Abstract: A method of localizing brain regions for the purpose of guiding placement of electrodes and related implants is disclosed. The inventive method involves effecting a pulse in a patient's brain, temporally aligning readings taken from an electrode at various depths, measuring local field potentials at each depth during interstimulus intervals, performing a coherence analysis comparing the local field potential measurements of the different depths, and determining a corresponding brain region for the depths compared.

Abstract: An adapter for use in conjunction with a tracheostomy tube and/or its attachments is disclosed. It is adapted to complement conventional tracheostomy tubes and monitor and measure an assortment of breathing parameters, through one or more sensors, such as thermistors, microphones and the like. In order to evaluate whether there is a problem in the patient's airway (e.g., an obstruction), the data from the sensors is compared. By incorporating an alarm system as part of, or in conjunction with, the present invention, healthcare providers can be better able to quickly react to potential problems in the patient's airway.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled ball drive system for actuation of spherical surfaces and wheels is disclosed. An internal support structure interacts with exterior drive wheels magnetically to produce rotational motion. A related improvement involving reduction of slip due to insufficient traction is also presented to establish a design for a more robust and versatile device that can be used in robotics or for producing vehicle locomotion.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments describe techniques for a controlled chemical vapor deposition growth and transfer of arrayed TMD monolayers on predetermined locations, which enable the formation of single crystalline TMD monolayer arrays on specific locations. The unique growth process includes the patterning of transition metal oxide (e.g., MoO3) on the source substrate contacting the growth substrate face-to-face, where the growth of single crystalline TMD monolayers with controlled size and location, exclusively on predetermined locations on the growth substrates is accomplished. These TMD arrays can be align-transferred using a unique process that combines the wet and stamping transfer processes onto any target substrate with a pin-point accuracy, which dramatically enhances the integrity of transferred TMDs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing polymer gels useful in the fabrication of organic cells. The method includes mixing poly(3-hexylthiophene) with phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester and solvent to form a first solution, where the poly(3-hexylthiophene) includes at least some regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene). The first solution is then cooled to a specified temperature to induce gelation to form an at least partially gelled solution that can be deposited onto a surface to form a coated surface. At least one or more steps of the method can occur as an extrusion process carried out in a twin-screw or single-screw extruder.

Abstract: An artificial cornea and an associated manufacturing method are disclosed. The artificial cornea has two sides, each of which has an associated microstructure. In an embodiment, microlines can be provided on an anterior side, and a posterior side can have micropores. Both the geometry of the microstructures and their dimensions can be customized for an individual patient. The geometry of the artificial cornea itself and its dimensions can also be customized as such. In addition, the lifetime of the artificial cornea can be significantly enhanced by adding co-polymer(s) into the hydrogel to strengthen its mechanical properties. Patient recovery can be aided by adding peptides into the artificial cornea surfaces to improve cell growth post-operation.

Abstract: Flexible air-breathing microscale fuel cells are produced using ion exchange polymer membranes without silicon substrates or other rigid components. The microscale fuel cells provide long-life energy supply sources in portable electronics due to reduced volume, high energy density, and low cost. More particularly, the microscale fuel cell has a direct hydrogen flow-through porous anode electrode with a pair of air-breathing cathodes.

Abstract: Functionalized fibers adapted to remove contaminants from water and soil are produced in accordance with a single-step process that involves treating an acrylic fiber with an amination reagent to form a functionalized acrylic amino fiber. By way of another single-step process, functionalized acrylic amino fibers are treated with an alkylating reagent to form functionalized acrylic quaternary amino fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for remote sensing, surface profiling, object identification, and aiming based on two-photon population inversion and subsequent photon backscattering enhanced by superradiance using two co-propagating pump waves. The present disclosure enables efficient and highly-directional photon backscattering by generating the pump waves in properly pulsed time-frequency modes, proper spatial modes, with proper group-velocity difference in air. The pump waves are relatively delayed in a tunable pulse delay device and launched to free space along a desirable direction using a laser-pointing device. When the pump waves overlap in air, signal photons will be created through two-photon driven superradiant backscattering if target gas molecules are present. The backscattered signal photons propagate back, picked using optical filters, and detected.

Abstract: Smart membranes (14) are integrated into a small, unmanned surface vessel (20) to enable the efficient, automated cleanup of oil spills. Such a vessel (20) has the potential to provide a low-cost, modular solution for day-to-day oil-spill cleanup operations, especially in confined aquatic areas, such as under piers and in the small spaces between marine vessels and piers. The smart membranes (14) are provided on the surface of a conveyor belt (34) that circulates the membranes (14) through the surrounding body of water (10) for oil collection, as well as through an internal reduction chamber (22) of the vessel (20) for oil release. The smart membranes (14) are adapted to attract and repel oil (12) in response to low-voltage commands applied across the conveyor belt (34), using a process that is repeatable for a number of cycles, offering high efficiency and long durability (FIG. 5).

Abstract: Filter media for treating contaminated water is produced from aluminum-based water treatment residuals (Al-WTR) commonly produced as a byproduct of water treatment plants. By processing the residuals into small granules, a superior green sorbent product is obtained with the functionality to adsorb contaminants, such as metals and certain nutrients in water. Biopolymers can be incorporated into the filter media to further enhance functionality and hydraulic characters.

Abstract: An improved bougie provides two-fold verification of proper placement of an endotracheal tube during medical intubation. Features for both tactile feedback, via a flexible body with a coude tip, and visual feedback, via a transilluminating light source, are provided. The improved bougie is fully disposable.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and converting an ozone-depleting alkyl halide fumigant from a fumigant/air mixed stream (14) by absorbing it into a metal hydroxide-alcohol buffer solution (26) in an absorber/scrubber (12) to produce a fumigant-free air stream. The captured alkyl halide in aqueous alcohol solution can actively react with the metal hydroxide in alcohol solution to produce a value-added product, such as a precipitate metal halide, and another alcohol that further enhances absorption. The absorbing solution is well-mixed with make-up alcohol and alkali streams to maintain the concentration of the metal hydroxide in the desired buffer solution range. The solid precipitate metal halide is separated from the liquid stream, and the metal hydroxide-containing mixed alcohol stream is recycled to the absorber/scrubber (12).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for remote sensing, surface profiling, object identification, and aiming based on two-photon population inversion and subsequent photon backscattering enhanced by superradiance using two co-propagating pump waves. The present disclosure enables efficient and highly-directional photon backscattering by generating the pump waves in properly pulsed time-frequency modes, proper spatial modes, with proper group-velocity difference in air. The pump waves are relatively delayed in a tunable pulse delay device and launched to free space along a desirable direction using a laser-pointing device. When the pump waves overlap in air, signal photons will be created through two-photon driven superradiant backscattering if target gas molecules are present. The backscattered signal photons propagate back, picked using optical filters, and detected.

Abstract: The described invention provides an ex vivo dynamic multiple myeloma cancer niche contained in a pumpless perfusion culture device. The dynamic multiple myeloma cancer niche includes (a) a three-dimensional tissue construct containing a dynamic ex vivo bone marrow niche, which contains a mineralized bone-like tissue containing viable osteoblasts self-organized into cohesive multiple cell layers and an extracellular matrix secreted by the viable adherent osteoblasts; and a microenvironment dynamically perfused by nutrients and dissolved gas molecules; and (b) human myeloma cells seeded from a biospecimen composition comprising mononuclear cells and the multiple myeloma cells. The human myeloma cells are in contact with osteoblasts of the bone marrow niche, and the viability of the human myeloma cells is maintained by the multiple myeloma cancer niche.

Abstract: A spinal fusion bone scaffold having a first member including a first base plate and a first plurality of struts each having a first end engaging the first base plate and a second, free end. The first plurality of struts is configured to form at least part of a hyperbolic curve such that said bone scaffold includes an overall optimized hyperboloid shape having an outer diameter and an inner waist diameter. The scaffold may include a second member including a second plurality of struts each having a first end and a second end, each of the second plurality of struts being configured to form at least part of the hyperbolic curve. The scaffold includes connecting means for connecting said second member to said first member, which are aligned so as to complete the hyperbolic curve while generating hyperboloid geometry of the bone scaffold.

Abstract: A system includes a device that is disposed within an environment and is adapted to communicate over a radio frequency communication link. The system also includes a wireless access point disposed within the environment, including a wireless transceiver in communication with the device over a radio frequency communication link using a plurality of channels, and recording a channel state information data set for the radio frequency communication link. The system also includes a monitoring device including a memory storing a plurality of activity profiles, each of which includes an activity and a channel state information profile corresponding to the activity, and a processor receiving, from the wireless access point, the channel state information data set and determining, based on a comparison of the channel state information data set to the channel state information profile of each of the plurality of activity profiles, the activity of the person in the environment.

Abstract: A bone repair scaffold having two moduli that match those of the cancellous and cortical bone in a patient receiving a bone graft/implant. The bone repair scaffold possesses increased mechanical properties to sustain physiological loading and biologically active capability to facilitate bone fusion. The bone repair scaffold may be 3D-printed, which allows for a variety of scaffold designs and configurations. Pore size, interconnected porosity, shape, and modulus of the bone repair scaffold may be modified for different bone graft applications, whether it is used as filler for bone cancer resections or trauma, or as a fusion device in cases of surgery. Depending on the defect location of the bone shaft, the relative porosity of the scaffold may be modified to account for changes in cortical bone thickness. A method for treating a bone defect using the bone repair scaffold is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a device that is disposed within an environment and is adapted to communicate over a radio frequency communication link. The system also includes a wireless access point disposed within the environment, including a wireless transceiver in communication with the device over a radio frequency communication link using a plurality of channels, and recording a channel state information data set for the radio frequency communication link. The system also includes a monitoring device including a memory storing a plurality of activity profiles, each of which includes an activity and a channel state information profile corresponding to the activity, and a processor receiving, from the wireless access point, the channel state information data set and determining, based on a comparison of the channel state information data set to the channel state information profile of each of the plurality of activity profiles, the activity of the person in the environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods for producing polymer gels useful in the fabrication of organic cells. The method includes mixing poly(3-hexylthiophene) with phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester and solvent to form a first solution, where the poly(3-hexylthiophene) includes at least some regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene). The first solution is then cooled to a specified temperature to induce gelation to form an at least partially gelled solution that can be deposited onto a surface to form a coated surface. At least one or more steps of the method can occur as an extrusion process carried out in a twin-screw or single-screw extruder.