Abstract: An apparatus and method to detect disease-specific antigens assists in disease diagnosis. Point-of-care (POC) micro biochip incorporates at least one hydrophilic microchannel for controlled and self-driven flow of body fluid. Metallic nano-interdigitated electrodes disposed within the channels give enhanced sensitivity detection. Microchannel controls flow and amplifies a capillary effect. Electrodes are fabricated on microchannel surface to detect biomolecular interactions. When a sample flows through microchannel, disease-specific antigens from the sample form antigen-antibody complex with antibodies immobilized on electrodes. Antigen-antibody interaction is detected via an electrical change in the biochip's nano circuit. Each electrode may include a different antibody to detect different antigens. Capacitance during antigen-antibody interaction without microfluidic flow is higher than with microfluidic flow due to immobilized antibodies instability on sensing surface caused by shear stress.

Abstract: A system and method for vacuum distillation and desalination contains integrated vacuum generation. Latent heat and a vacuum produced with steam condensation are used for distillation and desalination of liquid. The distillation and desalination system could comprise a spray evaporator and a condenser for receiving a feed stream for distillation or desalination. Produced are water flow condensate and concentrated liquid flow. A vacuum pump is actuated with condensation-induced dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation technology. The vacuum generator is configured to transfer latent heat from condensing steam vapor in its cylinder to the feed stream. Steam is also configured to transfer latent heat directly to the feed stream circulated through evaporators and condensers. A distillation and desalination method with active vacuuming and self-distillation in staggered multi-stage arrangement provides for efficient energy recovery.

Abstract: A method for noninvasively measuring blood concentration of a substance, such as, for example, blood glucose levels, is described herein. The method may comprise measuring an initial absorption data using near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), and obtaining a second set of absorption data. The initial absorption data, along with the second set of absorption data, may then be adjusted by applying a convolution function and a Monte Carlo simulation to the raw data. In a step, an initial estimate of the level of the substance in the blood, such as, for example, initial blood glucose level, may be calculated based on the adjusted data and pulse oximetry information using a mixing model equation.

Abstract: Shown and described is a composition and a method to prepare a dopant-free photoluminescent hydrogel with synthetic polymers are disclosed. The hydrogel can be synthesized in one embodiment by incorporating an amino acid to a citric acid based polyester oligomer followed by multiple crosslinking group functionalization through a transesterification reaction using an enzyme such as Candida antarctica Lipase B (CALB) as a catalyst. The hydrogels are injectable, degradable, and their mechanical and photoluminescent properties are tunable. An in vivo study shows that the hydrogel emits strong fluorescence under visible light excitation and can completely degrade over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved stripfilm based pharmaceutical products (e.g., for enhancing dissolution and bioavailability). More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved systems/methods for fabricating stripfilm based pharmaceutical products by utilizing higher viscosity film forming precursors and drying methods that accomplish improved/faster drying and provide improved/excellent content uniformity of active pharmaceutical agents in the stripfilm based pharmaceutical products. Exemplary systems/methods advantageously use high viscosity, bio-compatible polymeric precursors, (optional use of surface modified drug powders), and convective drying for fabrication of thin films loaded with nano and/or micro sized particles of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve improved active content uniformity and very fast dissolution from poorly water soluble actives, while accomplishing fast drying during the fabrication process.

Abstract: A benchtop device flow setup for determining the effectiveness of magnetic treatment of feed water for reducing mineral scaling includes two similar branches, both equipped with a reverse osmosis membrane and a pump that operate in the transient regime at the same flow rate and transmembrane pressure. The flow setup is further fed with a solution at the same level of supersaturation measured in a stirred reactor, however, only one branch exposes the feed to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A system and method for algal harvesting and destabilization are provided. The system includes a multifunctional reactive electrochemical membrane (REM). The application of an electrical current generates reactive species at the REM surface and oxidizes algae and soluble organic compounds. This novel type of membrane filtration avoids the use of harmful chemical additives. In addition, it provides the benefits of avoiding polymer aging, membrane fouling, and high costs caused by high transmembrane pressures and frequent membrane cleaning. Traditional membrane separation that significantly suffers from membrane fouling due to either the formation of a cake layer of algal cells, or more commonly due to organic matter adsorption onto the membrane surface is significantly avoided.

Abstract: A set of cationic amphiphilic self-assembled peptides (CASPs) is presented that employ high-charge density at fiber edges to disrupt bacterial membranes. CASP nanofibers are effective against Pseudomonas biofilms. There is an inherent trade-off between the ability of the peptides to undergo nanofibrous self-assembly and having a high terminal charge density required for effective bactericidal efficacy. The self-assembled peptide hydrogel presented achieves a balance of these opposing factors. Also demonstrated is the applicability of the new composition in an injectable hydrogel formulation. A CASP platform may be useful for topical application and integration into medical coatings, grafts, devices, and prostheses, thereby reducing risk of bacterial infection and related failure.

Abstract: Methods of removing dioxane and optionally one or more CAHs such as 1,1-DCE, cis-1,2-DCE, trans-1,2-DCE, 1,2-DCA, 1,1-DCA, VC, and TCE from a liquid medium contaminated therewith include applying a feedstream of propane to the liquid medium in the presence of at least one propanotrophic bacteria strain selected from Azoarcus sp. DD4 (DD4) and Mycobacterium sp. DT1 (DT1). Propane, 1-propanol and/or 1-butanol may be employed as substrates in the bioaugmentation of the propanotrophic bacteria strain.

Abstract: Sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) is employed as a novel GAG mimetic. Schwann cells (SCs) could be used in combination with a scaffold because the SCs can secrete neurotrophic factors stimulating neuron survival and extension of axons. Furthermore, the conduit may be used alone or combination with Schwann cells for spinal cord repair. In addition, the conduit also can be used for peripheral nerve repair. Also described herein are compositions and methods useful for promoting the growth and/or differentiation and/or repair of a cell and/or tissue in the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and specifically the spinal cord. In certain aspects, the present disclosure includes a scaffold supporting and promoting growth, differentiation, and/or regeneration and repair. The scaffold in one embodiment closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the spinal cord.

Abstract: A novel fluid filtration system that exhibits antifouling properties against a variety of potential foulants includes at least one filtration membrane placed in a cross-flow filtration module. The module is subjected to microwave irradiation at a certain power or intensity over a controlled time interval. At least one microwave generator produces microwaves and may be fixed or movable to treat the fluid. Dislodged foulants are removed by the microwave electromagnetic energy from the filtration membrane and carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to a feed solution container. The filtration system may use different filtration configurations such as, but not limited to, flat sheet, hollow fiber, spiral wound and tubular membranes. The filtration membrane materials may be polymeric, ceramic, and combinations. The functionalized membranes can be such as, but not limited to, membranes coated or blended or cross-linked with materials displaying strong microwave absorption; and combinations.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for structural health monitoring in which a sensor network includes motes distributed with respect to a structure. The sensor network can utilize dynamic pattern matching to monitor and localize damage in the structure without modeling or solving equations of the engineered structure, and without ascertaining or separately accounting for extraneous and often-difficult-to-recognize or evaluate factors, such as of the environmental and stimuli-related variability type.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for 3D printing of soft polymeric material such as a hydrogel or elastomer for scaffolds or devices with embedded channels with tunable shape and size such as a channel inner diameter). The method utilizes extrusion based printing of polymer solutions usually referred as direct ink writing (DIW) or BioPlotting, and requires sequential printing of a photocurable polymer solution, herein, referred as the matrix material, and a sacrificial polymer solution that may dissolve in an aqueous media.

Abstract: Energy packet switches (EPS) employing supercapacitors as storage provide aggregation and delivery of energy to users based on shared-capacitance in a digital power grid. The EPS aggregates energy from one or multiple energy sources, stores and dispatches the energy in discrete amounts as energy packets to one or multiple users. The payload of the energy packet is adjusted by the voltages of the supercapacitors which are used as energy containers for both the EPS and the users. The EPS has a control plane where data transmitted is used to control the operation of the EPS, and a power plane to receive and transmit energy between ports. The power and data planes work in parallel and with a parallel data network. Control and management of the EPS are based on a request-grant transport protocol. The data network is used to receive energy requests and grants, and a granting scheme is used to select which loads are granted energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for poling piezoelectric materials, e.g., collagen, which are carried out in the absence of liquid media and at a relatively low temperature. The present invention also provides electroactive scaffolds comprising poled collagen for promoting cell growth and differentiation.

Abstract: A set of cationic amphiphilic self-assembled peptides (CASPs) is presented that employ high-charge density at fiber edges to disrupt bacterial membranes. CASP nanofibers are effective against Pseudomonas biofilms. There is an inherent trade-off between the ability of the peptides to undergo nanofibrous self-assembly and having a high terminal charge density required for effective bactericidal efficacy. The self-assembled peptide hydrogel presented achieves a balance of these opposing factors. Also demonstrated is the applicability of the new composition in an injectable hydrogel formulation. A CASP platform may be useful for topical application and integration into medical coatings, grafts, devices, and prostheses, thereby reducing risk of bacterial infection and related failure.

Abstract: A mimic of an anti-angiogenic peptide is combined with a self-assembling peptide hydrogel to provide improved treatment for pathological neovascularization management. Pathological neovascularization may cause or worsen intraocular posterior segment diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The attachment of a therapeutic anti-angiogenic motif to a fibrillizing peptide backbone that undergoes nanofibrous self-assembly into an injectable hydrogel was found beneficial for the treatment of aberrant neovascularization. The peptide persists for extended periods in a target site for prolonging the therapeutic timeframe. This injectable hydrogel therapy may unlock potential clinical routes for treating many neovascular diseases.

Abstract: A method and a system for rail transit communication. The method includes: selecting a second target FSO transceiver from the FSO transceivers that are currently located within a signal coverage of a target FSO base station, in response to detecting that a first target free-space-optics (FSO) transceiver moves out of the signal coverage of the target FSO base station when data communication between the target FSO base station and the target user terminal is performed via the first target FSO transceiver, where the target FSO base station is one of the FSO base stations located on the rail; and maintaining the data communication between the target FSO base station and the target user terminal, by using the second target FSO transceiver. Handover among the base stations is reduced for user equipment, data communication rate is increased, and communication experience of passengers can be improved.

Abstract: An imaging device and method of using is provided that requires no traditional optics but uses an addressable array of vertically oriented carbon nanotubes. The technique relies on the ability to reduce the nearest neighbor spacing between the carbon nanotubes to less than the wavelength of light used in traditional optical microscopes. The nanoscope can have a resolution of less than 100 nm. Electrophoresis deposition can be used to direct the assembly of the carbon nanotubes onto interconnects in an integrated circuit, which could be used to address the array. The device is portable, compact, and does not utilize complicated components. It also derives spatially resolved dielectric and chemical properties of a sample to be imaged.

Abstract: Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are utilized to detect diseases and minimize false negative/positive scenarios. MIPs are implemented on a nano-electric circuit in a biochip where interactions of MIPs and an Antigen/Antibody (AG/AB) are detected, and disease specific biomarkers diagnosed. Biomarker detection is achieved with interdigitated gold electrodes in a biochip's microchannel. Capacitance changes due to biomarker interaction with AG/AB electrode coating diagnose diseases in a microfluidic environment. Biofluid passes through the microchannel and exposed to the nanocircuit to generate a capacitance difference and diagnose any specific disease in the biofluid sample. Blood capillary flow in a microchannel curved section experience centrifugal forces that separate liquid from solid. Various blood densities and segments experience different centrifugal effects while flowing through the curved section so serum is separated from various solid matter without using external devices.