Award Data

Compatibility between Brain-Computer Interface and High Efficiency Augmentative and AlternativeCommunication Systems: Phase II ABSTRACT Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) enable text production for people who cannot move, but have only simple communication interfaces and are not widely used. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are widely used and give efficient and precise commun ...

This Phase II project aims to assemble the key set of sensor modalities that are needed to reliably view the key process anomalies and properties of laser powder bed fusion. The research team will down-select from the Phase I sensors investigated and integrate the sensors into a sensor fusion software package that facilitates data collection and synchronization, and eventually feedback control of ...

Abstract We propose an ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic testRDTto detect exposure to pulmonary flukes of the genus ParagonimusParagonimiasis affects an estimatedmi l l ion people and remains amongst the most neglected of all neglected tropical diseasesNTDsThis trematode is acquired upon ingestion of raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans and migrates to the lungs where it forms cystsTreatment is ...

Project SummaryUltrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are known to reflect emotional processing, brain neurochemistry and brain function - key observations in animal model studies. Collecting and processing USV data is time-intensive, manual, and costly. Most importantly, it limits researchers’ ability to employ fully effective, and nuanced experimental designs, and is a barrier to entry for other rese ...

Abstract E cigarettes (E-cigs) are increasingly popular worldwide, in particular, among youths. E-cigs may contribute to nicotine addiction and are unlikely to discourage conventional cigarette smoking. Mainstream and second-hand E-cig aerosols contain, in addition to nicotine, detectable levels of toxins including carcinogens and heavy metals such as formaldehyde, benzene, nitrosamines, cadmium a ...

PROJECT SUMMARY Asthma, characterized by airways obstruction with symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and consequently cough, remains a significant health problem. While advances in bronchodilator, corticosteroid and Th2-targeting therapy allow for well-controlled asthma in a large population of patients, subjects with severe, corticosteroid resistant asthma require frequent ...

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of factors that increases the risks for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and mortality, and currently affects andgt; 40% of US adults. MetS is associated with endothelial dysfunction, decreased circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and a pro-inflammatory state. We have made the exciting discovery that therapy with allogeneic me ...

The Point DigitA Ratcheting Prosthetic Finger UsingAdvanced Rapid Manufacturing Technology Project SummaryAbstract The goal of the proposed project is to develop and commercialize a purely mechanicalratcheting prosthetic fingerthe Point Digitwhichhas an industry leading strength to weight ratiocan be operated unilaterallyone handedoffers anatomical rotation and flexion around the patient s metacar ...

During altitude-induced hypoxia, operator cognitive and physical capacity degrades, compromising individual and team performance. Cognitive degradation is linked to falling brain energy levels, increased reliance on anaerobic energy production and lactate accumulation. Ketones are the evolutionary alternative substrate to glucose for brain metabolic requirements; previous studies demonstrated that ...

Aerosolized pathogenssuch as Influenza virusescan spread rapidly and silently throughout a populationcausing severe outbreaks that can be difficult to controlEarly detection of these airborne pathogens is key to controlling outbreaksespecially among vulnerable populations such as in hospitalstreatment centers or nursing homesYet available methods are neither rapidnor portableCurrent methods rely h ...