Abstract: An apparatus having a conducting probe configured to couple with an electrical conductor of an electrical terminal. The apparatus has a sensor in contact with the conducting probe. The apparatus has a controller electrically coupled to the sensor, where the controller is configured to monitor the sensor values, and when the sensor values comply with a monitoring rule associated with a hazardous condition, the controller is configured to initiate an action to mitigate the hazardous condition.

Abstract: A stretchable raised electrode having a stretch property that can be used as a biological electrode for collecting biological signals while being pressed against a body is provided, and a method of manufacturing the stretchable raised electrode is provided. This raised electrode is a raised electrode formed by raising a surface of a sheet material having the stretch property. This raised electrode includes: a resin layer configured to be stretchable to follow the surface of the sheet material; and a plurality of conductive fibers each having an inserted portion, one end of which is inserted into the resin layer. The conductive fibers that are adjacent to one another are electrically in contact with one another at non-inserted portions into the resin layer, and the conductive fibers are formed in the resin layer so as to have such a density as causing an in-plane isotropic electric conductivity of an electrode region of the sheet material in which the conductive fibers are formed.

Abstract: Techniques for corrosive substance detection for electronic devices are described herein. An aspect includes applying an electrical bias to a detector structure of a corrosive substance detector, wherein a layer of a hydrophilic gel is located over an electrode of the detector structure. Another aspect includes monitoring a resistance of the detector structure. Another aspect includes, based on determining that the resistance of the detector structure has dropped below a minimum resistance, indicating exposure to a corrosive substance by the corrosive substance detector.

Abstract: A catheter having a proximal end portion having gaps between axially adjacent portions of an element wire where an inner layer is joined to an outer layer through the gaps; and a distal end portion where the axially adjacent portions of the element wire come into contact with each other, and a cavity is provided between the inner layer and a coil body. The catheter has excellent followability to a guide wire and is capable of efficiently transmitting a pushing force and/or rotational force from an operator to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods for forming an expandable tubular body having a plurality of braided filaments including a first filament including platinum or platinum alloy and a second filament including cobalt-chromium alloy. The methods include applying a first phosphorylcholine material directly on the platinum or platinum alloy of the first filament and applying a silane material on the second filament followed by a second phosphorylcholine material on the silane material on the second filament. The first and second phosphorylcholine materials each define a thickness of less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes device, systems, and methods for detecting an analyte using a biosensor. In some implementations, the biosensor may be a transdermal biosensor including a housing material, a nanocellulose material disposed within the housing material, an enzyme entrapped within the nanocellulose material that produces a chemical or biological product when exposed to a vapor or liquid, and a luminescent material within the nanocellulose material that emits visible light upon a chemical or biological reaction with the chemical or biological product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coating for medical devices. The lubricious coating includes a primer layer and a top coating layer as well as methods of making and using the same. The primer layer includes a reaction cured product of a multifunctional acrylate and an acid functionalized monoacrylate. The top coating layer includes a reaction cured product of a mixture that includes a hydrophilic polymer comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, an acid functionalized monoacrylate, and a hydrophilic monomer. The lubricious coating may be coated onto medical devices to form a sensing guide wire, an ultrasound imaging device, and an intravascular imaging device. Associated devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) real-time temperature sensors based on programmable liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are provided. The sensors can be used for monitoring the temperature for various items, including perishable goods, foods, and medicines in the cold supply chain. The sensors can convey changes in temperature through a controlled shift of the operating frequency in the RFID ultra high frequency (UHF) band.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode includes an implantable electrode array made of resilient material with a center longitudinal axis and an outer surface. Electrode contacts are distributed on the outer surface of the electrode array along the longitudinal axis for applying electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. At least one biocompatible hydrogel layer is fixed to the electrode array solely by mechanical connection and adapted to swell from contact with perilymph fluid within a cochlea without separating away from the outer surface of the electrode array.

Abstract: Method for targeted application of active agents to a target surface including the steps of: (a) capturing an image of the target surface; (b) transforming the image into a digital geometric representation of the target surface; (c) forming an applicator mask having an applicator surface with a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the target surface; (d) disposing the active agent on the applicator surface of the applicator mask; (e) disposing the applicator mask on the target surface so that the active agent is in contact with the target surface; and (f) removing the applicator mask from the target surface while leaving at least some of the active agent in contact with the target surface.

Abstract: A lens according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a substrate; and a hydrophilic coating layer formed on the substrate and containing a polymer having a hydrophilic functional group. Accordingly, a lens having ultra-hydro-philicity and excellent abrasion resistance, and a lens assembly and a camera module including the same can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and system for classifying different types of periorbital dyschromia is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one of a predetermined imaging characteristic and a biological characteristic for each of three different types of periorbital dyschromia, and then measuring the appropriate characteristic on a person exhibiting periorbital dyschromia. The type of periorbital dyschromia exhibited by a person can then be determined by comparing the measured value to the predetermined value and selecting the corresponding type of periorbital dyschromia.

Abstract: Methods and compositions with anti-fouling properties that are derived from lignin are disclosed. The compositions include lignin with one or more zwitterionic functional groups. The lignin with one or more zwitterionic functional groups may be incorporated in paints and coatings to prepare biocidal coatings.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible piezoelectric structure is disclosed. A piezoelectric film is deposited by film deposition on a planar substrate. A biocompatible flexible substrate is contacted with the piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film and biocompatible flexible substrate are separated from the planar substrate, and the piezoelectric film remaining is attached to the biocompatible flexible substrate.

Abstract: An applicator device (10) is provided for applying a patch (44) having an array of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum. The applicator device (10) includes a device body (12) and a piston moveable within the device body (12). A cap (16) is provided on the device body (12) for activating the device (10) to impact the stratum corneum with a microprotrusion array (44, 90). The device (10) is capable of being cocked by one handed operation of the user which allows the device (10) to be used by patients having neither the strength nor the manual dexterity to cock other types of applicator devices.

Abstract: A sterilized ready-to-use catheter includes a package, a catheter having a hydrophilic coating, and an aqueous solution in contact with the catheter inside of the package.

Abstract: A SWCNT coated with a twist-strained double-stranded circular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is provided, together with methods for preparing the coated SWCNT, for removing the DNA coating from the SWCNT, and for sorting SWCNTs using the DNA coating.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors formed from layered materials that include polymeric enzyme compositions selected to provide advantageous material properties, as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to analyte sensors designed to include layered compositions that provide these sensors with enhanced functional and/or material properties including, for example, resistance to damage caused by ethylene oxide during sterilization processes. Embodiments of the invention include polyvinyl alcohol N-methyl-4(4?-formylstyryl)pyridinium (SbQ) polymer materials and methods for employing such materials during the ethylene oxide sterilization of glucose sensors.

Abstract: A radiotherapy method, comprising positioning a predetermined amount of a radionuclide selected from the group consisting of Radium-223, Radium-224, Radon-219 and Radon-220, in proximity to and/or within a tumor of a subject, for a predetermined time period. The predetermined amount and the predetermined time period are selected sufficient for the radionuclide to administering a predetermined therapeutic dose of decay chain nuclei and alpha particles into the tumor.

Abstract: There is described a method for depositing at least one biological fluid onto a surface of a substrate, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing at least one thermal bubble jet printhead loaded with at least one biological fluid, (ii) positioning the printhead next to the substrate, and (iii) supplying the printhead with energy thereby depositing the biological fluid onto the surface. The printhead is supplied with an energy E such that E>1.6*Eth where Eth is the threshold energy of the printhead. There are also described an apparatus for depositing at least one biological fluid onto a surface of a substrate and a microarray obtained by carrying out the depositing method.

Abstract: A method for making a dry sensor element for an enzymatic determination of an analyte in a body fluid includes providing a substrate, producing a working electrode on the substrate, producing a counter electrode on the substrate, and producing electric connectors on the substrate connected to the working electrode and the counter electrode, the step of producing the working electrode further comprising depositing an active enzymatic electrode layer containing an enzyme and a catalyzer material for catalyzing an enzymatic determination of an analyte of a body fluid, the catalyzer material comprising at least one of metal nano-particles and metal oxide nano-particles. A dry sensor element for an enzymatic determination of an analyte in a body fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for forming a nano-bubble. The forming method is different from the oil-water emulsion reaction in the prior art. The method comprises: taking an inorganic particle as a nucleus and performing a polymer coating process to coat at least one first polymer on the surface of the nucleus to form an organic/inorganic composite particle; then removing the nucleus of the organic/inorganic composite particle by way of the dissolution of a first solvent to form an impregnated nano-particle; performing a freeze-drying process to remove the first solvent to have the impregnated nano-particle form a hollow nano-particle; and finally dissolving the hollow nano-particle in a second solvent to form the nano-bubble.

Abstract: The invention relates to imaging agents, and in particular to multi-modal nanoparticle (NPIA) imaging agents offering magnetic, radionuclide and fluorescent imaging capabilities to exploit the complementary advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and optical imaging (OI). The invention extends to these new types of agents per se, and to uses of such agents in various biomedical applications, such as in therapy and in diagnosis.

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for monitoring the health of an eye are disclosed. For example, a resonant circuit may be fabricated on a contact lens and this circuit may be coupled to a second circuit having the same resonant current frequency. A change in a property of the eye fluid contacted by the sensor in the contact lens is communicated to an external device and a remedying action is suggested to the wearer.

Abstract: Sensors for target entities having functionalized thereon, at least one aptamer specific to the target entity, and methods of making and using the same are described for use in glycated protein monitoring and/or biomarkers.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. A balloon may be coupled to the distal region. An electrode may be disposed within the balloon. A virtual electrode may be defined along the balloon. The virtual electrode may include a region having a first non-conductive layer and a second conductive layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: Body-mountable devices and methods for embedding a structure in a body-mountable device are described. A body-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the body-mountable device. The structure has an outer diameter and an inner diameter and includes a sensor configured to detect an analyte and an antenna. The antenna includes a plurality of conductive loops spaced apart from each other between the outer diameter and the inner diameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible electrode and a method for manufacturing the same, more particularly to a flexible electrode which has good flexibility and biocompatibility as well as good solderability for attachment of electronic parts and, hence, is widely applicable in such fields as ubiquitous healthcare monitoring and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An endoscope and a method for chemical modification of the members thereof are provided, on one hand, a transparent isolation film is utilized such that the tissue fluid inside a subject cannot stick to a lens of the endoscope to maintain the optimal image capturing status of the lens of the endoscope without the need to extract the endoscope frequently from the body of the subject, such that not only the time consumed in the examination process may be reduced, but also the uncomfortable feeling of the subject in the examination process may be decreased; on the other hand, a chemical modification method for members of the endoscope is provided to reduce the negative impact on the lens of the endoscope resulted from liquid pollutant or mist, moisture.

Abstract: The invention provides a chip for use in a microfluidic analysis system, for example a patch-clamp system, said chip having improved cell adhesion through a predetermined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. A method for manufacture of the chips, and a method for improving the adhesion of a cell to a chip are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices that contain polyisobutylene urethane copolymers, polyisobutylene urea copolymers and polyisobutylene urethane/urea copolymers. More particularly, the present invention provides medical leads that contain such copolymer.

Abstract: Provided is an iron oxide nanocapsule which has extremely excellent water dispersibility, which is very stable in the body and which has very excellent MRI contrast ability, a method of manufacturing the same, and an MRI contrast agent using the same. The method of manufacturing the iron oxide nanocapsule includes the steps of: thermally decomposing an iron complex to prepare hydrophobic ligand-bonded iron oxide nanoparticles; and encapsulating the hydrophobic ligand-bonded iron oxide nanoparticles by a carboxymethyldextrandodecylamine conjugate encapsulation material or a dextran-linoleic acid conjugate encapsulation material to form an iron oxide nanocapsule.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.

Abstract: Arrangement for defining a location within an organism, said arrangement comprising: a hollow needle (2), comprising a longitudinal channel (5) and a distal end (4); a mandrin (1), accommodated in the longitudinal channel (5) in mobile manner in relation to it and removable from said channel (5) and having a distal and (3) of closed design, comprising an electrode pattern including at least two electrodes (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d); as well as a processing unit, configured to monitor the advancement of the distal end (4) only on the basis of a measurement signal of bio impedance received from the electrodes (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the electrode pattern. The application includes also an independent claim for a method for manufacturing a mandrin to be accommodated in a needle.

Abstract: A nanostructure is described. The nanostructure includes a nanoparticle, a shell encompassing the nanoparticle, and a gap having a width ranging from 1.0 nm to 6.0 nm and located between the nanoparticle and the shell to enable the nanostructure to generate a fluorescence.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating for improving the ultrasound visibility of a device, the coating being made of a matrix material comprising at least one contrast agent, wherein the at least one contrast agent is a plurality of gas-filled microparticles. Moreover, this disclosure relates to an ultrasonic contrast agent-containing coating for a device. In addition, the herein-described disclosure relates to a method for preparing a microparticle, a method for preparing a coating, and a method for coating a device as well as the coated device.

Abstract: Methods for the deposition of silver-comprising films on nonconducting substrates, and, more particularly, to deposition of such films that are very thin, are provided. The surface of nonconducting substrates is modified with a superabsorbent polymer to increase silver deposition when compared to a non-modified surface. Also provided are films produced using a swelling agent, whereby porosity of the surface of the nonconducting substrate is increased, thereby permitting increased silver deposition when compared to an unmodified surface.

Abstract: A glucose sensor suitable for measuring glucose levels in human saliva is provided. Systems containing the glucose sensor and methods for making and using the sensor are also provided. The glucose sensor is highly sensitive and can detect glucose levels at least down to 5 ppm. Fabrication of the sensor involves depositing single-walled carbon nanotubes onto the surface of a working electrode in a 3 electrode electrochemical detector and functionalizing the nanotubes by depositing layers of polymers, metallic nanoparticles, and glucose oxidase enzyme onto the nanotubes. The sensor can be used as a disposable, single-use device or as part of an analytical system, such as a microfluidics system, for the analysis of multiple analytes. The sensor enables the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes to be performed without pain or the need for finger pricks in a home or clinical setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices that contain polyisobutylene urethane copolymers, polyisobutylene urea copolymers and polyisobutylene urethane/urea copolymers. More particularly, the present invention provides medical leads that contain such copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optoacoustic probe with a coated transducer assembly. The probe includes a transducer assembly with a multi-layer coating on the active end thereof. The multi-layer coating includes a layer of parylene and at least two layers of metal. In an embodiment, the multi-layer coating includes a layer of nickel, at least one layer of parylene, and a layer of gold.

Abstract: A solventless method for forming a coating on a medical electrical lead is described. The method includes combining particles of a therapeutic agent with a polymeric material in a flowable form in the absence of a solvent to form a uniform suspension. A predetermined amount of the suspension is dispensed onto a portion of the lead and is then cured to form the therapeutic agent eluting layer. Additional layers such as a primer layer, fluoro-opaque layer and/or a topcoat layer can be formed using the solventless method. Employing a solventless method may avoid contraction of the layer being formed due to solvent evaporation during the curing process, and may facilitate greater control over the thickness of the therapeutic agent eluting coating.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: A textile electrode device, for detection of electrophysiological signals from the skin of a subject, having: a substrate designed to be positioned on the skin; at least a first detection electrode arranged on the substrate; and at least a first conducting element, carried by the substrate and electrically connected to the first detection electrode. The first detection electrode has a plurality of textile fibres, including conductive fibres and, optionally, fibres of a super-absorbent material, arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to an upper surface of the substrate and reciprocally in contact with each other, so as to ensure uniform electrical contact over the entire first detection electrode. In particular, the first detection electrode is obtained by means of the flocking technique.

Abstract: A stiffener-reinforced microelectrode array device and fabrication method having a plurality of polymer layers surroundably encapsulating one or more electrodes connected to one or more metal traces so that the one or more electrodes are exposed. A stiffening shank is also integrally embedded in the polymer layers adjacent an insertion end of the device near the electrodes to provide mechanical support during insertion.

Abstract: A method of preparing a glass bead mixture using inert nanoparticles to improve flow rates of the glass beads for purposes of manufacturing an immunodiagnostic test element, such as a column agglutination test cassette, and a test element made in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A method for providing high voltage circuit protection for a patient monitor. The method includes providing a substrate that supports one or more electrical connections to a patient's body. The method further includes determining a print pattern and thickness of a first material having a first resistivity to be printed on the substrate, determining a print pattern and thickness of a second material having a second resistivity to be printed on the substrate, printing the first material onto the substrate, and printing the second material onto the substrate wherein at least part of the second the material overlays the first material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to membranes composed liquid crystals having continuous aqueous channels, such as a lyotropic liquid crystal, including a cubic phase lyotropic liquid crystal, and to electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes. The membranes are useful in limiting the diffusion of an analyte to a working electrode in an electrochemical sensor so that the sensor does not saturate and/or remains linearly responsive over a large range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with membranes of the present invention demonstrate considerable sensitivity and stability, and a large signal-to-noise ratio, in a variety of conditions.