Abstract: A biosensor for an analyte monitoring system. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit, an analog to digital converter, and an output circuit. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is configured to receive an electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction of an analyte on a test strip. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is also configured to convert the electrical current to an analog voltage signal. The analog to digital converter is configured to convert the analog voltage signal to a digital voltage signal. The output circuit is configured to transmit a signal indicating a measured level of the analyte based on the digital voltage signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents glucose sensing methods and systems. One such system comprises an electrospun-nanofibrous-membrane (ENFM)-based amperometric glucose sensor integrated on a silicon chip, in which the glucose sensor has a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode, wherein the working electrode comprises an ENFM-based sensing electrode. The system further comprises a potentiostat circuit integrated on the silicon chip such that the potentiostat circuit comprises a voltage control unit to control a voltage difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode and a transimpedance amplifier to measure a current flow between the working electrode and the counter electrode, in which a strength of the current flow corresponds to an amount of glucose present in a sample of blood on the glucose sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents glucose sensing methods and systems. One such system comprises an electrospun-nanofibrous-membrane (ENFM)-based amperometric glucose sensor integrated on a silicon chip, in which the glucose sensor has a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode, wherein the working electrode comprises an ENFM-based sensing electrode. The system further comprises a potentiostat circuit integrated on the silicon chip such that the potentiostat circuit comprises a voltage control unit to control a voltage difference between the working electrode and the reference electrode and a transimpedance amplifier to measure a current flow between the working electrode and the counter electrode, in which a strength of the current flow corresponds to an amount of glucose present in a sample of blood on the glucose sensor.

Abstract: A biosensor for an analyte monitoring system. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit, an analog to digital converter, and an output circuit. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is configured to receive an electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction of an analyte on a test strip. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is also configured to convert the electrical current to an analog voltage signal. The analog to digital converter is configured to convert the analog voltage signal to a digital voltage signal. The output circuit is configured to transmit a signal indicating a measured level of the analyte based on the digital voltage signal.

Abstract: A biosensor for an analyte monitoring system. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit, an analog to digital converter, and an output circuit. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is configured to receive an electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction of an analyte on a test strip. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is also configured to convert the electrical current to an analog voltage signal. The analog to digital converter is configured to convert the analog voltage signal to a digital voltage signal. The output circuit is configured to transmit a signal indicating a measured level of the analyte based on the digital voltage signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents glucose monitoring systems and methods. One such system comprises a glucose monitoring sensor having at least a counter electrode, a reference electrode, and a working electrode; and a silicon-carbide-silicon-carbide-nanoparticles-electrospun-nanofibrous-membrane contacting the working electrode. The system further includes a glucose oxidase enzyme solution contacting the silicon-carbide-silicon-carbide-nanoparticles-electrospun-nanofibrous-membrane, wherein a conductive polymer membrane assists in binding the glucose oxidase enzyme composition with the silicon-carbide-silicon-carbide-nanoparticles-electrospun-nanofibrous-membrane. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A coaxial nanocomposite including a core, which includes fibers of a first organic polymer, and a shell, which includes fibers of a second organic polymer, the first polymer and the second polymer forming a heterojunction.

Abstract: A biosensor for an analyte monitoring system. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit, an analog to digital converter, and an output circuit. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is configured to receive an electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction of an analyte on a test strip. The cascode common source transimpedance amplifier circuit is also configured to convert the electrical current to an analog voltage signal. The analog to digital converter is configured to convert the analog voltage signal to a digital voltage signal. The output circuit is configured to transmit a signal indicating a measured level of the analyte based on the digital voltage signal.

Abstract: A coaxial nanocomposite including a core, which includes fibers of a first organic polymer, and a shell, which includes fibers of a second organic polymer, the first polymer and the second polymer forming a heterojunction.

Abstract: Despite advances in off-shore oil exploration and drilling technology, accidental oil spills do occur. Depending on their magnitude and location, irreparable damage may be inflicted on marine and coastal ecosystems. Emulsification of a water/surfactant/oil system results in the production of oil droplets and this depends on the formulation and composition variables, mixing characteristics and system preparation. Thus, research is ongoing on improving methods of cleaning up oil spills. Cactus mucilage was used to disperse and absorb oil from a simulated oil slick in different salt concentrations. Results show correlations between emulsion properties and interfacial characteristics of mucilage as function of aqueous phase salinity. Mucilage powder added to the oil floating on the water dispersed the oil film and absorbed the oil while remaining afloat, facilitates removal of the oil-mucilage aggregate.

Abstract: A hand-held massage knob incorporating a design that provides ergonomic benefits for the massage technician without compromising his/her ability to deliver an effective message is disclosed herein. The present invention generally comprises a coarse, granular material contained within a flexible bladder. The flexible bladder allows the shape of the present invention to be changed as required during the administration of a massage. The message knob may also be varied in size to accommodate a wide variety of technician hand sizes and client body sizes. The present invention is fabricated of materials providing the appropriate degree of durability/longevity required by the nature of its use, and its design is simple and straightforward allowing it to be economically manufactured and sold.