Abstract: A method to detect, identify and determine the position of laser points from infrared laser emitters in a firearm training simulation system. The method consists of two steps. This first step combines some common tools such as a camera with a filter switcher and edge and corner detecting algorithms in image processing to provide a fast automatic screen calibrating method. The second step is to detect laser point objects in each frame continuously captured by the camera, and then further process these objects to identify laser shots, filter out noisy objects, and eventually detect simulated shots from different laser emitters and determine the final mapped position of the shot.

Abstract: Methods and systems of osteoarthritis treatment. One method includes providing a cartilage hydrogel, the cartilage hydrogel including piezoelectric nano-fibers of Poly-L-lactide (PLLA). The method also includes injecting the cartilage hydrogel into a cartilage defect. The method also includes applying an ultrasonic treatment to the cartilage defect. The method also includes, in response to applying the ultrasonic treatment to the cartilage defect, converting a mechanical impact of the ultrasonic treatment into an electrical charge from the piezoelectric nano-fibers of PLLA and providing, in response to the electrical charge from the piezoelectric nano-fibers of PLLA, chondrogenesis differentiation for cartilage regeneration for the cartilage defect.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofiber platform for medical implant applications, including a highly sensitive, wireless, biodegradable force sensor for the monitoring of physiological pressures, and a biodegradable ultrasonic transducer for the delivery of therapeutics or pharmaceuticals across the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for stabilizing RNA and protein antigens for long-term storage and use in transdermal microneedle patches, methods for filling microneedles, and methods of use. A stabilized RNA vaccine composition comprises: a complex of RNA with one or more cationic polymers; and one or more cationic lipid entities. A method for stabilizing RNA comprises: forming a complex comprising the RNA with one or more cationic polymers; mixing the complex with one or more cationic lipid entities comprising liposomes or lipid nanoparticles to form a lipid mixture; and drying the lipid mixture under vacuum. The compositions and methods may be employed in the preparation of vaccine medicaments.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage includes a bandage matrix and an array of microneedles extending from the bandage matrix. Each of the microneedles includes a first layer that encapsulates a first immunomodulatory compound and a second layer that encapsulates a second immunomodulatory compound. The array of microneedles is configured to guide foreign agents affected by the first immunomodulatory compound, the second immunomodulatory compound, or the first and second immunomodulatory compounds from one or more skin layers of a user to the bandage matrix such that the bandage matrix absorbs and captures the foreign agents.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage includes a bandage matrix and an array of microneedles extending from the bandage matrix. Each of the microneedles includes a first layer that encapsulates a first immunomodulatory compound and a second layer that encapsulates a second immunomodulatory compound. The array of microneedles is configured to guide foreign agents affected by the first immunomodulatory compound, the second immunomodulatory compound, or the first and second immunomodulatory compounds from one or more skin layers of a user to the bandage matrix such that the bandage matrix absorbs and captures the foreign agents.

Abstract: A scaffold comprised of a plurality of PLLA layers, which may include stem cells, for regenerating bone or tissue. The PLLA layers are separated by a plurality of hydrogel layers. The PLLA layers comprise a nanofiber mesh having a piezoelectric constant to apply an electrical charge to the bone or tissue upon application of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A scaffold comprised of a plurality of PLLA layers, which may include stem cells, for regenerating bone or tissue. The PLLA layers are separated by a plurality of hydrogel layers. The PLLA layers comprise a nanofiber mesh having a piezoelectric constant to apply an electrical charge to the bone or tissue upon application of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A biodegradable pressure sensor for measuring vital physiological pressures and for preventing the buildup of dangerous internal forces in impaired organs. The pressure sensor is constructed by depositing Mg or Mo on both sides of a PLLA film. This layered configuration (Mg/PLLA/Mg) or (Mo/PLLA/Mo) may then be encapsulated by layers of high molecular weight PLA. These materials are biodegradable such that after implantation, the sensor does not require invasive removal surgery that can damage directly interfaced tissues.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible barrier membrane of piezoelectric nano composites of Metallic Oxide (MO) (e.g., Magnesium oxide, Zinc oxide and iron oxide)-PLLA (Poly-L-lactide), which can be subjected to acoustic pressure from ultrasound, to generate useful electrical charge for enhanced bone regeneration and enhanced antibacterial effects for guided bone regeneration to treat dental diseases, such as periodontitis.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including combination therapy systems for the treatment of infections. These systems comprising: an ultrasound device capable of producing ultrasonic acoustic pressure; and a biodegradable piezoelectric film comprising polymer-based piezoelectric material, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofiber mesh configured to, when placed in an electrolytically conductive environment comprising water and stimulated with the ultrasonic acoustic pressure, vibrate generating electricity to locally decomposes the water into reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce a broad-spectrum bactericidal effect.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage includes a bandage matrix and an array of microneedles extending from the bandage matrix. Each of the microneedles includes a first layer that encapsulates a first immunomodulatory compound and a second layer that encapsulates a second immunomodulatory compound. The array of microneedles is configured to guide foreign agents affected by the first immunomodulatory compound, the second immunomodulatory compound, or the first and second immunomodulatory compounds from one or more skin layers of a user to the bandage matrix such that the bandage matrix absorbs and captures the foreign agents.

Abstract: Emulsion-based and micromolded (“MM”) or three dimensional printed (“3DP”) polymeric formulations for single injection of antigen, preferably releasing at two or more time periods, have been developed. Formulations are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. Discrete regions encapsulating antigen, alone or in combination with other antigens, adjuvants, stabilizers, and release modifiers, are present in the formulations. Antigen is preferably present in excipient at the time of administration, or on the surface of the formulation, for immediate release, and incorporated within the formulation for release at ten to 45 days after initial release of antigen, optionally at ten to 90 day intervals for release of antigen in one or more additional time periods. Antigen may be stabilized through the use of stabilizing agents such as trehalose glass. In a preferred embodiment for immunization against polio, antigen is released at the time of administration, and two, four and six months thereafter.

Abstract: A biodegradable pressure sensor for measuring vital physiological pressures and for preventing the buildup of dangerous internal forces in impaired organs. The pressure sensor is constructed by depositing Mg or Mo on both sides of a PLLA film. This layered configuration (Mg/PLLA/Mg) or (Mo/PLLA/Mo) may then be encapsulated by layers of high molecular weight PLA. These materials are biodegradable such that after implantation, the sensor does not require invasive removal surgery that can damage directly interfaced tissues.

Abstract: Emulsion-based and micromolded (“MM”) or three dimensional printed (“3DP”) polymeric formulations for single injection of antigen, preferably releasing at two or more time periods, have been developed. Formulations are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. Discrete regions encapsulating antigen, alone or in combination with other antigens, adjuvants, stabilizers, and release modifiers, are present in the formulations. Antigen is preferably present in excipient at the time of administration, or on the surface of the formulation, for immediate release, and incorporated within the formulation for release at ten to 45 days after initial release of antigen, optionally at ten to 90 day intervals for release of antigen in one or more additional time periods. Antigen may be stabilized through the use of stabilizing agents such as trehalose glass. In a preferred embodiment for immunization against polio, antigen is released at the time of administration, and two, four and six months thereafter.

Abstract: A scaffold comprised of a plurality of PLLA layers, which may include stem cells, for regenerating bone or tissue. The PLLA layers are separated by a plurality of hydrogel layers. The PLLA layers comprise a nanofiber mesh having a piezoelectric constant to apply an electrical charge to the bone or tissue upon application of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofiber platform for medical implant applications, including a highly sensitive, wireless, biodegradable force sensor for the monitoring of physiological pressures, and a biodegradable ultrasonic transducer for the delivery of therapeutics or pharmaceuticals across the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract: Emulsion-based and micromolded (“MM”) or three dimensional printed (“3DP”) polymeric formulations for single injection of antigen, preferably releasing at two or more time periods, have been developed. Formulations are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. Discrete regions encapsulating antigen, alone or in combination with other antigens, adjuvants, stabilizers, and release modifiers, are present in the formulations. Antigen is preferably present in excipient at the time of administration, or on the surface of the formulation, for immediate release, and incorporated within the formulation for release at ten to 45 days after initial release of antigen, optionally at ten to 90 day intervals for release of antigen in one or more additional time periods. Antigen may be stabilized through the use of stabilizing agents such as trehalose glass. In a preferred embodiment for immunization against polio, antigen is released at the time of administration, and two, four and six months thereafter.

Abstract: Emulsion-based and micromolded (“MM”) or three dimensional printed (“3DP”) polymeric formulations for single injection of antigen, preferably releasing at two or more time periods, have been developed. Formulations are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers. Discrete regions encapsulating antigen, alone or in combination with other antigens, adjuvants, stabilizers, and release modifiers, are present in the formulations. Antigen is preferably present in excipient at the time of administration, or on the surface of the formulation, for immediate release, and incorporated within the formulation for release at ten to 45 days after initial release of antigen, optionally at ten to 90 day intervals for release of antigen in one or more additional time periods. Antigen may be stabilized through the use of stabilizing agents such as trehalose glass. In a preferred embodiment for immunization against polio, antigen is released at the time of administration, and two, four and six months thereafter.

Abstract: A method of separating a sheet of a brittle material into portions by means of laser-scribing, comprising steps of: (a) providing a sheet of a brittle material having first and second opposing major surfaces separated by a thicknesst; (b) providing a source of laser energy adjacent said first surface, adapted for supplying a focussed beam of laser energy converging to a focal spot in a plane parallel to the first surface; (c) irradiating the sheet of brittle material with the focussed beam of laser energy, the plane of the focal spot of the beam initially being positioned within the sheet just below the first surface; and (d) continuing irradiating while simultaneously providing relative movement between the focal spot of the laser beam and the sheet to move the focal spot at a pre-selected rate and path extending over the first surface, and moving the depth of the plane of the focal spot at a pre-selected rate through a major portion of thickness t of the sheet to form a micro-crack zone extending along