Abstract: A chip generator according to an embodiment of the present invention codifies designer knowledge and design trade-offs into a template that can be used to create many different chips. Like reconfigurable designs, an embodiment of the present invention fixes the top level system architecture, amortizes software and validation and design costs, and enables a rich system simulation environment for application developers. Meanwhile, below the top level, the developer can “program” the individual inner components of the architecture. Unlike reconfigurable chips, a chip generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, compiles the program to create a customized chip. This compilation process occurs at elaboration time—long before silicon is fabricated. The result is a framework that enables more customization of the generated chip at the architectural level because additional components and logic can be added if the customization process requires it.

Abstract: A hydrogel-metal assembly is provided. An intervening polymer network is used to bond together a water-swollen hydrogel layer and a biocompatible surface-modified metallic layer. The hydrogel layer is a water-swollen hydrogel layer of at least two interpenetrating polymers. The surface of the biocompatible surface-modified metallic layer is surface-modified with an inorganic material. The intervening polymer network has been chemically grafted to the inorganic material of the biocompatible surface-modified metallic layer through bi-functional linker molecules. The intervening polymer network is further physically or chemically cross-linked with the polymers of the water-swollen hydrogel. The hydrogel-metal assembly can be adapted to form a medical device, medical implant, an artificial implant, an orthopedic implant, or at least as part of a joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for x-ray imaging of an object is provided. An x-ray source for providing alternating x-ray spectrums is placed on a first side of the object. A spectrum separation fixed filter is placed between the x-ray source and the object. An x-ray detector is placed on a second side of the object opposite the x-ray source. A controller controls the x-ray source and the x-ray detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiotherapy treatment apparatus that includes a treatment beam, a magnetic field disposed parallel collinear to the treatment beam, and a target that is disposed along the treatment beam. The treatment beam can be a charged particle beam, a proton beam, an electron beam, or a linear accelerator (Linac) beam. The magnetic field is from a magnetic resonance imager (MRI), a megavolt x-ray imager, or a kilovolt x-ray imager and is disposed to operate in coordination with operation of the treatment beam and to narrow the beam. The tumor is disposed to rotate with respect to the treatment beam and the magnetic field, or the treatment beam and the magnetic field are disposed to rotate up to 360° with respect to the target when mounted to a ring gantry. The apparatus can include a rotation angle dependent shim disposed to account for Earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for crystallizing a GPCR. The method may employ a fusion protein comprising: a) a first portion of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), where the first portion comprises the TM1, TM2, TM3, TM4 and TM5 regions of the GPCR; b) a stable, folded protein insertion; and c) a second portion of the GPCR, where the second portion comprises the TM6 and TM7 regions of the GPCR.

Abstract: Techniques for the production of flow-oriented collagen gels using hydrodynamics to influence the assembly of collagen fibers. Highly concentrated monomeric solutions of collagen are subjected to shear and extensional flow as they are drawn onto a substrate to induce fibrillogenesis under a high Ph buffer. The produced gel captures the flow induced ordering of molecular collagen upon fibril formation. The depositing or the induction of fibrillogenosis occurs without the application of a magnetic field to the concentration of collagen. These highly oriented 3D scaffolds are capable inducing contact guidance and guiding mammalian cell growth. The collagen fibers mimic the construction of in vivo fibers with the characteristic D-periodicity and the integrin receptors on the fibroblasts respond to this organization. The industrial applications of three-dimensional collagen gels as a biomaterial are widespread from drug delivery to burn repair or tissue engineering system.

Abstract: Surface modification methods for an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel to provide a basis for cell or tissue attachment are provided. The method involves the activation of functional groups on the surface of the IPN hydrogel. The activated functional groups are then reacted with amine-containing molecules or hydroxyl-containing molecules. The methods (i) can be performed in an aqueous environment and do not require the use of any organic solvent, (ii) do not require UV treatment, thereby avoiding denaturation of the IPN hydrogel or proteins, and/or (iii) can be performed as a one pot reaction.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes at least one photonic crystal structure and an optical fiber in optical communication with the at least one photonic crystal structure. The at least one photonic crystal structure has at least one optical resonance with a resonance frequency and a resonance lineshape, wherein at least one of the resonance frequency and the resonance lineshape is responsive to acoustic waves incident upon the acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor further includes an optical fiber in optical communication with the at least one photonic crystal structure. The optical fiber is configured to transmit light which impinges the at least one photonic crystal structure and to receive at least a portion of the light which impinges the at least one photonic crystal structure.

Abstract: A nasal interface and method for delivering continuous positive airway pressure in newborns and infants are provided herein using a universal fit nasal interface that is easily adapted and operated together with a generic nasal cannula.

Abstract: A variety of methods, devices, systems and arrangements are implemented involving nanowire meshes. One such method is implemented to include synthesizing metal nanowires in a solution containing a structure-directing agent. The metal nanowires are deposited on a substrate to form a sheet of nanowires. The deposited metal nanowires are heated to a temperature less than about 200 degrees Celsius and for a period of time of about 10 minutes to 60 minutes, thereby removing the structure-directing agent and modifying the electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of the sheet of nanowires.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the utilization of bacterial cell-free extracts in the synthesis of high yields of virus like particles with encapsidated cargo.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for cutting a material including biological tissue. The apparatus has a cutting electrode with an elongate cutting portion. A voltage pulse waveform (typically comprising repeated bursts of minipulses) having a low or very low duty-cycle is applied to the cutting electrode to cut the tissue or other material by producing a vapor cavity around the cutting portion of the electrode and ionizing a gas inside the vapor cavity to produce a plasma. A low duty cycle cutting waveform may prevent heat accumulation in the tissue, reducing collateral thermal damage. The duration of the burst of minipulses typically ranges from 10 ?s to 100 ?s, and the rep rate typically ranges from 1 KHz to 10 Hz, as necessary. The apparatus and method of invention may cut biological tissue while decreasing bleeding and maintaining a very shallow zone of thermal damage.

Abstract: Telomere-encoding nucleic acid nanocircles, methods for their preparation, and methods for their use are disclosed. The nanocircles can be constructed containing multiple repeats of the complement of telomere repeat sequences. The telomere-encoding nanocircles are useful for extending telomeres both in vitro and in vivo, for treating macular degeneration, the effects of skin aging, liver degeneration, and cancer. The nanocircles are further useful for treating cell cultures to produce long-lived non-cancerous cell populations. This use has wide applicability in scientific research, tissue engineering, and transplantation.

Abstract: Various approaches to imaging involve selecting directional and spatial resolution. According to an example embodiment, images are computed using an imaging arrangement to facilitate selective directional and spatial aspects of the detection and processing of light data. Light passed through a main lens is directed to photosensors via a plurality of microlenses. The separation between the microlenses and photosensors is set to facilitate directional and/or spatial resolution in recorded light data, and facilitating refocusing power and/or image resolution in images computed from the recorded light data. In one implementation, the separation is varied between zero and one focal length of the microlenses to respectively facilitate spatial and directional resolution (with increasing directional resolution, hence refocusing power, as the separation approaches one focal length).

Abstract: A gyroscope and a method of detecting rotation are provided. The gyroscope includes a structure configured to be driven to move about a drive axis. The structure is further configured to move about a sense axis in response to a Coriolis force generated by rotation of the structure about a rotational axis while moving about the drive axis. The structure further includes at least one first torsional spring extending generally along the drive axis and at least one second torsional spring extending generally along the sense axis. The gyroscope further includes an optical sensor system configured to optically measure movement of the structure about the sense axis.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and a mechanical actuation means for expanding the expandable member. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers.

Abstract: A magnetic force control system for guiding a medical instrument within a body includes: a controlled magnet coupled to the medical instrument; a controller magnet that exerts a magnetic force on the controlled magnet; a magnetically permeable shield, placed between the controlled magnet and the controller magnet, that selectively modulates the magnetic force by rerouting magnetic field lines; and a control system. A method for guiding a medical instrument within a body with magnetic force control includes: providing a controlled magnet coupled to the medical instrument, inserting the controlled magnet and medical instrument into the body, providing a controller magnet outside the body, placing a magnetically permeable shield between the controlled magnet and the controller magnet, applying magnetic force, and selectively modulating the magnetic force with the shield to vary at least one of amplitude and orientation of the magnetic force, thereby guiding the controlled magnet within the body.

Abstract: A method for forming a substrate comprising nanometer-scale pillars or cones that project from the surface of the substrate is disclosed. The method enables control over physical characteristics of the projections including diameter, sidewall angle, and tip shape. The method further enables control over the arrangement of the projections including characteristics such as center-to-center spacing and separation distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for universal lossy compression that provide performance at or near the rate-distortion limit and that are based on universal, implementable lossy source coding algorithms.