Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, an identity of a vehicle operator may be determined and a vehicle operator profile and/or operating data regarding autonomous operation features of the vehicle may be received after the vehicle operator opts into a rewards program and agrees to share their data. Autonomous operation and vehicle operator risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined. Based upon the risk levels and/or comparison thereof, one or more autonomous operation features may be disengaged. A preparedness level of the vehicle operator to assume or reassume control of operating the vehicle is determined prior to disengagement. If satisfactory, an alert is presented to the vehicle operator prior to disengagement of the autonomous operation features.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for sterilizing fluids using pulsed electric fields are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device may include first and second electrode layers and a spacer layer positioned between the electrode layers. The spacer layer may define one or more fluid channels extending between the electrode layers. A power supply may be coupled to the electrode layers and configured to supply voltage pulses to the electrode layers to generate electric field pulses within the fluid channels. In some embodiments, the electrode layers may be textured such that the electric fields generated in the fluid channels are non-uniform.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for operating an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be provided. With the customer's permission, an identity of a vehicle operator may be identified and a vehicle operator profile may be retrieved. Operating data regarding autonomous operation features operating the vehicle may be received from vehicle-mounted sensors. When a request to disable an autonomous feature is received, a risk level for the autonomous feature is determined and compared with a driver behavior setting for the autonomous feature stored in the vehicle operator profile. Based upon the risk level comparison, the autonomous vehicle retains control of vehicle or the autonomous feature is disengaged depending upon which is the safer driver—the autonomous vehicle or the vehicle human occupant. As a result, unsafe disengagement of self-driving functionality for autonomous vehicles may be alleviated.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: A blade cap is provided to shield a user from heat generated by operation of a blade assembly. The blade cap provides an insulative barrier between the blade assembly and the skin of the user. The blade cap may prevent discomfort or burns from the heat generated by the blade assembly. The blade cap includes openings, channels, projections, tabs, and other formations to allow the flow of air through the passageways between the blade cap and the blade.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is directed to sustaining a complex microbial community in direct and indirect contact with living human intestinal cells in vitro. The device includes a first microchannel having cultured cells of a human intestinal epithelium and microbiota, the first microchannel further having a first level of oxygen. The device further includes a second microchannel having cultured cells of a vascular endothelium, the second microchannel further having a second level of oxygen. The device also includes a membrane located at an interface region between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the membrane being composed of an oxygen-permeable material or further having pores via which oxygen flows between the first microchannel and the second microchannel to form a physiologically-relevant oxygen gradient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic devices and methods for culturing bone marrow cells. Aspects include methods of preparing microfluidic devices and culturing bone marrow cells with the microfluidic devices. In some aspects, a method includes providing a microfluidic device having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a porous membrane separating the upper chamber from the lower chamber. The method further includes seeding walls of the lower chamber and a bottom surface of the membrane with endothelial cells. The method further includes providing a matrix within the upper chamber. The matrix includes fibrin gel and bone marrow cells. The method further includes filling or perfusing the upper chamber with a media.

Abstract: This application relates to an automation compatible collection device for use in collecting samples, e.g., biological fluids and other samples. In some embodiments, the collection device can include a capillary for collecting samples from a biological location of a body and a cap configured to interface with an automation device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic devices and methods for culturing bone marrow cells. Aspects include methods of preparing microfluidic devices and culturing bone marrow cells with the microfluidic devices. In some aspects, a method includes providing a microfluidic device having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a porous membrane separating the upper chamber from the lower chamber. The method further includes seeding walls of the lower chamber and a bottom surface of the membrane with endothelial cells. The method further includes providing a matrix within the upper chamber. The matrix includes fibrin gel and bone marrow cells. The method further includes filling or perfusing the upper chamber with a media.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is directed to sustaining a complex microbial community in direct and indirect contact with living human intestinal cells in vitro. The device includes a first microchannel having cultured cells of a human intestinal epithelium and microbiota, the first microchannel further having a first level of oxygen. The device further includes a second microchannel having cultured cells of a vascular endothelium, the second microchannel further having a second level of oxygen. The device also includes a membrane located at an interface region between the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the membrane being composed of an oxygen-permeable material or further having pores via which oxygen flows between the first microchannel and the second microchannel to form a physiologically-relevant oxygen gradient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a vehicle operator in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined by a sensor disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle or a mobile computing device associated with the vehicle operator. A determination may be made as to whether the vehicle operator is authorized to operate the vehicle based upon the determined identity of the vehicle operator; and if the vehicle operator is not authorized, an alert may be generated and/or the vehicle may be caused to not operate. Alternatively, autonomous operation features may be automatically engaged to automatically drive the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to a safe location when the operator is not authorized. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the anti-theft functionality.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. In certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a computer-implemented method for updating an autonomous operation feature may be provided. An indication of a software update associated with the autonomous operation feature may be received, and several autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the feature may be identified. The update may be installed within the several vehicles, such as via wireless communication. Also, a change in a risk level associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature may be determined, and an insurance discount may be determined or adjusted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, vehicle operation safety may be enhanced. An environmental or weather condition (e.g., hail, storm, wind) may be identified that presents a hazard to an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. With the customer's permission, when it is determined that the vehicle is parked in an unprotected location, a protected or covered location to park the vehicle may be identified, a route to that location may be determined, and the vehicle may be directed to travel automatically to the protected location under the operation of autonomous operation features. Insurance discounts or cost savings may be provided to risk averse insurance customers based upon the self-parking functionality that will reduce or mitigate damage to insured vehicles caused by adverse conditions, falling trees or power lines, hail, etc.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to an anterior nares swab that is automation compatible. In one aspect, the swab comprises a cap, a threaded portion, a neck, and a sample collection head. The cap can be integrally and/or monolithically formed with any one or more of the threaded portion, the neck, and the sample collection head; or can be removably coupled to any one or more of the threaded portion, the neck, and the sample collection head. In additional aspects, described herein are kits comprising said swabs and methods of using said swabs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, a computer-implemented method for generating or updating usage-based insurance policies for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles may be provided. A request to generate an insurance quote may be received via wireless communication, and with the customer's permission, risk levels associated with intended usage by the customer of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined. An insurance policy may be adjusted based upon the risk levels and the intended vehicle usage. The insurance policy may then be presented on the customer's mobile device for review and approval. In some aspects, the vehicle may be rented, and the intended vehicle usage is measured in distance or duration of vehicle operation. Insurance discounts may be provided to risk averse vehicle owners based upon low risk levels.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to a swab for sample collection. In one aspect, the swab comprises a sample collection head, which comprises a plurality of spaced annular rings. In one embodiment, the swab further comprises a tapered neck and a handle. In one embodiment, the swab is injection-molded using polypropylene. In other aspects, described herein are swabs comprising a water-soluble or biodegradable material. In additional aspects, described herein are kits comprising said swabs and methods of using said swabs.

Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for micro-molding a polymeric membrane and including pouring a predetermined volume of curable polymer unto a micro-fabricated mold having a post array with pillars, and overlaying the polymer with a support substrate. A spacer, such as a rubber spacer, is placed in contact with the support substrate and a force is applied to an exposed side of the spacer to compress the support substrate and the polymer together. While applying the force, the polymer is cured on the mold for a predetermined time period and at a predetermined temperature to form a polymeric membrane having a pore array with a plurality of pores corresponding to the plurality of pillars of the post array. The polymeric membrane is removed from the support substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.