Abstract: A cell culture device is provided, which comprises a cavity and a base layer, wherein the base layer is a type of plastic thin film and has a thickness of 1 ?m to 100 ?m; a second-moment of inertia lower than 6×106 ?m4; and a resultant flexural rigidity of 1×10?6 Pa·m4 to 0.02 Pa·4. Accordingly, the base layer can produce an out-of-plane strain, and bending deformation can occur. Therefore, a growth space close to in vivo environment is provided by the base layer for the cells when the cells attach to the base layer, thereby promoting the growth and maturation of the cells and tissues.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motorization system has a mechanically flexible body that has one or more surfaces for placing piezoelectric actuators. The system has groups of piezoelectric actuators each positioned on one of the surfaces of the mechanically flexible body that is connected to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry controls the driving of the mechanical loads by the mechanically flexible body by injecting sets of control signals into different groups of actuators positioned on the mechanically flexible body. Each control signal operates groups of driving frequencies with an adjustable amplitude ratio and an adjustable phase difference among driving frequencies. And, under a set of boundary conditions exhibited by a set of structural dimensions of the mechanically flexible body, each control signal induces multi-mode resonance of the mechanically flexible body for driving the mechanical loads multi-dimensionally.

Abstract: A piezoelectric patch sensor for measuring muscle movement of contraction and extension is disclosed. The sensor is elongated and directly attached to a skin site of a user for the measuring via an interface circuit connected to a host processor. The piezoelectric patch sensor has an adhesive layer with an adhesive bottom surface for firmly attaching to the skin site. An elastic sheet is integrated on top of the adhesive layer. A piezoelectric thread is further integrated on top of the elastic sheet and has a bundle of aligned piezoelectric fibers. The thread is electrically coupled to the interface circuit via a pair of conductive wires, forming a piezoelectric measurement circuitry. Muscle movement under the skin site shrinks or extends the piezoelectric patch sensor in its entirety along the direction of muscle movement due to a corresponding shrinking or extending movement of the skin firmly attached to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric patch sensor for measuring muscle movement of contraction and extension is disclosed. The sensor is elongated and directly attached to a skin site of a user for the measuring via an interface circuit connected to a host processor. The piezoelectric patch sensor has an adhesive layer with an adhesive bottom surface for firmly attaching to the skin site. An elastic sheet is integrated on top of the adhesive layer. A piezoelectric thread is further integrated on top of the elastic sheet and has a bundle of aligned piezoelectric fibers. The thread is electrically coupled to the interface circuit via a pair of conductive wires, forming a piezoelectric measurement circuitry. Muscle movement under the skin site shrinks or extends the piezoelectric patch sensor in its entirety along the direction of muscle movement due to a corresponding shrinking or extending movement of the skin firmly attached to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motorization system for driving mechanical loads multi-dimensionally by an electronic circuitry is disclosed. The piezoelectric motorization system has a piezoelectric apparatus that is constructed by a mechanically flexible body that has multiple piezoelectric actuators attached its surfaces, where these actuators are controlled by an electronic circuitry. The mechanically flexible body has a finite structure with a sets of boundary conditions to determine its out-of-plane resonant modes. The electronic circuitry inject at least two sets of control signals into different groups of actuators at or near different resonant frequencies. Using these control signals, traveling waves can be generated on the piezoelectric apparatus to move mechanical loads placed on its surface. Or, the traveling waves are used to propel the piezoelectric apparatus for motorization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluidic devices for preparing, processing, storing, preserving, and/or analyzing samples. In particular, the devices and related systems and methods allow for preparing and/or analyzing samples (e.g., biospecimen samples) by using one or more of capture regions and/or automated analysis.

Abstract: Provided is a process for creating a 3D metabolically active microtissue perfused with living microvessels which have a direct fluidic connection with neighboring microfluidic channels. The process comprises preparing a template comprising a plurality of channels, and creating a network within said channels, said network comprising microfluidic channels, metabolically active living microvessels, and microtissues. The microvessels can sprout from said microvessels and/or form within the microtissue in response to a stimulus applied from said microfluidic channels or stimulus derived from the said tissues. In another embodiment, a device is provided comprising a supportive structure, one or more microfluidic channels, one or more microtissue compartments, and one or more microvessels, whereby the microvessels connect said microfludic channels and microtissue and perfuse the microtissue to deliver fluid from the microfluidic channels to the microtissues.

Abstract: Alleviating obesity in a subject (e.g., a human subject) having, obesity using an IL-20 antagonist, which can be an antibody that blocks a signaling pathway mediated by IL-20. Such antibodies include anti-IL-20 antibodies and anti-IL-20R antibodies that specifically block the IL-20 signaling pathway.

Abstract: A photoconductive layer with electrical property adjustable via control of intensity or location of illumination by a light source is provided. The photoconductive layer has at least one charge generation material and at least one binder for distributing the charge generation material within the body of the layer. The localized change of electrical property in the photoconductive layer arises on and beneath the surface area of the layer illuminated by the light source via actuated bulk change in electrical charge contributed by the charge generation material in the area.

Abstract: Alleviating obesity in a subject (e.g., a human subject) having, being suspected of having, or at risk for obesity using an IL-20 antagonist, which can be an antibody that blocks a signaling pathway mediated by IL-20. Such antibodies include anti-IL-20 antibodies and anti-IL-20R antibodies that specifically block the IL-20 signaling pathway.

Abstract: A device for identifying infection by the malaria parasite includes a microfluidic device having an inlet and an outlet and a diagnostic channel interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The diagnostic channel includes a contact surface and a sample pump configured to pump a RBC-containing sample into the inlet. The contact surface may be at least one of hydrophilic and roughened. Malaria infected RBCs (miRBCs) interact with the contact surface and become immobilized thereon whereas non-infected RBCs continue to flow downstream in the diagnostic channel.

Abstract: A device for identifying infection by the malaria parasite includes a microfluidic device having an inlet and an outlet and a diagnostic channel interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The diagnostic channel includes a contact surface and a sample pump configured to pump a RBC-containing sample into the inlet. The contact surface may be at least one of hydrophilic and roughened. Malaria infected RBCs (miRBCs) interact with the contact surface and become immobilized thereon whereas non-infected RBCs continue to flow downstream in the diagnostic channel.

Abstract: Provided is a process for creating a 3D metabolically active microtissue perfused with living microvessels which have a direct fluidic connection with neighboring microfluidic channels. The process comprises preparing a template comprising a plurality of channels, and creating a network within said channels, said network comprising microfluidic channels, metabolically active living microvessels, and microtissues. The microvessels can sprout from said microvessels and/or form within the microtissue in response to a stimulus applied from said microfluidic channels or stimulus derived from the said tissues. In another embodiment, a device is provided comprising a supportive structure, one or more microfluidic channels, one or more microtissue compartments, and one or more microvessels, whereby the microvessels connect said microfludic channels and microtissue and perfuse the microtissue to deliver fluid from the microfluidic channels to the microtissues.

Abstract: A motion sensing system utilizing piezoelectric laminates with predetermined surface electrode patterns disposed thereon utilizes a frequency selector to pass motion waves of predetermined frequencies and an electrical circuit for processing the electrical signals for transmission to an activating device for appropriate activation. In particular, the frequency selector is a low frequency bandpass filter for free-fall acceleration wave frequencies. By directing appropriate action, the present invention increases the applicability of the device upon which it is mounted (e.g., for military or other hostile environment use), decreases the possibility of damage, and lengthens its useful life.

Abstract: A motion sensing system utilizing piezoelectric laminates with predetermined surface electrode patterns disposed thereon utilizes a frequency selector to pass motion waves of predetermined frequencies and an electrical circuit for processing the electrical signals for transmission to an activating device for appropriate activation. In particular, the frequency selector is a low frequency bandpass filter for free-fall acceleration wave frequencies. By directing appropriate action, the present invention increases the applicability of the device upon which it is mounted (e.g., for military or other hostile environment use), decreases the possibility of damage, and lengthens its useful life.

Abstract: A strain gauge apparatus having a point-distributed sensor for measuring the strain of a mechanical structure. The strain gauge comprises a thin elongated piezoresistive lamina with a shape contour that is symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof, and the width of the lamina at the center along the longitudinal axis is minimum for the entire lamina length. The point-distributed strain gauge apparatus measures both static and dynamic deformation in the measured structure at a precise location aligned to the targeted center of the sensor lamina.

Abstract: A motion sensing system utilizing piezoelectric laminates with predetermined surface electrode patterns disposed thereon utilizes a frequency selector to pass motion waves of predetermined frequencies and an electrical circuit for processing the electrical signals for transmission to an activating device for appropriate activation. In particular, the frequency selector is a low frequency bandpass filter for free-fall acceleration wave frequencies. By directing appropriate action, the present invention increases the applicability of the device upon which it is mounted (e.g., for military or other hostile environment use), decreases the possibility of damage, and lengthens its useful life.

Abstract: A method for fabricating piezoelectric workpieces with augmenting surface electrodes is disclosed for improving fabrication and operation reliability of the workpieces. The fabrication method forms a plurality of function electrodes on the surface of the body of the workpiece and the function electrodes being connected in the electric circuit of the piezoelectric system. At least one of the function electrodes has a shape with a contour of at least one acute angle. At least one polarization augmenting electrode is then formed on the surface of the body proximate to the acute angle, the polarization augmenting electrode and the proximate function electrode thereof constituting a gross electrode when connected electrically together. Electric dipoles of grain molecules of the body are then polarized utilizing the gross electrode, the gross electrode substantially cancels the acute angle when paired with one of the function electrodes and connected to a polarization voltage for implementing the polarization.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer apparatus is disclosed for converting electrical input energy into output for driving a load under optimized conditions. The transformer apparatus comprises at least one actuator section and at least one sensor section. The at least one actuator section has a modal-shaped electrode for optimized electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion for exciting mechanical vibration in the apparatus. The at least one sensor section has a sensor electrode with the electrical impedance of output static capacitance thereof matched to impedance of the load for optimized conversion of the energy of said excited mechanical vibration into electrical energy for driving said load.

Abstract: Augmenting surface electrodes for piezoelectric workpieces together with the method for fabrication are disclosed for improving fabrication and operation reliability of the workpieces. A piezoelectric workpiece used for energy conversion between electrical and mechanical forms in a piezoelectric system comprises a body, a number of function electrodes, and at least an augmenting surface electrode. The body of piezoelectricity is used for implementing the energy conversion. The function electrodes are each fixedly attached to the surface of the body, and are connected in the electric circuit for implementing the energy conversion. At least one of the function electrodes has a shape with a contour of at least one acute angle. At least an augmenting surface electrode has a substantially elongated shape fixedly attached to the surface of the body proximate to the acute angle.