Abstract: A material comprising two or more fibers, wherein each of the fibers has a mechanical modulus, and the mechanical modulus of at least one fiber is higher than the mechanical modulus of another fiber. The higher modulus fiber has a longer length than the lower modulus fiber. In various embodiments, the higher modulus fiber is collagen mimetic and the lower modulus fiber is elastin mimetic. A suture is also described, comprising two or more fibers. At least one of the fibers is elastin-like and has a lower elastic modulus than another fiber that is collagen-like and has a higher elastic modulus. The higher modulus collagen-like fiber is longer than the lower modulus elastin-like fiber.

Abstract: A timed-release tensioned core-shell fiber comprises a core positioned within a shell. The shell is configured to hold the core under said tension or compression. The shell is at least partially removable and releases at least a portion of the tension or compression of the core in response to the shell being removed. The shell is at least partially removable by erosion or degradation due to mechanical, chemical, electrical, physical, or thermal processes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the erosion or degradation of the shell may include biodegradation, bioerosion, photooxidation, or photodegradation. A fiber mesh comprised of core-shell fibers may be tuned for timed release of contraction or expansion forces in response to timed release of tension or compression of the core. The fiber mesh may be used in a medical device, bandage, implant, tissue construct, or sling. A suture may also comprise a core-shell fiber.

Abstract: An integrated hands-free, point of view, action-sports, digital video camera (or camcorder) (10) includes: a rotary horizon adjustment controller (14) for adjusting the orientation of a horizontal image plane (16) recorded by an image sensor with respect to the orientation of a camera housing (22); a laser alignment system with laser sources (48) capable of projecting light to define a horizontal projection axis (52) that is coordinated with orientation of the horizontal image plane (16); a manually operable switch (80), which covers a microphone (90) whenever the switch (80) is in the OFF position, for controlling video data capture; and a “quick-release” mounting system (120) that retains a desired orientation of the camera (10).