Abstract: Liposomal detection devices and methods of making and using such devices are disclosed. Such liposomal detection devices may be used to detect microbes by detecting a byproduct of microbial metabolism, or may be used to detect changes in pH and/or changes in temperature. Liposomal detection devices may include a first liposome encapsulating a first destabilizing compound and a second liposome encapsulating a second destabilizing compound. The first liposome may destabilize in response to the detection of the target compound or change to release the first destabilizing compound which may destabilize the second liposome. A matrix, such as a hydrogel matrix, may encase the first liposome and the second liposome.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described to monitor a sweat rate of an area of a skin. A hydration status of a human or non-human entity is monitored based on the sweat rate. The sweat rate is monitored when the sweat rate monitor is detected as sealed against the surface of the skin. The sweat rate monitor is attached to the surface of the skin with an adhesive, or a tape among other schemes to hold the sweat rate monitor in place during a measurement. The sweat rate monitor includes a container to capture an initial amount of sweat that comes out of the surface of the skin. When, the container is detected as filled with the initial amount of sweat, a pump of the sweat rate monitor is actuated to compress the container. The container is compressed to force a volume of the initial amount of sweat in the container out of an ejection port of the sweat rate monitor.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein provide devices, systems and methods for produce scanning, wherein the produce scanning devices comprise a light source, a produce stage, and a detector array positioned on the opposing side of the produce stage to the light source, wherein the light source and the detector array form a scanning assembly, and the transmitted light from the light source can reach the detector array. In some embodiments, the light source is a collimated light source, and only the directly transmitted light may reach the detector array. In some embodiments, a collimating filter is positioned between the produce stage and the detector array.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for terahertz tags and methods of making and using them. A tag may include a terahertz reflective material; and a saturated hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A tag may include a terahertz reflective material; and an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A humidity sensor may include a terahertz reflective material; and an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material. A temperature sensor may include a terahertz reflective material; an anhydrous hygroscopic material positioned on the terahertz reflective material; and a polymer overlay having thermally controlled water permeability disposed on the anhydrous hygroscopic material. Some embodiments relate to a tag identification device configured to transmit an incident signal toward the tag, and to receive a reply signal from the tag in response to the incident signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that may include a substrate that may have a surface, a channel of a volume that may be defined, at least in part, by the substrate, wherein the channel may have a first end and a second end, a valve may be coupled to the channel at the first end, wherein the valve may be configured to allow a fluid to pass into the channel when the valve is open, and a continuity detector, which may be coupled to the channel at the second end, wherein the continuity detector may be activated when the fluid contacts the continuity detector, wherein the continuity detector may further be configured to provide a signal to close the valve and remove the fluid from the channel. A method for calculating a rate of flow of a fluid collected from a bodily surface into a body-worn device is disclosed.

Abstract: In some examples, a method to monitor an animal may include determining a physiological status of the animal based on a tattoo that includes intelligent ink injected into skin of the animal. The method may also include recording the physiological status of the animal. The method may also include, in response to the physiological status indicating a physiological event or condition, triggering an alert to address the physiological event or condition.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described to monitor a sweat rate of an area of a skin. A hydration status of a human or non-human entity is monitored based on the sweat rate. The sweat rate is monitored when the sweat rate monitor is detected as sealed against the surface of the skin. The sweat rate monitor is attached to the surface of the skin with an adhesive, or a tape among other schemes to hold the sweat rate monitor in place during a measurement. The sweat rate monitor includes a container to capture an initial amount of sweat that comes out of the surface of the skin. When, the container is detected as filled with the initial amount of sweat, a pump of the sweat rate monitor is actuated to compress the container. The container is compressed to force a volume of the initial amount of sweat in the container out of an ejection port of the sweat rate monitor.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for devices for detection of a biofilm by a color change in a moisture-indicating substance, such as a chemical or a dye. The moisture indicating material may be supported by a substrate and sealed to keep moisture from the moisture indicating material. Alternatively, the moisture indicating material may be supported in a pouch and sealed by the pouch. The color change results from an ingress of moisture accompanying growth of a biofilm. The moisture-indicating substance may be used with indwelling or other devices to detect a biofilm. When the biofilm has sufficiently degraded the seal, an ingress of moisture and its accompanying pH may cause a color change in the moisture-indicating substance to signify the presence of the biofilm. Methods of manufacture and use of the disclosed devices are also described.

Abstract: A system may include a mesh that includes a non-electrically conductive mesh material. The system may also include a first electrode coupled to the mesh at a first location of the mesh. The system may further include a second electrode coupled to the mesh at a second location of the mesh that is different from the first location. Additionally, the system may include a control unit electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The control unit may be configured to generate a notification signal when the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled to each other.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described to employ an optical effect, such as Pockels effect to direct an optical communication signal within a gradient index (GRIN) backplane. An electric field may be created between two or more electrodes located on different surfaces of the GRIN backplane in response to an application of electrical excitation to at least one of the electrodes. The electric field may be configured to change an orientation of nanoparticles in at least a portion of GRIN material comprising the GRIN backplane so as to control a direction of one or more optical pathways within the GRIN backplane. Propagation of an optical communication signal between one or more components mounted on one or more surfaces of the GRIN backplane may be facilitated via the controlled direction of the optical pathways, which may enable control of routing, including switching, of the optical communication signal to a particular optical pathway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing or eliminating corrosion of components of a reactor system, including a supercritical water gasification system, are described. The reactor system may include various system components, such as one or more pre-heaters, heat exchangers and reactor vessels. The system components may be configured to receive a reactor fluid corrosive to an inner surface thereof and to separately receive a protective fluid that has a higher density and is substantially immiscible with the reactor fluid. A rotating element may be configured to generate a rotational force that forces at least a portion of the protective fluid to flow in a layer between the reactor fluid and at least a portion of the inner surface, the layer operating to reduce corrosion by forming a barrier between the reactor fluid and at least a portion of the inner surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that may include a substrate that may have a surface, a channel of a volume that may be defined, at least in part, by the substrate, wherein the channel may have a first end and a second end, a valve may be coupled to the channel at the first end, wherein the valve may be configured to allow a fluid to pass into the channel when the valve is open, and a continuity detector, which may be coupled to the channel at the second end, wherein the continuity detector may be activated when the fluid contacts the continuity detector, wherein the continuity detector may further be configured to provide a signal to close the valve and remove the fluid from the channel. A method for calculating a rate of flow of a fluid collected from a bodily surface into a body-worn device is disclosed.

Abstract: Liposomal detection devices and methods of making and using such devices are disclosed. Such liposomal detection devices may be used to detect microbes by detecting a byproduct of microbial metabolism, or may be used to detect changes in pH and/or changes in temperature. Liposomal detection devices may include a first liposome encapsulating a first destabilizing compound and a second liposome encapsulating a second destabilizing compound. The first liposome may destabilize in response to the detection of the target compound or change to release the first destabilizing compound which may destabilize the second liposome. A matrix, such as a hydrogel matrix, may encase the first liposome and the second liposome.

Abstract: Ultrasound thin film tags are disclosed. The tags include a pattern of regions, wherein the pattern is configured to create thin film interference when scanned with ultrasound energy. The tags can be placed in various locations within the article including interior surfaces and they can be used to encode a variety of information about the article. Devices and methods for scanning and decoding the tags are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gradient refractive index light emitting diode is disclosed. The light emitting diode includes a die at least partially encapsulated within a polymer, and nanoparticles dispersed within the polymer along a concentration gradient related to the distance from the die. The refractive index of the nanoparticles is different from the refractive index of the polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments provided here generally relate to combinations of ultrasound aspects and antibodies. In some embodiments, antibodies are immobilized on a surface and binding of the antibodies to antigens can be detected by detecting changes in the vibrational properties of the surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing corrosion of components of a reactor system, such as a supercritical water gasification system are described. A current carrying element may be arranged about the outside surface of a system component, such as a valve, conduit, heater, pre-heater, reactor vessel, and/or heat exchanger. The current carrying element may be in the form of a continuous solenoid, rings, tubes, or rods, including a conductive material, such as copper. A current may be applied to the current carrying element to generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The current may generate an electromagnetic field within the system component. The electromagnetic field may force corrosive ions moving within a fluid flowing through the system component to move in pathways away from an inner surface of the system component.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for using different wavelengths and/or using different frequencies of light to encode each of information data and control data in a beam of light and to use the encoded control data to route the encoded information data through a network. Routing may be effected using optical switches configured with transmissive and reflective properties, which may allow transmission of certain encoded control data and may allow reflection of certain information data, depending upon the routing for the travel of the light through the network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treating or preventing the build-up or entrapment of fecal matter in the colon. The compositions and methods disclose a delayed release laxative that provides for the release of the laxative if colon-specific conditions are achieved, otherwise the laxative passes out of the body. The condition specific release of laxatives prevents harmful side effects from excessive use of non-delayed release laxatives.

Abstract: Packaging materials including at least one copolymer sheet containing a first polymer having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second polymer having a low coefficient of thermal expansion are described. In some configurations, the copolymer sheet includes one or more sections of a bimorph structure having a first layer of the first polymer and a second layer of the second polymer. Methods of making a packaging material by bonding the first layer and the second layer to form a copolymer sheet; and heating the copolymer sheet at discrete sections to destroy the layer definition forming discrete sections having a bimorph structure of the first layer and the second layer are also described, as are kits useful for preparing the packaging material.