Abstract: In a method for recycling energy from stairs, a step platform is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device, coupled to the platform, stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (also releases stored energy as the step platform moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (locks the step platform in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform to move into the lower position. A sensor determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform. A controller signals the controllable locking mechanism to unlock the step platform when the step platform is in the lower position, and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform.

Abstract: The compounds relate to zinc-sensitive fluorescent probes, compositions and methods utilizing the same. Such compounds provide an emission-ratiometric fluorescence response upon binding of an analyte. In some embodiments, compounds can be used for two-photon excitation microscopy or conventional fluorescence microscopy. The compounds described herein can also contain one or more functional groups to improve the emission-ratiometric fluorescence response.

Abstract: Described herein are FasL-engineered biomaterials, as well as methods of making and using such FasL-engineered biomaterials, such as for immunomodulation, such as for inducing immunosuppression and specific immune tolerance, such as for preventing or reducing the risks of rejection of cellular or tissue grafts and/or the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes. In specific embodiments, the FasL-engineered biomaterials are biotinylated microgels bound to SA-FasL.

Abstract: A coating for conversion of formaldehyde to carbon dioxide includes an alcohol/aldehyde oxidase and a formate oxidase immobilized on a solid particulate support; and a latex binder.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include an inlet, an outlet, first and second channels arranged in parallel, a first sensor pair positioned along the first channel, and a second sensor pair positioned along the second channel. The first channel may include a first upstream zone, a first downstream zone, and a first constriction zone. The second channel may include a second upstream zone, a second downstream zone, and a second constriction zone. The first sensor pair may include a first entry sensor configured to detect a first cell flowing through the first upstream zone, and a first exit sensor configured to detect the first cell flowing through the first downstream zone. The second sensor pair may include a second entry sensor configured to detect a second cell flowing through the second upstream zone, and a second exit sensor configured to detect the second cell flowing through the second downstream zone.

Abstract: A nanocomposite membrane includes a polymer phase, a nanowire phase, and a pore phase. The polymer phase includes a polymer including a cyclic imide group. The nanowire phase includes metal oxide nanowires. Each of the polymer phase and the nanowire phase is uniformly distributed within at least part of the nanocomposite membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial articles and surfaces, as well as methods of making such articles and surfaces.

Abstract: Microneedle patches and systems, and methods for use of such patches and systems. In one aspect, a microneedle patch is provided including a tab portion for handling the microneedle patch. In another aspect, a system is provided including a microneedle patch and a tray for housing the microneedle patch. In still another aspect, various indicators providing for providing feedback prior to, during, and after administration of the microneedle patch are provided. Advantageously, the described microneedle patches and systems provide improved handling and ease of application of the microneedle patches to skin for the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Scintillating glass ceramics are disclosed. The scintillating glass ceramics may be used as an x-ray conversion layer (screen) for a flat panel imager (FPD) and as part of an imaging system. The FPD may have a single screen or a dual screen. The scintillating glass ceramics may be used for either a front screen or a back screen. The scintillating glass ceramics may be used for high energy x-ray applications including for energies of about 0.3 to about 20 MeV. A build-up layer may be attached to the scintillating glass ceramics for high energy applications. The scintillating glass ceramics may include a glass matrix hosting luminescent centers and light scattering centers. The materials used for the luminescent centers and light scattering centers may be the same or different. The scintillating glass ceramics may be coated onto a glass substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods and systems for making structures using an electrospray system while under vacuum. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods and systems for ultra-fast growth of high aspect ratio nano/meso/micro-structures with three dimensional topological complexity and control of phase and composition of the structure formed.

Abstract: A variety of polyhedral nanocages are provided having a hollow interior, ultrathin walls, and well-defined facets of metal atoms. The nanocages can include a variety of precious metals such as Pt, Au, Ru, Rh, or Ir. The metal atoms can take a face-centered cubic structure with {111} facets on the surface. The walls can be thin, sometimes less than 1 nm in thickness or only a few atomic layers in thickness. The nanocages can provide for efficient uses of valuable precious metals, among other things, in catalysis. For example, catalysts are provided exhibiting high mass activities in oxygen reduction reactions. Methods of making and methods of using the nanocages and catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic hydrogels suitable for delivering antimicrobial proteins, optionally in combination with bone regenerating agents to injured tissues. The hydrogels can include lysostaphin and one or more bone morphogenic proteins. The hydrogels are composed of a network of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers and adhesion peptides.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate, one or more nanowire pillars, each having a base portion and a tip portion, a first electrode connected to the tip portions of the one or more nanowire pillars, an internal hollow cavity positioned between the substrate and the first electrode, such that at least a portion of each of the one or more nanowire pillars extend through the internal hollow cavity, and a second electrode proximate the first side of the substrate. High-performance broadband photodetectors and other optoelectronics for converting light to electricity with enhanced absorption and carrier collection.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave resonator apparatus includes a resonator member, at least one anchor structure coupling the resonator member to a substrate, and a comb-drive element connected to the resonator member. The comb-drive element includes first comb fingers protruding from the resonator member, and second comb fingers of a different material than the first comb fingers interdigitated with the first comb fingers to define sub-micron capacitive gaps therebetween. Respective sidewalls of the first comb fingers are oppositely-tapered relative to respective sidewalls of the second comb fingers along respective lengths thereof, such that operation of the comb-drive element varies the sub-micron capacitive gaps at the respective sidewalls thereof. Respective tuning electrodes, which are slanted at respective angles parallel to an angle of respective sidewalls of the resonator member, may also be provided for quadrature tuning between different resonance modes of the resonator member.

Abstract: Material compositions are provided that may comprise, for example, a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) array, a conductive layer, and a carbon interlayer coupling the VACNT array to the conductive layer. Methods of manufacturing are provided. Such methods may comprise, for example, providing a VACNT array, providing a conductive layer, and bonding the VACNT array to the conductive layer via a carbon interlayer.

Abstract: Described herein are improved composite anodes and lithium-ion batteries made therefrom. Further described are methods of making and using the improved anodes and batteries. In general, the anodes include a porous composite having a plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites. At least one of the plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites is formed from a dendritic particle, which is a three-dimensional, randomly-ordered assembly of nanoparticles of an electrically conducting material and a plurality of discrete non-porous nanoparticles of a non-carbon Group 4A element or mixture thereof disposed on a surface of the dendritic particle. At least one nanocomposite of the plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites has at least a portion of its dendritic particle in electrical communication with at least a portion of a dendritic particle of an adjacent nanocomposite in the plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites.

Abstract: A nasal tissue implant for reconstruction and tissue engineering of nasal tissue in a subject includes a tissue scaffold component comprising a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. The tissue scaffold component conforms to a portion of the subject's nasal region and defines at least a portion of the subject's nasal anatomy. A method of making an implantable nasal tissue implant for reconstructing a portion of a nasal anatomy of a human or other animal subject is also provided that includes laser sintering or three-dimensional (3D) printing a biocompatible polymeric material to form a tissue scaffold component comprising a biocompatible polymeric material having a plurality of open pores configured to support cell growth. Again, the tissue scaffold component substantially conforms to a nasal region specific to the human or other animal subject.

Abstract: Non-hormonal contraception compositions and methods for contraception are provided. One embodiment provides an antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to one or more sperm antigens and inhibits the ability of anti-body-bound sperm to fertilize an egg. Typically, the antibody is a monoclonal antibody, for example a human or humanized monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof specifically binds to CD52g expressed on vertebrate, for example human, sperm cells and inhibits, blocks, or reduces the ability of the antibody-bound sperm to fertilize an egg. In one embodiment the antibody contains a membrane anchor. The membrane anchor can contain transmembrane domains, glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors, or myristoylation motifs.

Abstract: A system for using thin and energy-autonomous backscatter tags and corresponding sensing nodes may operate with 24 GHz backscatter reflectarray tags having low power consumption. A digital beam steering, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar may be used for detection, localization, identification and communications. The tags may include environmental sensors that are used to modulate backscatter waves for data communications directed to a reader or may digitally modulate the backscatter transmissions without sensor data for independent localization of each tag in a network.

Abstract: A brush-like device that adapts to tangles in hair and allows for easy removal of hair post-groom using uniquely shaped, anisotropic papillae not unlike those found on a feline tongue.