Abstract: Disclosed methods include formulating azobenzene-based polymer networks to induce a modulus change in a highly crosslinked polymer, in vivo, with no external heat requirement and using a benign light as the source of stimuli. A modulus change can be achieved via a coating on the substrate and within the bulk of the substrate via photoexposure. The azobenzene-based polymer network can be formed as a coating or in the bulk of a material from either a glassy composition comprising methyl methacrylate (MMA), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) or a soft material comprising of long-chain difunctional acrylates. The disclosed technology also includes methods of biofilm disruption and removal from the surface of a substrate, and includes methods of inhibiting biofilm growth and cell attachment to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems by which enzymes can be modified to improve solubility, catalytic activity, recoverability, and recyclability. The enzyme may be modified with a thermosensitive copolymer to form an enzyme-polymer conjugate that exhibits upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and/or lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type behavior in an organic solvent, ionic liquid, or other solvent. Methods and systems of the invention facilitate the use of enzymes as biocatalysts in solvents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical coupler comprising: a first optical prong; a second optical prong; an optical waveguide with which the first optical prong and the second optical prong merge; wherein: a distance from an axially outer tip edge of the first optical prong to an axially outer tip edge of the first optical prong is greater than a planar width of the optical waveguide; and the first optical prong and the second optical prong are each tapered from the optical waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to covalent adaptable networks (CANs) having exchangeable crosslinks that are able to undergo repeated covalent bond reshuffling through photo-activation at ambient temperatures. The invention provides covalent adaptable network forming compositions as well as methods of forming, remolding and recycling the CANs of the invention.

Abstract: An empirical Screen for Anti-infectives using Fluorescence microscopy of IntracellulaR Enterobacteriaceae (SAFIRE) was developed. Using this methodology, a library of small molecules and identified antimicrobials that are cell permeable and non-host-toxic were screened. Inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps were identified as being implicated in antibiotic resistance and are attractive therapeutic targets for antimicrobials.

Abstract: A new on chip system, named Acoustic Gym, to apply a surface acoustic wave (SAW) has been developed to control the swimming exercise of a large number of small animals such as C. elegans and Zebra fish, at desired intensities and durations. The SAW device consists of a circular chamber filled with fluid, which is placed in the center between a pair of offset interdigital transducers (IDTs) that are deposited on a piezoelectric substrate. Upon actuation from a radio frequency (RF) source, the SAW is generated and propagates along the substrate towards the microchamber. Once the SAW reaches the chamber, it induces an acoustic streaming in the fluid inside the chamber to stimulate swimming exercise of small animals. The streaming velocity can be precisely controlled via the RF signal input power, thus regulating the duration and intensity of exercise of the animals.

Abstract: The disclosure provides interleukin 37 (IL-37) fusion proteins, methods of making IL-37 fusion proteins including constructs used to express IL-37 fusion proteins, and methods of using IL-37 fusion proteins. In some embodiments, the IL-37 fusion protein includes amino acids 46-206 of isoform B of IL-37 and a heavy chain portion of an antibody.

Abstract: TNE provides the opportunity to make the care of children with EoE and other gastrointestinal or aerodigestive conditions safer, more efficient, and less costly while simultaneously advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology and natural course of this condition. A pediatric endoscope was developed to facilitate TNE in children with EoE. The pediatric endoscope (combined gastroscope, bronchoscope, laryngoscope) includes a 3-4 mm flexible, fiber optic endoscope that allows HD TV viewing with the head of a pediatric bronchoscope that allows four way tip deflection, a scope stiffening apparatus to minimize the endoscopes flexibility when needed, a foot and hand activation to allow air/water insufflation and image/video capture, a light source, 2 mm biopsy channel.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a healable, recyclable and malleable e-skin. In certain embodiments, the e-skin comprises sensors that can detect at least one applied stimulus. In other embodiments, the e-skin comprises a dynamic covalent thermo set doped with a nano-particle composition, thereby rendering the doped thermoset conductive. The e-skin of the invention has potential applicability to the fields of robotics, prosthetics, health monitoring, biomedical devices and consumer products.

Abstract: A system having a scope with a longitudinal length extending between a proximal end and a distal end includes a plurality of markers spaced along the longitudinal length. The system also includes a disassociation and positioning device that is configured to enhance unsedated transnasal endoscopic procedures by at least partially occluding the vision of a patient while enabling body cavity access, and optionally record and sense body functions such as temperature, heart rate and oxygenation of the blood stream. The system further includes a sensor integrated into the distraction device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the markers on the longitudinal length of the scope.

Abstract: A method for temperature quantification using magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) includes acquiring MRF data from a region of interest in a subject using an MRF pulse sequence with smoothly varying RF phase for MR resonant frequencies that is played out continuously. For each of a plurality of time intervals during acquisition of the MRF data the method further includes comparing a set of the MRF data associated with the time interval to an MRF dictionary to determine at least one quantitative parameter of the acquired MRF data, determining a temperature change based on the at least one quantitative parameter and generating a quantitative map of the temperature change in the region of interest. The region of interest can include aqueous and adipose tissue.

Abstract: A quantitative pulse count (event detection) algorithm with linearity to high count rates is accomplished by combining a high-speed, high frame rate camera with simple logic code run on a massively parallel processor such as a GPU or a FPGA. The parallel processor elements examine frames from the camera pixel by pixel to find and tag events or count pulses. The tagged events are combined to form a combined quantitative event image.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a deformable shell defining an enclosed internal cavity and containing a liquid dielectric, first and second electrodes on first and second sides, respectively, of the enclosed internal cavity. An electrostatic force between the first and second electrodes upon application of a voltage to one of the electrodes draws the electrodes towards each other to displace the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity. The shell includes active and inactive areas such that the electrostatic forces between the first and second electrodes displaces the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity from the active area of the shell to the inactive area of the shell. The first and second electrodes, the deformable shell, and the liquid dielectric cooperate to form a self-healing capacitor, and the liquid dielectric is configured for automatically filling breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.

Abstract: Modular IOL removal systems and methods that cut an optic portion of an intraocular in a single motion such to facilitate removal of the optic portion from an eye through an incision, for example a corneal incision, without increasing the size of the corneal incision. Various cutting tools having one or more blades may be utilized. The cut intraocular lens may have one continuous cut or be cut into multiple smaller pieces. The single cutting step may apply balanced forces and torque to avoid damaging the surrounding eye anatomy, reducing the risk of trauma.

Abstract: Methods of forming cement pastes, methods of forming concrete, and methods of forming other compositions using mineral particles formed from the one or more of biomineralizing microorganisms and biomineralizing microorganisms. Desired features, such as size and morphology, can be controlled by controlling growth parameters of the biomineralizing microorganisms and biomineralizing microorganisms.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a system that includes a first deposition system that includes a first cylinder having a first outer surface configured to hold a first substrate, a first spray nozzle configured to receive at least a first fluid, and a first fiber nozzle configured to receive at least a second fluid, where the first spray nozzle is configured to operate at a first voltage, the first fiber nozzle is configured to operate at a second voltage, the first cylinder is configured to be electrically connected to ground, the first spray nozzle is configured to apply onto the substrate a first plurality of at least one of particles or droplets from the first fluid, the first fiber nozzle is configured to apply onto the substrate a first fiber from the second fluid, and the first plurality of particles or droplets and the first fiber combine to form a first composite layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods of forming synthetic aluminosilicate material are disclosed. Exemplary methods include forming a polymer solution, adding an aluminum precursor to the polymer solution, adding a silicon precursor to the polymer solution, forming a gel from the polymer solution, calcining the gel to form an aluminosilicate powder, and grinding the aluminosilicate powder to form ground aluminosilicate material. The synthetic aluminosilicate material can be used in the formation of cement and concrete.

Abstract: An organ-on-chip apparatus includes a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, and an interface. Respective portions of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel may extend parallel to and adjacent each other, and the interface may be disposed between the respective portions of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel such that fluid exchange between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel is via the interface. The first and second fluid channels may be defined in an extracellular matrix material.

Abstract: A high performance kilowatt-scale large air-gap multi-modular capacitive wireless power transfer (WPT) system is provided for electric vehicle (EV) charging. In one particular implementation, the multi-modular system achieves high power transfer while maintaining fringing electric fields within prescribed safety limits. The fringing fields are reduced using near-field phased-array field-focusing techniques, wherein the adjacent modules of the multi-modular system are out-phased with respect to one another. The inter-module interactions in this multi-modular system can be modeled, and an approach to eliminate these interactions in a practical EV charging environment is provided. To illustrate one example implementation, a prototype 1.2-kW 6.78-MHz 12-cm air-gap multi-modular capacitive WPT system comprising two 600-W modules is provided. This prototype system achieves 21.2 kW/m2 power transfer density and a peak efficiency of 89.8%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for modulating the complement alternative pathway (CAP), the complement classical pathway (CCP), the complement lectin/mannose pathway (CMP), or combinations thereof, as well as methods and materials for targeting diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic agents to localized areas of tissue within the body where they may more directly exert their effects upon the intended target cells or tissue, with reduced, associated systemic effects compared with administration of the same or similar agents in an untargeted, systemic manner. The methods and materials of the present invention may therefore allow for increased efficacy, lower threshold effective dosages and/or lower effective maintenance doses, and/or reduced associated undesired or adverse effects in terms of frequency or severity of occurrence, or both.