Abstract: A method of curing polyimide, polyimide copolymers, polyimide composites or combinations is provided. The method involves preparing a reaction system comprising poly(amic acid) and at least one other compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers, solvents, fillers and nanofillers. Then, a combined overall microwave absorptivity of the reaction system is determined. A temperature ramp rate is calculated for a microwave power level and time using the combined overall microwave absorptivity. The reaction system is then exposed to microwave radiation according to the calculated temperature ramp rate, producing a cured product.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional object comprising one or more polyimide copolymers, polyimide composites or combinations thereof is provided. The method involves 3D printing a solution comprising polyamic acid (PAA), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and a silane selected from the group consisting of aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTMS), aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]-ethylene diamine (ETDA), and glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to produce a three-dimensional form, and thermosetting the three-dimensional form.

Abstract: A cocrystal complex of pirfenidone with a polyphenolic macrocycle host is disclosed. The composition is useful, in some embodiments, as an acne treatment. In one embodiment, the macrocycle is calixarene or a calixarene derivative. In another embodiment, the macrocycle is resorcin[4]arene. In one embodiment, the macrocycle is C-methylresorcin[4]arene (RsC1). In another embodiment, the macrocycle is C-butylresorcin[4]arene (RsC4).

Abstract: A method for treating a metabolic disorder associated with abnormal bodyweight in a subject is provided, the method including administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound that modulates phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase beta (PI5P4K?) activity, wherein a PI5P4K? inhibitor is administered when the subject suffers from a metabolic disorder associated with an underweight bodyweight; and wherein a PI5P4K? agonist is administered when the subject suffers from a metabolic disorder associated with an overweight or obese bodyweight. Also provided herein are methods of increasing meat quality and/or yield in livestock or domesticated poultry by administering to an animal an effective amount of a PI5P4K? inhibitor, and genetically engineered animals having a substitution in PI5P4K? that reduces its GTP-sensing activity.

Abstract: A system and a method for predicting kinesthetic outcomes from observed position, posture, behavior or activity of an individual 1602, 1702. The system uses kinesthetic activity sensors 102, 104 each collecting one or more of audio, video, or physiological signals and capturing the activity of the individual or an ambient environment of the individual. These signals are delivered into a computer system 106 implementing a learning routine 108 which constructs one or more personalized kinetic state models 1510 of positional states for the individual and transitions between the positional states, and further develops one or more customized multi-dimensional prediction models 1500 for the individual and uses the multidimensional prediction models to predict behaviors, activities and/or positional changes likely to occur in the future, and provides notice of predicted unsafe or undesired outcomes.

Abstract: Described are devices for and methods of modulating a fluid sample. The devices (10, 40, 60, 80, 100, 130, 160, 220) include at least one sample-modulating component (20, 76, 78, 90, 110, 112, 116, 150, 152, 154, 162, 164, 182, 184, 186, 222, and 230) and, in some embodiments, two or more sample-modulating components.

Abstract: The present invention involves a programmable or static multiwavelength LED lighting fixture that is capable of emitting wavelengths of light both for visual perception and other key physiological processes. The lighting fixture produces emitted spectra, wherein one portion of the emitted spectra serves visual perception and at least one portion of the emitted spectra is selected from the group consisting of 290-315 nm; 360-400 nm; 470-490 nm; and 600-1400 nm.

Abstract: A method for spatial resolution enhanced imaging is provided. The method includes determining a target region of a subject being imaged; estimating an achievable spatial resolution; selecting an increased spatial resolution that is greater than a predetermined spatial resolution and equal to or less than the achievable spatial resolution; and acquiring image data of the target region with the increased spatial resolution. A method for enhancing the contrast between the region of interest and other tissue region in the image data acquired with the increased spatial resolution and other tissue region in image data acquired with the predetermined spatial resolution due to the intrinsic partial volume effect is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for monitoring biofluids related to ovulation. Such devices include the use of electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols to improve MRI value are described herein. An example method includes selecting an imaging sequence, selecting at least one objective function from a plurality of objective functions, simulating a relationship between controllable acquisition variables and the objective functions, trade-offing the influence of the controllable acquisition variables for MRI value in whole k-space acquisition to determine optimal acquisition condition, acquiring at least one MR image using the optimal acquisition condition, receiving or estimating outcomes related to the at least one MR image, and evaluating an MR image value for the MR image based on the outcomes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining spatial distribution of a complex radio frequency (RF) of both transmit field and receive sensitivity a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The method includes estimation of the absolute phase of transmit field using a reference transmit coil or array coils with minimal absolute phase. The method and apparatus include estimation of complex receive sensitivity of a transceiver coil using the complex transmit field of the transceiver coil or array coils.

Abstract: Devices and methods for capturing biological materials using a potential well. An electrical signal is applied across a nanopipette having one end in a back-fill chamber and another end in a collection chamber containing a suspending medium including one or more types of particles. The collection end of the nanopipette includes a tip having an opening. The electrical signal applied across the nanopipette is configured to generate the potential well proximate to the tip in which the electrokinetic forces acting on the particles are balanced. The potential well may be configured to selectively trap one or the other types of particles suspended in the suspending medium. The particles may be transferred to a sample collection medium by immersing the tip in the sample collection medium and reversing the polarity of the electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention involves the formation of host-guest complexes between C-methylresorcin[4]arene and Oxybenzone (OXB). NMR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a weak host-guest complex and molecular dynamics docking simulations indicated that this complex likely had a 1:1 stoichiometry. Furthermore, skin permeation testing revealed that complexation by C-methylresorcin[4]arene significantly reduced the amount of OXB that permeated skin. These results show the potential of supramolecular complexation for improving the stability and decreasing the skin permeability of OXB, thus limiting harmful side effects.

Abstract: A novel composition is disclosed comprising the complex avobenzone-calix[8]-PO3H2. In another embodiment, the present invention is a sunscreen composition comprising the complex avobenzone-calix[8]-PO3H2 and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber and sheets formed by a specialized gas assembly pyrolytic reactor method that permits gas phase integration of nano and micro particles (NMPs) are processed into yarn and fabric used in the manufacture of personal protective clothing and equipment that can be tailored via selection of NMPs for a wide variety of functionality depending on target application. The CNT-NMP hybrid fabrics may be designed to exhibit enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity, moisture wicking, air filtering, and environmental sensing properties.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a sample loading chamber configured to receive a sample, a detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber configured to receive a first portion of the sample, one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers configured to receive a second portion of the sample, and one or more reaction chambers connected to the detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and the one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers. The detection antibody drying or lyophilization chamber and one or more substrate drying or lyophilization chambers are placed in parallel between the sample loading chamber and the one or more reaction chambers.

Abstract: A composition having one or more nanoneedles is provided, where each nanoneedle has a silver tip and one or more of the silver tips comprise an AgCl layer. In one approach, one or more of the silver tips further include a layer of thiol-polyethylene glycol. A method of resistive pulse detection involving a protein pore is also provided. The method involves reconstituting one or more protein pores in a lipid membrane formed on the tip of a nanoneedle, then applying a potential across the membrane and detecting resistive pulses.

Abstract: A recombinant ribonuclease is disclosed. The recombinant ribonuclease is produced by introducing a recombinant DNA sequence into a host; activating expression of the recombinant DNA sequence within the host to produce the recombinant ribonuclease; and isolating the recombinant ribonuclease from the host. Additionally, a method of analyzing an RNA sequence includes digesting the RNA with a first recombinant ribonuclease to give digestion products comprising nucleotides of the RNA sequence; and analyzing the digestion products using an analytical method to provide the identity of at least some of the nucleotides. The recombinant ribonuclease includes at least one of a uridine-specific recombinant RNase MC1 and a cytidine-specific recombinant RNase Cusativin.

Abstract: A device for determining the amount or concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample and a flow rate of the fluid sample in a channel is provided. The device includes a chamber including a channel and an opening the channel in fluid communication with the opening. The device further includes a wicking component positioned adjacent to the opening configured to receive an amount of fluid from the channel. The device may further include an analyte sensor positioned on the wicking component, the analyte sensor configured to detect an analyte in fluid in contact with the analyte sensor, wherein the wicking component is configured to contact the amount of fluid with the analyte sensor. Alternatively the device may include at least one pair of electrodes configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid in the channel.

Abstract: Methods for applying a coating to a surface of a substrate for inhibition and prevention of implant-associated complications (including implant-associated infections), methods for inhibiting and preventing implant-associated complications (including implant-associated infections), implant-associated infection inhibiting coatings, and coated devices are provided. Coating processes include a) providing a saturated or supersaturated solution of an antibiotic in a fast-evaporating or medium-evaporating organic solvent; b) coating the surface of the substrate with at least one application of solution, each application followed directly by a solvent evaporation period.