Abstract: Starch-based extruded food products and methods for manufacturing starch-based extruded food products, such as snacks, are disclosed. For example, a starch-based dough may be extruded, cut, and cooked to form a starch-based extruded food product with a rigid extruded body. The cooking process may include baking and/or frying the cut extrusion. The rigid extruded body of the starch-based extruded food product is made up of bodies or segments coupled at joints. The rigid extruded bodies are configured such that bodies of the rigid extruded body may be broken off or separated at the joints to be consumed.

Abstract: Technologies are described to control and optimize a delivery timing and dosage of agents, such as nootropics, in an individually tailored manner. Nootropics enhance cognitive functions, including executive functions, memory, creativity and/or motivation. Typically, nootropic regimes require a person to orally take multiple different agents at different dosages and at different times of the day. Embodiments are directed to instructing a delivery device to deliver an agent at a predefined time and dosage to an individual, receiving an input associated with parameters related to a physiological function and/or a cognitive function of the individual, and processing the input to analyze an efficacy of the agent. The predefined time and/or dosage for delivery of the agent to the individual may then be adjusted based on the analysis. The delivery device may be a standalone device or may be integrated with various other items.

Abstract: Technologies are described for delivery of compounds to aid in weight management. A transdermal microdispenser based system may deliver weight management compounds through the time and dose specific administration of appetite suppression, metabolic enhancers, and satiation compounds. The transdermal delivery system may be controlled based on data associated with subject such as calorie intake, physical activity, satiation, and hunger. The system may be integrated with medical monitoring or fitness tracking systems. Delivery of the compounds may be distributed over the course of a day at selected or adjusted doses to be safe and effective for their specific modality. For example, appetite suppressants may be delivered during periods of the day when cravings occur, satiation compounds may be delivered to coincide with meals, and metabolic stimulators may be delivered at times to optimally increase metabolism based on caloric balance. Control factors may also be predictive to prevent the onset of hunger.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for dispensing a topical medication to an animal are described. The system includes a computing device and a collar. The computing device includes information related to a treatment program for dispensing a topical medication. The collar includes a container configured to store a topical medication, a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the container, wherein the microdispenser is configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time, and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for dispensing a fragrant liquid on a person are described. A system includes a computing device and a personal ornament to be worn by the person. The computing device includes information related to a delivery schedule for dispensing a fragrant liquid. The personal ornament includes a container configured to store a fragrant liquid, a microdispenser fluidly connected to the container, wherein the microdispenser is configured to deliver bursts of the fragrant liquid over a period of time, and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser.

Abstract: Technologies are described for delivery of compounds to aid in weight management. A transdermal microdispenser based system may deliver weight management compounds through the time and dose specific administration of appetite suppression, metabolic enhancers, and satiation compounds. The transdermal delivery system may be controlled based on data associated with subject such as calorie intake, physical activity, satiation, and hunger. The system may be integrated with medical monitoring or fitness tracking systems. Delivery of the compounds may be distributed over the course of a day at selected or adjusted doses to be safe and effective for their specific modality. For example, appetite suppressants may be delivered during periods of the day when cravings occur, satiation compounds may be delivered to coincide with meals, and metabolic stimulators may be delivered at times to optimally increase metabolism based on caloric balance. Control factors may also be predictive to prevent the onset of hunger.

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: Compositions and methods for changing a property of a coating are provided. The coating includes a dynamic material configured to be reversibly convertible between a hydrophobic state and a hydrophilic state, wherein transition between the hydrophilic state to the hydrophobic state occurs in an environment dependent manner. The coating also includes an environment altering material configured to alter the hydrophobic or hydrophilic state of the dynamic material.

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: Techniques and technologies are generally described herein for providing shape memory polymer packaging for meat products from sheets or films of shape memory polymer material. Shape memory polymers are a class of smart materials which have the ability to return to their original or trained state from a deformed or temporary state when a stimulus is provided. The stimulus is typically a temperature change. The stimulus may also be exposure to an electric or magnetic field, exposure to light, or even exposure to a particular atmosphere, e.g., water. Shape memory polymers now include many materials, including both thermoplastic materials and thermoset materials (covalently cross-linked). The memory effect of the shape memory polymer is used to shape a meat product and to make the meat product more attractive to a consumer.

Abstract: A matrix material dispersed with one or more susceptor structures can be formed into a feedstock for an additive manufacturing process. The one or more susceptor structures can be excited by an energy field such as an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or any combination thereof, to produce heat. The heat that is produced can be transferred to the matrix material that surrounds the one or more susceptor structures to provide heat treatment to the matrix material. The heat treatment can improve the material and mechanical properties of three dimensional objects formed from the feedstock.

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: Some embodiments provided herein relate to bioluminescent packaging, methods of making, and methods of sensing the state of a material. In some embodiments, light emitted by a bioluminescent organism can be used to sense the state of a material.

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: 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.