Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for a biased cathode assembly of an X-ray tube with improved thermal management and a method of manufacturing same. In one example, a cathode assembly of an X-ray tube comprises an emitter assembly including an emitter coupled to an emitter support structure, and an electrode assembly including an electrode stack and a plurality of bias electrodes. The emitter assembly including a plurality of independent components that are coupled together. The electrode assembly including a plurality of independent components that are coupled together, and the emitter assembly being coupled to the electrode assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a light delivery device for delivering light to a tissue of a patient comprising a microarray of tissue penetrating members, each tissue penetrating member having a distal end and a proximal end and configured to be inserted into the tissue, wherein the tissue penetrating members are at least partially optically transparent to provide optical transmission through a surface that extends between the distal and proximal ends of each tissue penetrating member; a transparent substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface supports the tissue penetrating members; a plurality of optical sources supported by the top surface of the substrate and in optical communication with the microarray of tissue penetrating members; the plurality of optical sources is configured to operably emit light; and an encapsulation layer disposed over the microarray of tissue penetrating members.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to genetically modified microorganisms of the genus Paenibacillus, for the improvement of phenotypes of plants, for example nitrogen availability for non-leguminous plants. Included are novel strains of the microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important species, for example nitrogen fixation, utilization, regulation, uptake, acquisition, tolerance, and/or processing in plants.

Abstract: A system for obtaining optical coherence tomography of the optical system of a person, comprising: an eyepiece customized for alignment and positioning to contact a person's eye socket and having a lens pocket for receiving a refractive lens customized for the person's eye refraction characteristics; a condensing system for receiving light from the eyepiece; a scanning module optically connected to the condensing system and having a mirror tiltable in two directions for obtaining optical scanning data from the person's optical system; and a spectrometer and camera module optically connected to the scanning module for obtaining and storing the optical scanning data, wherein the eyepiece, condensing system and scanning module are arranged to provide an optical path for delivering a light beam to the person's eye, and receive reflected light to be directed to the scanning module.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to an apparatus that may be used for taking blood glucose measurements and providing individualized insulin dose recommendations wherein the apparatus is easy to use and facilitates improved diabetes control in patients. Also disclosed are related methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are epidermal microfluidic systems and methods that allow for the collection of biofluids in a wet or aquatic environment, for example, from the surface of the skin. The described systems allow for the efficient collection of biofluids, without loss of the biofluid to the surrounding environment or introduction of extraneous liquids from the environment. The described microfluidic systems are versatile and can provide information regarding a number of biofluid properties both electronically and colorimetrically/visually.

Abstract: A wearable device includes an elastically compliant body having a side for attaching to skin of a patient, a plurality of accelerometers for receiving acoustic wave data from acoustic waves transmitted by a transducer, a short-range radio transmitter for transmitting the acoustic wave data to a computing device, a processor for receiving the acoustic wave data from the plurality of accelerometers and providing the acoustic wave data to the short-range radio transmitter, and a battery for providing power to the processor, the plurality of accelerometers, and the short-range radio transmitter. A distance between each accelerometer of the plurality of accelerometers is predetermined. The processor, the plurality of accelerometers, the short-range radio transmitter, and the battery are embedded within the elastically compliant body.

Abstract: A system for measuring a radiant exposure of electromagnetic radiation comprises an accumulation detection module (ADM) comprising a detector and configured to continuously monitor an electromagnetic radiation received by the detector; and an adaptive circuit configured to periodically interrogate the ADM; adjust a frequency of interrogation of the ADM based on an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector; and autonomously transmit information related to an amount of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector to a remote device.

Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes a shell and a shock absorbing liner attached to the shell. The shock absorbing liner includes a cavity. The helmet a shock absorbing insert formed of a material different than the material of the shock absorbing liner. The cavity is configured to retain the shock absorbing insert.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of object enhancement in endoscopy images includes capturing an image of an object within a surgical operative site via an imaging device, determining a size of the object based on the captured image of the object, displaying the captured image of the object, and displaying on the displayed captured image of the object a representation of the determined size of the object.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a battery pack system including battery modules each including battery cells. An air-tight, sealed enclosure retains the battery modules. A battery manager controls operation of each of the battery modules. One or more thermal runaway shield (TRS) pouches are associated with each of the battery modules. The TRS pouches include a thermally cooling fluid that ruptures into the battery module from heat produced in a thermal runaway event in the battery module. A pressure monitoring sensor detects an increase in air pressure within the sealed enclosure associated with gas released from the thermal runaway event in the battery cells in the battery modules. A communication component transmits a pressure signal from the pressure monitoring sensor to the battery manager for implementing a subsequent management step of the battery pack system.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a passive internal cooling system for a battery pack. First and second stacking frames are provided, each having mating structures for engaging and retaining the first and second stacking frames to each other. Each of the first and second stacking frames are configured for substantially surrounding and enclosing a surface of a battery module for retaining one or more batteries. One or more TRS pouches are enclosed between the first and second stacking frames. The TRS pouch(es) includes a thermally cooling fluid that ruptures into the battery module from heat produced in a thermal runaway event in the battery module.

Abstract: This application relates to a building energy analysis and management system for measurement and verification of building performance. The system can analyze, optimize, manage, maintain, trouble shoot, and/or modify building systems, such as HVAC systems, in connection with the building energy usage. Measurements may be gathered for one or more HVAC units coupled to pressure independent valves, and sent to one or more Surge Panels that pass data to remote analysis servers, which can receive other system or external data. The analysis servers compare measurements to predicted values and can standardize the predicted values to account for external conditions. The comparison can result in difference values used to generate probable causes and optimization recommendations. The system outputs reports or other data display using a graphical user interface that can be adjusted for an anticipated user.

Abstract: Provided are conformable light delivery devices for increasing light penetration depth and related methods. The device comprises a tissue penetrating member having a distal end and a proximal end, the tissue penetrating member configured to penetrate the tissue of the patient to be inserted into the tissue, wherein the tissue penetrating member is at least partially optically transparent along a surface of the tissue penetrating member positioned between the distal end of the tissue penetrating member and the proximal end of the tissue penetrating member to provide optical transmission of at least a portion of the light through the surface of the tissue penetrating member, thereby allowing at least the portion of the light to be delivered into the tissue of the patient when the tissue penetrating member is inserted into the tissue; and a substrate that supports the tissue penetrating member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic system. The optoelectronic system includes an optoelectronic probe operably attached to a target region of a subject; and an electronic module coupled with the optoelectronic probe for wireless, real-time, and continuous measurements of physiological information of the subj ect.

Abstract: A continuous bedside pressure monitoring (CBPM) device includes an array of pressure sensors, a controller including a processor and a memory, the controller operatively coupled to the array of pressure sensors, a communication interface operatively coupled to the controller, and a flexible housing enclosing the array of pressure sensors, the controller, and the communication interface.

Abstract: Systems and techniques that provide improvements to designer applications as described to address, for example, limitations associated with constructing a user interface as it is being designed by a user in a development environment. In some implementations, a system provides a design interface through which a user can view, develop, and test functional aspects of an electronic form in real-time while the user is building the application. The system maintains associations between components of the electronic form and expressions for the components referenced in program logic for the electronic form.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a flexible substrate having a skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface; a microfluidic network at least partially embedded in or supported by the flexible substrate; a sensor fluidically connected to the microfluidic network, wherein the microfluidic network is configured to transport a biofluid from a skin surface to the sensor; and a capping layer, having a capping layer skin-facing surface and a back-facing surface, wherein the back-facing surface of the capping layer is attached to the skin-facing surface of the substrate. The flexible substrate is at least partially formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a polymer configured to provide a high barrier to vapor or liquid water transmission.

Abstract: This invention relates to a soft, battery-free, flexible, non-invasive, reusable hydration sensor adherable to even small-areas and curvilinear surfaces of a body. The hydration sensor measures volumetric water content in skin as a function of depth, and wirelessly transmits data to a portable smart device. The hydration sensor includes a top layer for thermal, chemical and mechanical isolation of the hydration sensor from an environment; a bottom layer operably placed on a target area of interest on the skin; and a flexible printed circuit board (f-PCB) disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The f-PCB contains electronics for sensing and wireless communication. The bottom layer operably serves as a direct interface between the f-PCB and the skin and comprises a flexible adhesive for attaching the hydration sensor to the skin.

Abstract: Provided are actuation devices, virtual reality devices formed from the actuation devices, and related virtual reality methods. The devices may comprise a plurality of spatially distributed actuators, each actuator configured for interacting with a biological skin surface; a wireless controller configured to receive operative command signals to control each of the actuators; and a wireless power system to power the actuators. Also provided are unique layouts of multiple interconnected devices to achieve large area coverage.