Abstract: Electrowetting and electrofluidic devices and methods. The device includes a hydrophobic channel formed between first and second substrates and a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid contained in the channel. An electrode with a dielectric layer is electrically connected to a voltage source. A Laplace barrier within the hydrophobic channel defines a fluid pathway that is open to the movement of the polar fluid within the channel. The polar fluid moves to a first position when the voltage source is biased at a first voltage that is less than or equal to a threshold voltage. The polar fluid moves to a second position when the voltage source is biased with a second voltage that is greater than the first voltage.

Abstract: Short tri- and tetrapeptides according to the following Formula I Ar(CH2)mX1—X2—CO—X3—X4—X5-(Trp)n-NX6R are potent, selective agonists of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Provided herein are skin care compositions including Formula I peptide agonists of MC1R and methods of regulating a skin condition of a mammal that include applying to a treatment surface of the body a safe and effective amount of a skin care composition including a Formula I peptide. The peptides, skin care compositions, and skin care methods described herein are useful in regulating a skin condition of a mammal associated with exposure ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including sunburn, UV sensitivity, photoaging, and skin pigmentation, particularly in the absence of sun exposure.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating cancers such as glioblastoma. SapC-DOPS was found to be synergistically effective at inducing cell death when administered in conjunction with rapamycin. SapC-DOPS/rapamycin combination therapy allows physicians to give lower doses of each drug and achieve better therapeutic efficacy. The compositions also allow for less toxicity and fewer off-target effects. Related methods and materials are also provided herein.

Abstract: Switchable retroreflector devices that are modulated via electrowetting. The devices include an electrically-conductive polar fluid and a non-polar fluid that is immiscible with the polar fluid. The polar and the non-polar fluids differ in at least one optical property. The fluids are contained in a fluid vessel, or an array of fluid vessels. The fluids are at least partially viewable. A voltage source is configured to selectively apply an electromechanical force to the polar fluid causing repositioning and/or geometrical change of the fluids such that retroreflection in created, or suppressed, by optical refraction or by optical attenuation.

Abstract: Expression of a phosphatase inhibitor in heart cells can be used to treat cardiac disorders, e.g., heart failure. Decreasing phosphatase activity can improve ?-adrenergic responsiveness.

Abstract: A reconfigurable electromagnetic device includes a first and second planar layer having facing surfaces. One of the surfaces includes one or more micro-trenches. The area between the two surfaces is filled with an electro-fluid, such as a liquid metal and a second immiscible fluid, such as an inert gas. When pressure is applied, forcing the two surfaces together, Laplace pressure causes the electro-fluid to flow into the trench as the inert fluid is evacuated from the area between the two surfaces, forming an electromagnetic device. The shape of the trenches defines the reconfigurable device, such as circuitry, switch, antenna or the like. When the inert fluid is reintroduced into the area between the two surfaces, the electro-fluid withdraws from the trench, which is the off position, in which the device does not function.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatuses are provided that selectively reflect the infrared spectrum independent of other regions of the solar spectrum in order to actively manage solar heat gain across surfaces such as windows, skylights, roofs, siding and the like.

Abstract: Methods for treating hyperglycemia disorders in a subject in need thereof and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of hyperglycemia disorders are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of apolipoprotein A-IV to the subject. Also disclosed are methods for substantially restoring glucose tolerance in a subject in need thereof to a normal level and methods for lowering blood glucose levels in a subject having hyperglycemic disorders, including insulin resistant disorders, such as prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary disease, type A syndrome, gestational diabetes, and endocrine conditions associated with hyperglycemia, including Cushing's Disease, glucagon excess (glucagon secreting tumors) and acromegaly.

Abstract: Methods for treating type two diabetes mellitus in a subject in need thereof and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of type two diabetes mellitus are disclosed. The methods include administering an effective amount of apolipoprotein A-IV to the subject. The pharmaceutical composition includes apolipoprotein A-IV formulated for administration to a subject for the treatment of type two diabetes mellitus. Also disclosed are methods for substantially restoring glucose tolerance in a subject in need thereof to a normal level and methods for lowering blood glucose levels in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting ischemia-related and ischemia-reperfusion-related injury are provided. Remote administration of a C-fiber activator or TRPV1 agonist or remote electrical stimulation and activation of TRPV1 reduces ischemia-related tissue damage in subjects at risk for ischemia-related tissue damage. In aspects of the invention, remote application of a TRPV1 agonist inhibits ischemia-related cardiac tissue damage. Methods of inhibiting cardiac tissue damage by topically administering the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin are provided.

Abstract: Acoustic pressure inducers and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. In one embodiment, an acoustic pressure inducer includes an actuator housing having an orifice, a tube having a first end and a second end, and a nasal cannula fluidly coupled to the second end of the tube. The first end of the tube is fluidly coupled to the orifice of the actuator housing such that a gap is present between the first end of the tube and the orifice. The nasal cannula is configured to be positioned proximate to nostrils of a user. The acoustic pressure inducer further includes a vibrating element within the actuator housing and a signal generator. The signal generator component is electrically coupled to the vibrating element and configured to provide an electronic signal to the vibrating element to cause the vibrating element to oscillate within the actuator housing and produce an acoustic jet of air that exits the orifice and enters a nasal passageway of the user through the nasal cannula.

Abstract: Biological chemicals, potentially found in blood are measured by collecting sweat and determining the concentration or meaning of the selected chemical in sweat. The sweat can be collected using a time based, interval collector and analyzed using an external device. It can also be collected on a one time basis, using a flexible, chemical capacitor, or on a continuous basis using a chemical, field effect transducer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting an end of life of a wind turbine component including receiving environmental conditions indicative of natural surroundings of wind turbines within a wind turbine farm, receiving component performance metrics indicative of an operation of wind turbines within a wind turbine farm, and distributing the wind turbines into peer-clusters such that the wind turbines within each of the peer-clusters have similar environmental conditions. The methods and systems further include identifying a low performing wind turbine and a remaining portion of wind turbines within one of the peer-clusters based upon a predicted performance model, processing the component performance metrics of the low performing wind turbine, identifying a critical component of the low performing wind turbine and predicting the end of life of the critical component of the low performing wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of combating infectious agents, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia, and a method of treating a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a bis-benzamidoxime of formula I wherein the linker is a di-substituted cyclic moiety of any ring size and may contain at least one heteroatom; the aromatic group is 1,2-; 1,3-; or 1,4-disubstituted; R is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group, containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R? is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group containing from one to twenty carbon atoms, an aromatic ring, a cycloalkyl group containing three to eight carbon atoms, or a hydroxyl group; alternatively, R and R? may form a cyclic structure that can be fused to another cyclic system; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical formulations and active compounds useful in the practice of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system for assessing dynamic bone quality is provided, including a memory that stores executable instructions, a central processing unit (CPU) capable of accessing the memory and executing the instructions to provide an output, and a receiver for receiving data input and transmitting it to the CPU, wherein the receiver is operably connected to: (1) a plurality of accelerometers, each accelerometer adapted to contact an exterior surface of a human subject at a load-bearing anatomical site and to receive input from each point of contact including acceleration response data; and (2) a force plate adapted to receive input including vertical ground reaction force data provided by a heel strike on the force plate, wherein the CPU executes the instructions to process the input data transmitted from the receiver to provide the output as a bone damping value. A method for assessing dynamic bone quality is also provided.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: A patient-specific total hip arthroplasty system including surgical guide and jig instrumentation modeled by computer aided design using image data derived from a specific patient's relevant anatomy. Patient-specific jigs fit surface topography of portions of the acetabulum and femur of the patient and are designed to guide surgical implantation at very precise geometries unique to each patient. Patient-specific pin-locating jigs, pin-rail and spacer systems, acetabular reaming and impacting jigs, and femoral resection and version jigs are fabricated pre-operatively according to the models. Methods for fabricating jig components of the system and methods of performing a total hip arthroplasty utilizing the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electrofluidic and electrowetting display pixels, electrofluidic and electrowetting displays, and methods of operating electrofluidic and electrowetting display pixels. The pixel includes a hydrophobic channel formed between first and second substrates and containing a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid, of which at least one is visible through at least one substrate. An electrode with a dielectric is electrically connected to a voltage source. A Laplace barrier defines a fluid pathway for fluid movement in the channel. The polar fluid moves a first position when the voltage source is biased at a first voltage of less than or equal to a threshold voltage to provide a first display state. The polar fluid moves to a second position when the voltage source is biased with a second voltage, greater than the first voltage, to provide a second display state.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a sponge including a first surface adapted to confront a wound bed of a patient, a drape in contact with a second surface of the sponge, and a vacuum source for distributing a vacuum force through the sponge. The system also includes a wound separator having a sidewall defining an interior chamber, wherein at least a portion of an exterior of the sidewall confronts at least an interior portion of the sponge. An ostomy appliance is operatively connected to the wound separator to receive substances passing out of the wound separator.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.