Abstract: An inflatable spa liner to be placed in a tub or spa pedicure bucket to prevent a user from contacting the surface of the tub is disclosed. The inflatable spa liner includes a first layer and a second layer that are sandwiched. The inflatable spa liner includes air channels formed at one of the first layer and the second layer. The air channels are arranged in between the first layer and the second layer. The inflatable spa liner is placed in a tub such that the first layer is in contact with the surface of the tub. The air channels inflate such that a user sitting in said inflatable spa liner contacting said second layer does not come in contact with the surface of said tub.

Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a tubular inner liner wound in a spiral configuration such that a plurality of protrusions is disposed in an overlapping portion of the sheath. The disclosed sheath is configured to expand from a predetermined rest diameter dr to an expanded diameter de during application of a radial outward force by passage of a medical device through the sheath.

Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a tubular inner liner wound in a helical scroll slidable configuration. The disclosed sheath is configured to expand from a predetermined rest diameter dr to an expanded diameter de during the application of a radial outward force by passage of a medical device through the sheath.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are described herein pertaining to expandable sheaths. Sheath aspects are described that include a flexible sheath tip that is expandable and bendable. In some aspects, the sheath includes a radially expandable proximal end and a radially expandable distal end. In some aspects, the sheath tip includes a plurality of layers that expand to accept a medical device traveling axially and bi-directionally therethrough with minimal deformation of the sheath tip.

Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with a tubular inner liner wound in a spiral configuration at least a portion of the outer surface of the sheet comprises a plurality of bonding sites that are at least partially embedded within the sheet and disposed such that the outer surface of the sheet in the overlapping portion is substantially free of the plurality of bonding sites.

Abstract: A system and method for mind-body relaxation may include a plurality of vibration modules, a light-providing member, a controller, a relaxation substrate, a pillow member, a graphical user interface (GUI), and network connection circuitry.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a method, a system and a computer readable memory to perform a secure update of a target device, including communicating an update instruction to the target device, generating one or more data values using the update instruction, generating a first authentication value using the data value(s), receiving a second authentication value from the target device, wherein the second authentication value is generated by the target device in response to the update instruction, and determining whether the secure update has been successful based on a comparison of the first authentication value and the second authentication value.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of preparing catalyst based on platinum (Pt), with a low Pt content, dispersed on carrier containing graphene quantum dots (Pt/GQDs or Pt/GO-GQDs) used for fuel cell with excellent activity in the electrochemical oxidation reaction of alcohol (for example, methanol, ethanol), applied as an anode catalyst for direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC). At the same time, the invention also refers to the catalyst obtained by this method as an anode catalyst for DAFC.

Abstract: The present application provides materials and methods for treating a patient with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) both ex vivo and in vivo. In addition, the present application provides materials and methods for editing the SERPINA1 gene in a cell by genome editing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an electrodepositable coating composition comprising a film-forming binder and electrically conductive particles, wherein the electrically conductive particles are present in an amount of at least 25% by weight, based on the total solids weight of the electrodepositable coating composition. The present invention is also directed towards methods of coating a substrate, coatings, and coated substrates.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a light therapy system (e.g., phototherapy device), such as for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, depression, dementia, short-term memory, or for improved learning, improved athletic performance or improved cognitive performance, is provided where the light system comprises a blue light source that operates at a frequency in the range from 20 to 50 Hz (preferably around 40 Hz), whereby the system enables retinal ganglion cells of a human to be exposed in order to stimulate brain waves (gamma oscillations in the human's brain).

Abstract: A recombinant Pichia pastoris strain which is genetically modified for highly expressing pediocin PA-1 and secreted into a medium so that the pediocin PA-1 is easily collected and purified from the culture medium. The obtained pediocin PA-1 has specific antimicrobial activities against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932 and several other bacteria strains.

Abstract: This disclosure provides solutions for automatically grouping network devices (e.g., endpoints) into clusters based on device characteristics. In some aspects, the disclosed technology also provides solutions for generating user selectable queries based on cluster characteristics. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for identifying one or more device characteristics associated with a first network device, identifying one or more cluster characteristics for each of a first cluster and a second cluster, and comparing the device characteristics associated with the first network device with the one or more cluster characteristics for the first cluster and the second cluster. The process can further include steps for adding the first network device to the first cluster based on the cluster characteristics for the first cluster and the device characteristics for the first network device. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: Smart fertilizers and method of using and manufacturing are provided that include nanocarbon solution mixed with nanocomposite hydrogels at predetermined percentage weight or volume ratio (% w/w or % v/v). The resulted smart fertilizers are characterized in biosensors for detecting electricity conductance (EC) and/or pH degree of the surrounding soil caused by the release of ATPase H+ from the plant roots and in bioactuators for chemically reacting with the surrounding hydron ions to release the nutrients once the biodetectors detect the stimuli conditions.

Abstract: A system may monitor usage of a cleaning chemical and indicate when the chemical has expired and needs to be replaced. In some examples, the system includes a reservoir containing the chemical and a sensor associated with the reservoir that can detect user interaction with the chemical in the reservoir. The system may track an amount of time until the chemical in the reservoir is deemed to have expired and provide a user alert indicating expiration of the chemical. The system can control the amount of time remaining until the chemical is deemed to have expired based on the detected addition of the object to the reservoir.

Abstract: Provided are a catalyst composition with improved processability and chemical warfare agent degradation ability, a film composite manufactured by casting the same, and a preparation method thereof. Specifically, provided are a catalyst composition including a copolymer of a first polymer and a second polymer; and a metal-organic framework (MOF), and a film composite including the same, wherein processability and catalytic activity are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel and simple method for fabricating a layer (membrane) containing arrays of microscopic needles obtained from crab shells capable of effectively treating wounds and having other medical applications; the method comprises crustacean exoskeletons treated with a base solution, an acid solution, and then medicinally active ingredients such as polysaccharide, proterin, artificial polymer, and inorganic solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical dressing article and a method of manufacturing the same, which comprises: (a) a first layer comprised of polycaprocaptone fibers having a PCL fiber diameter of 0.5 ?m and 2.9 ?m; (b) a second layer, deposited directly on the first layer, including a mixture of polycaprolactone and poloxamer fibers (PCL and POX fibers) wherein a PCL and POX fiber diameter is between 0.1 ?m and 4 ?m; and (c) a third layer, deposited directly on the second layer, further comprising a mixture of gelatin and silver nitrate (AgNO3).

Abstract: A system may monitor usage of a cleaning chemical and indicate when the chemical has expired and needs to be replaced. In some examples, the system includes a reservoir containing the chemical and a sensor associated with the reservoir that can detect user interaction with the chemical in the reservoir. The system may track an amount of time until the chemical in the reservoir is deemed to have expired and provide a user alert indicating expiration of the chemical. The system can control the amount of time remaining until the chemical is deemed to have expired based on the detected addition of the object to the reservoir.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a light therapy system (e.g., phototherapy device), such as for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, depression, dementia, short-term memory, or for improved learning, improved athletic performance or improved cognitive performance, is provided where the light system comprises a blue light source that operates at a frequency in the range from 20 to 50 Hz (preferably around 40 Hz), whereby the system enables retinal ganglion cells of a human to be exposed in order to stimulate brain waves (gamma oscillations in the human's brain).