Abstract: Dual-layer insole apparatuses for diabetic foot lesion prevention and related methods are provided. Some insole apparatuses have a body defining a plurality of cavities configured to be coupled to a fluid source. The fluid source can deliver fluid to vary internal pressures of the cavities. The body further defines an insole-shaped structure.

Abstract: An exemplary breath analysis system may include a sampling chamber having a molecule collector disposed therein. The molecule detector may be configured such that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in a breath sample introduced to the sampling chamber adhere to the molecule collector. A heating element may introduce heat within the sampling chamber, causing release of at least a portion of the VOCs adhered to the molecule collector. An analysis device (e.g., a mass spectrometer or tetrahertz (THz) spectrometer) may identify one or more target VOCs from among at least the portion of the VOCs released from the molecule collector and generate an output representative of the identified one or more target VOCs. The output may include information that quantitates a concentration of the one or more target VOCs with respect to a source of the breath sample.

Abstract: Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists and partial agonists are known to modulate the reinforcing and drug-seeking effects induced by cocaine and other abused substances. By introducing functionality into the butylamide linking chain of the 4-phenylpiperazine class of ligands, improved D3 receptor affinity and selectivity, as well as water solubility, is achieved. A series of linking-chain derivatives are disclosed wherein functionality such as OH or OAc groups have been introduced into the linking chain. In general, these modifications are well tolerated at D3 receptors and achieve high selectivity over D2 and D4 receptors.

Abstract: A method and chemical composition and material structure for improving fretting wear in substrates, particularly carbon-carbon composite (CCC). The invention relates to trilayer coatings, comprising a base of hard ZrO2, a middle layer of Al2O3, and atop layer of lubricious ZnO. The coatings of the present invention exhibit conformality and pore-filling down to approximately 100 microns into a carbon-carbon composite to which they are applied. The methods for preparing the coatings include a chemical vapor infiltration route, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, to uniformly and conformally coat the porous and open structure of CCC with a solid lubricant trilayer of ZnO/Al2O3/ZrO2 that results in significant improvement (65%) in fretting wear.

Abstract: An acoustic material can be electromagnetically tuned to produce alterations in its acoustical properties without physical contact. The acoustic material should contain a periodic structure and a medium that has acousto-elastical properties that can be altered through the application of electromagnetic radiation. Changes in volumetric properties such as density result in changes to the velocity at which sound passes through the material. The acoustic material can be a phononic crystal that undergoes a change in its acoustic bandgap after being subjected to electromagnetic radiation. This electromagnetic tuning ability results in the ability to change the acoustic properties of various phononic devices without physical contact.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indoor navigation utilize a smartphone equipped with various sensors. When a person whose initial position is unknown, and in some circumstances whose sight has been impaired, specifies a destination, the navigation system will calculate the coordinates of his/her present location from the sensor readings. It will then calculate the distance to be traveled to the destination and form routes to direct him/her towards the desired location. These steps are carried out using sensor readings and in some cases magnetic maps of the interiors of buildings stored on the smartphone. In some cases dynamic time warping (“DTW”) is used to align a recorded signature of the person's movement through the building with a stored magnetic map in order to identify the person's location within the building.

Abstract: Fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (“FMOFs”) are capable of adsorbing and desorbing hydrocarbons, namely, C6-C8 hydrocarbon oil components (n-hexane, cyclohexane, benzene and toluene). FMOFs can be arranged in a variety of configurations and have internal hollow channels and cavities. In FMOFs, hydrogen atoms have been substituted completely or partially with fluorine atoms or fluorinated groups in each linking organic ligand. These FMOFs can adsorb C6-C8 hydrocarbons, up to 500 kg/m3 as demonstrated for toluene, through a combination of superhydrophobicity and capillary action. No water adsorption was detectable even under extreme conditions including moist air near 100% relative humidity and immersion in water for multiple weeks, demonstrating far superior water resistance to BPL carbon and zeolites. These materials are stable and can be readily recycled by simple desorption many times.

Abstract: A method for detecting and analyzing driving performance and habits as well as road conditions utilizes a smartphone having an accelerometer and a microphone. Acceleration in the x, y, and z axis can be measured as a function of time and at particular velocities to provide valuable information about driver habits, vehicle performance, and road conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides plant fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) coding sequences. Also provided are constructs comprising these sequences, plants transformed therewith and methods of use thereof. The invention allows the modification of plants for FAAH activity and N-Acylethanolamine levels. Such modification may be used to produce plants that are improved with respect to growth, seed germination, pathogen response and stress tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anti-adhesion patch, which is constructed using a tissue equivalent technique. The anti-adhesion patch comprises a collagenous material and at least one non-living cellular component. Also provided is a method for preventing tissue adhesions between organs and other tissues being operated upon during surgical procedures by utilizing the anti-adhesion patch disclosed herein.

Abstract: A composition formulated for dose-wise delivery to a breathing passageway of a human, the composition comprising a carrier solution containing (+)naloxone and a pharmacologically effective amount of at least one adrenergic agonist, the (+)naloxone and agonist forming a mixture in the carrier. The at least one adrenergic agonist is selected from the group consisting of epinephrine, isoproterenol, albuterol, aminophylline, beclomethasone, dyphylline, flunisolide, isoetharine, metaproterenol, oxtriphylline, terbutaline, theophylline, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine and norepinephrine. That composition is delivered by an atomizer means such as a liquid sprayer or inhaler to treat nasal congestion and asthmatic attacks. Further provided by the invention is a cardiovascular and respiratory stimulating composition for administration to a patient in doses, the composition comprising a pharmacologically effective concentration of (+)naloxone in a carrier solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides thin films for use in microelectronic devices. In one aspect, the present invention provides a copper diffusion barrier. In another aspect, the present invention provides a polymer film for various applications including use as a dielectric insulator and surface modification layers. Methods for the production of the films are also disclosed.