Abstract: A microscopic technique for generating high-clarity, large volume 3D images of fluorescent tissue structure at subcellular resolution and capture transient activities. The technique includes capturing two orthogonal 2D projection of the sample volume by performing a projection scan with an excitation laser sweeping through the volume at up to 100 vps, tracking the scan depth using an electrically tuned lens to keep the emission image in focus and generate an xy plane volume projection image at the camera; and placing a PMT behind the excitation lens to collect emission passed through the excitation lens, wherein signals from the PMT form a focus scan projection at the yz plane; and then merging the xy and yz projections.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medicinal pharmacology. In particular, the invention relates to protease activated receptor type 3 (PAR3) modulating compounds (e.g., mimetic peptides), compositions comprising such modulating compounds, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of conditions involving PAR3 activity.

Abstract: Wearable sensors that measure one or more parameters such as pressure, force, acceleration, or skin temperature, are used to measure, record, display and monitor the efficacy of therapeutic maneuvers applied to a subject by an operator. Systems and methods for assessing the physiological efficacy of therapeutic maneuvers performed by an operator on a subject in need thereof, and provide a way to guide subsequent therapeutic maneuvers toward optimal outcome. In some embodiments, the systems and methods measure, record, and display physiological parameters of an operator and/or subject during application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Abstract: The invention features engineered probiotic lacto acid bacteria (LAB) expressing a chimeric Clostridium difficile/Lactobacillus acidophilus SlpA, or fragment thereof, and its use for the treatment or prevention of Clostridium difficile infection and gut colonization.

Abstract: A hollow light-weight, low-cost, and high-performance 3D Luneburg lens structure using partially-metalized thin film, string, threads, fiber or wire base metamaterial to implement the continuously varying relative permittivity profile, characteristic of Luneburg lens structures, is disclosed. The hollow light-weight lens structure is based on the effective medium approach and may be implemented by a number of means. Further, most of the volume of the lens structure is free-space, thus the weight of the lens is significantly less than conventional 3D Luneburg lens structures of the same dimensions.

Abstract: A see-through free-form head-mounted display including a wedge-shaped prism-lens having free-form surfaces and low F-number is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments for quantum-like mechanical elastic systems and related methods thereof including an approach for the tunability of a phase in quantum-like mechanical elastic systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An elbow brace is retrofitted to provide a motor-hinged orthotic elbow brace that stabilizes the elbow of a user and provides assisted motion to prevent or reduce buildup of scar tissue and maintain the range of motion of the elbow. A user interface is coupled to the brace for tracking exercises and the angle of the elbow brace. The orthotic elbow brace can also assist the patient in moving the arm at one or more predetermined angles according to physician instructions.

Abstract: An optical system includes an optical resonant cavity, an optical source, an optical detector, and a signal processing circuit. The optical source is arranged to provide a source beam of light to be at least partially coupled into the optical resonant cavity. The optical detector is arranged to detect light from the source beam of light after the source beam of light has coupled into the optical resonant cavity to provide a detection signal. The signal processing circuit is configured to communicate with the optical detector to receive the detection signal. The optical resonant cavity has a bioconjugatable lipid membrane on a surface thereof. The bioconjugatable lipid membrane is functionalized to capture a specific biomolecule, and the signal processing circuit is further configured to determine a presence of the specific biomolecule when captured by the functionalized bioconjugatable lipid membrane based on processing the detection signal.

Abstract: A reflector for optical devices is disclosed. The reflector includes a distributed Bragg reflector and a metal reflector. The metal reflector is contained within one or more apertures defined by a material having good adliesion to a semiconductor material. A method for bonding the resulting structure to a heat spreader is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that utilize a combination of essential oils or other plant-derived extracts or compounds and an emulsifier as an antimicrobial are provided. In some embodiments the compositions further include ozone. In some embodiments, the composition includes one or more plant essential oils, plant extracts, or plant-derived compounds, or combinations thereof, and an emulsifier (such as a saponin). The antimicrobial composition may also include water, peracetic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and/or hydrogen peroxide. Methods of killing a microorganism, including contacting the microorganism with the disclosed antimicrobial compositions are also provided. The microorganism may be present on a food item or a food contact of non-food contact surface and may be in the form of a biofilm. In some examples, the antimicrobial composition is used one or more times (such as 1 to 5 times).

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are described that use a combination multiple light sources having different coherence lengths to measure surface characteristics of an object. One example system includes a two laser sources configured to operate at a first and a second center wavelength, a broadband source configured to operate at a range of wavelengths outside of the operating range of the at least two lasers, a phase mask array and a color filter arranged, respectively, to impart different phase delays and provide spectral filtering corresponding to the emitted radiation from the sources. A pixelated sensor device is positioned to simultaneously measure intensity values associated with a plurality of interferograms formed due to interference of light from the light sources after propagation through the phase mask array and the color filter. The measured intensity values enable the determination of surface characteristics of the object.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical interconnect between first and second photonic chips located on an optical printed circuit board includes applying a flexible, freestanding film onto the first and second chips so that the film extends over a gap and/or step between the chips. The film includes a photosensitive layer having a refractive index that decreases by exposure to radiation and a backing layer. The film is exposed to a flood exposure having a radiation dosage penetrating the backing layer and only a surface sublayer of the photosensitive layer. After curing the film, the backing layer is removed so that the photosensitive layer remains on the first and second chips. The photosensitive layer is selectively exposed to a second radiation dosage to define waveguide core(s) in unexposed regions of the photosensitive layer below the surface sublayer. The photosensitive layer is heated to cure the selectively exposed portions.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing biomass and secondary metabolite accumulation of microalgal species are described herein. A cell culture of the microalgal species were elicited using a combination of techniques for a period of time. Experimental studies compared biomass dry weight production, chlorophyll dry weight content and astaxanthin dry weight content between controls and elicitation treatments. The present invention demonstrated that combined elicitation is an effective method for improving cell biomass growth and astaxanthin production.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mine tailing and fly ash containing construction material having improved compressive strength and water resistance. The mine tailing and fly ash containing material includes mine tailing, fly ash, an alkali solution comprising sodium hydroxide and, optionally, calcium hydroxide, and water. The invention further provides a geopolymerization method of forming a mine tailing and fly ash containing construction material.

Abstract: The present invention provides ionic liquids (ILs) comprising a carbohydrate anionic moiety and a cationic counter-ion moiety (Q+) and methods for producing and using the same. In one particular embodiment, the carbohydrate anionic moiety portion of ILs of the present invention is of the formula: (I) wherein G is selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a trisaccharide, and a derivative thereof; and L is a moiety selected from the group consisting of: (IIA) (IIB) wherein each of Ra, Rb, and Rc is independently hydrogen, C1-18 alkyl, or C2-20 mono- or di-unsaturated alkenyl; ATM is —CO2TM, —PO3HTM, or —SO3TM; and each of * marked carbon atom is independently a chiral center when said carbon atom has four different groups attached thereto.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser diode based optical sensor system capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of a microorganism culture in real-time. The microorganism culture from a microorganism production chamber is pumped to a flow chamber. Laser diodes emit light at certain wavelengths through the flow chamber, which is sensed by photodiodes. A laser control circuitry is operatively connected to the laser diodes and a signal conditioning circuitry is operatively connected to the photodiodes. A microprocessor reads and records voltage signals corresponding to the wavelengths. A data acquisition system converts said voltage signals into measurements of biological parameters, which are displayed on a graphical user interface and allow a user to monitor the measurements in real time.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microphysiological system that may be used in various cell culture applications and biological system studies, that facilitates co-culture, monitoring, and study of functional interactions among different types of cellular and biological materials under various environmental conditions. The system is configured for fast assembly and disassembly, thereby minimizing damage or contamination of the biological materials and environmental conditions inside the system. The system comprises a base, a lid, and a plurality of clamps that are connected to the base and the lid. The base has a recess surface for receiving cell culture support layers. The lid has a stepped surface configured to exert a contact force to a top layer of one or more cell culture support layers during use. The clamp involves an engagement mechanism that generates a contact force allowing for sealing of the cell culture support layers in a manner that minimizes leakage of fluids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunogenic materials and methods useful for reducing the risk of fungal infections, particularly valley fever. The disclosure also provides assays for identifying compounds useful to treat valley fever, as well as methods for ameliorating the symptoms of valley fever.

Abstract: A quantum receiver for decoding an optical signal includes a beamsplitter for interfering the optical signal with a local-oscillator field to generate a displaced field, and a single-photon detector for detecting the displaced field. The quantum receiver also includes a signal-processing circuit for determining, based on an electrical output of the single-photon detector, a measurement outcome. The signal-processing circuit also determines, based on the measurement outcome and a feed-forward machine-learning model, a next displacement. The quantum receiver also includes at least one modulator for modulating, based on the next displacement, one or both of the optical signal and the local-oscillator field. Like a Dolinar receiver, the quantum receiver implements adaptive measurements to reduce the error probability of the decoded symbol. The use of machine-learning reduces the latency of the signal-processing circuit, thereby increasing the number of measurements that may be performed for each received symbol.