, where the detector structure consists of, sequentially, a top contact layer, a unipolar hole barrier layer, an absorber layer, a unipolar electron barrier, a second absorber, a second unipolar hole barrier, and a bottom contact layer. In addition, by substantially reducing the width of one of the absorber layers, a single-band infrared detector can also be formed.

Abstract: Hardware and software methodology is described for three-dimensional imaging in connection with optical transmission grating used to achieve a plurality of views of an area or entirety of an object imaged with a single digital camera for recording and subsequent processing. Such processing produces three-dimensional data (in terms of element displacement and/or object profile) using a two-dimensional displacement measurement technique only.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an amorphous alloy includes at least Pt, P, Si and B as alloying elements, and has a Pt weight fraction of about 0.925 or greater. In some embodiments, the Pt weight fraction is about 0.950 or greater.

Abstract: Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 ?m to 5 ?m thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The application further provides an implantable cage-like apparatus for culturing cells comprising the parylene membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to packed-column nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC) systems integrated on-chip, and methods for producing and using same. The microfabricated chip includes a column, flits/filters, an injector, and a detector, fabricated in a process compatible with those conventionally utilized to form integrated circuits. The column can be packed with supports for various different stationary phases to allow performance of different forms of nano-LC, including but not limited to reversed-phase, normal-phase, adsorption, size-exclusion, affinity, and ion chromatography. A cross-channel injector injects a nanolitre/picolitre-volume sample plug at the column inlet. An electrochemical/conductivity sensor integrated at the column outlet measures separation signals.

Abstract: A mirror or mirror assembly fabricated by molding, pressing, assembling, or depositing one or more bulk metal glass (BMG), bulk metal glass composite (BMGMC), or amorphous metal (AM) parts and where the optical surface and backing of the mirror can be fabricated without machining or polishing by utilizing the unique molding capabilities of this class of materials.