Abstract: The described positional awareness techniques employing visual-inertial sensory data gathering and analysis hardware with reference to specific example implementations implement improvements in the use of sensors, techniques and hardware design that can enable specific embodiments to provide positional awareness to machines with improved speed and accuracy.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions from reprogramming human glial cells into human neurons. The reprogramming is achieved using combinations of compounds that can modify signaling via Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?), Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), and ?-secretase/Notch pathways. The reprogramming is demonstrated using groups of three or four compounds that are chosen from the group thiazovivin, LDN193189, SB431542, TTNPB, CHIR99021, DAPT, VPA, SAG, purmorphamine. Reprogramming is demonstrated using the group of LDN193189/CHIR99021/DAPT, the group of B431542/CHIR99021/DAPT, the group of LDN193189/DAPT/SB431542, the group of LDN193189/CHIR99021/SB431542, a three drug combination of SB431542/CHIR99021/DAPT. Reprogramming using functional analogs of the compounds is also provided, as are pharmaceutical formulations that contain the drug combinations.

Abstract: The described positional awareness techniques employing sensory data gathering and analysis hardware with reference to specific example implementations implement improvements in the use of sensors, techniques and hardware design that can enable specific embodiments to provide positional awareness to machines with improved speed and accuracy. The sensory data are gathered from an operational camera and one or more auxiliary sensors.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit (PLC) assembly is used for a transceiver module that includes a circuit board having photodetectors mounted at a spacing from one another. A transmitter mounted on the circuit board is configured to transmit optical signals for a network. The PLC assembly includes at least one PLC chip and at least one fiber array. The PCL chip mounts on the transmitter and is configured to receive optical signals for the network. The fiber array has optical fibers connecting between the PLC chip and the photodetectors. The array's first end connected to the PLC chip has a first pitch between the optical fibers, while the array's second end has at least one connector connected adjacent the photodetectors and having a second fiber pitch, which is greater than the first pitch and is configured to the spacing of the photodetectors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a 4D printed programmable culture substrate with the self-morphing ability to accommodate the change in morphology of stem cells during differentiation. The 4D printed culture substrate includes a shape memory polymer that is configured for transformation from a first topographical shape to a second topographical shape during a predetermined time period in response to a stimulus, such as temperature. The first topographical shape may include micro-wells and the second topographical shape may include microgrooves, which can accommodate the growth and differentiation of neural stem cells.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit (PLC) assembly is used for a transceiver module that includes a circuit board having photodetectors mounted at a spacing from one another. A transmitter mounted on the circuit board is configured to transmit optical signals for a network. The PLC assembly includes at least one PLC chip and at least one fiber array. The PCL chip mounts on the transmitter and is configured to receive optical signals for the network. The fiber array has optical fibers connecting between the PLC chip and the photodetectors. The array's first end connected to the PLC chip has a first pitch between the optical fibers, while the array's second end has at least one connector connected adjacent the photodetectors and having a second fiber pitch, which is greater than the first pitch and is configured to the spacing of the photodetectors.

Abstract: The embodiments in this disclosure include a system for receiving search requests for one or more items from a client device having access to a local database that stores primary catalogs containing items of contracted entities. If the items are not found in the primary catalogs, the system may be configured to execute an API for processing the search request by routing the search request to a proxy vendor computer in a cloud network. The cloud network may be configured to store vendor master records for one or more non-contracted entities. The proxy vendor computer can conduct a text search of secondary catalogs associated with non-contracted entities, and can transmit search results to the client device for the requested items. The items may correspond to one or more vendor master records associated with a non-contracted entity and may have a matching entry in one or more of the secondary catalogs.

Abstract: A coaxial needle having two or more passageways for forming a biomimetic bioprinted blood vessel tubular construct. The coaxial needle has an external needle passageway and an internal needle passageway separated by an internal barrier, and having a nozzle at an end thereof. A bioink is provided flowable through the external needle passageway and a crosslinking solution is provided flowable through the internal needle passageway. The crosslinking solution contacts the bioink as the crosslinking solution and bioink exit the nozzle thereby forming a tubular blood vessel construct.

Abstract: A cardiac patch for treatment of a mammalian heart including perfusable vessels embedded integratedly between two layers of anisotropically oriented myocardial fibers. The cardiac patch is made using a dual 3D bioprinting technique using stereolithography to form an anisotropic construct and extrusion printing to form perfusion vessels. A nutrient and oxygen containing media can be provided within the perfusion vessels for growth of cells in the cardiac patch. The technique permits larger patches to be made for the treatment of cardiac damage in both small and large mammalian hearts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to structures and systems having a three-dimensional biomimetic structure with a porous biomimetic three-dimensional scaffold and a coating deposited onto a surface of the porous biomimetic three-dimensional scaffold as well as methods of using and fabricating the like.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for producing a biphasic nanocomposite scaffold comprising custom polymer-based core-shelled nanospheres by the physical and chemical attachment of two disparate polymeric materials whose composition can be readily modified with tissue-specific nanomaterials and products created using such methods. The custom nanospheres are constructed via co-axial wet electrospraying and can be employed to deliver compounds to the polymeric materials.

Abstract: A coaxial needle having two or more passageways for forming a biomimetic bioprinted blood vessel tubular construct. The coaxial needle has an external needle passageway and an internal needle passageway separated by an internal barrier, and having a nozzle at an end thereof. A bioink is provided flowable through the external needle passageway and a crosslinking solution is provided flowable through the internal needle passageway. The crosslinking solution contacts the bioink as the crosslinking solution and bioink exit the nozzle thereby forming a tubular blood vessel construct.

Abstract: The embodiments in this disclosure include a system for receiving search requests for one or more items from a client device having access to a local database that stores primary catalogs containing items of contracted entities. If the items are not found in the primary catalogs, the system may be configured to execute an API for processing the search request by routing the search request to a proxy vendor computer in a cloud network. The cloud network may be configured to store vendor master records for one or more non-contracted entities. The proxy vendor computer can conduct a text search of secondary catalogs associated with non-contracted entities, and can transmit search results to the client device for the requested items. The items may correspond to one or more vendor master records associated with a non-contracted entity and may have a matching entry in one or more of the secondary catalogs.

Abstract: Enhancing chondrogenesis at a desired site by the application of ultrasound in the presence of microbbubles. A biomimetic scaffold may be seeded with stem cells capable of undergoing chondrogenesis and provided to the site and then subjected to ultrasound excitation in the presence of microbubbles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to structures and systems having a three-dimensional biomimetic structure with a porous biomimetic three-dimensional scaffold and a coating deposited onto a surface of the porous biomimetic three-dimensional scaffold as well as methods of using and fabricating the like.

Abstract: The embodiments in this disclosure include a system for receiving search requests for one or more items from a client device having access to a local database that stores primary catalogs containing items of contracted entities. If the items are not found in the primary catalogs, the system may be configured to execute an API for processing the search request by routing the search request to a proxy vendor computer in a cloud network. The cloud network may be configured to store vendor master records for one or more non-contracted entities. The proxy vendor computer can conduct a text search of secondary catalogs associated with non-contracted entities, and can transmit search results to the client device for the requested items. The items may correspond to one or more vendor master records associated with a non-contracted entity and may have a matching entry in one or more of the secondary catalogs.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for producing a biphasic nanocomposite scaffold comprising custom polymer-based core-shelled nanospheres by the physical and chemical attachment of two disparate polymeric materials whose composition can be readily modified with tissue-specific nanomaterials and products created using such methods. The custom nanospheres are constructed via co-axial wet electrospraying and can be employed to deliver compounds to the polymeric materials.

Abstract: This invention describes methods for the creation of 3D biologically inspired tissue engineered scaffolds with both excellent interfacial mechanical properties, and biocompatibility and products created using such methods. In some cases, a combination of nanomaterials, nano/microfabrication methods and 3D printing can be employed to create structures that promote tissue reconstruction and/or production. In other embodiments, electrospinning techniques can be used to create structures made of polymers and nanotubes.

Abstract: Compounds according to formula (I) wherein Z is S, SO, or SO2, may be prepared by a process that includes charging to a reactor hydrogen sulfide and an alkyl glycidyl ether according to formula (III), in the presence of a base. The compounds may also be prepared by contacting an alkoxychlorohydrin according to formula (II) with a sulfide source.

Abstract: Compounds according to formula (I) wherein Z is S, SO, or SO2, may be prepared by a process that includes charging to a reactor hydrogen sulfide and an alkyl glycidyl ether according to formula (III), in the presence of a base.