Abstract: The present invention provides a method implementing a speech strategy based on zero crossing behavior of speech time waveforms; the zero crossing containing both spectral and temporal speech information. This method uses temporal information of speech to activate electrodes instead of spectral information; maps temporal segment durations to spatial durations along the basilar membrane inside the cochlea; and provides instantaneous, continuous information about speech to electrodes that stimulate the auditory nerve. Timing of oval window mechanical motion is represented by zero crossings which are used to activate electrodes implanted inside the cochlea. Motion of the tympanic membrane, and the oval and round windows, follow the speech signal temporal waveform. Positive segments of the temporal waveform cause inward displacement of the oval membrane from its stationary position and negative segments causes outward retraction of the membranes.

Abstract: An assistive device for guiding performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during cardiac arrest (CA), comprising an intelligent device and algorithm that present care givers realtime guidance and feedback on CPR quality using input from multiple invasive and noninvasive biometric monitoring devices. Input is combined and processed using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to provide performance guidance displayed on a single monitor. Inputs include at least (a) heart rate, (b) end-tidal carbon dioxide—ETCO2, and (c) regional cerebral oxygen saturation—RSO2, which are processed to evaluate effectiveness of ongoing CPR and provide performance indicators in real time directed to increasing CPR effectiveness. Artificial intelligence functions evaluate effectiveness of CPR against standards of care as CPR is performed and provides actionable guidance to improve performance.

Abstract: A system for guiding and evaluating physical positioning, orientation and motion of the human body, comprising: a cloud computing-based subsystem including an artificial neural network and spatial position analyzer said cloud computing-based subsystem adapted for data storage, management and analysis; at least one motion sensing device wearable on the human body, said at least one motion sensing device adapted to detect changes in at least one of spatial position, orientation, and rate of motion; a mobile subsystem running an application program (app) that controls said at least one motion sensing device, said mobile subsystem adapted to capture activity data quantifying said changes in at least one of spatial position, orientation, and rate of motion, said mobile subsystem further adapted to transfer said activity data to said cloud computing-based subsystem, wherein said cloud computing-based subsystem processes, stores, and analyzes said activity data.

Abstract: A process providing a method to create 3D scaffolds using nano-scale fibers, comprising: deposition and alignment of a plurality of electrospun fiber layers on a substrate; application of a photosensitive biomedical polymer liquid to each fiber layer deposited on said substrate; deposition and cross-alignment of a plurality of electrospun fiber layers on said substrate; retaining said polymer liquid in place using said cross-aligned fiber layers; curing said polymer liquid on top of each fiber layer using UV light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to functionalize nanofiber membrane (NFM) on a total joint replacement (TJR) implant surface to support bone ingrowth and reduce macrophage-associated inflammation, the process comprising amending the implant surface by laser cutting microgrooves greater than 100 ?m in depth to protect functional PCL NFM from applied loading, induce a higher amount of osteoblast cell function, increase implant-bone contact area, and serve as a reservoir for the local delivery of biomolecules to increase osseointegration of the implant; depositing aligned fibers on the implant surface, the fibers aligned in the direction of the microgrooves and collected in layers until a thickness less than 30 ?m is reached and preferably in the range of 1 ?m to 10 ?m. Biofunctionalized NFM are used to indirectly attach biomolecules on said implant surface, or extracellular matrix proteins with biomolecules are immobilized and deposited on the PCL NFM coated implant.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating cross-aligned fiber in an electrospinning device, comprising a multiple segment collector including at least a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment, the intermediate segment positioned between the first and second segment to collectively present an elongated cylindrical structure; at least one electrically chargeable edge conductor circumferentially resident on the first segment and circumferentially resident on the second segment; a connection point on the first segment and on the second segment, the connection points usable for mounting the elongated cylindrical structure on a drive unit to rotate around a longitudinal axis; the elongated cylindrical structure holding electrospun fiber substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis when the edge conductors are excited with a charge of opposite polarity relative to charged fiber, and attracting electrospun fiber on to its surface around the longitudinal axis at least when the edge conductors are absent

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating cross-aligned fiber in an electrospinning device, comprising a multiple segment collector including at least a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment, the intermediate segment positioned between the first and second segment to collectively present an elongated cylindrical structure; at least one electrically chargeable edge conductor circumferentially resident on the first segment and circumferentially resident on the second segment; a connection point on the first segment and on the second segment, the connection points usable for mounting the elongated cylindrical structure on a drive unit to rotate around a longitudinal axis; the elongated cylindrical structure holding electrospun fiber substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis when the edge conductors are excited with a charge of opposite polarity relative to charged fiber, and attracting electrospun fiber on to its surface around the longitudinal axis at least when the edge conductors are absent

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting cross-aligned fiber threads, comprising an elongated assembly having a plurality of segments including at least a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment, the first segment positioned at one end of the intermediate segment and the second segment positioned at an opposite end of the intermediate segment, each segment being electrically chargeable; an electrically chargeable emitter for electrospinning nanoscale fiber streams comprising charged fiber branches, the emitter having a tip positioned offset and between an edge of the first segment and an edge of the second segment; a support structure for rotating the elongated assembly about a longitudinal axis and applying an electrical charge to at least the edges of the first and second segment; at least one electrically chargeable steering electrode for attracting fiber streams, the at least one steering electrode chargeable with an electrical polarity opposing a charge applied to the emitter.

Abstract: A method for separating out a continuous single thread of fiber from many fiber branches and controlling alignment and deposition of said fiber on a substrate, comprising: electrospinning synthetic polymer fiber streams from an electrically charged syringe needle; controlling the fiber using at least one electrically charged metallic disk rotating about an axis positioned below the needle; capturing the fiber using electrically grounded collector; extracting a single fiber branch thread from the polymer fiber streams, wherein the single fiber branch thread is attracted to and intercepted by the collector shape, and depositing the single fiber branch thread as substantially aligned fiber on the collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for combined applications of making grooves on an implant surface, applying MgO nanoparticles with PMMA cement, restricting the cement movement by PCL nanofiber and tethering biomolecules with PCL nanofiber to enhance mechanical stability and osseointegration of PMMA cement with bone. This is achieved through enhanced osteoconductive properties, roughness, and less viable fracture originating sites at the bone-cement interface. Such combined applications of nanoparticle and nanofiber on the mechanical stability and osseointegration of cemented implant is heretofore unknown, but as provided by the present invention can solve the debonding problem of cemented implant from bone.

Abstract: A system for guiding and evaluating physical positioning, orientation and motion of the human body, comprising: a cloud computing-based subsystem including an artificial neural network and spatial position analyzer said cloud computing-based subsystem adapted for data storage, management and analysis; at least one motion sensing device wearable on the human body, said at least one motion sensing device adapted to detect changes in at least one of spatial position, orientation, and rate of motion; a mobile subsystem running an application program (app) that controls said at least one motion sensing device, said mobile subsystem adapted to capture activity data quantifying said changes in at least one of spatial position, orientation, and rate of motion, said mobile subsystem further adapted to transfer said activity data to said cloud computing-based subsystem, wherein said cloud computing-based subsystem processes, stores, and analyzes said activity data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process by which both non-tissue engineered and tissue engineered cartilaginous-like structures can be fabricated. The process of the present invention provides a method to produce electrospun nanofiber-anchored NP gels. The present invention provides a functional design for novel engineered IVD. The present invention provides a method for fabrication of both non-tissue and tissue engineered IVDs. These cartilaginous-like structures can be used to produce replacements for degenerated natural IVD. The method of the present invention uses electrospun PCL nanofiber mesh to anchor the NP. The method of the present invention can create angle-ply AF structure around the circumference of NP to mimic the architecture of native IVD. The method of the present invention anchors the top and bottom sides of NP by using non-woven aligned or random nanofiber mesh to create scaffold for the generation of endplate (EP) tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method for monitoring and optimizing photothermal therapy, using a high-power continuous-wave laser beam and a pulsed laser beam, both transmitted through a single soft, multi-mode optical fiber with a diffuse active tip, to interstitially irradiate the target tissue at the same time. The continuous-wave laser light induces photothermal effect and increases tissue temperature and the pulsed laser light produces a photoacoustic signal. The photoacoustic signal intensity is used to monitor the temperature changes in the target tissue and to guide the irradiation of the high-power laser to optimize the photothermal effect by adjusting the light intensity and irradiation time.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for combined applications of making grooves on an implant surface, applying MgO nanoparticles with PMMA cement, restricting the cement movement by PCL nanofiber and tethering biomolecules with PCL nanofiber to enhance mechanical stability and osseointegration of PMMA cement with bone. This is achieved through enhanced osteoconductive properties, roughness, and less viable fracture originating sites at the bone-cement interface. Such combined applications of nanoparticle and nanofiber on the mechanical stability and osseointegration of cemented implant is heretofore unknown, but as provided by the present invention can solve the debonding problem of cemented implant from bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing personalized configuration of physical supports for the human body, comprising accepting input including an individual's demographic information, neurological attributes, physical history, operational environment, and outcome or use objectives, processing user input employing an artificial intelligence engine, and then returning guidance and/or control parameters directed to seating adjustment and positioning, including incline angles for wheelchair tilt and recline.

Abstract: The present invention implements a set of grooves/ridges created on Ti at the circumferential direction to increase surface area of implant in contact with bone. These grooves/ridges protect nanofiber matrix (NFM) made with Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofiber (ENF) and collagen at the groove from physiological loading. Controlled fabrication of a ridge made with titanium nitride (TiN) around the circumference of Ti is provided using a plasma nitride deposition technique. PCL ENF may be deposited along the sub-micrometer grooves using the electrospin setup disclosed. The method provides for fabrication of microgroove on Ti using machining or TiN deposition and filling the microgrooves with the NFM. This method has proven through experimentation to be successful in increasing in vivo mechanical stability and promoting osseointegration on Ti implants. The immobilization of MgO NP and FN with the PCL-CG NFM on microgrooved Ti as provided in the invention optimizes biological performances of Ti.

Abstract: A method for constructing a compound of immunologically modified nanotubes and method for using the compound to deliver immunoadjuvants to tumor cells and to produce targeted, synergistic photophysical and immunological reactions for cancer treatment. To prepare the immunologically modified nanotubes, carbon nanotubes are dissolved in a solution of glycated chitosan, an immunostimulant, hence using glycated chitosan as a surfactant for rendering the aqueous solution of nanotubes stable. The compound can be used for treatment of cancer. The method includes steps of intratumorally administering immunologically modified nanotubes and administering laser irradiation of the target tumor. The nanotube serves as a carrier to deliver immunoadjuvants to the tumor cells and serves as a light-absorbing agent in a cell body of a tumor in a host.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing personalized configuration of physical supports for the human body, comprising accepting input including an individual's demographic information, neurological attributes, physical history, operational environment, and outcome or use objectives, processing user input employing an artificial intelligence engine, and then returning guidance and/or control parameters directed to seating adjustment and positioning, including incline angles for wheelchair tilt and recline.

Abstract: A method for constructing a compound of immunologically modified nanotubes and method for using the compound to deliver immunoadjuvants to tumor cells and to produce targeted, synergistic photophysical and immunological reactions for cancer treatment. To prepare the immunologically modified nanotubes, carbon nanotubes are dissolved in a solution of glycated chitosan, an immunostimulant, hence using glycated chitosan as a surfactant for rendering the aqueous solution of nanotubes stable. The compound can be used for treatment of cancer. The method includes steps of intratumorally administering immunologically modified nanotubes and administering laser irradiation of the target tumor. The nanotube serves as a carrier to deliver immunoadjuvants to the tumor cells and serves as a light-absorbing agent in a cell body of a tumor in a host.