Abstract: Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O2 into singlet oxygen which causes cross-linking within the corneal tissue. The rate of cross-linking in the cornea is related to the concentration of O2 present when the cross-linking agent is irradiated with photoactivating light. Accordingly, the embodiments control the concentration of O2 during irradiation to increase or decrease the rate of cross-linking and achieve a desired amount of cross-linking.

Abstract: Embodiments produce and apply tissue-related structures in connection with various medical treatments. Such structures can be applied, as grafts, implants, scaffolds, etc., to replace, modify, or engineer tissue in the body. For example, such structures can be employed to reshape the cornea in order to correct vision. One example includes a tissue cell source including tissue cells in a fluid and a printer configured to deposit the tissue cells in a three-dimensional arrangement to form a tissue cell-based structure. Another example includes a source including a photoreactive liquid precursor, an application system configured to deposit the photoreactive liquid precursor in one or more applications to form a three-dimensional polymer-based structure, and an illumination system configured to deliver light to the photoreactive liquid precursor deposited by the application system and to solidify the photoreactive liquid precursor into the three-dimensional polymer-based structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions generate cross-linking activity for treatment of eye disorders. Various agents, additives, buffers, etc., may be employed in formulations with a cross-linking agent to enhance treatment. For example, a composition for applying treatment to a cornea of an eye includes a cross-linking agent that generates cross-linking activity in the cornea in response to exposure to a photo-activating light. The composition also includes an iron additive and citrate buffer. In some cases, the cross-linking agent may include riboflavin. In other cases, the iron additive may include FeSO4. In further cases, the iron additive may be dissolved in the citrate buffer.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a leaf spring of fibre-reinforced plastics for resiliently supporting a wheel carrier of the motor vehicle. The leaf spring comprises a first end portion, a spring portion, a bendable portion and a second end portion . The leaf spring further comprises a first receiving device for supporting the first end portion and a second receiving device for supporting a second end portion. The first receiving device and the second receiving device are designed such that the first end portion and the second end portion are held in a non-displaceable way relative to one another. At least one of the first and second receiving devices are designed such that the respective associated end portion is supported in a moment-free way in the receiving device.

Abstract: Devices and approaches for monitoring time based photo active agent delivery or photo active marker presence in an eye. A monitoring system is provided for measuring the presence of a photo active marker by illuminating the eye so as to excite the photo-active marker and then observing characteristic emission from the photo active marker. Example systems incorporate Scheimpflug optical systems or slit lamp optical systems to observe cross sectional images of an eye to monitor instantaneous distribution, diffusion pattern, and rate of uptake of a photo active agent applied to an eye. Systems and methods further allow for utilizing the monitored distribution of photo active agent in the eye as feedback for a cross-linking system.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a nanoparticle and a method for preparing the nanoparticle, as well as a membrane that includes the nanoparticle and a fuel cell that includes the membrane. The method comprises a thermal treatment method that provides from a nanoparticle comprising a structurally disordered material the nanoparticle comprising: (1) a structurally ordered core comprising a first material; and (2) a shell surrounding and further structurally aligned with the structurally ordered core and comprising a second material different from the first material. Particularly desirable is a nanoparticle comprising a Pt3Co@Pt/C structurally ordered core-shell composition supported upon a carbon support.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a non-volatile memory having a plurality of memory cells, a memory controller, and an evaluator. The memory controller is configured to provide control signals to the non-volatile memory causing the non-volatile memory, or a selected memory section of the non-volatile memory, to be in one of a read state and a weak erase state, wherein the weak erase state causes the plurality of memory cells to maintain different states depending on different physical properties of the plurality of memory cells. The evaluator is configured to read out the plurality of memory cells and to provide a readout pattern during the read state, wherein the readout pattern that is provided after a preceding weak erase state corresponds to a physically unclonable function (PUF) response of the electronic device uniquely identifying the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a cutting instrument that creates incisions in selected areas of the cornea; an eye therapy system that applies reshaping forces to the cornea; and a controller that determines the selected areas of the cornea for the incisions and the reshaping forces from the eye therapy system, such that the reshaping forces and the incisions combine to achieve corrective reshaping of the cornea. Other systems and methods include measuring an eye to determine a required amount of reshaping of a cornea; determining one or more doses of cross-linking agent and one or more corresponding doses of photoactivating light according to the required amount of reshaping; applying the cross-linking agent to the cornea; and delivering, from a light source, the photoactivating light to the area of the eye, the photoactivating light combining with the cross-linking agent to induce the corrective reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: Various endoscopes are integrated with an applicator configured for delivering a therapeutic solution to an internal anatomic target that may be infected by pathogenic microorganisms and a UV light-emitting device transmitting UV light thereto.

Abstract: Devices and approaches for monitoring time based photo active agent delivery or photo active marker presence in an eye. A monitoring system is provided for measuring the presence of a photo active marker by illuminating the eye so as to excite the photo-active marker and then observing characteristic emission from the photo active marker. Example systems incorporate Scheimpflug optical systems or slit lamp optical systems to observe cross sectional images of an eye to monitor instantaneous distribution, diffusion pattern, and rate of uptake of a photo active agent applied to an eye. Systems and methods further allow for utilizing the monitored distribution of photo active agent in the eye as feedback for a cross-linking system.

Abstract: Devices and approaches for activating cross-linking within corneal tissue to stabilize and strengthen the corneal tissue following an eye therapy treatment. A feedback system is provided to acquire measurements and pass feedback information to a controller. The feedback system may include an interferometer system, a corneal polarimetry system, or other configurations for monitoring cross-linking activity within the cornea. The controller is adapted to analyze the feedback information and adjust treatment to the eye based on the information. Aspects of the feedback system may also be used to monitor and diagnose features of the eye 1. Methods of activating cross-linking according to information provided by a feedback system in order to improve accuracy and safety of a cross-linking therapy are also provided.

Abstract: A system for applying therapy to an eye selectively applies coolant to the corneal surface to minimize heat-related damage to the corneal surface during thermokeratoplasty. Embodiments may include an energy source, a conducting element, a coolant supply, and at least one coolant delivery element. The conducting element is operably connected to the energy source and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The conducting element directs energy from the energy source to the distal end, which is positionable at the eye. The coolant delivery elements are in communication with the coolant supply and are operable to deliver a micro-controlled pulse of coolant to the distal end.

Abstract: A multimodal biometric identification system captures and processes images of both the iris and the retina for biometric identification. Another multimodal ocular system captures and processes images of the iris and/or the from both eyes of a subject. Biometrics based on data provided by these systems are more accurate and robust than using biometrics that include data from only the iris or only the retina from a single eye. An exemplary embodiment emits photons to the iris and the retina of both eyes, an iris image sensor that captures an image of the iris when the iris reflects the emitted light, a retina image sensor that captures an image of the retina when the retina reflects the emitted light, and a controller that controls the iris and the retina illumination sources, where the captured image of the iris and the captured image of the retina contain biometric data.

Abstract: Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O2 into singlet oxygen which causes cross-linking within the corneal tissue. The rate of cross-linking in the cornea is related to the concentration of O2 present when the cross-linking agent is irradiated with photoactivating light. Accordingly, the embodiments control the concentration of O2 during irradiation to increase or decrease the rate of cross-linking and achieve a desired amount of cross-linking.

Abstract: A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to determine a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue.

Abstract: A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue.

Abstract: Various agents and additives for cross-linking treatments are identified in disclosed studies. The characteristics of the various agents and additives may be advantageously employed in formulations applied in cross-linking treatments of the eye. In some embodiments, riboflavin is combined with Iron(II) to enhance the cross-linking activity generated by the riboflavin. In other embodiments, cross-linking treatments employ an Iron(II) solution in combination with a hydrogen peroxide pre-soak. In yet other embodiments, 2,3-butanedione is employed to increase the efficacy of corneal cross-linking with a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin. In further embodiments, folic acid is employed in combination with a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin, to enhance cross-linking activity. In yet further embodiments, 2,3-butanedione, folic acid, a quinoxaline, a quinoline, dibucaine, Methotrexate, menadione, or a derivative thereof is applied as a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods improve operation of an applicator that delivers heat-generating energy to an eye as a part of an eye therapy. For example, reflected power may be measured to determine whether sufficient contact has been established between the applicator and the eye for accurate and precise delivery of energy to the eye. In addition, at least one of forward and reflected power may be measured to monitor the application of coolant pulses that control the generation of heat in the eye when the applicator delivers energy to the eye. Further, the forward and reflected power may be measured to determine an efficiency of energy transfer or an impedance mismatch. Based on the efficiency of energy transfer or the impedance mismatch, an adjustable parameter of a tuning element may be modified.

Abstract: A system for applying a treatment to an eye includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a contact element having an open end and a closed end, and a light source disposed within the housing and configured to direct light toward the open end. The contact element is coupled to the first end of the housing at the closed end. The open end is configured to be positioned at an eye.

Abstract: Embodiments apply a cross-linking agent to a region of corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent improves the ability of the corneal tissue to resist undesired structural changes. For example, the cross-linking agent may be Riboflavin or Rose Bengal, and the initiating element may be photoactivating light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. In these embodiments, the photoactivating light initiates cross-linking activity by irradiating the applied cross-linking agent to release reactive oxygen radicals in the corneal tissue. The cross-linking agent acts as a sensitizer to convert O2 into singlet oxygen which causes cross-linking within the corneal tissue. The rate of cross-linking in the cornea is related to the concentration of O2 present when the cross-linking agent is irradiated with photoactivating light. Accordingly, the embodiments control the concentration of O2 during irradiation to increase or decrease the rate of cross-linking and achieve a desired amount of cross-linking.