Abstract: Adaptors for ultrasound probes can have an adaptor body can have an open lower end that allows a distal end of the ultrasound probe to extend therethrough to contact skin of a patient. The adaptor can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members held by the adaptor body that, in operation, are able to change in length such that the resilient members translate from a first longer length to a second shorter length when the probe applies compressive force to the target tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are heterogeneous crystals for use in a laser cavity and methods of forming the crystals. A crystal can be a monolithic crystal containing a garnet-based activator region and a garnet-based Q-switch. Disclosed methods include hydrothermal growth techniques for the growth of differing epitaxial layers on a host. A YAG host material can be doped in one region with a suitable activator ion for lasing and can be formed with another region that is doped with a saturable absorber to form the Q-switch. Regions can be formed with controlled thickness in conjunction. Following formation, a heterogeneous crystal can be cut, polished and coated with mirror films at each end for use in a laser cavity to provide short pulses of high power emissions using high frequency pulse modes.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for dyeing a material using a dyed nanocellulose dispersion, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for water in dyeing materials, such as fabrics and textiles. A dyed nanocellulose dispersion or gel may be prepared from wood pulp fibers using a homogenizer and a dye, wherein the dyed nanocellulose dispersion comprises nanosized cellulose fibrils. The dyed nanocellulose gel may comprise an approximate concentration of 0.5% to 6%. The dyed nanocellulose dispersion may be applied to a material, such as a fabric or textile material. The fabric or textile material can be dried resulting in a dyed material.

Abstract: Disclosed are heterogeneous crystals for use in a laser cavity and methods of forming the crystals. A crystal can be a monolithic crystal containing a vanadate-based activator region and a vanadate-based Q-switch. Disclosed methods include hydrothermal growth techniques for the growth of differing layers on a host. A YVO4 host material can be doped in one region with a suitable active lasing ion and can be formed with another region that is doped with a saturable absorber. Regions can be formed with controlled thickness. Following formation, a heterogeneous crystal can be cut, polished and coated with mirror films at each end for use in a laser cavity to provide short pulses of high power emissions using high frequency pulse modes.

Abstract: Single crystals are described that contain several regimes within the crystal that perform different functions related to the enhanced performance of a laser gain medium. At least one regime of the single crystals can be utilized to suppress amplified spontaneous emission and parasitic oscillation in a laser gain medium. A single crystal can include core and cladding regions, the cladding region providing amplified spontaneous emission suppression. The core region of the crystal can include as dopant one or more ions that take part in the lasing when suitably pumped. The amplified spontaneous emission suppression region can include as dopant one or more ions that can prevent additional spontaneous emission that can to depletion of the upper laser states, thus reducing laser performance including one or more ions that absorb spontaneously emitted photons and/or a higher concentration of the active lasing ions of the core.

Abstract: Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second bone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.

Abstract: An electronic device including a transparent and flexible mica substrate and a method of manufacturing the electronic device are provided, in which the method includes forming an organic or inorganic layer on the mica substrate and thermally processing the mica substrate at a temperature of 200° C. or greater.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles comprising layered nanocrystalline calcite and methods for forming nanocrystalline calcite layers and compositions comprising nanocrystalline calcite layers.

Abstract: A refractive index device and method of making it include obtaining a glass structure comprising a plurality of nucleation sites. The glass structure is formed from a glass composition that comprises a first chemical component and a second chemical component. A crystal of the second chemical component has a different second refractive index from a first refractive index of the first chemical component. Each nucleation site defines where a crystal of the second chemical component can be grown. The method includes causing crystals of the second chemical component to grow in situ at a set of the plurality of nucleation sites in order to produce a spatial gradient of a refractive index in the glass structure.

Abstract: Shoulder braces for inhibiting secondary anterior shoulder dislocations that are configured to allow for a wide range of motion for mobility and stabilization, include a brace body with a single arm portion configured to reside about a shoulder of a user and a torso portion, a plurality of shoulder straps extending over the single arm portion shoulder, a substantially rigid thermoplastic insert releasably held by the arm portion of the brace body. The insert can have a user-specific custom shape that substantially conforms to shoulder anatomy of the shoulder of the user. The brace can also include at least one adjustable length laterally extending torso strap attached to the torso portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods related to viral inhibition. In some forms, the compounds, compositions and methods are related to binding RNA.

Abstract: Total knee replacements for hinged knee implants include a tibial member, a femoral member, a hinge assembly having a laterally extending axle configured to hingedly attach the femoral member to the tibial member, and a lock mechanism in communication with the hinge assembly. The lock mechanism is configured to (i) lock the femoral member in alignment with the tibial member for a full extension or other defined stabile walking configuration to thereby allow an arthrodesis or stiff knee gait and (ii) unlock to allow the femoral and tibial members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending when not ambulating.

Abstract: Disclosed are heterogeneous crystals for use in a laser cavity and methods of forming the crystals. A crystal can be a monolithic crystal containing regions that are based upon the same host material but differ from one another according to some material feature such that they can perform various functions related to lasing. Disclosed methods include hydrothermal growth techniques for the growth of differing epitaxial layers on a host. A host material can be doped in one region with a suitable active lasing ion and can be formed with another region that is undoped and can act as an endcap, a waveguide cladding layer, or a substrate to provide strength and/or contact to a heat sink. Regions can be formed with controlled thickness in conjunction. Following formation, a heterogeneous crystal can be cut, polished and coated with mirror films at each end for use in a laser cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent particles. The particles include a core nano-sized particle of carbon and a passivation agent bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The passivation agent can be, for instance, a polymeric material. The passivation agent can also be derivatized for particular applications. For example, the photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles can be derivatized to recognize and bind to a target material, for instance a biologically active material, a pollutant, or a surface receptor on a tissue or cell surface, such as in a tagging or staining protocol.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-chambered cell co-culture systems. The systems can be utilized to encourage the growth and development of isolated cells in a dynamic three-dimensional in vitro environment. The cell chambers (10) of the system can be in biochemical communication with adjacent chambers containing cells of different types, but the different cell types are maintained physically separated from one another. In addition, the local environment of each cell chamber can be independently controlled. For example, fluid flow characteristics through a single cell chamber can be independently controlled and maintained for each separate chamber of the system.

Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are nanostructured surfaces that include a substrate; and an array of metallic nanopillar islands on the substrate, wherein each metallic nanopillar island includes a metal base layer on the substrate and a plurality of metallic nanopillars on the metal base layer, and wherein portions of the substrate between adjacent metallic nanopillar islands are free of the metal base layer. Also provided according to some embodiments of the invention are nanostructured surfaces that include a non-conductive substrate; and at least one nanoelectrode defined within the non-conductive substrate, wherein the at least one nanoelectrode is sized and/or shaped to immobilize an analyte or a probe molecule. Also provided are apparatuses and methods for SERS and detection of analytes or biological binding by EDL capacitance.

Abstract: Provided according to some embodiments of the present invention are electrical double layer (EDL) capacitive devices that include an insulating substrate defining a nanopore therethrough; a nanopore electrode exposed in a portion of the nanopore; and an electrolyte in contact with the nanopore electrode. Also provided are methods of using EDL capacitive devices according to embodiments of the invention to sequence polynucleotides or other polymers and/or to detect analytes.

Abstract: A capacitor having a stem that is designed to be inserted into a single, large-diameter via hole drilled in a printed circuit board is provided, wherein the stem may have conductive rings for making the positive and negative connections to the printed circuit board power distribution planes. Inside the capacitive stem, current, or at least a portion thereof, may be carried to the main body of the capacitor through low-inductance plates that are interleaved to maximize their own mutual inductance and, therefore, minimize the connection inductance. Alternatively, the capacitor may include a coaxial stem that forms a coaxial transmission line with the anode and cathode terminals forming the inner and outer conductors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of promoting the revascularization and/or reenervation of central nervous system lesions using an in-situ crosslinkable hydrogel. The present invention also provides methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically delivering to the spinal cord injury site a vehicle comprising a neurotrophic factor and/or anti-inflammatory agent. Also provided are methods of treating a spinal cord injury by topically administering or delivering a hydrogel to the injury site.

Abstract: A method, system and device to use a dilute alkaline solution held at sub-critical temperature and pressure conditions to remove rapidly chloride ions from corroded iron artifacts.