Abstract: An exercise device comprising a first strap, a second strap, a buckle, and at least one section of padding coupled to an interior surface of the buckle. The first strap has a first end and a second end, and the buckle is fixedly coupled to the first end of the first strap and configured to receive and retain the second of the first strap. The buckle has a base coupled to the first end of the first strap and a handle portion movably coupled to the base by a pin. The second strap has a first end and a second end, wherein the second strap is fixedly coupled to the first strap, the first and second ends of the second strap having hook and loop fasteners coupled thereto and are configured to removably couple to each other. The second strap is configured to grip and retain at least one weight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photoacoustic tomography (PAT) probe to direct light to various regions within the tissue of interest to improve image quality and remove cumbersome artifacts at their source. Particularly, a rotating PAT probe and method of using thereof to improve the photoacoustic penetration depth and signal to noise ratio in biological samples. Signal intensity at region of interest is increased by fine-tuning the fiber orientation with respect to the ultrasound transducer. Additional PA filter is used to prevent in vivo probe-skin artifacts.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or osteoarthritis in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the affected joint of the mammal. The biomimetic proteoglycan comprises a core structure and at least one bristle. The biomimetic proteoglycan resists endogenous enzymatic degradation and integrates with the existing tissue matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photoacoustic tomography (PAT) probe to direct light to various regions within the tissue of interest to improve image quality and remove cumbersome artifacts at their source. Particularly, a rotating PAT probe and method of using thereof to improve the photoacoustic penetration depth and signal to noise ratio in biological samples. Signal intensity at region of interest is increased by fine-tuning the fiber orientation with respect to the ultrasound transducer. Additional PA filter is used to prevent in vivo probe-skin artifacts.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a new method of treating or osteoarthritis in a mammal in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting at least one biomimetic proteoglycan with the affected joint of the mammal. The biomimetic proteoglycan comprises a core structure and at least one bristle. The biomimetic proteoglycan resists endogenous enzymatic degradation and integrates with the existing tissue matrix.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component including an alignment member, the alignment member including a base portion extending from an edge of the first component, and a connector portion coupled to the base portion. The system also includes a second component including a receiving member. The receiving member includes a pair of cantilever members extending from an edge of the second component and defines a receiving aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the receiving aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component edge relative to the second component edge.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component including an alignment member, the alignment member including a base portion extending from an edge of the first component, and a connector portion coupled to the base portion. The system also includes a second component including a receiving member. The receiving member includes a pair of cantilever members extending from an edge of the second component and defines a receiving aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the receiving aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component edge relative to the second component edge.