Abstract: According to one aspect of an inventive concept, a pre-polymer matrix formulation for a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display includes a monofunctional monomer, a trifunctional oligomer, and a trifunctional monomer. According to another aspect of an inventive concept, a product includes a PDLC display formulation comprising a polymer matrix having a plurality of liquid crystal (LC) domains dispersed therein, wherein the polymer matrix comprises a polymerized product of a monofunctional monomer, a trifunctional oligomer, and a trifunctional monomer, and a pair of electrodes having the PDLC display formulation positioned therebetween. The PDLC display formulation is characterized as having a substantially constant optical transparency during application of a low power direct current (DC) electromagnetic field between the electrodes for a predefined duration of time.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving light on a photoconductive layer of an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) device, the EPD device having a chamber defined by a first sheet, a second sheet and a spacer between the first and second sheets, where the first sheet is nonopaque and includes the photoconductive layer, where the second sheet is nonopaque and spaced from the first sheet, where a fluidic solution having a plurality of particles is in the chamber. The particles in the solution are attracted from suspension to illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer in the absence of an external voltage applied to the first and second sheets. The particles become deposited on the illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving light on a photoconductive layer of an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) device, the EPD device having a chamber defined by a first sheet, a second sheet and a spacer between the first and second sheets, where the first sheet is nonopaque and includes the photoconductive layer, where the second sheet is nonopaque and spaced from the first sheet, where a fluidic solution having a plurality of particles is in the chamber. The particles in the solution are attracted from suspension to illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer in the absence of an external voltage applied to the first and second sheets. The particles become deposited on the illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer.

Abstract: Fabrication of functional polymer-based particles by crosslinking UV-curable polymer drops in mid-air and collecting crosslinked particles in a solid container, a liquid suspension, or an air flow. The particles can contain different phases in the form or layered structures that contain one to multiple cores, or structures that are blended with dissolved or emulsified smaller domains. A curing system produces ultraviolet rays that are directed onto the particles in the jet stream from one side. A reflector positioned on other side of the jet stream reflects the ultraviolet rays back onto the particles in the jet stream.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes a first sheet being nonopaque, a second sheet being nonopaque spaced from the first sheet, a spacer positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet, a chamber defined between the first and second sheets and the spacer, and a fluidic solution in the chamber. In addition, the first sheet includes a photoconductive layer. Moreover, solution has a plurality of particles, where the particles in the solution are attracted to illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer upon illumination of said portions in the absence of an external voltage applied to the first and second sheets.

Abstract: Aspect pre-selection techniques using machine learning are described. In one example, an artificial assistant system is configured to implement a chat bot. A user then engages in a first natural-language conversation. As part of this first natural-language conversation, a communication is generated by the chat bot to prompt the user to specify an aspect of a category that is a subject of a first natural-language conversation and user data is received in response. Data that describes this first natural-language conversation is used to train a model using machine learning. Data, is then be received by the chat bot as part of a second natural-language conversation. This data, from the second natural-language conversation, is processed using the model as part of machine learning to generate the second search query to include the aspect of the category automatically and without user intervention.

Abstract: Switchable optical materials, which possess reversible light transmission in response to external stimuli are of wide interest for potential applications such as energy efficient windows, roofings, and skylights that can transmit or block light. As described herein, a composite film containing nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a polysiloxane was fabricated. It was completely transparent in the initial state due to refractive index match between NPs and polysiloxane. Upon mechanical stretching, the transmittance was dramatically reduced and displayed angle-independent structural color depending on the size of NPs. In each system, color switching mechanisms and their robustness against repeated mechanical stretching/release were evaluated. It was shown that these materials can be patterned for display hidden images.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include image-based systems and methods for detection of one or more biological molecules. A matrix has identifiable analyte-specific capture particle(s) suspended therein, not all being in the same detection plane. Analyte-specific binding moieties (e.g., antibodies) capture analytes. Analyte-specific detector molecules with conjugated detection moieties are then attached to the analyte-specific binding moiety forming particle complexes. A computer assisted, image-based detection system captures images of the particle complexes. Using different sets of analyte-specific detector molecules, each set having a characteristic identifiable feature; it is now possible to implement rapid multiplex assays of cytokines. These image-based systems can be used to aid in diagnosis of disease, evaluation of therapy for disease, or laboratory investigation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes a first sheet being nonopaque, a second sheet being nonopaque spaced from the first sheet, a spacer positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet, a chamber defined between the first and second sheets and the spacer, and a fluidic solution in the chamber. In addition, the first sheet includes a photoconductive layer. Moreover, solution has a plurality of particles, where the particles in the solution are attracted to illuminated portions of the photoconductive layer upon illumination of said portions in the absence of an external voltage applied to the first and second sheets.

Abstract: Effective devices and methods using a chemonucleolysis agent are provided for treating an intervertebral disc or treating spinal arachnoiditis. The devices and methods comprise a chemonucleolysis agent to degrade or to shrink at least a portion of the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the chemonucleolysis agent within 24 hours when the device comes in contact directly or indirectly with an activator and provide sustained release of the chemonucleolysis agent over a period of up to one year to treat the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the chemonucleolysis agent in the device is administered in or near the intrathecal space and/or thecal sac to treat spinal arachnoiditis.

Abstract: Effective devices and methods using a chemonucleolysis agent are provided for treating an intervertebral disc or treating spinal arachnoiditis. The devices and methods comprise a chemonucleolysis agent to degrade or to shrink at least a portion of the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the chemonucleolysis agent within 24 hours and provide sustained release of the chemonucleolysis agent over a period of up to one year to treat the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the chemonucleolysis agent in the device is administered in or near the intrathecal space and/or thecal sac to treat spinal arachnoiditis.

Abstract: Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, are specifically configured with an inert outer layer and an inner layer containing at least one chemonucleolysis agent so as to provide a delayed and controlled release of the chemonucleolysis agent from the inner layer into the disc. The implant can be an elongated solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end having at least one therapeutic agent in the inner layer of the implant surrounded by an outer layer of inert material.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods involving cyclic di-GMP—responsive Riboswitches and cyclic di-GMP-II motifs.

Abstract: Effective devices and methods using an antifibrotic agent are provided for treating fibrosis or treating normal fibrous tissue. The devices and methods comprise an antifibrotic agent to degrade shrink, relax or stretch at least a portion of the fibrotic tissue. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the antifibrotic agent within 24 hours. In some embodiments, when the device comes in contact directly or indirectly with an activator, the antifibrotic agent will be immediately released from the depot. In some embodiments, the depot provides sustained release of the antifibrotic agent over a period of up to one year to treat fibrous tissue.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft with a proximal region and a distal region. The catheter shaft has a pull wire lumen therein. An expandable medical device is disposed about medical device receiving region of the catheter shaft. The expandable medical device has a reduced configuration and an expanded configuration. The system further comprises a retractable retaining wire, at least a portion of which is coiled about the expandable medical device and retains the expandable medical device in the reduced configuration. One end of the retractable retaining wire terminates in a pull-wire. The pull-wire extends into the pull-wire lumen to the proximal region of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Devices for the treatment of intervertebral discs are described. The devices, when implanted into the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, are specifically configured with an inert outer layer and an inner layer containing at least one chemonucleolysis agent so as to provide a delayed and controlled release of the chemonucleolysis agent from the inner layer into the disc. The implant can be an elongated solid body having a tapered or rounded insertion end having at least one therapeutic agent in the inner layer of the implant surrounded by an outer layer of inert material.

Abstract: A surgical treatment can involve creating a pattern of perforations in a tissue structure to allow lengthening of that tissue structure. For example, a pattern of perforations can be created in the transverse carpal ligament of a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that allows the carpal ligament to lengthen slightly. This lengthening can relieve pressure on the median nerve, thereby reducing the symptoms of CTS while maintaining the structural integrity of the wrist. A surgical instrument for use in perforating a tissue structure (such as the transverse ligament) can be an elongate structure with one or more retractable blades. Such a tool can be used in either an open or minimally invasive procedure to create a desired pattern of perforations in the tissue structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy source emitting, such as a low level laser light, catheter having a throughbore, an energy emitting surface disposed near the distal end of the catheter that is connected, directly or indirectly, to the energy source, which allows for the application of therapeutic energy to treat internal areas of a patient that have been accessed by way of a catheter.

Abstract: Effective devices and methods using a chemonucleolysis agent are provided for treating an intervertebral disc or treating spinal arachnoiditis. The devices and methods comprise a chemonucleolysis agent to degrade or to shrink at least a portion of the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the methods and devices are configured to immediately release an effective amount of the chemonucleolysis agent within 24 hours when the device comes in contact directly or indirectly with an activator and provide sustained release of the chemonucleolysis agent over a period of up to one year to treat the intervertebral disc. In some embodiments, the chemonucleolysis agent in the device is administered in or near the intrathecal space and/or thecal sac to treat spinal arachnoiditis.