Abstract: A system and method for use in determining skin dryness by processing images of a test patch of the kind comprising a membrane impregnated with a moisture indicator which has a first colour in the dry anhydrous state, and which changes to a second colour at a certain moisture content which corresponds to normal skin moisture are disclosed. A user operable computer device having a camera, a processor, and an area of memory, a computer program stored in the memory of the user operable device, a scorecard having at least one colour reference target in which the computer program causes the user operable computer device to process an image of the scorecard with a test patch placed on it after the test patch has been applied to an area of skin, the processing determining a dryness of the area of the skin.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in penetrating through complex and stenosed lesions. The distal tip of the guidewire has a roughened surface to increase frictional engagement with calcified and fibrous tissue to increase the penetration of the distal tip and the guidewire into and through the lesion and reduce the likelihood of deflection of the guidewire tip. The average surface roughness of the distal tip is in the range from 1 micron to 200 microns.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in penetrating through complex and stenosed lesions. The distal tip of the guidewire has a roughened surface to increase frictional engagement with calcified and fibrous tissue to increase the penetration of the distal tip and the guidewire into and through the lesion and reduce the likelihood of deflection of the guidewire tip. The average surface roughness of the distal tip is in the range from 1 micron to 200 microns.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for generating and modifying digital animations based on user interactions with a unique user interface portraying a one-dimensional layer motion element and/or elements for generating and utilizing animation path for digital design objects and animation layers. The disclosed system can provide a dynamic one-dimensional layer motion element that adapts to a selected animation layer and portrays selectable animation frames from the animation layer. The disclosed systems can provide options for generating and modifying various frames of the digital animation based on user interactions with the one-dimensional layer motion element, an animation timeline, and/or a corresponding animation canvas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for generating and modifying digital animations based on user interactions with a unique user interface portraying a one-dimensional layer motion element and/or elements for generating and utilizing animation path for digital design objects and animation layers. The disclosed system can provide a dynamic one-dimensional layer motion element that adapts to a selected animation layer and portrays selectable animation frames from the animation layer. The disclosed systems can provide options for generating and modifying various frames of the digital animation based on user interactions with the one-dimensional layer motion element, an animation timeline, and/or a corresponding animation canvas.

Abstract: Porous solid members are provided that include, disposed on at least a portion of the internal surfaces of a plurality of channels thereof, a plurality of superhydrophobic particles. These particles inhibit ingress of water or other aqueous fluids into the internal spaces of the porous solid member, reducing the occurrence of corrosion, biological growth, or other unwanted effects of fluids present in the internal spaces. The porous solid member could be fabricated using 3D printing methods, e.g., the member could be a 3D printed aluminum or other metal(s). The plurality of superhydrophobic particles can be disposed on the internal surfaces of the channels within the porous solid member via a number of processes, e.g., by delivering the particles into the channels while disposed in a payload fluid that later evaporates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for generating and modifying digital animations based on user interactions with a unique user interface portraying a one-dimensional layer motion element and/or elements for generating and utilizing animation path for digital design objects and animation layers. The disclosed system can provide a dynamic one-dimensional layer motion element that adapts to a selected animation layer and portrays selectable animation frames from the animation layer. The disclosed systems can provide options for generating and modifying various frames of the digital animation based on user interactions with the one-dimensional layer motion element, an animation timeline, and/or a corresponding animation canvas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for generating and modifying digital animations based on user interactions with a unique user interface portraying a one-dimensional layer motion element and/or elements for generating and utilizing animation path for digital design objects and animation layers. The disclosed system can provide a dynamic one-dimensional layer motion element that adapts to a selected animation layer and portrays selectable animation frames from the animation layer. The disclosed systems can provide options for generating and modifying various frames of the digital animation based on user interactions with the one-dimensional layer motion element, an animation timeline, and/or a corresponding animation canvas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a metal, a metal aggregation inhibitor, and a colour changing agent. The metal is bindable to the colour changing agent to provide a change in colour on binding and/or release thereof.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in penetrating through complex and stenosed lesions. The distal tip of the guidewire has a roughened surface to increase frictional engagement with calcified and fibrous tissue to increase the penetration of the distal tip and the guidewire into and through the lesion and reduce the likelihood of deflection of the guidewire tip. The average surface roughness of the distal tip is in the range from 1 micron to 200 microns.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in penetrating through complex and stenosed lesions. The distal tip of the guidewire has a roughened surface to increase frictional engagement with calcified and fibrous tissue to increase the penetration of the distal tip and the guidewire into and through the lesion and reduce the likelihood of deflection of the guidewire tip. The average surface roughness of the distal tip is in the range from 1 micron to 200 microns.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanochannel plates for use in reverse osmosis systems and methods of their manufacture. An example nanochannel plate includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface and the second surface are parallel to a major flat of the nanochannel plate. The nanochannel plate also includes a plurality of channels. At least one channel includes a carbon nanotube having a first end opening proximate to the first surface and a second end opening proximate to the second surface. Optionally, a core portion of the carbon nanotube could be configured to transport water from the first surface to the second surface or vice versa. Optionally, the core portion of the carbon nanotube has a core diameter of less than or equal to 0.7 nanometers.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a support structure including a cladding material and defining therein a plurality of substantially parallel cores. The article also includes a plurality of conically-shaped spikes protruding from a first side of the support structure. Each respective conically-shaped spike of the plurality of conically-shaped spikes includes a core material (i) extending through a corresponding core of the plurality of substantially parallel cores and (ii) comprising an axial protrusion that protrudes axially from the cladding material at the first side of the support structure. The axial protrusion of the core material is tapered to form the respective conically-shaped spike. The article also includes a refractory metal layer coating at least a portion of each respective conically-shaped spike and one or more electrodes connected to the refractory metal layer and configured to apply a voltage to the refractory metal layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support structure defining therein substantially parallel cavities extending from a first side of the support structure to a second side of the support structure. The apparatus also includes optical fiber cores each extending from the second side through a corresponding cavity and protruding axially at the first side. The axial protrusion tapers from a first diameter down to a second diameter. The apparatus additionally includes a light emitter optically connected to the optical fiber cores and configured to emit light thereinto. A cut-off size associated with the light is greater than or equal to the second diameter such that an evanescent electromagnetic wave is generated at the cut-off portion. The apparatus further includes light detectors each being optically connected at the second side to a corresponding optical fiber core and configured to measure an intensity of the light reflected from the cut-off portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a metal, a metal aggregation inhibitor, and a colour changing agent. The metal is bindable to the colour changing agent to provide a change in colour on binding and/or release thereof.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in penetrating through complex and stenosed lesions. The distal tip of the guidewire has a roughened surface to increase frictional engagement with calcified and fibrous tissue to increase the penetration of the distal tip and the guidewire into and through the lesion and reduce the likelihood of deflection of the guidewire tip. The average surface roughness of the distal tip is in the range from 1 micron to 200 microns.

Abstract: Catheter for delivery of a medical device such as a stent or filter includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is disposed at the distal end of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member includes a fluid lumen defined therein, the fluid lumen having a fluid flow port directed to the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A pressure chamber is defined by the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member, a proximal seal and a distal seal, and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to move the outer tubular member in a proximal direction allowing the medical device constrained by the outer tubular member to be released.

Abstract: Catheter for delivery of a medical device such as a stent or filter includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is disposed at the distal end of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member includes a fluid lumen defined therein, the fluid lumen having a fluid flow port directed to the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A pressure chamber is defined by the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member, a proximal seal and a distal seal, and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to move the outer tubular member in a proximal direction allowing the medical device constrained by the outer tubular member to be released.

Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.