Latest technologies from University of South Florida

Adaptive Quantum State Tomography Algorithm for Efficiently Estimating Single Qubit States

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:18:39 GMT

Advantages Significantly reduces the number of measurements required to achieve high-fidelity quantum state estimation compared to traditional fixed-basis methods Accelerates convergence and lowers computational and experimental overhead by dynamically restricting the search space to discard improbable states Provides highly configurable operational modes (e.g., Quick Estimate, High Confidence, Extreme Precision) to flexibly balance speed and accuracy based on specific application requirements Summary Quantum computing, communication, and sensing all depend on one fragile process: accu...

Spectrally Selective Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Passive Radiative Cooling Synthesized Using a Low Cost, Scalable, Non-pressurized, Low Temperature, Constant Stir, Hydrothermal Batch Process

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:21:11 GMT

Advantages Achieves sub-ambient surface cooling under direct sunlight: Thick film nanocomposite coatings outperform leading commercial cool roof coatings by combining high solar reflectance with spectrally selective infrared emission through the 8–13 μm atmospheric window, enabling passive heat rejection to outer space without any energy input. Low-cost, scalable, and energy-efficient manufacturing: The novel non-pressurized, low-temperature, continuous-stir hydrothermal batch process eliminates the need for expensive autoclaves, nanoscale precision instrumentation, or complex mul...

Method and Apparatus for Implantable Tumor-Treating Field via Shape-Engineered Ultrasonic Powering Receiver

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 03:13:03 GMT

Advantages Enables battery-free, implantable tumor-treating field delivery directly at the tumor site Eliminates skull attenuation and cerebrospinal fluid shunting that limit conventional scalp-based TTF systems Fourfold higher ultrasonic-to-electric power conversion compared to standard cubic receivers Closed-loop field control maintains stable, clinically relevant electric field strength despite tissue variability Broad angular tolerance supports reliable transcranial ultrasonic powering Summary Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy is clinically approved for glioblastoma but is curr...

OASIS-Net: An Obstetric Adversarial Semi-supervised Image Segmentation Network for Cervical and Fetal Head Ultrasound Imaging

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 03:09:10 GMT

Advantages Achieves over 96% Dice accuracy for cervical and fetal head segmentation with limited labeled data Enables near real-time performance (~19 FPS on GPU) suitable for clinical workflow integration Reduces dependence on large, annotated datasets through semi-supervised learning Improves boundary precision, lowering measurement errors in cervical length and angle of progression Supports automated, objective obstetric measurements to reduce operator variability Summary Accurate segmentation of cervical and fetal head structures in ultrasound imaging is critical for assessing pre...

An Energy-Efficient Controller for Automated Electric Vehicles with Unknown Dynamics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:34:00 GMT

Advantages Improves regenerative energy recovery by 12.84% compared to a baseline PID controller Eliminates the need for detailed vehicle powertrain models, enabling deployment across different EV platforms Simultaneously optimizes energy efficiency and speed tracking performance Adapts in real time to changing vehicle dynamics and driving conditions Summary Electric vehicles face persistent range limitations that restrict broader adoption. Traditional energy management and eco-driving solutions often rely on accurate vehicle powertrain models, which are difficult to obtain and vary w...

Bubble‑Free Cell Culture System for Simulated Microgravity Research

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:29:55 GMT

CellPod is a disposable, bubble‑free cell culture container that makes simulated‑microgravity experiments reliable, repeatable, and far easier to run in everyday research labs. Advantages Prevents air bubble formation, improving experimental reliability and reproducibility Integrated accelerometer enables real-time validation of simulated microgravity conditions Modular, interchangeable design supports multi-sample and higher-throughput testing Secure, leak-resistant mounting system compatible with standard 3D clinostats Summary Simulated microgravity research is critical for space l...

APMBR (Anaerobic-Phototrophic Membrane Bioreactor)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:34:11 GMT

Advantages High carbon removal efficiency (up to ~95% TOC and ~98% COD under nominal operation) Integrated biological and membrane filtration system with automated controls Produces nutrient-rich permeate suitable for hydroponic plant growth Compact, small-footprint design with low consumable requirements Demonstrated stable operation with resilience to off-nominal loading events Summary Long-duration space missions and remote environments require closed-loop systems capable of recycling water and nutrients from complex waste streams. Conventional physical and chemical treatment syst...

Phosphonium Metal Halide Semiconductors for PFAS Detection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:16:35 GMT

Advantages Exceptional water stability, with demonstrated structural integrity for over 22 months in aqueous environments Improved thermal stability by up to 160 °C higher than conventional ammonium-based analogues Tunable optical and electrochemical properties suitable for sensing, optoelectronics, and energy applications Enables low-cost, portable electrochemical detection of PFAS contaminants in water Summary Many metal halide semiconductors offer promising optical and electronic properties but suffer from poor water and thermal stability. This instability limits their use in ...

Barium Titanate - Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Hybrid Bioceramic: A Synergistic Platform for Structural Reinforcement and Bioelectric Stimulation for Smart Implantable Medical Devices

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:18:51 GMT

Advantages Combines high mechanical strength with bioelectric functionality in a single ceramic material Enables self-powered operation by harvesting energy from physiological motion Maintains long-term durability suitable for load-bearing implant applications Supports biocompatibility and favorable cell interaction for medical use Tunable composition balances electrical performance and structural robustness Summary Implantable medical devices increasingly require materials that are both mechanically robust and functionally active. Existing implant materials typically prioritize stre...

Distributed Neuromorphic Control

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:28:41 GMT

Advantages Significantly lowers power consumption by replacing continuous control updates with event-driven spike-based actuation Reduces communication load in multi-agent networks through sparse, asynchronous information exchange Delivers provable stability and guaranteed minimum inter-event timing to ensure reliable operation Enables scalable coordination of distributed systems without requiring centralized controllers or synchronized clocks Summary Modern multi-agent systems such as robotic swarms, smart grids, and distributed sensor networks rely heavily on continuous communicatio...

Fermentation Membrane Bioreactor for Biomanufacturing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:29:13 GMT

Advantages Enables continuous, high-yield biomanufacturing beyond batch limitations Delivers real-time product extraction without interrupting fermentation Lowers operating costs by using waste-derived and alternative feedstocks Scales easily with automated control, ensuring consistent product quality Summary Traditional fermentation systems are largely batch-based, resource-intensive, and require frequent downtime for harvesting and cleaning. These limitations reduce productivity, increase operational costs, and restrict the use of low-cost or waste-derived feedstocks. Additionally, ...

AI Course Companion

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:46:17 GMT

Advantages Provides 24/7, course-specific AI tutoring grounded in instructor-uploaded materials Seamless Canvas integration for rapid institutional deployment Actionable instructor dashboard with anonymized learning analytics Configurable safeguards including exam downtimes and homework filtering Scalable cloud-based infrastructure Summary Students need timely academic support beyond traditional classroom hours, while instructors require clearer visibility into where students struggle. Large enrollments and limited instructional time make individualized guidance difficult to scale. I...

Anti C. difficile Recurrence Vaccine Targeting Spore Colonization

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:30:12 GMT

Advantages Targets spore colonization, the root cause of CDI recurrence Broad coverage across diverse C. difficile strains Demonstrated protection in mice (reduced disease severity, toxins, and spore burden) Flexible delivery as injectable protein or oral L. lactis, enabling systemic + gut‑level immunity Summary Clostridioides difficile remains a leading cause of antibiotic‑associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis, with treatment constrained by intrinsic antimicrobial resistance. Recurrence is driven by resilient, gut‑persistent spores that evade antibiotics and re...

ICA‑1S and ζ‑Stat: Selective aPKC Inhibitors for Anti‑Angiogenic Control Neuroblastoma

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:57:52 GMT

Advantages Upstream pathway control: Suppresses VEGF‑A by targeting aPKC, a master regulator of angiogenic signaling. Selective, small-molecule mechanism: offers lower immunogenicity and easier development than antibody-based therapies. Combination-therapy ready: upstream angiogenic pathway control enables synergy with existing treatments. Summary Neuroblastoma remains a leading cause of pediatric cancer mortality, with five‑year survival hovering near 40–50% despite intensive multimodal therapy. Tumor angiogenesis—driven by hypoxia‑responsive signaling and VEGF‑A upregula...

Multimodal Ophthalmic Imaging System Specialized in Dry Eye Disease and Cornea Conditions

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:57:12 GMT

Advantages Unprecedented coverage: 12mm FOV covers entire corneal surface—2× larger than any quantitative interferometer Sub-micron precision: ~0.38 μm resolution enables detailed tear film layer analysis Multimodal platform: Integrates tear film interferometry with OCT in single device Spatial heterogeneity mapping: Identifies localized thin zones missed by point measurements Summary Dry eye disease affects over 344 million people globally, yet clinicians lack tools for precise, quantitative diagnosis. Current devices either provide quantitative mea...

Novel Fabrication of an SLA 3D Printed Microfluidic Chip

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:59:10 GMT

Advantages Reversible compression sealing system enables reliable leak prevention without drilling through the chip Luer-compatible bracket design supports secure, standardized fluid connections up to high operating pressures Multi-layer architecture allows easy disassembly, cleaning, and repeated sterilization for cost-effective reuse Integrated droplet generation, particle sorting, and pico-injection in a compact, scalable platform Low per-unit manufacturing cost with SLA 3D printing and modular pump system Summary High-throughput drug discovery and cell-based screening are often l...

Robotic Test Platform for Lower Extremity Prosthesis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:20:58 GMT

Advantages Enables standardized testing for both above-knee and below-knee prostheses on a single platform Simulates real-world gait conditions, including multi-axis ankle motion and variable ground orientations Reduces reliance on amputee subjects during development, lowering cost and time Supports static, cyclic, and walking tests aligned with existing ISO testing requirements Configurable for different prosthesis sizes, weights, and joint configurations Summary Current prosthesis testing methods rely heavily on human subjects or limited mechanical setups that cannot consistently r...

AAMSim: A Comprehensive Simulation Platform for Efficient and Sustainable AAM Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:29:42 GMT

Advantages Agent-based microsimulation of advanced air mobility operations Models passenger and eVTOL behavior at high fidelity within vertiports and different flight phases of eVTOL Enables system-wide AAM performance evaluation beyond isolated corridor or vertiport studies Dashboard has been designed to reveal agent- and system- level performance metrics, which can be easily customized to reflect potential users’ needs Integrates external optimization and AI algorithms through open APIs for real-time testing Supports scalable network planning with customizable vertiports, flee...

Hollow Capsules Of Nitrogen-doped Porous Carbon-based Electrocatalysts

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:43:38 GMT

Advantages High catalytic activity and selectivity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media, comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts Atomically dispersed transition metal sites (Fe, Co, Ni, or combinations) coordinated by nitrogen, ensuring efficient and stable catalysis Hollow, porous nitrogen-doped carbon structure with high surface area (800–1100 m²/g) and hierarchical porosity for enhanced mass and electron transport Summary Heterogenous catalysts are widely used for the synthesis of commodity and specialty chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Tuning the physical a...

Strategic Design of Driving and Sensing Through Magnetically Induced Strain for a Resonant MEMS Device and a Resonant MEMS Array

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:57:59 GMT

Advantages Enables magnetic-field-based tuning of MEMS resonance frequency and amplitude Supports non-contact actuation using external AC or DC magnetic fields Improves post-CMOS compatibility using magnetostrictive structural materials Enables multifunctional MEMS devices for sensing, tuning, and energy applications Summary Conventional MEMS resonators face limitations in frequency tunability, post-CMOS integration, and multifunctionality. Electrical-only actuation restricts adaptability, while thermal budget constraints complicate backend integration. Existing designs struggle to su...

ADEPT Simulator: AI-Enhanced Distance-Learning Endoscopic Performance Training Simulator

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:21:22 GMT

Advantages Delivers realistic endoscopic training without patients, cameras, or complex clinical setups Enables objective performance tracking using AI, magnetic sensors, and real procedure videos Portable, low-cost simulator scalable across institutions, training programs, and remote learners Supports multiple case scenarios improving skill transfer and clinical decision-making efficiency Summary Endoscopic training programs face limited access to affordable, high-fidelity simulators. Existing solutions are often expensive, lack realistic haptic feedback, or require clinical environm...

Strategic Design of Drive and Sense Electrodes for a Resonant MEMS Device and a Resonant MEMS Array

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:20:55 GMT

Advantages Enhances target resonance performance without complex electrode reshaping or fabrication changes Suppresses spurious vibration modes to improve signal clarity and device reliability Compatible with existing MEMS processes, reducing redesign time and manufacturing risk Applicable across multiple MEMS materials, geometries, frequencies, and device architectures Summary MEMS resonators used in timing, sensing, and communication systems often suffer from spurious vibration modes that degrade performance, reduce quality factor, and complicate mode selection. Conventional electro...

Novel Therapy to Prevent Kidney Transplant Rejection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 07:57:59 GMT

Advantages First-in-class mechanism: Only known PPP1R3G/PP1γ inhibitor—differentiated from all RIPK1/RIPK3 competitors Upstream targeting: Acts before RIPK1 activation for potentially improved selectivity Validated efficacy: Demonstrated reduction in necroptosis markers (p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKL) Large unmet need: No approved DGF prevention therapy despite 95,000+ annual transplants Multiple indications: Platform potential beyond transplant Summary Delayed graft function (DGF) affects 25-30% of kidney transplant recipients, requiring dialysis in the first week post-surgery....

Arty Puzzle: Closed-Curve Innovation in Polyhedral Puzzles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 03:42:32 GMT

Advantages Educational: Enhances spatial reasoning and understanding of geometric principles. Artistic: Combines mathematical precision with visual creativity for an engaging experience. Recreational: Offers a challenging yet rewarding puzzle-solving activity suitable for all ages, low-cost, and easy to produce via 3D printing Summary Non-Euclidean spaces have greatly advanced our understanding of mathematics and the universe, yet many properties of Euclidean spaces remain incompletely understood. Puzzles such as the Rubik’s Cube and JAAP puzzles have long been used to study grou...

Nanogel Delivery of Sunitinib Malate for Ocular Neovascularization

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:25:55 GMT

Advantages An optimized intravitreal injection Targets neovascularization to treat associated ocular diseases Extended drug release with intravitreal dosing as infrequent as once a month Non-toxic Summary Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein produced in the body to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels. Anti-VEGF agents have been widely used to treat several eye diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion. However, their oral/systemic administration is associated with severe side effects such...

Electrospun Multilayered Nanofiber-Nanoparticle Membrane Drug Carrier

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:33:54 GMT

Advantages Delivers cancer drugs exactly where they’re needed, reducing harm to the rest of the body. Provides steady, long-lasting treatment, helping prevent tumor regrowth after surgery. Uses safe, biodegradable materials, eliminating the need for device removal or additional procedures. Designed for easy scaling, supporting future clinical development and commercial manufacturing. Summary After lung cancer surgery, patients often still face high risks of recurrence because traditional chemotherapy circulates throughout the entire body, causing severe side effects while delive...

A Linear Actuator Design for Ballistic Projection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 03:45:48 GMT

Advantages Generates high-speed, high-acceleration motion without rigid springs or levers. Uses soft and flexible materials, reducing material cost and weight. Enables compact actuator designs suited for confined or delicate environments. Provides energy-efficient motion with minimal energy storage requirements. Adaptable for robotics, medical, and bio-inspired engineering applications. Summary This invention presents a new linear actuator model inspired by the ballistic tongue mechanisms found in chameleons and salamanders. It generates rapid linear motion through compression and sl...

A New Method for Dual Detection of Magnetic and Dielectric Signals from Core/Shell Nanoparticles for Advanced Biodetection and Diagnostics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:46:56 GMT

Advantages Simultaneously detects magnetic and dielectric signals from core/shell nanoparticles with high sensitivity. Provides rapid, real-time biodetection in microfluidic systems using minimal sample volumes. Accurately differentiates healthy and cancer cells through enhanced signal responsiveness. Easily integrates into scalable biomedical and diagnostic devices while reducing overall testing cost. Summary Current biosensing technologies struggle to detect low-level biomarkers because traditional magnetic sensors lose sensitivity when nanoparticles are coated with non-magnetic she...

A Backwash Tool for Colonoscopy Procedures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:48:35 GMT

Advantages Immediate restoration of suction function: unlike traditional methods which lead to procedural delays in the event of blockage, this tool allows for rapid clearance. Cost-effective: inexpensive and readily available components enable enhanced affordability compared to scope replacement or repair. Simple design enables endoscopists to effectively clear blockages without need for specialized training. Reduction in anesthesia time prevents procedural delays associated with scope exchanges. Summary A frequent problem which occurs during...

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Disrupts Cardiac Remodeling via Serpin A3N

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:46:09 GMT

Advantages Novel Mechanistic Insight: Identification of SerpinA3N-GZMB axis links AKI to cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. New Therapeutic Target: targeting SerpinA3N-GZMB axis enables a novel treatment approach for maladaptive cardiac remodeling. Diagnostic and Drug Discovery Potential: SerpinA3N and GZMB could serve as biomarkers for diagnostics and drug development. Summary AKI frequently leads to acute cardiac dysfunction, particularly cardiorenal syndrome type 3 (CRS-3), which is characterized by cardiac inflammation, mitochondrial impairment, and progressive fibrosis. Despite ...

Resilient Authentication for Next-Generation Wireless Networks with Lawful Interception and Quantum-Safe Forgery Detection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:25:46 GMT

Advantages Enables fast, scalable, and secure authentication for 5G and future networks. Supports lawful interception seamlessly while maintaining privacy and data integrity standards. Provides quantum-safe protection using fail-stop signature mechanisms ensuring long-term data security. Prevents forgery and fake base stations through distributed, verifiable trust mechanisms. Summary Current 5G authentication protocols lack an integrated, resilient framework that can simultaneously support lawful interception, distributed trust, and post-quantum security. This limitation exposes netwo...

Ultrafast UV Laser-Based Virus Inactivation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:03:52 GMT

Advantages Inactivates viruses within seconds, offering much faster performance than standard UV systems. Uses low-power pulsed UV light that produces no ozone or harmful byproducts. Works for both air and surface disinfection through direct and indirect exposure. Provides broad antiviral coverage, effective against coronaviruses and respiratory viruses. Compact, energy-efficient design suitable for air conditioning and ventilation integration. Summary This invention introduces an ultrafast UV laser device that destroys viruses in the air and on surfaces within seconds. Using a pulse...

Novel Laminin Reporter Mouse Line for in vivo Imaging and Laminin Biology Research (Laminin-mCherry/eGFP+/-) Pre-Cre

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 01:42:10 GMT

Advantages First-ever dual-color laminin reporter mouse line. Enables visualization of laminin-γ1 expression in vivo with high fidelity. mCherry signal replicates endogenous laminin distribution without Cre activation. No background eGFP signal ensures clean baseline imaging. Targets the widely expressed γ1 subunit, enhancing versatility across tissues and isoforms. Compatible with Cre-lox systems for future cell-specific and temporal studies. Summary Laminins are key extracellular matrix proteins essential for embryonic development and maintenance of blood-...

Exogenous Acetate Formulations for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder and Withdrawal

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:07:41 GMT

Advantages Mechanistic Innovation: stabilizes brain energy metabolism and modulates adenosine signaling mechanisms not targeted by current addiction therapies. Targeted Brain Delivery: formulations enable effective acetate transport across the blood-brain barrier, (BBB) Controlled and sustained release Versatile Administration Routes: compatible with oral, intravenous, transdermal, intranasal, and enteral delivery Summary Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is characterized by impaired brain energy metabolism. Elevated systemic acetate levels, a byproduct of ethanol metabolism in the ...

Cesium-Iron Catalysts for Carbon Repurposing to Value-Added Products

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:23:57 GMT

Advantages Expands product portfolio with broader range of valuable outputs. Improves profitability through efficient use of carbon resources. Scales easily for reliable performance in industrial applications. Strengthens corporate sustainability and environmental responsibility commitments. Reduces operational costs by simplifying production into fewer steps. Summary The global push toward carbon neutrality has increased demand for scalable technologies that transform CO₂ into valuable products. Traditional approaches, such as methanol or synthetic fuel production, often limit diver...

DARTS: A Drone-Based AI-Powered Real-Time Traffic Incident Detection System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:14:57 GMT

Advantages All-weather reliability with thermal-AI fusion ensuring uninterrupted traffic monitoring. Automated incident verification delivers alerts faster, reducing emergency response times. Privacy-preserving trajectory analysis safeguards driver identity while ensuring roadway safety. Scalable drone deployment eliminates costly infrastructure and adapts to demand. Summary Freeway networks face rising congestion and sudden non-recurrent incidents such as crashes or breakdowns. Current fixed-sensor and CCTV systems demand heavy infrastructure, frequent recalibration, and underperform...

A Breakthrough for Corneal Regeneration: Bioengineered Membrane Immerged with Stem Cell Secretome/Extracellular Vesicles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:59:33 GMT

Advantages Donor-Free Alternative: Eliminates the need for donor corneas in treating shallow corneal opacity, utilizes secretomes and/or extracellular vesicles from stem cells to promote natural healing and tissue regeneration Enhanced Healing Performance: Improves wound closure and reduce fibrosis Sustained and controlled Therapeutic Release Suture-free Application: can be directly placed on the corneal surface Summary Corneal scarring, the leading cause of vision loss, is conventionally treated by keratoplasty—which is limited by scarcity of donor tis...

Novel Heart Failure Therapy: Farnesyltransferase Inhibition Targets Protein Aggregation in Cardiomyocytes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:28:47 GMT

Advantages First-in-Class Mechanism: Targets a novel pathway—protein farnesylation—for heart failure treatment. Broad Therapeutic Potential: Effective in both HFrEF and HFpEF, addressing a major unmet need. Tested in multiple preclinical models: Danon disease cardiomyopathy (genetic model); HFpEF (diet-induced and hypertensive models); HFrEF (pressure overload model). Translational Readiness: Builds on FDA-approved FTase inhibitors (e.g., Lonafarnib) with known safety profiles. Summary Despite advances in pharmacological treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection f...

A Method for Modeling Distributions of Responses Using Personality-Based Prompting

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:21:19 GMT

Advantages Predict real-world behaviors with calibrated, human-centric AI personas. Improve accuracy and fairness in surveys, assessments, and decision tools. Reduce pilot costs through scalable, distribution-based forecasting. Provide transparent insights companies can audit and trust. Summary Organizations using surveys, cognitive assessments, or market research face a major limitation: they struggle to forecast how diverse populations will respond from small pilot groups. Traditional models require large samples, assume rigid patterns, and often fail to capture the full range of hu...

Cell Wall Protein 6 (Cwp6) as a Vaccine Component Against Clostridioides difficile Infection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:10:36 GMT

Advantages Broader protection: targets bacterial colonization in addition to toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) Applicability across different C. diff strains: Cwp6 is conserved across various C.diff ribotypes and toxinotypes Dual immune response: administration of Cwp6 with alum adjuvant elicits both systemic and IgG and mucosal IgA antibody responses Summary C.difficile infection (CDI) is a significant public health challenge, causing severe gastrointestinal disease, particularly in healthcare settings and often following antibiotic use. Current management primarily relies on antibiotic tr...

Photocatalytic C-C Coupling of Terminal Alkynes using CuO Mie Resonators

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 01:50:26 GMT

Advantages Solar-driven visible-light catalysis eliminates high-temperature fossil fuel dependence Rapid phenylacetylene conversion yields 100% within 45 minutes (CuO–Pd) Employs earth-abundant copper oxide reducing overall catalyst costs Scalable heterogeneous system offers high selectivity, facile recyclability Summary Traditional carbon–carbon (C–C) coupling reactions underpin the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials but remain locked in energy-intensive, high-temperature processes driven by fossil fuels. These thermal methods consum...

A Novel Immunomodulatory Strategy for Treating Heart Failure in Aging Populations

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:32:19 GMT

Advantages Novel Mechanism of Action: Targets the Th17/IL17A signaling axis Validated Target: IL17A is already clinically validated in other inflammatory diseases (e.g., psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis), with FDA-approved therapies like secukinumab Strong Preclinical POC: transcriptomic, histological, and functional cardiac assessments showing reversal of diastolic dysfunction and inflammation Repurposing Opportunity: Enables potential expansion of existing IL17A inhibitors into cardiovascular indications Summary Heart failure (HF) is a devastating condition with limited insight into i...

Spatiotemporal Drug Control in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases: Photoswitchable JAK2 Inhibitors for Reversible Kinase Modulation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:56:28 GMT

Advantages Precise spatiotemporal control and reversible modulation of kinase activity Reduced systemic toxicity and off-target effects Superior binding affinity and isomer selectivity than traditional Jak 2 inhibitor Summary Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), a key player in hematologic cancers and autoimmune diseases, is a particularly challenging target due to its structural similarity with other kinases. While traditional small-molecule kinase inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, they suffer from poor specificity, selectivity, and the development of drug resistance. These inhibitors ...

CCR1 Antagonist for Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:32:09 GMT

Advantages Significant reduction in fluid requirements without noticeable adverse events Clinically tested compound for multiple sclerosis, demonstrating favorable safety and tolerability profile Mitigation of inflammation and tissue edema Broad market potential in major surgeries, sepsis, burn care, and military medicine, where fluid management is critical Summary Hemorrhagic shock remains a leading cause of preventable death in trauma and surgical settings. Traditional fluid resuscitation strategies often require large volumes of crystalloids, which can lead to complications such a...

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A (MsrA) Gene Therapy for Retinal Degeneration

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:22:17 GMT

Advantaages Targeted Protection Against Oxidative Stress Dual-Vector Delivery System (AAV and Lenti) Simple and scalable plasmid design for efficient production Suitable for major ophthalmology indications: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Retinitis pigmentosa, other oxidative stress-related retinal degenerations Summary Oxidative stress is a major contributor to retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is an antioxidant enzyme that is naturally expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where...

Reducing Ischemic Kidney Injury Through Synchronization Modulation Electric Field (SMEF)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:41:32 GMT

Advantages SMEF enables ATP regeneration under ischemic conditions Non-invasive, broad-spectrum applicability to multiple cell and tissue types Enhances organ viability during transplantation Broad Applicability: mechanism is relevant to other ischemic injuries (e.g., heart, brain, liver), opening doors to multi-organ applications Summary Kidney transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage renal disease. A major challenge in transplantation is ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), a condition where the kidney suffers damage due to interrupted and then restored b...

Light-Driven Heck C–C Coupling Using CuO–Pd or Cu₂O–Pd Nanocluster Hybrid Photocatalysts: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Approach

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:03:04 GMT

Advantages Uses earth-abundant copper oxides to reduce reliance on expensive materials Operates under broadband light, eliminating the need for external heating Achieves high reaction yields in shorter time (1.5 hours) Avoids complex catalyst separation steps Enables sustainable and cost-effective C–C coupling Summary The Heck C–C coupling reaction is widely used in drug and chemical production, but traditional methods rely on expensive palladium catalysts and high heat, making them costly and unsustainable. This invention introduces two copper-based hybrid photocatalyst...

FLR: A Triple-Target Fusion Vaccine Candidate Against Clostridioides difficile

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 01:54:05 GMT

Advantages Multi-Antigen Targeting for Broad Protection: targets three distinct virulence factors (FliC, LP2, RBD2) simultaneously Targeting Hypervirulent Strain Pathogenesis Significant protection from infection and weight loss Reduced fecal toxin and spore levels Summary Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that colonizes the colon and causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea and life-threatening colitis. Currently, treatment options of C. difficile infection (CDI) are a few antibiotics that are plagued by high recurrence rates (15-35%) and increasing resistan...

Dielectric Mie Resonator Cupric/Cuprous-Oxide Based Photocatalysts for Suzuki Coupling Reaction

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:33:36 GMT

Advantages Runs without external heat, powered by solar energy Eco-friendly method reducing reliance on fossil fuels Copper catalysts replace expensive noble metal alternatives Converts reactants completely in just eight minutes Summary The chemical manufacturing industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize while maintaining efficiency and profitability. Traditional carbon–carbon coupling reactions like Suzuki Coupling require high thermal energy input, rely heavily on fossil fuels, and depend on costly noble metal catalysts—escalating both operational costs and envir...

Cell Culture Dishes with Dynamically Reconfigurable Surface Textures for Cell Expansion and Harvesting

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:29:17 GMT

Advantages Enzyme-free individual cell harvesting: avoids cellular damage, preserving cell viability and surface receptors Single-cell resolution: Releases dispersed individual cells rather than large confluent sheets, which is ideal for clonal assays Rapid (<1 min), mild stimulus-triggered detachment: triggers detachment via a brief temperature drop which is significantly faster than conventional methods Broad platform compatibility: integrates into standard labware via high-throughput photolithography, eliminating the requirement for custom hardware Summary Convention...

Regenerative Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Therapy for Sarcopenia: A Cell-Free Solution for Muscle Aging

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:46:13 GMT

Advantages Rejuvenates aged muscle tissue: restoring to youthful state while enhancing muscle mass and strength. Reduces muscle fiber degeneration and inflammation: healthier and more effective muscle regeneration. Effectively reverses age-associated alterations in muscle stem cells (MuSCs), outperforming PBS treatment in aged mice models. Summary Sarcopenia is a condition primarily affecting the elderly, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. This condition is associated with impaired muscle metabolism, inflammation, and impaired muscle regeneration. There is ...

Precision Peptides for Hearing and Beyond: Targeted Modulation of BK Channels

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:52:52 GMT

Advantages Crosses the blood-brain barrier High Specificity and Potency with an IC₅₀ in the low picomolar range Shows reduced side effects associated with anti-BK channel activity Possesses multiple pharmacological activities Summary Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) or presbycusis, affects over 50% of individuals aged 75 and older, impairing both sound sensitivity and speech comprehension—especially in noisy environments. While hearing aids can address peripheral deficits, central auditory processing remains a major unmet need. The large-conductance calcium-activated potass...

A Lightweight Multiple-Time Post-quantum Signature for Heterogeneous Internet of Things

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:34:55 GMT

Advantages Maximizes key reuse, enabling over one million efficient post-quantum signatures Ultra-fast signing—up to 2463× faster than NIST PQ alternatives on ARM Uses only 1.4KB signer memory, ideal for low-end embedded IoT devices Sub-kilobyte signature size minimizes transmission energy in constrained IoT networks Summary The explosive growth of IoT devices from wearables to industrial sensors has created an urgent demand for secure scalable authentication. However most conventional and NIST approved post quantum signature schemes are too slow too large or too power hun...

Advancing Ensemble Learning Against Unlearnable Data

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:40:49 GMT

Advantages Integrates seamlessly into enterprise workflows Scales from edge devices to GPU clusters Guarantees compliance with data-protection standards Enhances ensemble learning with data augmentation and model diversity Recovers >89% test accuracy on datasets protected by 12 state-of-the-art unlearnable data methods Summary As AI adoption accelerates, protecting image data from unauthorized model training has become a growing concern. Traditional “unlearnable” data techniques are increasingly ineffective against modern ensemble learning attacks, leaving sensitive or...

BiP-Am: Ultra-sensitive Nicotine Detection Probe

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:07:44 GMT

Advantages Low-cost nicotine probe: synthesized in a simple and efficient two-step chemical process using inexpensive and commercially available reagents Selective: strong selectivity for nicotine even in the presence of common interfering substances Ultra-high Sensitivity detects nicotine at concentrations as low as 0.4 nanomolar Portable: Detection is based on fluorescence and does not require bulky lab equipment Real-Time Detection Summary Nicotine is a highly addictive and toxic compound found in tobacco products. Exposure to nicotine can promote the development of cancer, ...

Automatically Creating Psychometrically Valid and Reliable Questions Using Generative Language Models

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:53:26 GMT

Advantages Automatically generates test questions with minimal human effort Uses psychometric data to ensure high validity and reliability Continuously improves question quality through iterative feedback Works in both expert-guided and fully automated modes Reduces time and cost of test development in education and training Summary Creating test questions that are valid and reliable usually takes time, expert review, and costly testing. This is especially challenging for large-scale educational assessments where every item must meet high standards. This invention uses AI and psycho...

Fenchol: A Natural Therapeutic for Cognitive Health and Neurodegenerative Care

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:37:21 GMT

Advantages Targeting neuroinflammation and proteostasis Strong preclinical efficacy in cells, C. elegans, and Alzheimer’s mouse models GRAS-designated natural compound with excellent safety profile Multiple delivery formats: oral, nasal, buccal, topical, supplement Summary Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, driven in part by amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation, impaired proteolytic clearance, and chronic inflammation. Recent research shows that the gut-brain axis and microbiota-derived metabolites are...

Cardiac Dysfunction in Friedreich’s Ataxia: Remodelling of the Cardiac Calcium Handling Machinery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:29:28 GMT

Advantages: This study discovered a potential novel mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in Friedreich's ataxia (FA) by uncovering dysregulation in key calcium-handling proteins and mitochondrial dysfunction The study correlates data from an FA mouse model (FXN-KO) with human clinical manifestations, linking frataxin deficiency to cardiac dysfunction in Friedreich's ataxia These findings pave the way for targeted therapies in Friedreich's ataxia Summary: Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by an expansion of the DNA triplet (GAA) in the f...

Conditional Hs3st1/4/5 Mouse Lines for In-vivo Study of Heparan Sulfate (HS)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:29:19 GMT

Advantages: Cell and Stage-specific Cre-loxP mediated ablation of Hs3st1/4/5 First-ever floxed alleles for Hs3st4 and Hs3st5 Captures complex neurological and behavioral phenotypes Evaluates drugs on HS pathways and 3-O-sulfation dependent motifs Summary: Heparan sulfate (HS) is a polysaccharide which plays a vital role in various biological processes including cell signaling, development, and neurodegeneration; 3-O sulfation is a modification in HS biosynthesis that critically regulates growth factor, morphogen, and neuronal signaling; however, it is difficult to study. Existing an...

Multivalent Immunogens Against Clostridium Difficile

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:34:00 GMT

Advantages Effective against new and recurrent C. difficile infection Targets both C. difficile virulent factors TcdA and TcdB Prevents C. difficile colonization Vaccinations with fusion proteins protect animals against infection with an epidemic C. difficile strain Summary Globally, CDI remains an urgent public health problem. In the United States, C. difficile is the most common healthcare-associated pathogen, linked with high rates of recurrent infection and mortality. The root cause of recurrent CDI is the ability of C. difficile to survive as stable ...

Gamified Physical Therapy Rehabilitation System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 07:43:15 GMT

Advantages: Turns muscle movement into gameplay using wearable EMG sensors Personalizes difficulty based on each user’s strength and ability Keeps patients engaged and motivated with real-time feedback and rewards Designed for at-home or clinical use, with easy setup and data tracking Summary: Physical therapy with a licensed physical therapist can feel boring and repetitive, especially for young patients. Many struggle to stick with their exercises because there’s no feedback, little motivation, and a lack of personalization. Traditional methods often don’t adapt to...

Novel Malaria Vaccine Candidates: CSP- Nanoparticle Vaccine Candidates for Plasmodium vivax

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:34:33 GMT

Advantages Enhanced Immunogenicity: Nanoparticles (NPs) boost immune responses compared to conventional subunit vaccines Broad Protection: Focusing on conserved regions of CSP, the vaccine elicits cross-reactive antibodies that may protect against multiple P. vivax strains Functional Efficacy: Generated antibodies inhibit sporozoite invasion of liver cells in vitro Improved Stability & Safety: PLGA-based NPs are biodegradable, biocompatible, and allow for controlled antigen release, reducing the need for multiple doses Summary Plasmodium vivax is a protozoal parasite respons...

A Microfluidic-coupled in vitro Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:20:41 GMT

Advantages Real-time trans endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) monitoring: embedded Ag/AgCl electrodes enables high-resolution impedance spectroscopy, outperforming conventional models Physiologically relevant tri-culture design: microfluidic flow mimics in vivo BBB hemodynamics with spatially separated HUVECs, astrocytes, and pericytes Enhanced barrier tightness: higher TEER values and selective permeability to 10 and 70 kDa dextrans reflect in vivo BBB, surpassing Transwell models Low-volume format: microfluidic volumes (<10 µL) reduce reagent use compared to millil...

Mouse Model for Direct Visualization of Endothelial Permeability in Disease States: Cdh5-mScarlet Reporter Mouse

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:10:15 GMT

Advantages Reporter mouse reliable labels VE-cadherin, replacing the need for difficult immunostaining protocols enables quicker, live, longitudinal imaging of VE-cadherin remodeling and vascular permeability in vivo Far-red mScarlet emission enables clearer deep-tissue imaging and real time quantification of VE-cadherin turnover and junctional dynamics Summary The protein VE-cadherin is expressed selectively by all endothelial cells and is an important regulator of endothelial permeability. Traditional methods of visualizing endothelial junctions have relied on fixed tissue antibody s...

A novel mouse model (TRE-HuAmy line) to achieve spatial and temporal control of human amylin transgene expression

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:22:28 GMT

Advantages Enables the in vivo switching on or off human amylin expression through the administration/ withdrawal of DOX Spatially restricted transgene activation: crossing tissue-specific rtTA/tTA lines achieves localized amylin expression without off-target effects. Single-copy Rosa26 knock-in for consistent expression: integration at Rosa26 locus ensures uniform expression Precise temporal control enables induction of amylin expression in chosen developmental stages to model late-onset type 2 diabetes and AD pathology Summary Amylin is a peptide co-secreted with insulin in huma...

Design of Wireless Interrogated MEMS Capacitive Intraocular Pressure Sensors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:40:12 GMT

Advantages Detects intraocular pressure changes with sub-0.1 mmHg resolution for superior clinical precision. Battery-free wireless design enables safe, continuous monitoring through inductive telemetry technology. Biocompatible materials ensure long-term implantation with minimal risk and high patient safety. MEMS-based fabrication allows cost-effective, scalable production for broad clinical and home use. Summary Glaucoma is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, primarily due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that progressively damages the optic nerve. Current IOP ...

Spectrally Narrowed and Stabilized High Power Multimode External Cavity Diode Laser

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:19:27 GMT

Advantages High Output Power (2.5 W) Thermal Stability up to 40°C Compact & Cost-Efficient Design Ensures clean, stable laser output by minimizing unwanted spectral noise Delivers exceptional spectral purity for high-resolution Raman and gas spectroscopy Summary High-power laser sources are essential for use in applications such as Raman spectroscopy and trace-gas sensing, where high output power, spectral purity, and environmental stability are required. Conventional high-power diode sources, though, are plagued by broad spectral line width and thermal drift, and narrow-line...

Low-Noise Optical Spectrometer with High Spectral-Range-to-Resolution Ratio

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:12:39 GMT

Advantages  High-resolution spectral detection without moving parts  Compact, USB-powered design with no cooling required  Efficient low-light performance for Raman trace-gas sensing Summary High-resolution, wide-range spectrometers are vital for applications such as trace-gas detection, Raman spectroscopy, and environmental monitoring. However, conventional Czerny-Turner spectrometers are bulky, require thermoelectric cooling, and consume high power, making them unsuitable for portable or low-light scenarios. Existing compact alternatives often sacrifice either resolution or sensitivi...

RNA Binding Motif 3 (RBM3) Overexpressing Transgenic Mouse

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 09:31:16 GMT

Advantages RBM3 upregulation reverses multiple tau phosphorylations post-TBI Novel RBM3 Overexpressing Transgenic Mouse Model allows researchers to study the effects of RBM3 activation on tissue function, brain function, and brain injury Summary Traumatic brain injury (TBI) not only causes immediate neuronal damage but also predisposes survivors to chronic cognitive decline and Alzheimer-like pathology, including tau hyperphosphorylation, synapse loss and impaired learning and memory; USF researchers discovered that a brief, mild hypothermia pre-conditioning at 32–34 °...

Yeast Platform for Measuring Protein-Protein Interactions at the Inner Plasma Membrane

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 09:14:37 GMT

Advantages Membrane‑context readout: Localization of protein interactions at the cell membrane offers a more physiologically relevant measurements of protein-protein interactions (PPI) Simple, modular anchors: Gap1C (native FWC motif) and Alp1C±FWC tails deliver consistent membrane docking and can be mixed/matched across split‑FP pairs. Works with flow cytometry (quantitative) and confocal microscopy (spatial localization) Screening‑ready: Demonstrated FACS‑based selection of dim/bright GFP1‑10 variants directly in the membrane‑proximal context. Summary Protein-protein interact...

Transgenic Foxc2-tdTomato Overexpressing Mouse Model for Study and Screening of Lymphatic Valve Development

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:06 GMT

Advantages Tissue specific Foxc2 expression with integrated tdTomato fluorescent reporter enables precise spatiotemporal visualization Enables monitoring of lymphatic valve development 1:1 co-expression of Foxc2 and tdTomato, overcoming expression variability characteristic associated with of IRES-based or viral delivery systems Single-vector design with strong ubiquitous promoter streamlines colony management, eliminating the need for separate crosses with reporter strains, and delivering higher, uniform expression across all tissues Summary The transcription factor Foxc2 is critic...

Computerized Cognitive Training for Insomnia (COGMUSE)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 06:28:39 GMT

Advantages Gamified cognitive training that is aimed at adults with both autism and insomnia Flexibility in terms of the ability to incorporate user feedback Summary Older adults with insomnia as well as autistic adults with co-occurring insomnia often struggle with persistent cognitive and sleep disturbances. These issues are only marginally mitigated with existing pharmacological treatments or generalized cognitive training programs. COGMUSE is a novel game-based computerized cognitive training platform for older adults with insomnia. It employs computerized titration to adjust dif...

Real-Time Program-Specific Log Consolidation for Intrusion Detection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 03:39:59 GMT

Advantages Reduces logs 219× for efficient data storage Performs real-time analysis with zero offline cost Minimizes memory use through subject activity consolidation Maintains high detection accuracy with low alert fatigue Summary Enterprises today are increasingly targeted by Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), stealthy, long-term attacks that penetrate systems and remain hidden for extended periods. Provenance-based Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDSes) help uncover these attacks by analyzing system-level logs, but they struggle with massive log volumes, redundant data, and se...

Layer-Wise Filter Thresholding

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 02:29:27 GMT

Advantages Layer-Specific Dynamic Thresholding High Compression with Accuracy Preservation No Retraining Required Profiling-Driven Pruning Strategy Edge-Device Friendly Architecture Summary Deploying AI on IoT edge devices is limited by the high computational and memory demands of traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These constraints hinder real-time applications in areas like autonomous systems, smart healthcare, and mobile devices. Efficient model compression is essential to make deep learning viable on resource-constrained hardware. This work introduces a layer-wise...

Empowering Resource-Constrained IoT Edge Devices: A Hybrid Approach for Edge Data Analysis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 30 May 2025 02:22:58 GMT

Advantages Optimized for low-power, memory-constrained IoT hardware Boosts model accuracy with minimal computational cost Reduces energy usage through efficient inference methods Enables real-time, on-device decision-making Easily scalable for diverse IoT applications Summary As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to scale across industries—from healthcare and smart homes to autonomous systems, the demand for intelligent, real-time data processing at the edge has grown exponentially. However, most edge devices are severely constrained in terms of memory, processing power, an...

BAC Transgenic Prox1CreERT2 Mouse Line: Allows for Deletion of 'Floxed' Genes Specifically in the Lymphatic Vasculature

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 29 May 2025 02:52:01 GMT

Advantages Distinct BAC backbone allows for transgene integration on a separate chromosome, avoiding linkage and complex breeding schemes observed in current strains. Demonstrates >90% Cre-mediated excision in Prox1+ lymphatic endothelial cells, outperforming previous models which demonstrate ~60-70%. Restricts recombination to lymphatic vasculature and avoids off-target effects unlike previous lines which also target blood endothelium or macrophages. SV40 stop signal downstream of CreERT2 prevents transcriptional read through, reducing leakiness compared to broader inducible driver...

Mouse Models for Studying Hyperglycemia-induced Hyperfiltration via NOS1 and NKCC2 Proteins (NOS1Cre / NKCC2ftox / NOS1Cre-NKCC2ftox Mice)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:57:37 GMT

Advantages Future applications for treatment of diabetic nephropathy Three mouse models for utilization in diabetic research Defined mechanism behind glomerular hyperfiltration Summary Abnormal regulation of sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb and macula densa underpins disorders such as salt-sensitive hypertension and diabetic hyperfiltration. The NKCC2 cotransporter and neuronal nitric oxide synthase-1 in macula densa cells are critical mediators of tubuloglomerular feedback, glomerular filtration rate, and blood pressure responses to salt or glucose loads. However, exist...

Mouse Models for Studying Hyperglycemia-induced Hyperfiltration via NOS1 and NKCC2 Proteins (NOS1Cre / NKCC2ftox / NOS1Cre-NKCC2ftox Mice)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:52:49 GMT

Advantages Future applications for treatment of diabetic nephropathy Three mouse models for utilization in diabetic research Defined mechanism behind glomerular hyperfiltration Summary: Abnormal regulation of sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb and macula densa underpins disorders such as salt-sensitive hypertension and diabetic hyperfiltration. The NKCC2 cotransporter and neuronal nitric oxide synthase-1 in macula densa cells are critical mediators of tubuloglomerular feedback, glomerular filtration rate, and blood pressure responses to salt or glucose loads. However, exis...

Multi-Object Grasping -- Grasping from Surface of Pile

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 28 May 2025 10:41:28 GMT

Advantages: High Efficiency in Cluttered Environments Vision-Guided Dexterity with 6D Pose Estimation Confidence-Driven Grasp Optimization Adaptive to Real-World Variability Scalable for Industrial Automation Summary: Robotic grasping in industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics is still a bottleneck when dealing with dense or crowded environments. Robotic systems are typically developed to handle single objects and fail to perform in terms of reliability, precision, and versatility when dealing with multiple objects overlapping or entangled, especially when precise v...

Drug Loading of Donor Corneas for Corneal Transplantation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 28 May 2025 02:21:51 GMT

Advantages Provides a preventative approach to improving vision and reducing post-procedure complications Does not compromise or change donor tissue quality or viability Can be accomplished with a variety of techniques available in the market Drug dose and release can be controlled to meet patient specific needs Summary Partial and full thickness keratoplasties are clinical procedures that involve replacing part or the entirety of the cornea with donor corneal tissues. Post-transplant complications such as inflammation, infection, corneal rejection, and glaucoma can occur. Presently, ...

High-Potency Biased β2-adrenergic Receptor Agonist for Treating Respiratory Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:55:21 GMT

Advantages Ultra-potent β2-adrenergic receptor agonist that stimulates cAMP production with sub-nanomolar potency (EC50 = 0.25nM) Biased signaling profile selectively activates Gαs-mediated cAMP signaling while avoiding β-arrestin2 recruitment, reducing receptor desensitization characteristic of traditional treatments such as albuterol Maintains a consistent bronchodilation response in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells over time unlike conventional agonist Summary Respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are commonly tr...

Novel PCR-Based Blood Test to Predict Mortality and Monitor Treatment Response for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 22 May 2025 07:25:12 GMT

Advantages IPF Biomarker assay: 6-gene transcriptomic signature strongly correlates with disease severity and mortality across multiple patient cohorts and sample types Non-Invasive Testing: PCR test requires only a blood sample Potential for Precision-Based Therapies: gene-signature panel opens avenues to test targeted therapeutic interventions Identification of Drug Candidates: Identified several drug categories that can potentially reverse the harmful gene expression Summary Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of lung...

Development of an Innovative AI-Enhanced Music-Based Magnetic Respiratory Therapy System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 20 May 2025 11:13:19 GMT

Advantages Uses magnetic sensors to monitor breathing without wires or chest straps AI adapts music in real time to regulate and stabilize respiration Designed for stress relief, respiratory therapy, and sleep quality improvement Comfortable, low-cost, and easy to use for home or clinical settings Summary Patients with respiratory issues whether from chronic illness, stress, or post-viral recovery often struggle with shallow or erratic breathing. Many existing treatments lack real-time feedback or engagement, limiting their effectiveness. Meanwhile, calming music is known to support r...

ScoliStim – A Patient-Specific, Customizable, and Improved Scoliosis Brace

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 20 May 2025 02:54:21 GMT

Advantages Integrated TENS/EMS delivers dual therapy in one compact, wearable brace system Reusable silver electrodes cut consumable costs and improve long-term treatment value Sliding electrodes ensure precise targeting for improved muscle engagement and pain relief Adjustable wrap adapts to growth, reducing refits and enhancing patient compliance Summary Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) often results in progressive spinal curvature, chronic discomfort, and muscular imbalance during key developmental years. Current standard-of-care includes rigid orthotic bracing, which may redu...

Highly Efficient MIMO-OFDM Imaging Using Shared Transmission Bandwidth

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 20 May 2025 02:46:20 GMT

Advantages Enables simultaneous multi-antenna radar transmission within shared bandwidth Avoids the need for TDM or FDM, improving both temporal and spectral efficiency Uses independent OFDM signals for precise, interference-free imaging Demonstrated in simulations to deliver robust, high-resolution MIMO radar images Summary Conventional radar imaging systems rely on time or frequency division multiplexing (TDM/FDM) to separate signals from multiple antennas. While effective, these methods limit the radar’s ability to fully utilize bandwidth and slow down the imaging process esp...

Frequency Alteration and Performance Enhancement of a Resonant MEMS Device and a Resonant MEMS Array

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 16 May 2025 02:07:29 GMT

Advantages Improves resonator precision and quality using localized Joule heating Enables post-fabrication tuning without redesign or full re-manufacture Enhances performance by lowering motional resistance and boosting Q factor Works with a wide range of MEMS materials and device shapes Summary MEMS resonators are widely used in precision filtering, timing, and sensing devices, but fabrication imperfections often lead to small frequency mismatches and inconsistent performance. Traditional tuning methods either degrade performance or require complex designs, increasing cost and time. ...

Laser-Assisted Aspiration Thrombectomy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 16 May 2025 01:57:24 GMT

Advantages Composition-Independent Thrombus Ablation Minimized Embolism Risk Reduced Procedure Time Compact and Affordable Design Safe for Vessel Walls Summary Thromboembolic conditions such as ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis continue to be major global health threats, often leading to severe disability or death. These emergencies are caused by blood clots (thrombi) that block critical blood flow in major arteries or veins. While mechanical and chemical thrombectomy techniques exist, they fall short especially when facing clots of complex or variable com...

Non-Line-of-Sight Localization Using Scattered Signals

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 14 May 2025 09:22:50 GMT

Advantages Reliable localization in GPS-denied environments, including dense foliage, tunnels, and harsh weather Cost-effective and scalable architecture using radar repeaters instead of complex sensor arrays Autonomous self-localization without reliance on GNSS or external infrastructure Doppler-enabled motion awareness, enhancing path prediction and situational context Seamless integration into radar networks with minimal hardware or deployment effort Summary Accurate localization is essential for autonomous systems, yet traditional technologies face significant limitations in GPS-...

A Novel Grid-Forming Control Design

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 13 May 2025 07:24:47 GMT

Advantages Achieves easy retrofitting from the conventional grid-following control design, by using the same sensors and same inner control and q-axis outer control. Enables weak grid fault ride through and stable operation in series compensated grids. Achieves decoupled voltage and angle tracking through current vector control. Switches between grid-following and grid-forming control modes with a simple flag. Stable operation in both grid-connected and standalone operation. Tested and proven on real hardware. Reduces cost and complexity for inverter systems. Summary Conventional ...

Quasi-Periodic Shape-Morphing Mechanism Array Based on Penrose Tiles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:41:52 GMT

Advantages Robust to damage—continues functioning even with missing components Compact and lightweight with single actuator control Easily scalable for small to large surface applications Suitable for aerospace, architecture, and deployable systems Customizable with different link types and motion profiles Maintains structural integrity without lattice distortion Summary In industries such as aerospace, architecture, and advanced engineering, there is a growing demand for adaptive structures that can change shape without losing mechanical integrity. Traditional shape-morphing ...

Passive Radiative Cooling Paint

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:26:32 GMT

Adantages True Subambient Cooling Zero Energy Requirement Superior Optical Performance Scalable and Industry-Compatible Sustainable Impact Summary The escalating demand for space cooling, driven by climate change, urbanization, and rising global temperatures, has intensified energy consumption, with building cooling alone accounting for nearly 25% of electricity usage in the United States and projected to surge worldwide. Existing cooling technologies, predominantly air conditioning systems, are energy-intensive, fossil-fuel dependent, and major contributors to carbon emissions. Whil...

MDCare: AI-Based Real-Time Surgical Blood Loss Quantification System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:35:07 GMT

Advantages Real-time and continuous blood loss estimation Automated and objective, minimizing human error Enhances surgical decision-making Seamlessly integrates into clinical workflows Mobile alerts for timely, remote monitoring Summary Inaccurate blood loss estimation during surgery remains a critical challenge, with traditional visual and manual methods prone to error, increasing the risk of complications and poor outcomes. Current alternatives lack real-time accuracy and seamless integration into surgical workflows. MDCare is a cutting-edge system that integrates deep learning (...

Smart IoT System for Longitudinal Real-time Physiological Monitoring of Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 09 May 2025 09:11:54 GMT

Advantages Provides continuous, real-time patient monitoring from home Uses compact, low-cost IoT devices designed specifically for sleep monitoring in cancer patients Enables predictive analysis of sleep apnea using machine learning and longitudinal data Improves comfort and accessibility over traditional in-lab sleep studies Summary Cancer patients often face hidden comorbidities like sleep-disordered breathing, which can go unnoticed and worsen outcomes during treatment. Traditional sleep monitoring methods like polysomnography are invasive, limited to single-night tests, and uncom...

Animal Model of Angelman Syndrome

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 09 May 2025 07:56:00 GMT

Advantages: Lacks the entire UBE3 gene Removal of all isoforms Removal of all alternate promoters Summary: Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a devastating neurological disorder which affects 1 in every 15,000 people. AS presents with ataxia, frequent smiling, laughter, lack of speech, and severe, debilitating seizures. Epilepsy in AS is often refractory to many prescribed medications, and frequently involves many seizure types. Furthermore, chronic, intractable epilepsy is shown to cause hippocampal damage and is associated with cognitive decline. Nearly all cases of AS result from the di...

Novel Cell Lines and Mouse Model to Study Congenital Heart Defects

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 09 May 2025 07:18:53 GMT

Advantages: Mutant mouse lines with various CDK13 mutations Identified cardiac specific CDK13 mutations which mirror heart defect development Genetically modified human induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into different cardiac cell types Provides method for screening potential therapeutic agents for congenital heart defects Summary: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common human birth defect, affecting approximately 1% of newborns. Children born with CHDs suffer from varying degrees of cardiac dysfunction throughout their life, with no viable treatment opt...

Microbiome Reporting Program

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 07 May 2025 03:08:32 GMT

Advantages: Transforms complex microbiome data into easy-to-read clinical reports Uses AI to generate real-time, personalized recommendations Works with multiple data types including Fastq, Excel, and 3rd-party reports Continuously updates insights with the latest research and datasets Summary: Microbiome testing has made huge scientific progress, but the results are often hard to understand and slow to deliver. Most current tools generate technical reports that lack actionable insights, making them difficult for doctors and patients to use in everyday care. There is a growing need fo...

Assay for Rapid Detection of Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 05 May 2025 02:50:55 GMT

Advantages: Rapid results with minimal equipment: Delivers positive results in 10-20 minutes using only a simple heat block, with a distinct pink-to-yellow color change visible to the naked eye - significantly faster and simpler than standard RT-PCR Dual-target specificity and sensitivity; employs two distinct primer sets, achieving detection limits as low as 10 copies/µL Versatile surveillance applications across wastewater, agricultural, and envirnmental samples Summary: Effective detection of viral pathogens in environmental and agricultural contexts is critical for managing c...

Stability Enhancement Control Technology for Inverter-Based Resources

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 01 May 2025 02:46:34 GMT

Advantages: Improves system stability even with well-designed individual IBR controllers Introduces a coordinated voltage feedback control to mitigate oscillations Works across multiple testbeds and conditions, including 3–7 Hz disturbances Proven in both simulations and hardware for real-world performance validation Summary: As inverter-based resources (IBRs) become more prevalent in modern power grids, particularly in weak grid areas, conventional control strategies increasingly struggle to prevent harmful oscillations and maintain stability, especially near the system's s...

A High-Throughput NMR Method for In-Membrane Ligand-Screening

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:40:06 GMT

Advantages: Maintains the original structural and functional properties of receptor proteins Enables high-throughput screening through automated NMR workflows with minimal sample quantities Enhanced Signal-to-Noise Ratio improves detection of ligand-receptor interactions (e.g. binding orientations, kinetics, and dynamics) Applicable to any membrane protein of interest Summary: Current methods for studying ligand-membrane protein interactions are limited by their instability in native lipid environments and often rely on laborious methods existing techniques such as In-cell NMR and r...

Novel Combination Treatment for Glioblastoma

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:26:28 GMT

Advantages: Temozolomide (TMZ), Cannabidiol (CBD), and CCR6/CCL20 inhibitors work together to overcome Glioblastoma resistance and enhance efficacy Targeted CCL20/CCR6 inhibition blocks survival pathways in glioblastoma, reducing resistance and relapse while improving outcomes Enhances CD8+ T cells and rewires immunity, offering powerful, lasting anti-tumor effects in glioblastoma treatment PAMAM dendrimer delivery targets CCR6/CCL20 in glioblastoma, enhancing precision and efficacy while reducing toxicity Summary: Glioblastoma multiforme remains one of the most formidable challenges ...

Binding Between TREM2 and Heparan Sulfate Delineates the Role of Microglia in AD and Reveals Novel Treatment Strategies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:06:30 GMT

Advantages: Discovered novel structural interactions between HS and TREM2, associated with neurodegeneration High-affinity binding: TREM2 specifically interacts with Heparan Sulfate (HS) modified with 6-O-sulfation and iduronic acid, enabling precise microglial modulation compared to broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory strategies Defined structural requirements: HS chains require a minimum of 10 saccharide units with critical 6-O-sulfation for effective TREM2 binding and ApoE3 uptake, providing clear parameters for therapeutic design Precision therapy potential: Enables the developmen...

Novel HPV Epitopes for Designing Cervical Cancer Immunotherapies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:49:08 GMT

Advantages: Specific targeting of HPV epitopes from E2 and E6 proteins opens new avenues for cervical cancer immunotherapies. Correlation of high chemical complementarity scores between TCR CDR3 regions and HPV epitopes with improved overall and disease-free survival provides a reliable biomarker that complement traditional clinical factors. Whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing data from TCGA-CESC and CGCI enhance predictive accuracy. Multivariate Cox analyses confirm prognostic value is independent of clinical covariates such as age, AJCC staging, and smoking history. Su...

Wearable Gait and Balance Device for Seniors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:30:48 GMT

Advantages: Integrates lower and upper body support in one discreet wearable system Customizable elastic band tension addresses multiple gait issues, including shuffling, wide-based steps, and foot pronation Real-time feedback via ankle and chest sensors, processed through an intuitive mobile app Concealed wiring and soft fabric design enhance comfort, compliance, and daily wearability Summary: Older adults commonly experience gait, balance, and posture difficulties that elevate fall risk, reduce mobility, and negatively impact independence. Various interventions exist—ranging f...

Surface Defect Detection in Additive Manufacturing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 03:14:20 GMT

Advantages: Detects hidden surface and subsurface defects in real-time during additive manufacturing builds Enables immediate, in-process corrective actions without interrupting the manufacturing workflow Reduces waste and cost through early, accurate defect detection and process monitoring Summary: Additive manufacturing enables complex designs, but ensuring consistent quality is a major challenge. Defects often develop due to changes in geometry, material properties, and thermal conditions. Existing inspection methods are either slow or limited, causing undetected flaws, wasted mater...

Custom AI Co-Pilot for Software Security Pen-Testing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:44:19 GMT

Advantages: Helps scale pen-testing efforts by assisting human testers with AI Learns from each test and gets better over time Built to match real-world workflows using open-source tools and prompts Outperforms traditional tools like SonarQube with prompt customization Summary: Penetration testing is critical for finding security flaws in software. But there’s a major gap: there aren’t enough skilled testers to meet the growing need. Traditional tools like SonarQube are helpful but often give too many false alarms, which wastes time. Human testers end up ignoring alerts or...

Automated Hidden Neuron Optimization for MLPs

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:34:08 GMT

Advantages: Maximizes accuracy with fewer neurons through automated, adaptive neural network tuning Reduces data size by over 80% using advanced hybrid feature selection Ensures scalable, overfitting-resistant models with cross-validation and early stopping built-in Summary: Determining the optimal number of hidden neurons in Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs) is a critical challenge in machine learning, with current methods relying heavily on manual tuning, heuristics, or computationally expensive algorithms. These traditional approaches often lead to overfitting, inefficient models, and l...

Improving Facial Recognition Systems Against Unlearnable Data

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:20:43 GMT

Advantages: Dramatically reduces the impact of unlearnable noise using smart data transformations Recovers facial recognition accuracy from nearly 0% to over 85% Designed for large facial datasets with limited number of images per person Summary: Some facial datasets are made "unlearnable" by adding small, hidden changes that stop AI models from learning. These changes are meant to protect people's faces from being used without permission for AI model training. While this works for image classification, it doesn't work as well for facial recognition, where there are m...

Novel Potential Glaucoma Therapy via Secretome Treatment of Schlemm’s Canal Endothelial Cells

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:34:06 GMT

Advantages: Minimally invasive secretome therapy enhances Schlemm’s canal function, offering a non-surgical alternative to glaucoma treatment Secretome therapy promotes cellular repair and wound healing, addressing TM damage beyond Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP) reduction Secretome therapy enhances aqueous outflow by upregulating tight junction proteins, offering a novel approach beyond conventional IOP-lowering drugs Dual secretome therapy synergistically balances proliferation and structural support, surpassing monotherapies like laser treatments or drugs Summary: Glauco...

Efficient, Scalable and Post-Quantum Authentication for Real-time Next Generation Networks with Probabilistic Data Structures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:20:38 GMT

Advantages: 4x to 6x faster key generation and up to 5x faster signature verification than existing methods Works on low-power devices like drones, smartwatches, and medical implants Post-quantum secure and designed for real-time communication needs Scales easily across large systems with many devices and users Summary: Modern wireless systems like those in drones, vehicles, or medical devices need fast and secure message authentication. But current digital signature methods are either too slow or require too much power. And with quantum computing on the horizon, many of these systems...

Privacy-Preserving and Post-Quantum Secure Counter Denial of Service

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:34:33 GMT

Advantages: Post-quantum secure protection against DoS and DDoS attacks Privacy-preserving spectrum access with location and identity anonymity Efficient puzzle outsourcing via Private Spectrum Bastions (PSBs) Flexible deployment options: hash-based, lattice-based, and blockchain-integrated Compliance-ready with FCC standards and NIST-approved post-quantum cryptography Summary: As wireless technologies like 5G, 6G, IoT, and Cognitive Radio grow rapidly, spectrum access systems (SAS) face major threats: Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, location tracking, and the rising risk of quantum...

Computerized Method to Quantitate Blurriness of Ocular Fundus Images

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:24:42 GMT

Advantages: A novel computerized system integrates entropy filtering and FFT-based scoring to enable automated, precise uveitis diagnosis A computerized method provides an objective, reproducible score for ocular inflammation, reducing subjectivity in clinical grading scales Utilize low pass filtering and image subtraction to highlight obscured fundoscopic details in diabetic retinopathy The use of an entropy filter enables a quantitative analysis of retinal vessel texture, providing detailed assessments for diabetic retinopathy Summary: In ophthalmology, assessing intraocular inflamm...

Reinforcement Learning-Based Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Under False Data Injection Attacks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:44:27 GMT

Advantages: Maintains safe inter-vehicle distance even under cyberattacks and disturbances Uses reinforcement learning with Lyapunov-based control for stability Features a neural network-based estimator to estimate and mitigate FDI attacks in real time Validated through simulation and real-world experimental testing Summary: Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) promise safer, more efficient roads by combining onboard sensors with wireless communication. A core feature, Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC), allows vehicles in a platoon to automatically adjust their speed and s...

Targeting Nox4 to Treat Dystrophic Cardiomyopathy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:36:05 GMT

Advantages: • First‑in‑class therapy directly targeting the dystrophic cardiac pathway • Robust in vivo efficacy across multiple DMD mouse models • Clinically tractable drug class with multiple candidate molecules provides rapid development pathways, repurposing potential: setanaxib (GKT137831), VAS2870, and GSK2795039 • Potential to combine NOX4 inhibition with dystrophin replacement therapies Summary: Dystrophic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) a...

Automatic Detection and Quantification of Marine Macroalgae from Satellite Imagery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:58:50 GMT

Advantages: Automates seaweed detection and quantification using satellite imagery Combines physics-based models and machine learning for accurate results Generates actionable seaweed maps at various spatial and temporal resolutions Applicable globally works on both Sargassum and Ulva blooms across different regions Summary: Massive seaweed blooms particularly Sargassum and Ulva have increasingly affected coastal regions like the Caribbean, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. These blooms pile up on beaches and disrupt local ecosystems, tourism, and economies. Traditional detection relies...

Radar Detection of Specular Targets Using Distributed Repeaters

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:48:00 GMT

Advantages: Mitigates specular reflections that degrade radar performance Uses low-cost, distributed repeater elements to improve target detection No need for time or phase synchronization, enabling easy deployment Enhances image quality and resolution in challenging environments Summary: Millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar systems are widely used for high-resolution imaging in fields like automotive sensing, medical diagnostics, and security. However, these systems struggle with specular reflections mirror-like bounces where the reflected signal doesn’t return to the receiver. This ...

Non-Cooperative High-Efficiency Multi-User Ranging Using OFDM Signals

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:39:18 GMT

Advantages: Allows simultaneous sensing and communication without coordination between users Uses existing OFDM signals, eliminating the need for extra hardware or bandwidth Improves spectral and temporal efficiency, reducing system complexity Avoids interference and ghost signals even with multiple users in the same frequency band Summary: Modern wireless networks are increasingly adopting joint radar and communication (JRC) systems to manage both data transmission and spatial sensing in shared environments. Traditional approaches require frequency division or time-slot allocation am...

Non-Contact, Painless Electroporation and Molecular Transfer Method

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:05:56 GMT

Advantages: Permeabilizes cell membranes and tissues without applying a current minimizes the risk of ventricular fibrillation, pain, muscle contractions, and twitching Achieves molecular delivery and cell ablation solely through voltage application, reducing treatment complexity and potential medication side effects Safer modality suitable for clinical applications from gene therapy to electrochemotherapy Summary: Many current electroporation techniques, widely used in gene therapy and cancer treatment, face challenges because they rely on direct electrode-tissue contact that result i...

Brain Cancer: Novel Prognostic Method and Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:03:40 GMT

Advantages: A precision-guided method for identifying glioblastoma-related genes that improves assessment of the current prognostic biomarker Enables the identification of potential novel therapeutic targets: GLP1R agonists, which are already used for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes, could be explored as treatments for GBM Broader Applications: applicable to multiple cancer types, including GBM, lower-grade gliomas (LGG), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) Summary: Existing approaches to predict outcomes of multiple cancers, specifically glioblastoma, often rely on established b...

Universal and Efficient Detection of Adversarial Data through Nonuniform Impact on Network Layers

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:06:48 GMT

Advantages: Universal and real-time detection across image, video, and audio domains Lightweight and highly efficient, operating orders of magnitude faster than existing defenses Achieves 98% detection accuracy, significantly outperforming other methods Compatible with any Deep Neural Network (DNN) without requiring modifications Summary: Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are widely used in machine learning applications but remain vulnerable to adversarial attacks small, imperceptible input manipulations that cause AI models to make incorrect predictions. Current defense strategies attempt ...

New Potential Therapeutic Method for Leiomyoma: Co-Inhibition of FKBP51 and HSD11B1

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:34:01 GMT

Advantages: Novel approach for leiomyoma treatment: Direct disruption of the FKBP51-GR-HSD11B1 signaling loop Stronger GR suppression than single-target hormone therapies Targeted leiomyoma treatment: Modulates GR activity, control cortisol production and ECM generation Minimizes hormonal side effects, offering a fertility-friendly alternative to conventional therapies Summary: Uterine leiomyomas affect many women and are traditionally managed by targeting sex steroid pathways, which poses challenges for those seeking fertility preservation. Existing treatments often do not address th...

YTH Domain-Containing Family Protein 1 (YTHDF1): A Novel Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:05:36 GMT

Advantages: A novel method for targeting m6A methylation via YTHDF1 offers a potential therapy for tauopathies and Alzheimer’s disease YTHDF1 reduces neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease by downregulating pro-inflammatory genes like Ccl6 and Cst7 Enhance working memory and reduce hyperactivity in tauopathy, suggesting cognitive benefits for Alzheimer’s patients Offer a more efficient and cost-effective therapeutic approach Summary: Elucidating the significance of epitranscriptomic regulation of gene expression in memory and brain diseases is a nascent field of st...

Functional Hierarchical Porous Organic Polymers for Water Purification

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:46:30 GMT

Advantages: High absorption capacity Fast and controllable kinetics Facile regeneration and recyclability Stable under a wide range of conditions High density of chelating sites Summary: Water and energy purification are important factors in minimizing the harsh impact of technology on the environment. Coal-powered fuel stations and waste incinerators are constantly releasing toxic heavy metals into the environment. Mercury is an extremely hazardous heavy metal, yet an estimated 6,000 tons are emitted into the atmosphere each year. Due to mercury’s elemental properties, it is a...

Early Screening Method for Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:24:45 GMT

Advantages: Earlier diagnosis than traditional FGR screening: can detect risk as early as the 1st or 2nd trimester Non-invasive testing with maternal blood Superior sensitivity and specificity compared to ultrasound-based detection Can be potentially further developed into a commercial product/ standard prenatal screening test for DNA methylation for FGR screening Summary: FGR (Fetal Growth Restriction) is one of the most prevalent pregnancy complications, occurring in about 10% of pregnancies. Current detection methods rely heavily on ultrasound measurements of fetal weight an...

Leg Isoinertial Measurement Brace (LIMB)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:43:26 GMT

Advantages: Portable & Lightweight – Ideal for clinics with limited space Accurate & Replicable – Eliminates human error for reliable results Motorized Torque Input – Ensures consistent, precise measurements Real-Time Monitoring – Arduino-based control system for tracking rehabilitation Ergonomic & Comfortable – Foam padding and adjustable Velcro straps for a secure fit Summary: Traditional isoinertial devices like Biodex System 4 are bulky and non-portable, while portable options like Vald DynaMo rely on manual force application, leading to ...

Multiphasic Localized in vivo Molecular Delivery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:15:15 GMT

Advantages: Asymmetric biphasic pulses significantly reduced stimulation of skeletal muscle contractions in vivo and enhanced gene delivery Enables delivery of insulin and glucokinase to replace daily injections with long-term, non-immunogenic protein expression in skeletal muscle Higher-efficiency gene therapies avoid immunogenicity and off-target integration, offering a safer, cost-effective solution Portable, clinician-friendly device design improves clinical adoption and accessibility Summary: Existing gene therapy strategies encounter significant obstacles that hinder broad clini...

Antimicrobial Terpenes From a Deep-Sea Irish Coral

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:02:58 GMT

Advantages: A novel structural diversity (anthoteibinenes A-Q) offers bioactive scaffolds, absent in standard combinatorial chemistry libraries Anthoteibinenes I and J have demonstrated activity against multiple Candida strains, indicating possible antibacterial efficacy Selective bioassay- and NMR-guided isolation provides a more targeted approach improving efficiency and reducing costs Enhanced chemical space for drug discovery offering fresh chemical backbones not easily found in existing libraries Summary: Deep-sea organisms are increasingly recognized as sources of novel bioacti...

Prevention of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Caused by Progestin-Only Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 02:59:52 GMT

Advantages: 15dPGJ2 blocks the proliferation of human endometrial endothelial cells, thereby preventing pLARC-induced aberrant endometrial angiogenesis, a major cause of unexpected uterine bleeding 15dPGJ2 enhances progestin responsiveness and prevents pLARC-induced inflammation, another contributor to uterine vascular instability, effectively reducing pLARC-induced AUB Since AUB is the most common cause of discontinuing pLARC therapy within the first six months of usage, 15dPGJ2 will improve contraceptive adherence, thus, offering significant financial advantages over standard pLARC Com...

Stavudine as a Potential Anticancer Agent for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:49:27 GMT

Advantages: Repurposes an existing FDA-approved drug Achieves dose-dependent inhibition of ASPC-1 pancreatic cancer cell proliferation May enhance treatment efficacy when combined with standard chemotherapy Summary: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies due to late diagnosis, limited treatment efficacy, and a tumor microenvironment that hinders drug delivery. Traditional therapies, including surgery and chemotherapy, offer only modest survival benefits and often cause toxic side effects, while immunotherapies have shown limited success due to immune suppression...

Colorectal Cancer Gene Expression Signature as a Predictor for Therapy Outcomes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:09:20 GMT

Advantages: Novel biomarker development: Unique 10-gene signatures distinguish the contributions of tumor epithelium (EPI) & tumor microenvironment (TME) in colorectal cancer (CRC) Clinical Relevance: EPIS signature predicts better progression-free survival in cetuximab-treated metastatic CRC patients; TMES correlates with worse survival outcomes Enhanced predictive value for targeted/personalized therapy Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease marked by significant variability in outcomes and therapy responses, largely due to the complex interplay between tumor...

Anti-Thrombin Nanoparticles and Therapeutics to Treat Necrotizing Enterocolitis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 02:37:03 GMT

Advantages: Bivalirudin-tagged nanoparticles bind and neutralize nascent thrombin in clots, minimizing systemic anticoagulant effects Anti-thrombin nanoparticle confines its anticoagulant activity to sites of clot formation, limiting excessive systemic coagulation inhibition Dual therapeutic and diagnostic potential allows clinicians to treat NEC and monitor thrombin-driven injury in real-time Anti-thrombin nanoparticles can be administered after disease onset, reducing intestinal damage and inflammatory markers Summary: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) primarily affects premature infa...

Hands-Free Activated Electro Larynx

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:56:10 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced durability by reducing gravitational coil wear through an improved design that prevents friction with surrounding components Extended lifespan with reduced frictional wear, ensuring fewer repairs and a more reliable speech-assist experience Enhanced reliability through a robust locating diaphragm that minimizes misalignment, ensuring consistent performance and reduced downtime Flexible design with both modified cup and cup-less options, offering versatility to suit diverse user preferences, surpassing single-configuration models like the Nu-Vois™ III S...

The Edema Ruler

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:20:04 GMT

Advantages: The 3D-printed edema ruler provides accurate 1-mm increment markings for quantifiable, reliable measurements Standardized pressure application and clear markings yield high intraclass correlation coefficients for both single and average measurements Significantly cheaper than equipment-intensive options and the 3D-printed PLA construction ensures consistent dimensions Noninvasive and patient-friendly and can be quickly deployed in any clinic setting Summary: Lower extremity edema is a common clinical concern, especially in patients with chronic venous disease, but its eva...

Ciproloxacin-Based Polyacrylate nanoparticle Emulsions for Antibiotic Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 04:22:19 GMT

Advantages: A water-soluble nanoparticle emulsion with an antibiotic monomer foundation has the ability to fight antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections The emulsion technique facilitates the conversion of antibiotics into nanoparticles that are protected from degradative enzymes The aqueous homo-polymer nanoparticle offers stability, versatility, and decreased cytotoxicity Summary: Antibiotic resistance and the need for targeted, effective drug delivery have prompted extensive research into polymer-based carriers for encapsulating therapeutic agents. However, many existing formulat...

Unstructured Pruning for Multi-Layer Perceptrons with Tanh Activation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 03:18:21 GMT

Advantages: Reduces neuron count by 72% (breast cancer) and 36.8% (MNIST) for efficiency Maintains high accuracy with only 5.25% average loss for MNIST dataset pruning Optimized for IoT and edge computing by reducing computational and memory needs Uses mean-based pruning for tanh activation to enhance model performance efficiently Summary: Modern neural networks are increasingly complex, requiring significant computational power and memory. This presents a challenge for deploying AI on resource-constrained devices like IoT sensors, edge computing platforms, and embedded systems, where...

SLURP1 is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Ocular Surface Inflammatory Disorders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 07:16:11 GMT

Advantages: Identification and validation of SLURP1 as a therapeutic target for treating ocular therapies SLURP1 enhances antioxidant defenses SLURP1 counteracts TGF-β-induced EMT in corneal epithelial cells Potential for Formulating eye care products with SLURP1 to mitigate oxidative stress and maintain corneal epithelial homeostasis (e.g. recombinant SLURP1 eye drops) Summary: Ocular surface inflammatory disorders pose significant therapeutic challenges due to their multifaceted pathogenesis involving oxidative stress, angiogenic inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transit...

Defending Against Wi-Fi Spoofing Attacks Leveraging Physical-Layer Features

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:54:08 GMT

Advantages: Identifies Wi-Fi spoofing attacks by leveraging Doppler Effect and Symbol Timing Offset (STO) variations Protects against location manipulation, ensuring accurate navigation even in high-risk environments Improves navigation accuracy by differentiating legitimate and spoofed signals Cost-effective implementation with off-the-shelf Wi-Fi chips Seamlessly integrates with existing GPS and Wi-Fi navigation systems Summary: Urban navigation systems increasingly rely on Wi-Fi-based localization to complement GPS, making accuracy and security critical. While effec...

A Novel Preclinical Model of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:01:19 GMT

Advantages: Uniquely replicates the clinical scenario of RBC transfusion-exacerbated NEC in anemic neonates, providing a more accurate model than the traditional method Provide superior mechanistic insights, offering precise investigation of molecular pathways compared to in vitro intestinal injury assays Cost-effective and high-throughput experimentation, facilitating faster experimental cycles and enabling robust statistical power at lower overall cost Ability to manipulate genetic and immune factors by detailed dissection of transfusion-triggered immune responses and inflammation Su...

Laser Phacolysis with Portable Laser Diode

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:20:10 GMT

Advantages: Low-cost design reduces expenses compared to existing femtosecond laser systems Compact and portable, making it ideal for rural and underserved areas Operates efficiently with low power requirements, suitable for areas with limited electricity Reduces surgical complications common in traditional cataract procedures Innovative cooling system ensures stable and reliable operation Summary: Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting millions in rural and underserved areas. Current femtosecond laser devices for cataract surgery are expensive, bulky, and ...

Novel Anti- Aggregation Therapeutic Targets Against Cystic Fibrosis Caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 03:54:26 GMT

Advantages: Therapeutic Targets: Identified essential genes in Pa aggregate formation that can be potentially targeted with therapeutics Improved Infection Model: use of synthetic CF sputum media that closely mimics the physical and nutritional environment of CF sputum Potential for Broader Applications: can be extended to other bacterial species and infection models Summary: Chronic lung infections cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) are difficult to treat due to the formation of small bacterial aggregates. Unlike traditional biofilms, the smaller aggregates pr...

Gait Rehabilitation: Harnessing Multimodal Rhythmic Asymmetric Sensory Cues

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:53:56 GMT

Advantages: Sensory cues improve step length and timing, enhancing walking coordination Combined auditory-tactile cues adapt to individual needs for more effective therapy Braking force and stability improvements reduce fall risks These methods activate neuroplasticity, promoting lasting motor improvements Summary: Tech ID 20B150 and 18B183 Post-stroke rehabilitation remains a significant challenge, as traditional methods like Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Split-Belt Treadmill training fail to address the complex neuro-muscular and biomechanical aspects of w...

Antibacterial-Modified Comet Assay for the Study of Genome Integrity in Bacterial Pathogenesis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:42:41 GMT

Advantages: The modified comet assay delivers consistent, reproducible results, ensuring reliable data for bacterial pathogenesis and DNA damage/repair studies A cost-effective and user-friendly antimicrobial peptide, making the modified comet assay an economical solution The method is versatile, applicable to bacteria, mammalian cells, microbiome, and disease research Summary: Chronic exposure to genotoxic agents, including bacterial infections, plays a significant role in the development of chronic diseases and cancer. Bacterial infections, particularly Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus ...

Photocatalyst: Enhancing the Decomposition of Organic Pollutants with Cactus Pectin-Powered P25 TiO2-ZnO

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:16:59 GMT

Advantages: P25 TiO2-ZnO, a photocatalyst, helps to degrade organic dyes in water pollutants Cost-effective green technology to enhance the decomposition of organic pollutants A novel synthesis process of TiO2-ZnO-mucilage composite for maximum photocatalytic efficiency Biocompatible, chemically stable, and easy to synthesize Summary: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductors have been extensively applied in several environmental applications due to their higher photocatalytic performances toward different organic pollutants, pharmaceutical compounds, and bacteri...

New Target for Heart Failure Therapies: Modifying MRPS5/ATF4 Signaling in Cardiomyocytes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 12:43:48 GMT

Advantages: Identification of MRPS5 as a Therapeutic Target: Reduction of MRPS5 expression stimulates cardiomyocyte proliferation and enhances heart function Discovery of the MRPS5 signaling axis: Decreased MRPS5 enhances ATF4 and Knl1, which promote cardiomyocyte, boosting cardiac recovery after myocardial injury Improved Survival and Cardiac Function in Preclinical Models: Improvements in survival rates and cardiac health in mouse models with cardiac dysfunction Summary: The limited regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian heart poses a significant challenge for myocardial injury...

Sensitive and Selective Synthetic Glucose Receptor for Diagnostic Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 03:20:16 GMT

Advantages: Highly sensitive glucose sensor with strong potential for use in biomedical diagnostics and continuous glucose monitoring. Flexible, adaptive binding pocket that selectively targets glucose’s functional groups, improving specificity and detection accuracy. Reversible, non-covalent binding to glucose, allowing real-time response to changes in glucose concentration within the physiological range. Enhanced stability and durability of the small synthetic molecule compared to larger biomolecules like concanavalin A and glucose oxidase, making it more reliable in diverse cond...

Spine Simulator for Assessing Spinal Biomechanics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:44:27 GMT

Advantages: Spine simulator helps assess the biomechanical effects of various interventions to the spine that include surgical implants, excision, or fusion, previously limited by range of motion Interventions for spinal injuries can be tested through highly customizable repeat simulations before and after various injuries / interventions Improved range of motion capabilities enable the incorporation of customized testing of spinal segments from the cervical to sacral spine. Summary: Lower back pain is a leading cause of disability and affects over 80% of adults. There is a need to stu...

Quantum-Classical Channel Estimation for Enhanced Quantum Communication

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:05:46 GMT

Advantages: Simplified design using classically controlled single-qubit rotation gates instead of complex 2-qubit gates Reduces operational hurdles in quantum channels, making it easier to implement in optical communication systems Maintains quantum advantages while minimizing fabrication and integration challenges, ensuring high performance Optimized for practical deployment with existing quantum-classical hardware, enabling faster adoption with near-term devices Summary: Quantum communication systems often face challenges due to the complexity of multi-qubit h...

Treating Age-Related Hearing Loss with Rapamycin and Its Derivatives

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:09:07 GMT

Advantages: Novel Application of FDA approved drugs, rapamycin and its derivatives, for treating age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Targeting mTOR alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in the cochlea, enhancing cellular health and resilience to age-related damage. Potential to Reverse or Delay Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in patients. Summary: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), or presbycusis, is a common sensory disorder in the elderly with no FDA-approved treatments. The disorder is characterized by degenerating cochlear structures, including hair cells and spiral ganglio...

Automatic Regenerative Braking System To Increase Energy Efficiency

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:57:20 GMT

Advantages: Boosts energy recovery by 24% to 61%, improving vehicle efficiency under various driving conditions. Automatically adjusts braking for maximum energy capture using advanced smart controls Increases vehicle range by 37.8% in real-world driving conditions Summary: Energy-efficient transportation is critical due to environmental concerns, rising fuel costs, and the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs and HEVs). Traditional braking systems waste a significant amount of energy as heat, and while regenerative braking systems recapture some energy, they lack optimizat...

Sensitive and Robust Biosensing Using Plasmonic Enhancement of Fluorescence by Rapid Thermal Annealed Silver Nanostructures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 05:00:54 GMT

Advantages: Enhances cancer biomarker sensitivity Scalable production methods Enables low-concentration detection Ideal for portable diagnostics Summary: In cancer diagnostics, a major challenge is the detection of biomarkers at extremely low concentrations, particularly at the nanogram per milliliter (ng/ml) level, which is crucial for early-stage cancer detection. Traditional immunofluorescence assays often fail to meet this sensitivity requirement, leading to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses. This issue is compounded by the minimal presence of biomarkers such as PSA (Prostate-S...

Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes’ Packaging for Use at Room Temperature

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:18:53 GMT

Advantages: Promotes wound healing and supports positive long-term outcomes Reduces oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) by exposing them to a composition containing adipose stem cell-derived exosomes Promising solution specifically tailored for penetrating wounds such as during military combat Summary: Penetrating injuries often result in complex physical and cognitive complications if not treated quickly. Despite advances in medical treatments, there remains a critical need for immediate interventions that could be used in extreme conditions, such as a battlefield,...

Mecamylamine as a Therapeutic Agent for SARS-CoV-2

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:03:34 GMT

Advantages: A new method of treating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) Mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, blocks virus and nAChR receptor binding and decreases SARS-COV-2 replication in virus-infected Calu-3 cells Mecamylamine decreases cytokine expression in MHV4-infected IMG cells and manages inflammatory conditions Mecamylamine decreases SARS-COV-2 infection-induced cytokine gene expression in virus-infected Calu-3 cells Summary: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a highly pathogenic and transmissible virus that caused...

Vaccine Candidate for Preventing Clostridioides difficile Infection: Cell Wall Protein 2 (CWP 2)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 03:33:51 GMT

Advantages: A recombinant Cwp2 protein that induces strong IgG and IgA antibody response in animal models. Decrease levels of C. difficile spores and toxins in feces and decrease mortality rates in immunized mice. Anti-Cwp2 antibodies delay the binding of C. difficile vegetative cells to human gut epithelial cells and prevent bacterial colonization. Summary: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the colon, caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile. It often leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. CD...

Modulating Molecular Chaperone DnaJB6b as a Novel Method to Regulate Tau Seeding and Propagation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:28:07 GMT

Advantages: Semi-high throughput screening accelerates drug discovery by quickly identifying candidates, reducing time to market, and gaining a competitive edge. Molecular Chaperone reduces tau aggregation, preserving cognitive function and improving patient quality. Employs a precision medicine approach targeting tauopathy mechanisms, potentially offering more personalized and effective treatments than traditional therapies. Summary: The aberrant accumulation and aggregation of tau protein plays a central role in the progression of tauopathies, like Alzheimer's. This progres...

Cancer Patients with an Anti-Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Immune Response Show Improved Outcomes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:06:26 GMT

Advantages: Cancers with an adaptive immune response (T cell and antibody response) to EBV correlate with better outcomes: tested in ovarian cancer, stomach adenocarcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and diffused large B cell lymphoma Could be developed into a potential predictive biomarker that utilizes antibody and/or T cell receptor CDR3 sequencing to forecast EBV-positive cancer outcomes Provides valuable insights that aid clinicians in making informed decisions about treatment plans, enhancing the overall quality of care for cancer patients Summary: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has...

Wastewater Treatment using Composite Biofilm Carriers

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:35:35 GMT

Advantages: Faster nitrogen removal from wastewater Lower operational and energy costs Efficiently eliminates nitrogen pollutants Summary: The increasing urbanization and industrialization have significantly heightened the challenge of managing nitrogen discharge in wastewater. Excessive nitrogen, particularly in the form of ammonium, poses severe environmental risks, including eutrophication, toxicity to aquatic life, and detrimental changes in water quality. Traditional wastewater treatment methods often fall short in efficiently removing ammonium, necessitating the development ...

Method for Treating Melanoma using an Inhibitor of an Atypical Protein Kinase C (PKC)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 09:54:31 GMT

Advantages: Effectively decreases melanoma cell proliferation and suppresses tumor migration and metastasis. Promotes cancer cell death, specifically targeting melanoma cells and sparing healthy melanocytes. The method not only treats melanoma by targeting atypical PKC isoforms but also utilizes PKC-ι and PKC-ζ levels as biomarkers to predict treatment responsiveness, enhancing precision in therapy. Summary: Melanoma, a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, becomes challenging to treat once it metastasizes, with current therapies offering limited success. Genetic...

Alpha-Numerical Quality Code (ANQC)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:05:34 GMT

Advantages: Provides both comprehensive and effectively summarized insights into the cold chain Improves the efficiency of the cold chain Reduces food waste and enhances sustainability of the food supply chain Improves the quality of perishable products for the consumer Summary: The cold chain industry requires a system, both comprehensive and intuitive in nature, to ensure the quality and safety of perishable products. Conventional methods are inadequate, leading to significant food waste and safety concerns. This system offers an AI-driven approach to real-time monitoring and ...

Kcnab2 Conditional Knockout Mouse Model

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:56:42 GMT

Advantages: A new Kcnab2 exon 4-floxed mice, suitable for experimental models to study muscle development, regeneration, and pathogenesis Kcnab2 exon 4-floxed mice were successfully generated using CRISPR/Case9 technology Allows for specific study of the Kcanb2 function on skeletal muscle (e.g. TA) without significant changes in the brain and heart of TAM IP-KO mice Summary: The Kcnab2 gene encodes a beta subunit of voltage-gated potassium channels, which are important for regulating electrical signaling in neurons, cardiac cells, and muscle cells through ion channel modulation. T...

3D Printed Swab for Diagnostic Testing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 02:48:42 GMT

Advantages: 3D-printed swab comprising a shaft and a plurality of protrusions, that can be manufactured at high capacity with low potential for contamination. 3D-printed swabs can be manufactured with various tip shapes and stem lengths to help optimize sample collections from different targeted locations. 3D printing allows tip diameters from 3 mm to 7 mm to be printed to produce both pediatric and adult versions of the swabs. Summary: Swabs are essential tools for collecting biological samples to identify the presence of pathogens, genetic material, or other indicators of diseas...

Discovery of Cyclic Peptidomimetic Ligands Targeting the Extracellular Domain of EGFR for Cancer Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 01:31:00 GMT

Advantages: Novel cyclic γ-AA peptide (M-2-5) effectively binds with EGFR and inhibits tumor growth in an A549 lung cancer xenograft model. M-2-5 interferes with EGFR-EGF binding, prevents EGFR phosphorylation, and suppresses cancer cell proliferation and migration. Targets the extracellular domain of EGFR with high affinity and specificity. Small molecular weight, high stability, and selective for cancer cells. Summary: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an extracellular protein ligand-receptor targeted in the development of novel and selective anticancer...

Drug-Induced Activation of the Reelin Signaling System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:56:48 GMT

Advantages: Small, soluble drug with therapeutic potential Independent Reelin signaling pathway activation More able to pass through the BBB than Reelin Summary: The Reelin signaling pathway is an essential component of the developing and adult central nervous systems. The signaling cascade assists with the regulation of developing neurons including their migration and positioning patterns and is also understood to play a role in learning and memory. Reelin, a glycoprotein produced in the body, is known to initiate the Reelin signaling cascade. It then binds to receptors apolipopr...

Novel Nampt Activators and Synthesis Method to Treat Inflammation and Wound Healing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 01:20:15 GMT

Advantages: Therapeutic Applications: 2-Aminothiazole scaffold is known for its wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Compounds showed increased Nampt enzymatic activity Efficient Synthesis: efficient one-pot synthetic route using resorcinarene cavitand glycoconjugates (RCGs) in aqueous media, which is a green and practical approach. Potential treatment for wound healing, heart disease, and skeletal muscle regeneration. Summary: The 2-Aminothiazole scaffold is significant in medicinal chemistry ...

Ophthalmological Formulations for the Prevention of a Coronavirus Infection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 02:16:50 GMT

Advantages: Directly delivers remdesivir in ophthalmic drops to the eye cells potentially minimizing systemic side effects. Formulation is designed to prevent disease transmission via the eyes and to treat conjunctivitis caused by infection. Nanoparticulate formulation meets pharmaceutical delivery standards. Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can affect the eyes, causing viral conjunctivitis, and can spread through contaminated hands touching the face. Preventing ocular transmission is crucial as the virus can enter through the eye’s mucous membranes. Developing anti...

Systems and Methods for Accurate Electronic “Finger to Thumb Crease”

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:15:41 GMT

Advantages: An accurate electronic assessment Unbiased Gives quantified results Leads to more accurate diagnoses Summary: The “finger to thumb crease” test is used to assess neurological function, particularly in the cerebellum. Patients are asked to tap the tip of their index finger against the distal crease of the thumb using both their dominant and non-dominant hands. This test is performed in a finite amount of time. Impaired finger tapping can be indicative of CNS demyelinating lesions such as those seen in multiple sclerosis. Typically, this test is performed vi...

Combination Therapy to Treat Viral Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:54:00 GMT

Advantages: PG’s anti-inflammatory effects mitigate viral inflammation of COVID-19. Intranasally administered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) create an anti-inflammatory microenvironment and can enhance neuro-regenerative effects. Targets viral transmission and neuronal damage to reduce virus-induced neuronal damage, and mortality, and improve patient outcomes and recovery. Summary: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which can be caused by β-coronaviruses such as COVID-19, involves inflammation of the lungs and can also result from viral infections affecting the...

The Sudden Head Acceleration & Kinetic Encephalopathy (SHAKEn™) Device for Preclinical Modeling of Rotational Brain Injury

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:17:18 GMT

Advantages: User control to adjust the positioning of the body plate (in the x/y plane) to optimize spinal alignment relative to the axis of rotation prior to insult. An aeronautics-grade angular rate sensor for direct measurement of angular velocity and to calculate rotational acceleration of the head. An electric plug to power accelerations and to simplify laboratory installation (i.e. avoids compressed gas tanks used in other rodent head injury models). Circuitry/PC software to easily impute injury parameters and to record sine wave data on angular acceleration. The use of an u...

Compact System and Method for Treating Urine and Other Wastewater

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 02:09:04 GMT

Advantages: The system offers enhanced sustainability by efficiently treating waste with minimal consumable inputs and hazardous byproducts. SAMBR provides a compact solution, achieving high treatment efficiency within the constrained space of spacecraft. The technology supports long-duration missions by recovering valuable resources, ensuring better resource utilization in space. Summary: Current space missions face significant challenges in managing waste and recycling resources, especially in closed environments like the International Space Station (ISS). Traditional Environmen...

Photodegradation Protection of Polymeric Materials by Encapsulating with Inorganic Composites and Applications Thereof

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 03:02:27 GMT

Advantages: Boosts the average lifespan of polymers preventing them from undergoing UV-induced photodegradation. Decreases the frequency of replacements and repair process, which translates into tremendous cost savings. Summary: Various fields employ polymeric and organic materials which are prone to photodegradation under UV radiation and other forms of high-energy light. This degradation results in reduced lifetime and performance of the material, requiring regular replacements, thereby raising costs. Presently, existing solutions cannot adequately safeguard such materials for a...

Bulk Electrochemical Hybrid Solar Cell

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:54:28 GMT

Advantages: Easy and low-cost to produce Efficiently harvests and stores energy Suitable for various applications like supercapacitors and solar cells Customizable with dyes or nanoparticles for enhanced performance Summary: This invention consists of cost-effective composite gels that can efficiently harvest and store energy in a single device. These gels can be customized with dyes or nanoparticles to enhance their performance, making them adaptable and more efficient than existing solutions. (a) a schematic diagram; (b) a picture of the hybrid photoactive supercapacitor f...

Enhanced Diversity and Network Coding (eDC-NC)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:02:23 GMT

Advantages: Provides near-instantaneous recovery from multiple link or node failures. Significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods. Enhances throughput for various network technologies, including 5G and IoT. Summary: Current wireless network topologies encounter significant challenges such as latency, high energy consumption, and limited ability to recover from multiple simultaneous link or node failures. Traditional methods like Diversity Coding (DC) and Network Coding (NC) have made progress in addressing these issues but still fall short in providing...

Novel Helical Peptodomimetics that Prevent the Formation of Aβ Oligomerization in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:42:08 GMT

Advantages: Developed sulfonyl-γ-AA peptide helical peptidomimetics that can prevent the formation of neurotoxic Aβ oligomerization. High Specificity: The lead sulfonyl-γ-AApeptide helical foldamer, Ab-6, exhibits precise targeting to the central region of Aβ42 and induces α-helix conformation in Aβ. Sequence-Specific Inhibition: Ab-6 demonstrates sequence-specific inhibition of Aβ oligomerization, providing a targeted approach at the molecular level. The technology not only inhibits Aβ aggregation but also rescues neuroblastoma cells, pro...

3D Tripolar Antenna and Method of Manufacture

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 07:33:27 GMT

Advantages: Significantly reduces the size of wireless sensor nodes. Improves communication reliability in multipath and depolarization conditions. Minimizes energy consumption for enhanced efficiency in IoT systems. Summary: In the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet sectors, reliable and efficient machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is crucial. However, wireless sensor nodes deployed in harsh environments often face significant challenges due to multipath interference, signal fading, and depolarization. Traditional methods like spatial diversity ...

Clk1 Inhibitor for White to Brite Adipogenesis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 03:16:25 GMT

Advantages: Stimulates mitochondria and reprograms adipocytes from white to beige characteristics. Reduces metabolic disorder inducing white adipose tissue. Burns more energy and stores less fat without changes in lifestyle. Summary: Fat tissue in obesity results from adipocyte hyperplasia or the formation of new adipocytes from progenitors, and from hypertrophy (enlargement) of pre-existing adipocytes. It is a form of adipocyte, white adipocytes, that are primarily responsible for fat retention and storage. A new approach for reducing their production is needed to reduce the pres...

Methods for Treating Covid-19 Based on Individual Genomic Profiles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 02:57:47 GMT

Advantages: A high-throughput method offers a rapid and efficient way to predict severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients, facilitating faster clinical decision-making for pulmonary injury. Can be integrated with clinical variables to improve triage across healthcare settings, potentially reducing hospital stays, and optimizing resource allocation from home care to ICUs. Facilitates the identification of patients who are more likely to respond to targeted COVID-19 therapies. Summary: COVID-19 has been associated with features of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and sh...

An Automatic System of Tagging and Uploading of Mosquito Species from Smartphone Images

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:08:16 GMT

Competitive Advantages Cloud-based system Real-time identification and reporting Minimal to zero human intervention is required Time and cost savings Improved accuracy Summary Our inventors have developed a method for automatic identification of mosquito genus, species, and anatomy from smart-phone images. The method involves anyone (including untrained personnel) to take pictures of mosquitos with smartphones, the species type is identified, and images and population results are automatically uploaded to a cloud system. Through the use of this digital image processing and...

Smart Mosquito Trap For Mosquito Classification

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:56:25 GMT

Advantages: Automates mosquito identification, reducing manual inspection efforts. Provides immediate species data, aiding timely mosquito control decisions. Integrates AI for proactive surveillance and targeted management strategies. Summary: Current methods of identifying mosquitoes trapped for research or control purposes are labor-intensive and inefficient. Typically, trapped mosquitoes are manually inspected by experts under microscopes, a process that is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge. This approach limits the scalability and effectiveness of mosquito surv...

Flexible Nanomaterial Sensors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:16:16 GMT

Advantages: High sensitivity and versatility for monitoring various parameters, suitable for applications like medical tapes, wearable electronics, and artificial eardrums. Reduced material waste and lower production costs through non-contact printing, eliminating mask cleaning. Scalable and efficient manufacturing with electric field-assisted processes, compatible with flexible materials for broad application. Summary: Traditional printing methods for flexible electronics, such as screen printing and digital printing, are time-consuming, require long drying times, and gener...

AI-Driven Magnetic Respiratory Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Respiratory Diseases Like COVID-19

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:22:40 GMT

Advantages: An AI-assisted contactless device that measures a patient’s breathing pattern and provides early and rapid detection of COVID-19 respiratory symptoms, in under 5 minutes. The ultrahigh sensitivity enables real-time monitoring of abnormal variations in a patient’s breath across multiple stages of disease. The portable device that facilitates effective screening and tracking in both clinical and remote environments. It can be utilized for monitoring apnea during sleep. Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant public health challenge. Accura...

Digital Fabrication of a Small Diameter Polymer Optical Waveguide

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 29 May 2024 07:47:28 GMT

Advantages: Leveraging digital fabrication ensures precise production of small diameter polymer optical waveguides. Method seamlessly integrates optical interconnects with electronic circuitry, improving overall efficiency of the system. This technology offers flexibility for diverse applications in computing, communication, and beyond. Summary: Existing methods for polymer optical waveguide fabrication face constraints in complexity, size, and transmission efficiency. These limitations hinder the creation of compact and efficient optical interconnects, especially for small-diame...

New Device Material for a Flexible Chronic Implantable Neural Interface

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:27:54 GMT

Advantages: Superior biocompatibility reduces immune responses. Excellent electrical conductivity enhances signal transmission. Exceptional mechanical strength enables durable and flexible probes. Summary: Implantable neural interfaces (INIs) are devices configured to connect with the human nervous system through electrical means. Such devices allow electrical recording and stimulation of the nervous system and may contribute to developing effective treatments for various nervous system diseases (e.g. depression, addiction, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and poliomyelitis). ...

Burn Care: Topical Formulations for Treatment of Hypergranulation Tissue

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:11:03 GMT

Advantages: Inexpensive and easily manufactured. Fast acting with improvement in the first 72 hours after treatment. No adverse side effects. Summary: Hypergranulation tissue is an excessive growth of granulation tissue in a wound and is a problem that can be encountered in burn care when wounds take a significant time to heal at burn sites themselves or at skin graft donor sites. Many different wound care regimens have been devised to address this problem; however, often, these methods are painful, expensive, and can lead to worsening of the hypergranulation tissue due to local i...

Protein-Based Advanced Wound Healing System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:01:23 GMT

Advantages: Inhibits multiple tissue proteases and promotes cell growth. Sustained release of the therapeutic at the wound site. Protease inhibition is easily editable to allow for further targeting of possible bacterial proteases. Can be applied dry, reconstituted, or embedded in materials. Summary: Wound healing is dependent on a balance between the degradation of damaged tissue and the deposition of new healthy tissue with a strong extracellular matrix (ECM). In chronic wounds a continuous high abundance of proteases are secreted by the body’s immune system that lay wa...

Connector Of Inflammation And Resolution Of Inflammation In Heart Failure

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 23 May 2024 10:49:58 GMT

Advantages: ALOX5 expression promotes the synthesis of inflammation resolving factors after infarction ALOX5 deficiency is linked with increased inflammatory signaling and poor outcomes ALOX5 represents a novel potential therapeutic target to treat heart failure Summary: Chronic inflammation is a prime determinant for ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure (HF). After an injury to the heart, two leukocyte-directed responses are activated to regulate the myocardium: proinflammatory mediators (PIMs) initiate an inflammatory response to clear injured/ dead cardiomyocytes; l...

Methods and Techniques to Classify Stages in the Gonotrophic Cycle of Mosquitoes from Images using Computer Vision Techniques

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 23 May 2024 10:17:34 GMT

Advantages: Enables rapid and accurate identification of mosquito gonotrophic stages, enhancing disease surveillance efforts effectively. Reduces the need for extensive entomological expertise, making mosquito monitoring more accessible and efficient. Facilitates integration with citizen-science platforms, empowering community involvement in tracking mosquito populations and stages. Summary: Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a significant global health challenge, with increasing incidences even in regions previously considered malaria-free, such as Florida and Texas in 2023...

Intermetallic Fe Based Catalysts for Light Olefin Production

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 23 May 2024 04:12:21 GMT

Advantages: High Selectivity: Up to 45% light olefin selectivity with CO2 included. Exceptional Stability: Maintains performance over a 72-hour run. Customizable Reactivity: Fe:In ratios tune surface composition for optimized olefin production and reduced by-products. Summary: This technology addresses a critical need in the chemical industry for efficient syngas conversion to support the production of plastics and polymers. The discovery of the Fe10In/Al2O3 catalyst represents a breakthrough in converting syngas into light olefins with high selectivity (up to 45% with CO2 include...

New Materials Platform for Semiconductor Energy Applications: Energy Conversion, Storage, and Electronics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 21 May 2024 11:04:54 GMT

Advantages: Higher Efficiency: C60-2NH3 interlayers increase PCE to 21.64% in mixed Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells. Improved Stability: (C60-2NH3)Pb2I6 reduces traps and defects, maintaining 90% of its initial efficiency after 2400h. Diverse Applications: Extends beyond photovoltaics to catalysis, transistors, and supercapacitors. Summary: This innovation addresses a strong market demand for sustainable and scalable energy solutions. The emergence of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) featuring amine-functionalized C60-2NH3 interlayers represents a breakthrough in photov...

Novel Device for Applying Electrically Based Therapeutics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 17 May 2024 12:09:42 GMT

Advantages: Novel device to perform electrically based therapies for: soft tissue ablation (irreversible electroporation; IRE), Drug Delivery (electrochemotherapy; ECT), Gene delivery (gene electro transfer; GET). Modular array technology integrates temperature modulation to reduce voltage requirements, impedance monitoring to control applied pulses, and independently addressable electrodes to treat targeted tissue segments. The device was successfully tested, e.g., for gene delivery for cancer immunotherapy and HepB DNA vaccine delivery. Summary: Existing electrically-based techn...

Regulated Delivery of Antibiotic and Antifungal Drugs Via Controlled Degradable Chondroitin Sulfate Particles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:07:59 GMT

Advantages: Novel synthesis of Chondroitin sulfate (CS) particles for encapsulation of antibiotic and antifungal drugs. Synthesis can be fine-tuned to produced non-degradable, slightly degradable, and completely degradable CS drug carriers, for a variety of therapeutic applications. CS particles were successfully tested for encapsulation of tobramycin and amikacin antibiotics as well as antioxidant rosmarinic acid drug loading. Summary: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a non-immunogenic and nontoxic sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) comprised of N-acetyl galactosamine and glucuronic a...

Dye and Polyphenol Modified Carbon Quantum Dots (CQ-dots) with Tunable Fluorescent, Antipathogenic, Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 13 May 2024 01:38:51 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced optical properties enable superior bioimaging and precise detection in medical diagnostics and research. Multifunctional antipathogenic properties make the modified CQ-dots effective against a wide range of microorganisms, addressing healthcare demands for antimicrobial materials. Versatile applications across industries, from biomedical research to consumer products, showcase broad commercial potential for advanced bioimaging, drug delivery, and antimicrobial coatings. Summary: This technology involves the chemical modification of carbon quantum dots (CQ-dots...

Targeting Cellular Senescence by PD-L1 Binding Peptide Engineered Extracellular Vesicles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 06 May 2024 04:08:08 GMT

Advantages: Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) by surface modification with PD-L1 binding peptide and PEGylation to target senescent VSMCs. Promising novel interventions for age-related and vascular diseases. Efficacy: Proven uptake of modified EVs in the aorta of old mice and senescent VSMCs. Summary: Targeting senescent cells, particularly senescent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), is an important phase in treating age-related and vascular diseases. Research shows that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is increased in senescent cells both in vitro and ...

Only Pick Once – Multi-Object Picking Algorithms for Picking Exact Number of Objects Efficiently

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:46:54 GMT

Advantages: OPOS revolutionizes object picking with graph-based algorithms, topological analysis, and simultaneous multi-item retrieval, significantly enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing time and labor. OPOS's high success rates for two and three objects when only picking once indicate its reliability and robustness. This reliability minimizes the risk of errors and system failures, ensuring consistent performance in demanding environments The capacity of OPOS to adapt to objects of various sizes, shapes, and materials, even those it has not encountered before, enhance...

Drugs That Regulate Heparan Sulfate Expression for Cancer Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:28:23 GMT

Advantages: Developed a novel assay for identifying repurposed drugs targeting HS-related gene expression Revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of the HS-related gene EXT1 with Vitamin D/ Calcitriol EXT1 stable cell line with luciferase reporter ensures specificity in identifying EXT1 regulators, minimizing off-target effects Summary: Heparan Sulfate (HS), a linear, sulfated polysaccharide, plays pivotal roles in fundamental cellular activities such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, influencing various physiological functions. However, a...

Novel Peptide-Based Inhibitors of HIF-1α for Cancer Therapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:12:24 GMT

Advantages: Developed helical mimetics of HIF-1α based on sulfonyl-γ-AA peptides that selectively target HIF-1α to target metastasis and therapy resistance in solid tumors. Inhibitors are stable and cell permeable. HC11, HC13, and HC14 sulfonyl-γ-AA peptides efficiently inhibit HIF-1α activity and reduce expression of hypoxia-inducible genes. Summary: The rapid proliferation of cancer cells leads tumors to outgrow the vasculature networks and creates a low-oxygen environment (hypoxia). In response, cancer cells activate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (H...

Localized In Vivo Electro Gene Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:12:49 GMT

Advantages: Novel gene therapy for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) focused on reprogramming skeletal muscle cells to modulate glucose levels in vivo. Nano plasmid DNA of insulin and glucokinase decreased glucose levels in vitro and in vivo and enhanced insulin expression and secretion. Groundbreaking treatment for long-lasting blood glucose control without daily injections or lifelong immunosuppression. Summary: The study addresses the need for better interventions for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Current methods, like daily insulin injections and glucose monitoring, are costly and burdensome. Ex...

Cold Shock Protein Scaffold for Engineering Non-Antibody Binding Proteins

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:51:21 GMT

Advantages: The small size of the TBP (<8 kDa) allows for superior tissue penetration, making it ideal for applications requiring effective targeting of specific sites. Derived from a hyperthermophilic bacteria, the TBP's stability in reducing conditions and absence of disulfide bonds ensure structural integrity in challenging environments. With a melting temperature above 80°C, the TBP's thermal stability allows for versatile applications, including imaging agents, where it withstands extreme conditions during radiolabeling and purification. TBP multiple applic...

Controlling Bioluminescensce in Red Tide Algae

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:09:43 GMT

Advantages: Discovery of a novel GPCR signaling system which regulates bioluminescence in dinoflagellates, single-celled algae responsible for red tide blooms. Potential targeted interventions to mitigate red tide blooms by manipulating the BIR1 pathway. Potential method to target specific dinoflagellate species, with no cross-activity to other species. Summary: Dinoflagellates are single-celled algae present in marine ecosystems. Many species are causing toxic red tide blooms, which are getting worse in a warming climate. Our researchers discovered that dinoflagellates like Lingu...

Frequency Domain Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 02:57:18 GMT

Advantages: Robust simultaneous quantitative measurement of tissue blood flow and absorption, ensuring reliability and enabling easy cross-subject comparisons for versatility. Single source source-detector separation measurement, reducing the size of the optical probe significantly for portability. Simplifies electronics by eliminating the need for phase-sensitive detection, enhancing instrument efficiency and design. Summary: Current techniques combining Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy (DOS) and Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS) face challenges of increased instrument size, hig...

Novel Method of Cancer Diagnosis by Multifractality of Surface Potential

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:26:31 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced diagnostic accuracy for precise cancer cell identification. Complementary insights from both morphology and surface potential analysis. Label-free and minimally invasive, ensuring safety and sample integrity. Background: Breast and ovarian are the most frequent types of cancer among women worldwide. Morbidity and mortality of cancer are substantially decreased with early detection. Cytological screening tests have decreased mortality. However, these methods have insufficient sensitivity and are time-consuming in both analysis and training of pr...

Novel Nutrition Calculator App: A Personalized Tool for Scientists, Healthcare Professional and Public

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 04:17:43 GMT

Advantages: Gradual Automation: The staged approach enables seamless transition from semi-automatic to fully automatic pipelines, ensuring accuracy and adaptability to user needs and technological capabilities. Holistic Health Management: The app offers a holistic approach to health management, integrating AI insights, direct provider collaboration, and social engagement for comprehensive dietary health support. Scientific Rigor and Innovation: The app combines advanced AI technology with rigorous dietary science, setting new standards for precise nutrition analysis and offeri...

Novel Method of Cancer Diagnosis by Label-Free Spectroscopic Imaging of Cell Membrane

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 09:49:25 GMT

Advantages Utilizing rough aluminum substrates reduces expenses compared to traditional noble metals in cancer diagnostics. Our method ensures safety by using biocompatible aluminum substrates, eliminating the toxicity of noble metals. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enhances precision, providing reliable Raman signal calibration for accurate cancer detection. Summary: Conventional cancer diagnosis methods often involve invasive procedures or costly imaging technologies. Raman spectroscopy, though label-free and promising, faces limitations due to weak signals from cell membranes co...

New Postbiotics for Skin Health

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 04:21:49 GMT

Advantages: Developed unique strains of postbiotics that offer a safer alternative to live probiotics for improving overall skin health. Enhanced wound healing effects in animal studies Strains can go into any formulation for skin health or cosmetics, e.g. body wash, soap, shampoo, oils, cream etc.. Summary: The escalating issue of slow or non-healing wounds, particularly affecting diabetic individuals, older adults, and military personnel, is an issue that not only inflicts physical and emotional distress but also burdens the healthcare system. The intricacies of wound healing in...

Clostridioides Difficile Vaccine targeting Binary Toxin CDT

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:58:03 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced Vaccine Conservation: This technology ensures the conservation of critical vaccine components across diverse C. difficile strains, improving vaccine effectiveness. Immunogenic Potential: RBD2, a key discovery, exhibits exceptional immunogenicity, promising robust immune responses in vaccine recipients. Inhibition of CDT Activity: Anti-RBD2 and anti-RBD1+2 serum have demonstrated the ability to inhibit CDT-mediated cell rounding, highlighting their potential in preventing C. difficile infections. Summary: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a spore-formi...

Flagellar Antigen Vaccine Candidate for Reducing Clostridioides difficile Colonization

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 02:53:07 GMT

Advantages: Targets Early-Stage Pathogenesis Broad Antigen Conservation Across Clinical Strains Robust Mucosal and Systemic Immunogenicity Potential Alternative Therapy: Anti-FliCD serum demonstrates promise as an adjunct therapy for CDI, alongside vaccination. Summary: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is an anaerobic, spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium. C difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. Currently, a few antibiotic treatment options are available for CDI, which are plagued by high recurrence rates (15-35%) ...

An Automatic Configuration Method for Testing Integrated Circuits Independent of Chip Package Configuration

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:05:21 GMT

Advantages: Automated testing assures consistent reliability in integrated circuits, meeting stringent industry standards. System efficiency is heightened by omitting external circuits, reducing overall setup time. Adaptable technology accommodates diverse chip configurations, seamlessly handling varied power and data. Summary: In the rapidly evolving landscape of integrated circuit production, a prevalent challenge arises from the surge in counterfeit chips entering the market. With the demand for chips at an all-time high, ensuring the reliability of each integrated circuit beco...

Genistein For Asthma Prevention And Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 03:29:47 GMT

Advantages: The research focuses on a tailored approach for managing asthma, specifically on individuals with high PAI-1 genotypes. The research underscores the therapeutic potential of genistein in mitigating asthma severity and associated complications. In vitro and animal data support the efficacy of genistein in reducing allergic inflammation and improving lung function. Summary: Asthma is a chronic disease affecting more than 24 million persons in the United States. Airway remodeling, one of the main pathologic hallmarks of uncontrolled asthma and fatalities, is a...

Soy Isoflavones For Asthma Prevention

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 03:22:27 GMT

Advantages: This research identified specific genetic markers (PAI-1 polymorphisms) linked to a significant reduction in asthma risk with soy isoflavone treatment. The research incorporates soy isoflavones into asthma management, leveraging the nutritional benefits of this natural compound and a holistic dietary path to respiratory wellness. The research marks a paradigm shift from generic treatments to a personalized approach, acknowledging the significance of individual genetic variations in determining asthma outcomes. Summary: Pediatric asthma affects up to 12% of U.S. childr...

Electronic Component Authenticity Via Electrical Signal Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence with Deep Learning

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 04:39:15 GMT

Advantages: Swiftly authenticates ICs, ensuring quick and reliable verification for secure electronic component procurement. Ensures accurate IC authentication with high efficiency through matrix scan and deep learning model. Significantly reduces counterfeit IC risks by creating an 'electronic signature,' ensuring comprehensive risk mitigation. Summary: In today's electronics landscape, the pervasive challenge of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) poses a serious threat to the reliability of electronic systems. Existing methods often fall short in providing an effi...

Systems and Methods for Treating a Sacroiliac Joint

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:53:45 GMT

Advantages: Surgical Precision: Targets the ilial wall, preserving sacral cortex integrity, and reducing the risk of implant subsidence into the sacrum. Adaptable Kits: Varied implant sizes and guide tube with asymmetrical tangs ensure precise implantation tailored to diverse dorsal recess anatomies. Multifunctional Design: Fusion-compatible surfaces and internal fixation mechanisms provide secondary fixation and versatility in surgical applications. Summary: Our technology utilizes a posterior strategy based on scientific precision to address the limitations associated with stand...

Cooperative Learning for Personalized Context-Aware Pain Assessment from Wearable Data

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:10:09 GMT

Advantages: Utilizes wearable devices, enriching pain datasets with comprehensive body and muscle data. Promotes responsible user interaction, enhancing model relevance to individual experiences in pain assessment. Integrates human-machine cooperation for superior predictive capabilities in pain assessment models' development. Summary: In the landscape of pain assessment methods, the predominant challenge stems from the limited generalization of automated techniques due to a dearth of extensive and diverse annotated datasets. Current methods also lack responsible user interact...

Secreted UBE3A for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:11:07 GMT

Advantages: Novel vector, composition, and method of treating a neurological disorder with UBE3A deficiency. High fidelity to human Angelman syndrome. Facilitates comprehensive symptom representation for diverse treatment investigations. Allows innovative experiments for pioneering treatment development. Summary: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare and complex neurological disorder triggered by disruptions in the maternally inherited allele encoding the UBE3A gene, which encodes E6-AP, a ubiquitin ligase. This leads to a neuronal-specific imprinting and transcription...

Withaferin A and Immune Checkpoint Blocker Therapy for The Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:38 GMT

Advantages: Improved Immunotherapy Outcomes: Significantly enhances the effectiveness of immunotherapy for NSCLC, improving treatment success rates. Personalized Cancer Care: Enables tailored treatments based on individual tumor characteristics, leading to more precise and efficient therapies. Enhanced Safety Profile: Promises a well-tolerated approach for NSCLC treatment, potentially reducing adverse side effects associated with standard therapies. Summary: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a formidable oncological challenge, with a 5-year survival rate as low as 8% f...

Novel Compounds and Methods for Treating Metastatic Melanoma and Prostate Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:48:59 GMT

Advantages: Precision Targeting: Selective cancer cell targeting minimizes harm to healthy tissues, enhancing safety. Preclinical Efficacy: Induces cancer cell apoptosis, showing promise for treating metastatic melanoma and prostate cancer. Scientific Rigor: Grounded in robust research, offering innovative oncology solutions. Summary: Metastatic melanoma and prostate cancer present significant challenges in the field of oncology, demanding innovative solutions. KBMD-E, KBMD-G, and KBMD-H, three small molecule compounds, have exhibited remarkable potential in preclinical studies. K...

Novel Compounds and Methods for Treating Metastatic Melanoma and Prostate Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:45:23 GMT

Novel Compounds and Methods for Treating Metastatic Melanoma and Prostate Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:23:35 GMT

New natural product scaffolds with activity against respiratory syncytial virus

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:32:18 GMT

Advantages: This research introduces a novel class of compounds, including neosuberitenone, which demonstrates selectivity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The research's focus on small molecules derived from a natural source, the Antarctic sponge Suberites sp., hints at the potential for cost-effective treatments. The identified compounds show low cytotoxicity to certain cells, suggesting a favorable safety profile for future use and development. Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant global health concern responsible for bronchiolitis and ...

Fabrication of Cyclodextrins Particles and Super Porous Cryogels for Solubilization and Extended Delivery of Multiple Hydrophobic/lipophilic Drugs and Toxic Chemicals

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:03:08 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced Therapeutic Effectiveness: It improves the efficacy of drug treatments by enhancing solubility and bioavailability. Customizable Drug Delivery: Offers tailored drug release profiles and the ability to deliver multiple drugs simultaneously. Cross-Industry Applicability: Finds applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental cleanup, and biomedical research due to its versatile properties. Summary: In the fields of pharmaceuticals and environmental science, persistent challenges revolve around the effective delivery and separation of hydrophobic and lipophilic com...

Acoustic Manipulation and Sampling of Lipids and Lipid Particles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 01:31:01 GMT

Advantages: Preservation of Lipid Integrity Native Mass Spectrometry (MS) Capability Versatility and Efficiency Summary: This innovative technology addresses a significant challenge in lipid analysis, setting it apart from conventional methods. By utilizing high-frequency surface acoustic waves (SAW) for mechanical disruption of lipid assemblies like liposomes and extracellular vehicles (EVs), it eliminates the need for chemical treatments that may alter the sample composition. This disruption approach offers a direct pathway to analyze constituent lipids, including nonpolar lip...

A Visual Brain Based Authentication

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 01:23:19 GMT

Advantages: Increases data security by utilizing people’s brain data, which is more difficult to hack than traditional methods. Intuitive design that can be used in any domain, by adjusting the visual display. User-friendly interface that only requires a username and brain activity to create and access profile without the need to remember a password. Summary: This is a brain-based authentication system, where users can access a profile purely with their brain activity. Unlike current methods used in authentication systems, such as passwords and pins, brain data cannot be eas...

Multifunctional Printer for Direct Printing Metals on Fabrics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:52:42 GMT

Advantages: Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Rapid Prototyping Versatile Fabric Compatibility Summary: There is a growing demand for integrated electronics in wearable applications, driven by medical, recreational, and military sectors. This multifunctional printing system eliminates the need for uncomfortable gluing, stitching, or impractical conductive threads in wearable electronics. It directly prints copper circuits on fabric, allowing room temperature soldering and delivering high-quality, customizable wearables, setting it apart with its innovative three-step fabrication method a...

Dynamic Memory Management on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:33:22 GMT

Advantages: Optimizes GPUs, reducing memory bottlenecks for efficient parallel computation. Reduces delays, speeding up data-intensive tasks for enhanced responsiveness. Outperforms rivals by up to a hundredfold, delivering remarkable application enhancements. Summary: This technology transforms massively parallel systems, like GPUs, by addressing a key issue in dynamic memory allocation. Instead of using centralized data structures that can slow down parallel tasks, this approach allows individual threads to search for available memory on their own. Extensive testing and ma...

Targeting CREB-Heparan Sulfate Pathway for Cancer Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:16:21 GMT

Advantages: This research contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of PCa. The study identifies a specific signaling pathway involving Pten loss, CREB, and HS that plays a crucial role in promoting prostate tumorigenesis. The study explores potential therapeutic interventions, such as knockdown of Ext1 or pharmacological inhibition of HS, which successfully block PCa growth in animal models. Summary: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent forms of malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer ...

Systems and Methods for Classifying Mosquito Larvae From Images Based on Localized Anatomical Components and Their Extracted Masks and Landmarks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:17:01 GMT

Advantages: High Precision and Accuracy: AI algorithms and GMM to accurately identify mosquito larvae genus and species, reducing misidentification risks in critical applications like vector-borne disease control. Granular Analysis: Detailed analysis of mosquito larvae anatomy, enabling genus and species classifications for each localized component, aiding researchers in in-depth studies of mosquito populations and behaviors. Explainable AI: GMM enhances transparency in identification processes, providing users with a better understanding of classifications, and making it a valuable ...

Method for Producing Highly Aligned Nanogaps and Nanoribbons with Atomically Sharp Edges from Atomically Thin Films

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 03:58:53 GMT

Advantages: Creates ultra-smooth nanoribbons quickly, no costly chemicals or cleanrooms needed. Cuts manufacturing costs while boosting device performance and reliability at scale. Works with multiple materials, from graphene to quantum-grade semiconductors. Eco-friendly process that is easy to adopt for advanced electronics production. Summary: Traditional nanoribbon fabrication relies on complex chemical treatments and vacuum-based techniques that are expensive, slow, and difficult to scale. These methods often produce inconsistent results, limiting commercial adoption and slow...

Conditional FKBP51 Over-expression Transgenic Mouse

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 03:40:50 GMT

Advantages: Created a transgenic mice model that allows researchers to precisely control the expression of human FKBP51. Offers a tailored approach to studying psychiatric disorders, enabling the development of personalized treatments. Enhances the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders such as depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder. Summary: FKBP51 is a protein that increases with age in both mice and humans. Genetic variations in the FKBP51 gene are linked to conditions like PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depression, making it a crucial targ...

Noise-robust Sleep Apnea Diagnostic System and Method

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 02:05:27 GMT

Advantages: This technology, compared to existing methods, provides superior accuracy in analyzing intermittent dynamics. Notably, it demonstrates outstanding robustness, making it highly reliable in noisy environments and varying sampling rates. With this innovative approach, researchers and students can easily access profound insights into complex system dynamics. Summary: This technology addresses a significant challenge in complex system analysis, offering a solution to accurately understand intermittent dynamics. Existing methodologies, such as the Hankel alternative view of ...

Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Clostridioides Difficile Sporulation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:46:33 GMT

Advantages: The development of DBO compounds represents a novel therapeutic approach to tackling CDI. By inhibiting C. difficile sporulation, DBO compounds address a major cause of CDI recurrence, reducing the likelihood of patients experiencing repeated infections. DBO compounds improve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics used to treat CDI, potentially leading to higher cure rates and shorter recovery times for patients. Summary: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of nosocomial infection. The current treatment options of CDI include metronidazole,...

Methods for the Treatment of Inflammation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 04:34:31 GMT

Advantages: Exceptional precision in addressing inflammation, minimizing potential side effects. Unique COX-2 interaction reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Versatile effectiveness across various inflammatory disorders, providing relief to a wide range of patients. Summary: This technology addresses a significant healthcare challenge related to the management of inflammation and its associated disorders, particularly pain. Inflammation, which represents a complex biological response, plays a pivotal role in various medical conditions, often leading to discomfort, pain, a...

Investigating the Role of BIN1's SH3 Domain in Alzheimer's Desease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 02:27:49 GMT

Advantages: The approach of targeting BIN1, a gene associated with AD increases the likelihood of finding effective therapeutic interventions. Determining the crystal structure of BIN1's SH3 domain provides detailed structural information which is crucial for designing small molecule inhibitors. The research reports promising preliminary results, such as the identification of a compound (#5) with a dissociation constant (KD) similar to the interaction between BIN1's SH3 domain and Tau. This suggests that small molecules can be designed to interact with BIN1 effectively. Sum...

SHIP-1: Biomarker and Therapeutic Target to Reduce Health Disparities in African Americans with Pancreatic Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 02:30:40 GMT

Advantages: SHIP-1 as a new molecular target to improve anti-tumor immunity and enhance immune checkpoint immunotherapy responses SHIP-1 agonists API and K306 as therapeutics for treating pancreatic cancer Combination treatment of a SHIP-1 agonist with a checkpoint inhibitor synergistically reduces tumor burden Summary: Portfolio included two technologies: USF Tech ID# 23T187, 23T188 Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers with African American (AA) patients having a higher incidence and mortality compared to European American (EA) pa...

Physiologic Modeling of Multiphase Intra-Arterial CT Angiography for Hepatic Embolization Therapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 03:48:41 GMT

Advantages: Identifies low-perfusion areas using multiphasic intra-arterial CT angiography integrated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Provides real-time perfusion mapping and predictive modeling for tumor recurrence Enhances treatment precision with patient-specific modeling of arterial hemodynamics, including blood viscosity, density, and vascular elasticity Summary: Accurate prediction of treatment response for hepatic tumors remains a challenge due to complex vascular anatomy and variable blood flow dynamics. Current imaging approaches fail to incorporate patient-...

Short Nuclear Repeat Element (SINE) RNA of Imprinted MicroRNA Clusters Mediate the Intrinsic, Type III Interferon-driven Viral Resistance of Hemochorial Placentas

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:36:19 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced understanding of improved prenatal protection: Discovered a novel mechanism by which SINE RNA mediate intrinsic antiviral resistance in the placenta Opens the door to therapeutic intervention Summary: Addressing a fundamental challenge in prenatal health, this research investigates how the placenta at the maternal-fetal interfaces has developed a unique antiviral defense mechanism. Unlike somatic cells which require antiviral signals to mediate interferon (IFN) induction, human synctiotrophoblasts constitutively produce type III interferons, even in the absenc...

Use of Chemokine Receptor Antagonists for Fluid Resuscitation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:21:00 GMT

Advantages: Reduces amount of fluid required for resuscitation Reduces risk of complications New direction in critical care Summary: Our research focuses on improving the treatment of critically ill patients, especially those undergoing major surgery or suffering from conditions like severe burns, trauma, hemorrhage, or sepsis. Adequate fluid resuscitation is crucial in such cases to restore intravascular volume and support organ function. However, excessive fluid resuscitation can lead to complications like fluid overload, edema, and increased morbidity and mortality. Our res...

FESA: Fast and Efficient Secure Aggregation for Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:26:01 GMT

Advantages: Protects user data during federated learning, ensuring individual privacy without compromising analysis. Minimizes data transfer, improves federated learning convergence speed and reducing resource consumption. Requires just one trustworthy assisting node, making implementation and scalability more straightforward. Summary: This technology, known as FESA, simplifies secure aggregation protocols for privacy-preserving federated learning. FESA allows servers to calculate the sum of user gradients while keeping each user's data private. Unlike traditional methods, FES...

Door Access Control Using Wearable Biometrics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:07:28 GMT

Advantages: Biometric wearables strengthen access control, boosting safety measures effectively. Automation simplifies authentication, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. Wearable biometrics offer seamless, secure access, enhancing satisfaction. Summary: This innovative technology introduces a novel approach to door access control. Instead of relying on traditional methods such as keys, PINs, or fingerprint sensors, this solution leverages wearable biometric data to enable seamless access. As individuals approach a door and reach for the handle, the technology captures t...

Predictive Path Coordination of Transportation Collaborative Multi-Robot System in a Smart Factory

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:16:37 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability Optimized Resource Utilization Predictively Decentralized, Scalable Performance Summary: In smart factories, where autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) interact dynamically with changing tasks and other robots, this research provides a revolutionary method for maximizing mobility. The proposed multi-agent reinforcement learning allows AMRs to predictively navigate with collision avoidant paths. Meanwhile, the AMRs resolve the inevitable collisions in a self-organized way. The AMR system quickly achieves near-optimal perform...

Porous Hybrid Metal Halide Semiconductors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:49:22 GMT

Advantages: Size-Selective Catalytic Performance, Advanced Gas Separation/Sensing Tailored Material Properties, Solid-State Batteries Photonics and Waveguides Summary: This innovative and versatile technology has the remarkable ability to transcend multiple industries, empowering startups to revolutionize energy storage and environmental technology, pharmaceutical manufacturers to optimize production, and manufacturers to spearhead advancements in advanced optics and clean energy solutions. Investment firms play a pivotal role in fostering growth and expanding market reach. What ...

Transiently Porous Cryogel Composite Structures for Fast Carbon Dioxide Capture from Air for Useful Chemical Products

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:52:03 GMT

Advantages: Efficient CO2 capture and conversion, reducing greenhouse emissions effectively with eco-friendly results for sustainability. Versatile industry integration for addressing CO2 concerns, enhancing environmental impact across diverse sectors. Maximizes CO2 capture efficiency through advanced material utilization, ensuring resourceful and sustainable solutions. Summary: This technology involves the creation of a unique porous material using polyethylene imine cryogels that can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and industrial emissions. It goes a step f...

3D Printable Piezoelectric Platonic Solids for Omnidirectional Ultrasonic Powering of Miniature Implants

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:22:49 GMT

Advantages: With 3D-printed Platonic solids, ultrasound energy is efficiently captured from all directions. Versatile Shape Efficiency: Platonic solids, including the dodecahedron, generate substantial power while ensuring effectiveness at diverse angles. Integrated Circuit Solution: Beyond improving power transfer, these shapes serve as practical implantable device circuit packaging. Summary: This technology presents a novel approach to wireless power implantable devices. Utilizing 3D printing alongside advanced ceramic materials, distinctive shapes reminiscent of Platonic solids...

Advanced Lithium-ion Recovery from Diverse Aquatic Environments

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:32:36 GMT

Advantages: Efficient Li+ ion capture using specialized materials like CEs and CDs. Minimal environmental impact with selective adsorption, avoiding contamination. Versatile applications through customizable micro/nanoparticles, cryogels, and fibers. Summary: This innovative technology focuses on efficiently recovering lithium ions (Li+) from aquatic environments and used electric vehicle (EV) Li-ion batteries. By utilizing specially designed materials such as Crown ethers (CEs) and Cyclodextrins (CDs), as well as their modified forms, the technology enables the creation of micro/...

Molecular Imaging of the Cochlea

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 03:15:10 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced microenvironment sensitivity and detailed structural insights enabled by use of Thallium-201 (201TI) Precise treatment response tracking through measurement of ionic concentration changes through quantification of potassium changes Non-invasive, patient friendly approach for auditory assessment Summary: Assessing inner ear physiological health, particularly the maintenance of endocochlear potential and elevated potassium concentration in the scala media that are fundamental to auditory transduction, remains challenging in clinical settings. Current dia...

Syngas Production Using Novel Photocatalytic Materials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:57:00 GMT

Advantages: This technology offers efficient syngas production from carbon dioxide using advanced photocatalytic materials. The resulting syngas can power electronics, cooking, and even generate electricity, offering versatile utility. Utilizing varying levels of electricity, this method demonstrates a promising pathway for eco-friendly energy generation. Summary: This technology introduces a novel method for producing syngas using advanced photocatalytic materials within a customized photoelectrochemical cell. The cathode electrode is composed of a combination of conducting polym...

MLKL Polymerization-Induced Lysosome Membrane Permeabilization Drives Necroptotic Cell Death

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 01:04:58 GMT

Advantages: Novel Drug Targets: Technology identifies MLKL polymerization-induced LMP as a promising target for innovative medications. Advancing Precision Medicine: Isolated lysosomes with activated p-MLKL and MLKL offer resources for personalized treatments. Early Disease Detection: Live-cell imaging enables timely identification of necroptosis-related diseases for better interventions. Summary: This technology addresses the phenomenon of necroptosis, a regulated form of cell death that has significant implications for various diseases and traumas. Specifically, it focuses on ML...

RNA Aptamer Targeting of ADAM8 in the Tumor Microenvironment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:06:14 GMT

Advantages: Novel targeted RNA aptamers to inhibit ADAM8 and block cancer associated fibroblast maintenance in the tumor microenvironment. RNA aptamer benefits: high affinity, high specificity, and low immunogenicity Promising preclinical in vitro and in vivo outcomes Summary: This research delves into the intricate dynamics of cancer progression, focusing on the pivotal role of the transmembrane glycoprotein: disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8" (Adam8). Adam8 signaling is required for cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and promotes tumor growth and metastasis in various ty...

Novel small molecule targeting lncRNA in neurodegenerative diseases and tauopathies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:59:57 GMT

Advantages: Developed lead compound #67 to elevate GAS5 levels and also enhances neuronal insulin signaling, offering a comprehensive approach to neurodegenerative complexities. Noninvasive Insights: GAS5's presence as a serum biomarker enables noninvasive disease assessment and NPC86 treatment efficacy confirmation. Compound #67's unique mechanism suggests potential synergy with existing therapies, augmenting the arsenal against neurodegenerative diseases. Summary: The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 is a regulatory lncRNA with roles in regulation of transcription, stabi...

EW-Tune: A Framework for Privately Fine-Tuning Large Language Models with Differential Privacy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:19:13 GMT

Advantages: EW-Tune framework ensures robust privacy, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive AI data. Differing from conventional approaches, EW-Tune is custom-tailored for enhancing already established AI models, streamlining the process. Summary: This technology introduces EW-Tune, a pioneering solution aimed at refining AI language models. Focused on privacy, EW-Tune prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within these models. Unlike conventional methods tailored for new AI models, EW-Tune is designed to optimize privacy for fine-tuning large language models (...

Exploring Choroid Plexus Senescence as a Potential Link Between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's Disease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 02:22:23 GMT

Advantages: Advances viral neurology research by studying SARS-CoV-2's impact on the aging brain's choroid plexus. Identifies potential biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases through cellular senescence and SASP factor analysis. Informs public health strategies regarding COVID-19-related neurological complications and preventive measures for vulnerable populations. Summary: This technology aims to study the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the aging brain's choroid plexus, specifically focusing on cellular senescence and the release of senescence-associated secret...

Flow Conditioning Device For Annular Passages

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:38:10 GMT

Advantages: Improved efficiency Increased flow rates Reduced pressure drops Self-adjusting flow conditioning tabs Energy savings Summary: The market for flow conditioning devices in fluid flow applications to improve flow and energy efficiency, especially heat exchangers, is growing due to increased demand for energy efficiency in industries like HVAC, building air cleaning, power generation, petroleum and gas transportation pipelines, and industrial processes. This revolutionary development of streamlining elements for flow conditioning in systems requiring fluid flow in bends ...

A Constitutive-based Machine Learning Model for The Identification of Active Contraction Properties in the Ventricular Myocardium

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 02:59:51 GMT

Advantages: The deep learning-based approach enables accurate forecasting of left ventricular active contractions, providing early indicators of potential cardiovascular diseases, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. The technology utilizes clinical metrics and imaging data, avoiding invasive procedures, and reducing patient discomfort while still delivering comprehensive cardiac evaluations. The research contributes to a better understanding of mechanical processes and cardiovascular mechanics by accurately representing cardiac structures. Summary: Car...

Empowering Deep Feature Learning for Human Activity Recognition by Spectrotemporal Harnessing of Biological Time-Series

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:06:02 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced Accuracy: Achieves superior performance in human activity recognition by effectively harnessing spectral properties and temporal features. Automated Feature Learning: Utilizes deep neural networks for automatic feature extraction, saving time and resources while improving model efficiency. Versatility and Adaptability: Incorporates advanced data augmentation techniques, making it adaptable to diverse datasets and real-world scenarios. Summary: Deep Feature Learning for Human Activity Recognition is an advanced technology revolutionizing predictive analytics. S...

Development of a Novel Sub Picomolar Method for Microscale Thermophoresis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:56:59 GMT

Advantages: Cost-effective with minimal sample requirements. Label-free detection preserves native molecular states. Real-time analysis for dynamic interactions. Summary: Microscale thermophoresis (MST) is a method used to detect and analyze interactions between molecules. Current instrument detection limitations dictate that binding events that occur at concentrations less than one picomolar (< pM) cannot be accurately measured because the ratio between fluorescently dyed molecules and analytes reaches a threshold below detection. This presents a challenge for current mea...

Novel Peptidomimetics for the treatment of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:46:19 GMT

Advantages: Compounds (peptidomimetic inhibitors) that prevent Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) that can occur with cancer chemotherapy Peptide therapeutics have high specificity, potency, and low toxicity when compared to traditional small molecule drugs Potentially enabling cancer patients to receive DOX treatment without compromising cardiac health Summary: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapy drug with severe side effects, including cardiomyopathy. DOX intercalates DNA leading to the death of cancer cells and normal cells. Preventing DOX-induced cardiomyopat...

Dual Function Hybrid Nanoparticles For Gene Therapy Of Neurological Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:24:28 GMT

Advantages: Novel hybrid nanoparticles fabricated to carry a dual payload. Efficient encapsulation of payload, while minimizing potential cell cytotoxicity. Can navigate the blood-brain barrier, facilitating precise targeting. Demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in addition to gene-silencing capabilities. Summary: Nanocarriers loaded with siRNA can be administered intranasally to provide a noninvasive, safe alternative to direct intracerebral or intrathecal infusions to reach the brain or the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Dual-function nanocarriers can also be designed...

Heteromers Between Chemokine Receptors And Alpha1-Adrenergic Receptors/Vasopressin Receptor 1A As Drug Targets To Modulate Inflammation And Cell Trafficking

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 03:48:23 GMT

Advantaages: Novel therapeutic opportunities for modulating inflammation and cell trafficking Insights into neuroendocrine control of immune cell behavior Summary: This innovative technology centers around the discovery and characterization of heteromers formed between chemokine receptors (CR) and a1-adrenergic receptors (AR), specifically a1B/D-ARs. Extensive research has revealed the crucial role of these heteromeric complexes in regulating the function of CR heteromerization partners. Leveraging cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, a a1B-AR knockout was successfull...

Corona Discharge Directed 3D Structure Construction

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 02:30:36 GMT

Advantages: CE-3DP enables rapid 3D structure growth within seconds, accelerating production and design iterations. The technology minimizes material waste, maximizing material utilization and cost efficiency. With precise control over structure shape and accommodating various materials, CE-3DP offers versatile applications in diverse industries. Summary: Corona Discharge Enabled 3D Structure Electrostatic Printing (CE-3DP) offers an innovative and advanced approach to additive manufacturing. By utilizing corona discharge, this technology creates a precise and controllable e...

Method and Apparatus for Generating Anti-Cancer Substances In Situ

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 02:15:14 GMT

Advantages: Targeted and minimally invasive treatment, reducing damage to healthy tissues and systemic side effects. Enhanced drug delivery with localized synthesis, increasing drug concentration at the tumor site. Potential for improved patient outcomes due to higher drug concentration and focused cancer cell destruction. Summary: This technology aims to address the limitations of conventional cancer treatments, characterized by systemic side effects and inadequate localized drug delivery. It presents a wireless powered implantable microdevice, called micro cisplatin synthesizer,...

Machine Learning Refinement of Mortality Prediction in High-Risk Cardiac Surgery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:31:21 GMT

Advantages: By incorporating machine learning algorithms and the LIME approach, this research aims to refine the existing risk prediction models used in high-risk cardiac surgery. The use of refined risk prediction models can assist surgeons in operative decision-making. By providing a clearer understanding of the potential outcomes and risks associated with high-risk cardiac surgery, surgeons can make more accurate assessments and choose appropriate treatment plans. By employing the LIME approach, this research aims to improve the interpretability of machine learning models. This tr...

Post-Quantum Forward-Secure Signatures with Hardware-Support for Internet of Things

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:14:07 GMT

Advantages: HASES ensures robust and scalable authentication for IoT applications, safeguarding against compromise risks. HASES offers forward security without the need for expensive specialized hardware, making it practical for low-end IoT devices. HASES outperforms existing alternatives, achieving significantly faster speeds and greater energy efficiency on 8-bit devices. Summary: This technology, known as HASES (HArdware-Supported Efficient Signature), represents a cutting-edge digital signature system tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT). Its primary objective...

Method of Treating Long-COVID Induced Neurologic Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:54:40 GMT

Advantages: Method of preventing AD onset following severe COVID RNA Nano-carrier system carrying dual (brain and CNS)-targeted dendriplexes to target the brain and CNS Summary: COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease; however, neurological symptoms are also reported in a subpopulation of infected COVID-19 individuals. Complementary studies combining neuroimaging and cognitive screening implicate COVID-19-induced impairment of the frontal cortex, a critical area for cognitive function. Our researchers discovered that brain gene profiles of severe COVID-19 patients h...

Artificial Patient Replica Device for Physical Therapy Training

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 05:24:31 GMT

Advantages: Quantitative and objective assessment device to track a patient’s functional progress. Real-time personalized feedback for optimized treatment. Standardized and consistent evaluations across therapists and sessions. Summary: Physical therapists (PTs) assist patients in completing a variety of rehabilitation tasks such as reaching, gait, balance, and so on. PTs classify the amount of assistance a patient requires to complete the rehabilitation task. Termed "levels of assistance" (LOAs), these categories are crucial in tracking a patient's functional ...

mRNA Nanotherapy for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:22:03 GMT

Advantages: Cell‑Selective Mechanism: miR‑126 switch enables p27 expression only in VSMCs, preserving endothelial healing Dual‑Action Therapeutic: A single mRNA combines anti‑proliferative p27 expression with siRNA‑mediated IL‑1β knockdown, targeting two major drivers of plaque progression. Demonstrated In‑Vivo Efficacy: Proven reduction of atherosclerotic plaque burden in ApoE‑/‑ mice Plaque‑Targeted Delivery: p5RHH nanoparticles preferentially accumulate at damaged and plaque‑prone vasculature Summary: USF researchers have developed misiRNA, a dual‑action mRNA, for a...

Arraymetrics: Authentication Through Chaotic Antenna Array Geometries

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 02:47:07 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced security through a combination of cryptographic and physical keys with perturbed antenna arrays. Improved accuracy in authentication, resulting in reduced false authentication rates and missed instances. Signal adaptability for consistent authentication capabilities across varying signal-to-noise ratios and different environments. Summary: This groundbreaking technology addresses the rising demand for multi-factor authentication by combining cryptographic and physical keys. It introduces an innovative approach utilizing signal and antenna activation sequences,...

Facilitating Security Verification of System Designs Using Adversarial Machine Learning

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:11:55 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced vulnerability identification Efficient verification process Proactive vulnerability detection Business Summary: Businesses seek innovative solutions for growth, efficiency, and digital adaptation amid the pandemic, requiring professional, trustworthy services, open communication, and continuous learning. The difficulties in locating and validating vulnerabilities in system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, which are widely employed in a variety of applications including the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile devices, and cloud computing, are addressed by this inventi...

Neuronal suppression of FKBP51 expression by fatty acid derivatives to prevent mental disorders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 01:46:25 GMT

Advantages: The study highlights FKBP51 as a promising target for the treatment of disorders such as major depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. The research recognizes the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FKBP5 gene on FKBP51 levels and susceptibility to certain disorders. The researchers have identified lipid derivatives that can prevent the upregulation of FKBP51 in response to stress. The advantage of using these compounds is that they are naturally found in the body, which may facilitate their development into clinically appl...

Control Of Robotic Arms Through Hybrid Inverse Kinematics and Intuitive Reference Frame

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:01:08 GMT

Advantages: The technology enhances user experience with its intuitive control reference frame. Users can minimize physical effort in manipulating the robotic arm through hybrid inverse kinematics. The intuitive control reference frame fosters a natural and user-friendly interaction between humans and robots. Business Summary: The Intuitive Robotic Arm Control Reference Frame with a Hybrid Inverse Kinematics system is a groundbreaking technology that offers a more natural and user-friendly human-robot interface. By comparing conventional control reference frames (Ground and End-e...

Automated Vehicle Identification Based On Car-following Data

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 03:01:24 GMT

Advantages: Enhanced safety through accurate AV identification. Improved traffic management and efficiency. Data-driven insights for research and business opportunities. Business Summary: Automated vehicles with adaptive cruise control have been operating on public roads with a significant rapidly growing market penetration. These Learning-based models achieved high accuracy, correctly identifying 98.14% of AVs and 94.19% of human-driven vehicles (HVs). The results validate the feasibility of using existing infrastructure and economic technologies for AV identification, ope...

LIN28B as Biomarker for Infantile Hemangioma

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 11:28:36 GMT

Advantages: Mechanism of infantile hemangioma (IH) involution mediated by propranolol treatment Novel Diagnostic Cancer Biomarker for infantile hemangioma: LIN28B Therapeutic applications beyond infantile hemangiomas, for propranolol sensitive tumors Business Summary: The β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol has been shown to have a therapeutic benefit in benign tumors, such as infantile hemangiomas (IHs). IHs are the most common benign vascular tumors of infancy. IH lesions are characterized by a rapid growth phase followed by a spontaneous involution, or triggered b...

UBE3A Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Tauopathies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 11:26:30 GMT

Advantages: Reduction in Pathology Improved Memory and Cognitive Function Targeted Delivery and Brain-wide Distribution Business Summary: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the accumulation of A-Beta proteins and Tau proteins within the brain and leads to cognitive impairments. The accumulation of these proteins can occur in various parts of the brain, causing a decline in synaptic plasticity. The ubiquitin ligase 3A (UBE3A) protein, which is critical for normal synaptic function, is reduced in AD. UBE3A gene therapy in a mouse model...

Method to visualize Alu RNA in tissue

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:00:25 GMT

Advantages: Spatial localization Compatibility with Fixed Tissues Multiplexing Capabilities Business Summary: Retrotransposons (RTs) are the most abundant class of the transposable elements that comprise approximately 45% of the human genomic sequence, of which Alu repeats (Alus) are the most abundant and comprise 11% of the genomic sequence. Alus, named after the internal AluI restriction site found in these repeats, belong to the short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), which are non-autonomous RTs. Our researchers have discovered that following a viral infection tra...

3D Printed Physically Unclonable Wireless Systems (PUWS)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:29:59 GMT

Advantages: 3D PUWS provides highly customizable system packages with multiple PUF types. Incorporating multiple PUFs enhances system security and resistance against cloning. 3D printing enables cost-effective manufacturing with randomized parameters and geometry, facilitating the inclusion of multiple PUFs. Business Summary: This innovative technology 3D Printed Physically Unclonable Wireless Systems (3D PUWS) offers unprecedented flexibility and customization for wireless systems and Radio frequency (RF) engineers. It enables the integration of multiple physically unclonable fu...

Hardware Trojan Resilience For Implantable Biosensors Through Ai-based Biosignal Modeling

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 04:36:27 GMT

Advantages: The technology offers enhanced security by providing robust protection against potential attacks on IWMDs, ensuring patient privacy. Virtual biosensors enable real-time detection and correction of anomalies and errors, allowing for immediate corrective actions. By mitigating attacks on sensor availability and correctness, the technology significantly improves patient safety and well-being. Business Summary: This innovative technology addresses security vulnerabilities in implantable and wearable medical devices (IWMDs), ensuring reliability and patient safety. Utiliz...

Hierarchical Ensemble Of Autonomous Decision Systems For Automated Reasoning

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:49:10 GMT

Advantages: Effective management of complex space systems through automation Improved performance through optimized fuzzy set parameters Hierarchical structure enables multi-layered logic for granular control and decisions incorporating inferred information Summary: The utilization of the Hierarchical Ensembles of Autonomous Decision Systems (HEADS) framework, which combines competitive-cooperative expert systems and fuzzy logic makes it unique from others as it manages complex space systems through a hierarchical structure that leverages subject matter experts to design system operati...

Targeting Alu RNA to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 02:56:36 GMT

Advantages Human Lungs & coronary arteries from COVID-19 patients showed increased expression of Alu RNA Alu RNA induces non-resolving inflammation in atherosclerosis Antisense Oligos targeting Alu RNA can reduce inflammation Summary Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, accelerate atherosclerotic plaque progression and increase the incidence of myocardial infarction and strokes. Previous studies indicated that viral infections increase retrotransposon (RT) expression; how...

Unlocking Precision: Harnessing Bootstrapped Semantic Preprocessing for Advanced Medical Data Labeling

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 02:46:28 GMT

Advantages: Efficient and Accurate Ground Truth Generation Improved Performance in Histopathology Analysis Increased Dataset Size for Better Training Business Summary: The integrated technology of Bootstrapped Semantic Preprocessing (BSP) sets it apart in the medical histopathology field by enabling effective automatic labeling for medical datasets with limited ground truth. By addressing challenges such as inconsistent imaging conditions and costly ground truth generation, the BSP algorithm transforms unknown samples to align with the distribution of the training set. This advancement...

Biomimetic Electrochemical Sensor Systems for Detecting Gases and Volatile Organic Compounds

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:20:53 GMT

Advantages: High sensitivity and selectivity Enhanced signal amplification Advanced analytical accuracy Versatile multi-analyte detection Business Summary: The field of chemical gas sensing and electronic olfaction is critical for modern medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and public health screening. There is a growing need for rapid, non-invasive methods to accurately detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and specific biomarker gases, particularly in breath analysis for early disease detection. Reliable and highly sensitive gas detection systems are essential to ...

Use of Auranofin for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:20:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Potential treatment for Alzheimer’s, FTD, and other neurodegenerative disorders Results show that various factors including insulin lead to activation of aPKC and the NFkappa-B inflammatory pathway in brain neurons and glial cells Auranofin (AF) is an FDA approved drug for other uses, thus relatively easy to conduct studies International (PCT) patent application recently filed Summary There is an on-going need for effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson’s disease, ALS and other neurodegenerati...

Preventing Alu SINEs-Mediated Immune Pathologies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:38:42 GMT

Advantages: Discovered a novel mechanism of anti-viral defense during pregnancy Developed a novel method to predict susceptibility for viral infections during pregnancy Developed a novel method to treat interferon-related pathologies with maladaptive immune responses Business Summary: Viral infections during pregnancy cause devastating effects on fetal development and maternal health. Since defense against pathogens during pregnancy conflicts with tolerance to the allogenic fetus, the placenta has developed a unique antiviral defense. While somatic cells recognize i...

Surface Modification of Acrylic and Polycarbonate via Gas Plasma Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 10:52:44 GMT

Advantages: Versatile material modification Precise surface control Fast and eco-friendly process Business Summary: Surface Modification of Acrylic and Polycarbonate via Gas Plasma Treatment revolutionizes the field by offering a cutting-edge method for precise, rapid, and environmentally friendly material modification. This invention provides unrivaled control over surface properties, making it applicable to a variety of industries, including manufacturing, electronics, and healthcare. By enabling superior product performance, functionality, and aesthetics, businesses can gain a...

Resilient Multi-Robot System with Social Learning for Smart Factories

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:11:22 GMT

Advantages: This technology improves productivity, enabling seamless collaboration and optimized resource utilization in smart factories. The technology enhances the robustness and resilience of smart factories, maintaining objective performance under challenging circumstances. It strengthens security measures and cyber defense, ensuring the integrity and continuity of operations in smart factories. Business Summary: This Research focuses on a systematic methodology for achieving resilience production in Intelligent Multi-Robot Systems (MRS) within smart factories. It addresses c...

Immunogenomics Parameters for Patient Stratification in Alzheimer’s Disease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:46:09 GMT

Advantages The study employs a novel approach by characterizing T-cell receptor (TCR) recombination reads and using a chemical complementarity assessment for the complementarity determining regions (CDR3s) of the TCRs and candidate antigens. By investigating the role of TCR CDR3s and their interactions with Tau protein, the research sheds light on the potential contribution of the adaptive immune response to AD pathogenesis. The findings suggest correlations between specific physicochemical features of TCR CDR3s and disease progression, as indicated by Braak stages. These associations pro...

System and Method for Reducing a Threat Footprint of an Area-of-Interest

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:30:59 GMT

Advantages: The AI-enabled technology automates the risk assessment process and eliminates the need for manual techniques, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. By leveraging AI, the technology is able to learn patterns and analyze complex data, uncovering new and previously unrecognized attack paths and strategies. The methodical approach optimizes the allocation of resources and prescribes effective remediations to reduce the threat footprint of soft targets or crowded places. Business Summary: Indoor and outdoor spaces have unfortunately become attractive tar...

Activation of E6Ap/Ube3A-Mediated Protein Ubiquitination and Degradation Pathways By A Cyclic G-Aa Peptide

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:45:42 GMT

Advantages By modulating E3 ligase activity, it is possible to regulate protein degradation pathways, gene activation, and other cellular functions. The research expands the therapeutic landscape by introducing the concept of E3 activators alongside E3 inhibitors, PROTACs, and molecular glues. Synthetic ligands, such as γ-AA peptides, offer versatility in ligand design and screening. This flexibility enables the development of ligands with desired properties for targeting specific E3 ligases or catalytic domains. Summary This research is focused on development of therapeut...

Automated Flight Planning System for Urban Air Mobility

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:08:30 GMT

Advantages: AFPS uses advanced algorithms for airspace management and conflict resolution, ensuring safety in high-density Urban air mobility (UAM) environments. AFPS enhances UAM efficiency by optimizing airspace use and generating conflict-free flight paths. AFPS allows Providers of Service for UAM (PSU) to provide seamless airspace and traffic management services to multiple UAM operators, improving coordination and passenger experience. Business Summary: Automated Flight Planning System (AFPS) revolutionizes the Urban air mobility (UAM) industry. It empowers Providers of Serv...

System And Method For A Vehicle-Mounted Nutrient Management System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 30 May 2023 05:19:45 GMT

Advantages: Provides a mobile wastewater treatment system that can offer onsite treatment, even in remote locations. Expedites the capture and removal of nutrients, and treats larger volumes at once, versus current decentralized systems. Offers a more sustainable and effective method of wastewater treatment. Summary: USF inventors have designed a mobile wastewater treatment system that can fully capture and remove nutrients on-site, even in remote locations. Most cities carry out wastewater treatment via centralized treatment plants; however, this is not always feasible for areas ...

Unified Fault and Stability Analysis in Unbalanced Power Grids

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 30 May 2023 03:47:51 GMT

Advantages: Accurate analysis of unbalanced topology in power grids Improved understanding of fault behavior and system stability Simplified and efficient analysis process Business Summary: This invention presents a modeling approach for unified harmonic and dynamic stability assessment of systems subject to unbalanced faults. The approach involves building a generalized dynamic circuit representation using operational calculus and translating the voltage and current relationship at the fault location into the relationship of three sequence subsystems. The final circuit model is an int...

Biomarker for Chronic Lung Disease: N-Myc-Interactor (NMI)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 26 May 2023 02:46:22 GMT

Competitive Advantages NMI Diagnostic Biomarker: predicting chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in lung transplant patients NMI as a novel therapeutic target, to increase its expression in chronic lung disease Summary Lung transplant remains the primary treatment option for patients with advanced lung disease or irreversible pulmonary failure. The major obstacle limiting longer survival in lung transplant patients is the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Our inventors have identified N-myc-interactor (NMI) as a critical regulator of epithelial-mesench...

Novel Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Mimetics as Inhibitors or Activators of Angiogenesis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 25 May 2023 08:06:54 GMT

Advantages: Novel helical VEGF mimicking peptides that can inhibit or activate angiogenesis. Mimetics hold promise as therapeutic agents for intervention in angiogenesis-related diseases. The sulfono-γ-AA peptides exhibit remarkable stability against proteolytic hydrolysis, ensuring their durability and effectiveness in biological systems. Summary: Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, while crucial for early development and healing is also a hallmark of cancer cell, promoting tumor vascular proliferation and metastasis. Many therapeutics haven been developed t...

RAiD2: Robotics and AI for Onsite Detection and Disinfection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:41:56 GMT

Advantages: Precise and non-contact disinfection User-friendly and portable autonomous operation Robotic and AI-augmented advanced control Business Summary: The RAiD2 platform combats biological threats, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform integrates multiplexed nucleic acid-based biosensing for onsite detection, corona discharge disinfection for precise and user-friendly disinfection, lightweight robotics for efficient coordination, and advanced control and AI algorithms for decision-making. The paper highlights the intellectual merit of the project, including eva...

Lung Microbiome Isolation and Cultivation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 19 May 2023 06:33:59 GMT

Competitive Advantages: Novel method to isolate, cultivate, and amplify the lung microbiome from a limited resource Beneficial for testing antibiotic sensitivity and drug resistance Enables lung microbiome transplantation for treatment of various chronic lung diseases Summary: Chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or lung transplant patients critically depend on a beneficial lung microbiome as part of the healing process and/or to revert their chronic lung disease. Hence the favorable modulation of lung microbiota obtained from healthy donors may imp...

Graphene Based Scheme for IoT and Forensic Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 19 May 2023 05:38:59 GMT

Competitive Advantages This Graphene based scheme is profoundly lightweight but offers strong features, which make it ideal for resource-restricted IoT applications. This scheme provides a solution for application where it requires the minimal expense and wide organization of sensors, like in smart cities, and combat zones, wherein forward-security and aggregation properties of Graphene can alleviate the effect of breaches and transmission above cryptographic labels. Integration of graphene with only MAC aggregation is great for frameworks with low computational overheads with...

SHIP-1 Regulation of Tumoricidal Myeloid Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 10 May 2023 10:31:18 GMT

Advantages: Proposes a method that aids in the therapeutic intervention of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Administering therapeutic agents, such as apigenin, potentially improves anti-tumor responses Method of monitoring helps track the progression and regression of the disease Summary: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of pancreatic cancer and yet, it is one of the most aggressive of all cancer. Conventional treatments are ineffective for PDAC patients due to expansion and recruitment of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the ...

Humidity-Sensitive Smart Material and Sensors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 03:00:39 GMT

Advantages Enables automatic and passive smart control of greenhouse humidity levels. Less expensive and less labor- and energy-intensive than current humidity management systems. More effective humidity control will help mitigate disease spread and insect breeding inside greenhouses. Can also be used, with graphene, to manufacture smart humidity sensors. Summary Our inventors have created a novel humidity sensitive greenhouse cover made of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/ cellulose acetate (CA) blended sensitive films that enables a smart control humidity management system. Corona electros...

Peptidomimetic-Based Antibody Surrogate for HER2

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:22:28 GMT

Advantages: High affinity for HER2 and inhibits downstream signaling Potent anti-tumor effects Small molecular weight Resistant to proteolysis Summary: Current HER2-targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, are hindered by high cost of production, large molecular weight, and susceptibility to degradation. A novel artificial antibody M-3-6-D has been developed by using a proper linker to dimerize two cyclic y-AApeptides, to mimic binding loops of monoclonal antibodies. M-3-6-D exhibited high affinity for HER2 and potently inhibited HER2 phosphorylation and...

Automated Rising Concrete Tracking Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:56:34 GMT

Advantages Provides real-time, automated verification of concrete foundation dimensions during pouring Non-destructive measurement method that continuously tracks depth, radius, and area of the foundation Enables immediate detection and correction of dimensional deviations, reducing rework and delays Summary Our researchers have created a device that automates the measurement of both the cross-sectional dimension and height of rising concrete in the construction of drilled shafts. The current technology for this process involves tracking the rising concrete’s height complet...

Apparatus and Method for the Assessment of DNA Damage (The Comet Assay)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:35:36 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increase in number of cell-containing slides being processed at a time. Slide carriers facilitate parallel, batch processing of multiple slides reducing manual handling and decreases the risk of damage/loss of fragile cell-containing gels. The slide carriers make for easy insertion and removal of slides from the electrophoresis tank. Highly compact design saves bench space. Enhanced cooling, via ceramic platform and cool pack (no external cooling, such as wet ice, needed). Multiple experiments in a single run. 50 slides can be run in 20 minutes. Summary Singl...

Neuro-Voting: A Brain Computer Interface

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:57:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages: No physical movement of the body is required, just mental intellect for making selections Highly accurate in making the choice, as accompanied by machine learning classifier to improve the performance Useful for aged people and with physical disabilities Not limited just to voting but finds its application in various day-to-day activities Summary: USF researchers have created a brain-computer interface that enables a person to vote and make selections using only their brain activity, without utilizing any other physical input. The non-...

AI: Real Data-Driven Analytical Predictive Model For Pancreatic Cancer, Survival Monitoring Indicator, Survival Methodologies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:57:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages: The inventive model identifies the risk factors, and interaction and predicts the survival time of a pancreatic cancer patient. The analytic survival indicator can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments given to patients, by identifying if the survival time of the patients is increasing, remaining the same, or decreasing. The innovation includes additional findings concerning significant differences in gender, age, and race of pancreatic cancer patients and identifies appropriate methodologies for more powerful survival predict...

System and Method for Cryptographic Forensic Audits on Lightweight IoT and Digital Archives

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 08:49:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages: Our solution solves the problem of bottleneck by converting it into logarithmic seed storage overhead, which helps in offering the service to different categories of end devices In terms of cryptographic audit data and time-combined performance, the suggested OPAS schemes achieve outstanding performance compared to the nearest counterparts The suggested EC-based signature schemes offer fast verification time, with small cryptographic storage overhead by introducing a new tree-based data structure to store the one-time ephemeral keys Summary: ...

Enabling Spatial Spectrum Efficiency of Coexisting Smart and Reconfigurable Radios

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 02:27:52 GMT

Advantages: Improves signal quality in high-interference environments like urban and indoor 5G/6G networks. Reduces interference by coordinating multiple base stations and smart surfaces in real time. No need for extra spectrum, lowering infrastructure and regulatory costs. Adapts automatically to changing network conditions using reinforcement learning. Works with existing technologies, making integration into current networks easier. Summary: Modern wireless networks are becoming crowded, especially in cities and high-traffic areas. To meet growing demand, networks must use the sam...

Intra-Cardiac Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:38:33 GMT

Competitive Advantages Implanted via catheter and transapical techniques, both minimally invasive and safely established surgical methods. Includes multiple indentations to leave room for papillary muscles to function properly. Lower risk of complications such as GI bleeding and hemolysis compared to current solutions. Summary Our researchers have developed a novel ventricular assist device (VAD) that is placed directly inside a failing ventricular cavity to help it pump blood correctly again. This device consists of a self-expanding stent that contains a sac and inlet/outlet port...

A Human Origin Probiotics- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus HL-200 to Reduce Leaky Gut by Metabolizing Ethanolamine

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 06:50:46 GMT

Advantages Might be an effective treatment for leaky gut syndrome associated chronic inflammation. The novel probiotic induces ethanolamine metabolizing activity thus strengthening the gut barrier. Might help evade from several other diseases causes by leaky gut syndrome. Summary Leaky gut syndrome is a key source of chronic inflammation, and both are root cause of several human conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, cancer chemotherapy side effects, diabetes, obesity, CVDs, and aging-related disorders including dementia and others. Leaky gut syndrome is caused due t...

Extensible Body Sensor Network Platform For Wearable And Implantable Devices

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:42:26 GMT

Advantages Dynamic microcontroller role reconfiguration ensures the sensor network maintains functionality even if a controller is lost. Platform-independent, browser-based front-end simplifies developer interaction and real-time multimodal data visualization. Conserves platform power consumption with dynamic energy optimization strategies that modify sensor duty cycles based on other sensor inputs. Summary: Our researchers, working in hardware security and bio-implantable devices, have made an improvement in the field of Body Sensor Network ...

Dynamic Sidelobe Multiplexing In Beamspace Mimo Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 03:32:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages Compared to conventional beamspace MIMO, numerical results show that the DSM technique can provide more than 50% spectral efficiency enhancement at high signalto noise ratio (SNR) Such method can be advantageous in systems where the transmitter needs to be low cost while the receiver can have more complex hardware Using the proposed method, the communication network can provide higher speeds of uplink data, or it can simply allow reuse of the extra uplink resources for some other purpose. The approach is clearly a good method for cost efficient d...

A Method Of Preparing A Surface Using TiO2-UVA Treatment And Fabricating Self-cleaning Coating

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:08:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages Self-cleaning coating reduces dust and grime accumulation on solar panels’ protective glass. Improves solar panel efficiency, especially in areas with high dust/grime deposition, such as deserts and polluted/industrial areas. Reduces total cost by shrinking operation and maintenance costs associated with cleaning solar panel covers, and replacement costs by lengthening the panels’ lifetime. Summary Global interest in renewable energy sources has exponentially increased as climate change continues to worsen. Solar energy and solar panels are curr...

Antimalarial peptides

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:01:33 GMT

Competitive Advantages Potential treatment for malaria Could be effective against drug resistant strain Dd2 The resulting compounds showed no significant cytotoxicity Summary Malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, continues to threaten much of the world population and there is a pressing need for expanding treatment options. Recently, it has been observed that artemisinin combination therapy, which has been the gold standard for malaria treatment, is now starting to fail in some African countries. Thus better treatments are required, marine sponges leading to...

Roadway Repair Prioritization Via Satellite Imagery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 01:34:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Addresses increased maintenance demands due to aging infrastructure and a growing population. Reduces extra costs to drivers from vehicle damage caused by poor road quality. Can also identify persistently long queues to evaluate roads’ level of service. Doesn’t require driving on the roads like current solutions; the same analysis can be done via satellite imagery, providing supplemental data to current prioritization methods. Summary Florida roads received a C+ from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2021, with thirty-one percent of the...

CYBERSECURITY: Reliability Of A Computer Network

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:21:24 GMT

Competitive Advantages This analytical model is developed using real data of the National Vulnerability Database, NVD. This analytical model is made up of data from Microsoft, Linux, and Apple computer operating systems that represents 99.34% of the market around the globe. This analytical model can identify the minimum number of steps, n, that a hacker will need to hack the subject computer network. This information is very useful to the network design engineer, the network testing prior to mass production, important marketing information concerning the quality of their product, to...

A Stochastic Analytical Model That Monitors The Returns Of A Production Process

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:20:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages The provided model has been statistically evaluated to be of a very high quality and can predict returns with high degree of accuracy. The designed model is based on real process data and can be used in any production process, provided the data is available. The calculated index factor can be helpful to make the correct decisions in monitoring a production process to increase the return for a particular period. Summary Currently, for monitoring the production process companies compare their revenue with the actual cost incurred in the production of a product. How...

Control of Multiagent Networks With Misbehaving Nodes Over Directed Graph Topologies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:26:58 GMT

Competitive Advantages Limited number of controlled nodes required to gain the stability in the overall network. Utilization of a graph-based approach that allows to find steady-state values of critical nodes without the knowledge of the Laplacian matrix of the overall network. Best nodes could be selected from all the controlled nodes to eliminate the effects of misbehaving nodes more efficiently. Summary Control of multi-agent network finds its application in numerous areas like energy systems, epidemics, healthcare, social networks, and traffic and transportation. The con...

Multisensory Integration Via Wearable Technology For Vestibular Diagnostics/ Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 05:29:46 GMT

Competitive Advantages Specifically provides treatment for multi-sensory integration deficits to minimize patients’ postural instability and associated fall risks. Utilizes real-time monitoring of patient’s vestibular system, head-related transfer functions, and an algorithm connecting the two to constantly self-correct. Promotes independence for patients with vestibular disorders and for older adults with age-related hearing or balance issues. Summary Age-related losses in vestibular functions diminish the capacity of a person to maintain posture and increase the like...

Protein Palmiotylation Inhibitors of SARS Viruses

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:21:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages Novel treatment for Covid-19 Inhibits palmitoylation of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins resulting in reduced virus infectivity Inhibits syncytia formation Summary The last two decades have seen the emergence of three major corona virus(CoV) outbreaks. The SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S) is a 1273 amino acids type I membrane protein that binds to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell. On the cytosolic side of the membrane is a short endodomain that contains a cysteine rich domain (CRD) capable of undergoing Sacylation/palmitoylation. Palmitoylation of viral proteins...

Precise Infrastructure Mapping Using Full-Waveform Inversion of Ground Penetrating Radar Signals

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:12:43 GMT

Advantages Eliminates need for subjective data analysis Provides unit mm³ resolution Instant 2D / 3D model visualization from measurements Summary Our inventors have developed a method for full-waveform inversion (FWI) of common-offset ground penetrating radar (GPR) data, particularly targeting the dimensions and infilling material of buried objects. We have met this long-standing need by applying state-of-the-art FWI that can estimate object size, position, inner and outer dimensions and determine the in-filling material properties (water, air, natural gas etc.). The techni...

Hybrid Raman+Acoustic Spectral Thermometry for Metals Additive Manufacturing (M-AM)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 03:00:38 GMT

Competitive Advantages This unprecedented new capability to capture the full 3D thermographic information in the powder bed and melt pool can more thoroughly elucidate the thermal history during the M-AM processes, thereby better informing optimization of process parameters to mitigate thermal gradients, residual stresses, and porosity, thus yielding higher quality and faster build This technology complements and is compatible with established infrared (IR) thermometry techniques This technology will equip the US advanced manufacturing sector with novel metrology and quality control capa...

System and Method for Better Visualization and Analytics of Multi-variate Heterogeneous Time-Series Data

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 02:54:14 GMT

Advantages Making it easier to train subsequent machine learning/AI algorithms in tasks involving prediction or classification Providing a reliable and robust representation for the time-series data as noise and other outliers are removed during the weighted averaging operation. Providing a scalable solution where one can analyze time-series data with any length in duration including any number of variables. Improving memory allocation and computational speeds to due to compressing potentially very high-volume data into a rich yet compact representative version. Summary Analysing mult...

High Throughput Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:41:11 GMT

Advantages Increases wastewater treatment capacity without increasing the size or footprint of the system itself. Reduces operational costs of wastewater treatment. Offers a more environmentally friendly method by reducing energy consumption and creating a more efficient system. Summary A standard wastewater treatment system today must increase the size of their facility and/or increase their carbon footprint in order to increase the system’s overall throughput. This has both economic and environmental consequences that would be undesirable for the facility owner and the world cl...

Modular System for Waste Treatment, Water Recycling, and Resource Recovery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 04:55:56 GMT

Advantages Compact Design Modular system consists of modular subsystems. It can be transported easily and rapidly reassembled onsite to form the modular system. EXPRESS rack system can be used on International Space Station Summary The invention is a compact and modular system that can be used to treat wastes, recycle water, and recover additional resources such as energy and fertilizer nutrients. It is difficult to perform waste treatment, water recycling and resource recovery in small spaces. The invention addresses this problem using a modular package that can 1) link with other mo...

AI‑Based Neonatal Pain Detection (Home + Hospital Monitoring)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:34:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Monitor infants and detect signs that are associated with pain (e.g., pain expression, crying, body motion and vital signs) when the infants are left unattended Generate an objective total pain score based on several signs of pain and report this score to a nurse This system can provide a consistent and an objective pain-scaling tool to be used in the NICU at hospitals, in houses as home-monitoring to check on an infant's condition at all hours, and in developing countries where there is a lack of medical workers/supplies Summary The long-standing, unfulfille...

sHSP22 Improves Cognition and Learning Independently of Tau

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:35:11 GMT

Advantages Improves cognitive function, learning, and memory in tauopathy models without altering protein levels Utilizes targeted intracranial delivery of AAV9 vector for efficient gene transfer to hippocampus and frontal cortex. Enhances synaptic plasticity and rescues long-term potentiation (LTP) deficits in affected brain regions. Summary Tau is a microtubule associated protein that has been linked to multiple neurodegenerative diseases, the most prevalent being Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In AD and other tauopathies, tau pathogenically aggregates, which contribut...

Deploying Neural-Trojan-Resistant Convolutional Neural Networks for Self-Driving Vehicles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 03:15:48 GMT

Competitive Advantages This method can amplify Trojan’s malicious impact by making it more easily detectable so that system can provide rapid response and mitigation against the attacks This technology can prevent the spread of the attack to other connected systems and defend against attacks initiated through fake update requests The network parameter mutation and update mechanism create a one-to-one correspondence between networks and update files, confusing attackers and making targeted attacks more difficult Summary Systems and programs that rely on neural networks are su...

Alternative Gαs-promoting agonist Bronchodilator

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:57:31 GMT

Competitive Advantages Novel compounds and methods for selecting targeting β2AR receptors to treat obstructive lung diseases The method might improve airway response with reduced tachyphylaxis Biasing towards β-arrestin and away from G protein coupling can be attained, which can be therapeutically favorable for certain receptors and diseases Summary In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), active human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cellular contraction limits airflow, representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality. β2-adrenergic receptors (&b...

Asymmetrical Bike for Limb Exercise

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:52:55 GMT

Competitive Advantages Flexible pedaling with adjustable rates Facilitates functional limb movements in people with unilateral limb impairment Rehabilitative device for people with asymmetrical limb impairment as it helps in therecovery of functional walking and arm movement Summary Patients with unilateral limb impairment have difficulty in performing functional limb movements. Current rehabilitation bikes for limb exercise use fixed symmetrical pedaling rates of the legs and hands which limit access for these patients. This invention proposes an Asymmetrical Bike for Limb Exerci...

Novel Composition for Photochemical Tissue Bonding

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:46:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages Biocompatible and cheap Minimal wound inflammation and a lower rate of infection Decreased pain and recovery time Summary Suturing is a standard procedure for closing wounds. Alternative suture‑less methods for wound closure reduce wound inflammation and allow patients to experience less pain when undergoing the reconnecting and sealing of tissues. The inventors here have developed new materials to close the wound using photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) process. The PTB process is where collagen fibers are crossed linked with minimal heat generation throug...

Norm-Free Adaptive Event-Triggering Rule For Distributed Control Of Multiagent Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 09:20:09 GMT

Competitive Advantages Replaces global interactions with local information exchanges to improve scalability and security of multiagent systems. Significantly reduces agent-to-agent information exchange by removing norms and introducing an adaptive term. Helps prevent network overload and excessive energy use by agents via event-triggered rules. Summary Our inventors have created a novel rule for the distributed control of multiagent systems to reduce agent-to-agent information exchange. This improved method uses an adaptive event-triggering rule to replace continuous information e...

In-band Full-duplex Waveform Coexistence For Joint Communication And Sensing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 05:58:41 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increases the overall performance regarding throughput and sensing capability These full-duplex systems enhances the performance gains more and more Lattice structures, pulse shapes and dedicated symbols in different waveforms, their separability property can be further improved by using the full-duplex structures Summary In order to achieve a more economical spectrum and hardware usage, it is suggested that sensing and communication should be performed using the same radio and frequency band. This invention proposes a scheme that could be used for joint sensing ...

DRL Based Adaptive Network Slicing for 5G Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:00:06 GMT

Competitive Advantages The network learns dynamically through interaction with the environment and adapts to it. Edge controllers can efficiently manage the edge resources by enabling cooperation among the fog nodes. Slices the network optimally as per the task load and latency needs. Summary Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a network slicing model for solving the network allocation problem in the upcoming F-RAN standard of 5G communication to overcome the latency limitation of cloud-RAN in vehicle and smart-city applications. To solve the issue of net...

Lightweight Denoising Algorithm for Medical Imaging

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:55:26 GMT

Competitive Advantages Provides a fast and lean solution to denoise medical images Could improve diagnostic accuracyand thus increased efficiency of the resulting treatment Denoising is based on patient’s individual imaging featureswithout need for pretraining or transfer learning Summary Medical imaging provides accuracy in diagnosis in a wide variety of specialties which requires the information on these images to be as accurate as possible. Noise artifact which occursduring acquisition or in post-processing inmedical imaging is a significant problem to diagnosticians as i...

Customizable 3D-Printed Surgical Simulator for Craniofacial Procedures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:18:14 GMT

Competitive Advantages Help increase surgical competence thus better surgical outcome Simulator provides disease/patient specific prototype Ability to help surgeons perform high risk operation with adequate practice Summary Healthcare simulation is an advancing field that has been shown to be a superior educational modality. Craniofacial osteotomies represent a class of procedures in plastic surgery with the highest risk of morbidity and mortality. In this invention, a model or a “simulation,” of a particular portion of the anatomy is provided and a trainee can practic...

Charge Stream at Elevated Temperatures for the Treatment of Skin/Tissues to Remove, Reduce or Eliminate Hair Growth

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 05:30:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increases molecular delivery Moderate heating is used for the hair removal Temperature increases may increase the effects of charge streams that are typically atmospheric plasmas Summary The use of a charge stream (plasma created in a gas or using air) and heat to treat skin in a manner that will result hair removal, reduced hair growth, or eliminate hair growth. Short-term heating of tissues/cells has been shown to increase molecular delivery resulting from traditional electrical treatment of cells with DC pulses in tissues and when corona charge has ...

Determination of the Ionic Strength of Dilute Natural Solutions

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 07:57:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Measuresionic strength directly Can be used for different types of freshwaters Portable and automatic Summary Knowing the ionic strength of natural water resources is crucial to study the behaviors of dissolved substances like pollutant trace metals and nutrients. The proposed solution allows direct measurement of the ionic strength of dilute aqueous solutions. This, along with temperature measurement, allows quantitative use of pH to calculate free and complexed ion concentrations in solution. This information is essential for assessment...

Fluency Map Optimization in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 07:15:16 GMT

Competitive Advantages Better targeting of cancer cells and minimal risk to health organs Requires minimal human interaction Has increased speed Generates a meaningful interpretation of the radiation plan Summary Cancerous tissues are fast proliferating cells that are more sensitive to radiation compared to healthy cells. This fact provides the basis to fight against cancers using radiotherapy. One of the radiotherapy methods is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) that uses computer-controlled accelerators to deliver radiation doses to a tumor or specific areas within th...

A Software Model for Mapping Negative Epilepsy Network in Brain

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 07:08:46 GMT

Advantages Non-invasive integration of scalp EEG and resting-state fMRI enables patient-specific 3D brain network mapping. Identification of both positively and negatively correlated brain regions improves localization of epileptogenic zones. Automated software processing streamlines data analysis, reducing reliance on invasive monitoring techniques. Summary Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting approximately 0.5–1% of the global population. For the 20–30% of patients whose seizures are refractory to medication, s...

Autonomized Quantitative Consumer-Drone Based Agricultural Monitoring Tool

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 10:46:13 GMT

Advantages Quantitative and objective assessment of plant health using biospeckle imaging and machine learning Cost-effective implementation using inexpensive lasers and consumer-grade imaging hardware Early detection of diseases, dehydration, and pest presence before visible symptoms appear Real-time analysis suitable for both small-scale and large-scale agricultural operations Summary Currently, most agricultural imaging tools rely on satellite images that can utilize a powerful zoom function to detect signs of pests, dryne...

Novel Bronchodilators For Treating Obstructive Lung Disease

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 02:49:41 GMT

Competitive Advantages Identified novel bronchodilators agonists that relax airway smooth muscle Could be a novel therapeutic for asthma and other obstructive lung diseases Could also be a therapeutic for other types of bronchoconstriction caused by smoke or anaphylaxis Summary Currently patients with obstructive airways diseases have only one class of direct bronchodilators that are available for treatment (beta-agonists). These have many limitations, so there is an ongoing search for other direct bronchodilators.Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed on multiple cel...

Accounting for Affect in Pain Level Recognition

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 02:43:53 GMT

Competitive Advantages Differentiates between pain and non-pain stimuli Assesses pain in a real-world setting Might help doctors know the criticality of the injury based on the accurate pain measurement Will help detect the pain level of babies and unconscious patients Summary Automated pain assessment is an essential component in clinical settings to ensure prompt intervention and appropriate treatment. Depending on the context, relying on verbal methods, such as pain scales and questionnaires, for pain assessment may not be objective, reliable, actionable, and scalable. The pre...

Vectorcardiogram (VCG) System and Method

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:10:45 GMT

Competitive Advantages Compact and less expensive Enables remote monitoring of patient More accurate data and predictions Prototype available Summary Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed an small, wearable device and method for more accurately predicting heart disease and atrial fibrillation using a compact and wireless Integrated Vector Cardiogram System. This device and method allows for the development of a personalized, patient specific ECG pattern which can be used to distinguish between baseline ECG signals and differences in signals occurring just...

Hormone Treatment for Age-Related Hearing Loss-Presbycusis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:07:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Utilizes natural and FDA-approved compounds Suitable for systemic applications Minimal side effects Summary Our researchers have developed a novel drug combination of FDA-approved compounds that achieve significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of ARHL. These compounds include aldosterone, ammonium chloride, and an anti-inflammatory compound. The initial evidence from in vitro experiments, and in vivo studies of aging mice supports the effectiveness of this new drug formulation. This new treatment should preserve hearing while modulating the degenerat...

Smooth Muscle Specific Inhibition for Anti-Restenotic Therapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:59:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Prevents restenosis Reduces inflammation Reduces hypercoagulability Preserves endothelial cell function Summary USF researchers have developed the first miRNA-based strategy to selectively inhibit VSMC proliferation and migration for the prevention of restenosis, without concurrently inhibiting reendothelialization and EC function. This was achieved by the design of a novel vector that inhibits VSMCs and selectively preserving ECs. This vector was shown to reduce hypercoagulation and restore EC function in vivo. The combination of a better stent platform an...

Ionizing Radiation Resistant Cured Urishiol Lacquer and Cured Single Walled Nanotube Lacquer Composites

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:37:37 GMT

Competitive Advantages Single coating layer dissipates up to 120 megarads of radiation Chemically stable structure absorbs radiation in a non-destructive manner Mechanisms to economically renew coating and restore absorption identified Summary USF inventors have identified radiation resistant materials and the mechanism that leads to their resistance. Prior work done by our inventors has demonstrated that carbon nanotube materials supply radiation resistant properties. Due to the need of more radiation resistant materials to be designed, the incorporation of the novel lacquer-carb...

Encapsulation of Thermal Energy Storage Media

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:34:28 GMT

Advantages Molten PCMs are compatible with the encapsulating material Capsules are non-porous to the molten PCMs Capsules can accommodate the expansion of PCM at elevated temperatures Summary Thermal energy storage is critical to the future of solar thermal power. Such storage reduces the cost of the energy and enables the energy to be available both during and after daylight hours. The selection of appropriate thermal energy storage media is important to developing an effective thermal energy storage scheme. Phase change materials (PCMs) are particularly attractive for such appli...

Electronic Self Management Resource Training (eSMART): A Serious Game for Health

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:31:57 GMT

Competitive Advantages Interactive training module Easy to implement Helps in achieving lower healthcare costs Helps patients to make better health decisions Summary USF researchers have created an electronic self-management tool using a combination of science and art. These video games for health can provide an opportunity to support learning and health related behavioral change through messages and experiences in an engaging and entertaining format. These games are activity based and involve challenges and active participation to reach certain goals. They also provide feedback ...

A Platform for Selective Intracellular Delivery by the Growth Factor Mediated Macropinocytosis Pathway

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:27:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Targeted drug delivery to tumors Reduced side effects of cancer drugs Made of non-toxic, biodegradable protein Easily synthesized Summary Our inventors have created a novel, cargo carrying nanoparticle for the targeted delivery of drugs to cancer cells. The nanoparticle carries a drug to cancer cells, where the drug is released. This reduces the treatment’s toxicity to healthy tissue. The nanoparticle is made of non-toxic protein, and it can be produced at a low cost. The nanoparticle has molecules that bind to receptors on a cancer cell, which makes ...

Fragment Evolution via Kinetic Target-Guided Synthesis for the Identification of Potent Bcl-2 Modulators

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:10:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased throughput by 200-fold Can be applied to any biological target Identifies previously "undruggable" targets Increased sensitivity Summary USF researchers have developed an improved kinetic TGS sample detection method. This technology specifically targets modulating proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Bcl-2 is a protein coding gene that regulates cell death and is associated with many types of drug-resistant cancers and diseases. The identification of potent Bcl-2 inhibitors will assist in the development of new anticancer agents. This novel det...

Novel PEG Tube to Allow of Optimized Gastric Sumping

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 08:55:57 GMT

Competitive Advantages Continuous stomach suction without occlusion of the tube Reduces the need to monitor the tube frequently Still allows the use of the tube for feeding procedures Summary USF inventors have developed novel geometric modifications to the PEG tube that improves suctioning and helps prevent occlusion. Instead of the current bell shaped end which readily seals against the stomach, these modifications include small holes or gaps in the cup, a modified spherical cup, or arches that span from one side of the bell to the other in order to prevent occlusion. These adap...

Wireless Efficient Privacy, Authentication and Resiliency Technologies for Forensic and Sensitive Data

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:43:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Shows a near-optimal performance at the logger (e.g., resource limited IoT device). Achieves post-quantum security. FHE-based alternatives are ideal for single-server setting without a collusion-risk. Develop strategies to achieve scalable signature verification for constructions. Summary This invention creates a new series of compromise-resilient and compact cryptographic techniques that are as efficient as symmetric schemes at the low-end wireless device (e.g., logger), but are publicly verifiable and resilient at the verifier side (e.g., auditor), thereby mee...

Creation Of Split Tau Oligomerization Assay

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:10:03 GMT

Competitive Advantages Allows for live-cell measurement of tau oligomerization A valuable tool for investigating tau oligomer modifying drugs Summary Oligomeric tau species are crucial to induce tau transmission between neurons and toxicity within neurons. USF investigators established a novel technique to measure tau oligomierization via visualizing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Mouse neuronal cells were used as the in vitro model to stably over-express two split superfolder GFP that each fused with a monomeric human tau. Dimerization of tau molecules immediately induce ...

Engineered Solar Thermal Osmosis Desalination System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 05:51:25 GMT

Competitive Advantages The system is designed to use a unique combination of Forward and Reverse Osmosis (FO/RO) with solar power, which in turn reduces the cost of desalinated water produced. The system uses solar thermal energy for simultaneous production of water, power, and cooling in the same loop, which makes the process efficient and self-contained. The system does not require a separate water-cooled or air-cooled condenser normally needed for a solar thermal power plant. Summary Our researchers have developed a cost-effective hybrid forward/revers...

Synthesis and Characterization of MoO2 Nanoparticles and their Ability to Decontaminate Water

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 09:16:04 GMT

Competitive Advantages 100% decontamination in a short time Both photocatalytic and highly adsorbent Summary USF inventors have synthesized MoO2 nanoparticles and demonstrated their efficacy at decontaminating water containing organic dyes. Experimental evidence proved that the nanoparticles were highly adsorbent as well as a photocatalytic when decontaminating water, making this the first reported case of a single material having both adsorbent and photocatalytic properties. Two versions of the MoO2 material were created, and both MoO2 materials performed al...

Lightweight Post-Quantum Authentication

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 07:59:30 GMT

Advantages Enables efficient, post-quantum secure digital signatures for resource-constrained devices such as IoT sensors and embedded systems. Offloads computationally expensive public key generation, storage, and certification to distributed, semi-honest servers, reducing signer workload. Produces compact signatures with minimal memory and computational requirements, suitable for low-end hardware like 8-bit microcontrollers. Summary Digital signatures are a cornerstone of modern authentication and data integrity, ensuring that...

Leishmania Inhibitors Derived from Deep-Sea Coral

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 05:30:33 GMT

Competitive Advantages Specific inhibition of Leishmania donovani parasites A natural drug candidate Does not produce toxic side effects Summary Our researchers have identified a novel metabolite derived from an Antarctic marine coral that shows promise as a new treatment option for leishmaniasis infections. Antactic marine invertebrates are being investigated for their natual chemical protective mechanisms used against predators. This natural product chemistry is ideal for new drug development efforts. The identified metabolite has exhibited specific inhibition of Leishmania donovani ...

Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System to Treat Ocular Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 03:20:25 GMT

Advantages Efficient and sustained drug delivery system for the suppression of both VEGEF and HIF Decreases frequency of injections to treat ocular diseases Adaptable for different treatment methods Summary Inflammation and angiogenesis are characteristics of Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is reported that they are caused by hypoxia induced factor 1α (HIF-1α) mediated increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Current treatment of AMD require frequent and unpleasant ocular injections. A sustained drug delivery method would lessen th...

Weight Activated Knee Locking Mechanism

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 02:19:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages: Method of alleviating asymmetric gait experienced by transfemoral amputees Design allows for both rotational and translational motion Knee design mimics the human knee Inexpensive design Summary: Our inventors have come up with a passive knee locking mechanism that uses the position of the shank and the weight of the user to lock it in place. The mechanism has translational motion, which allows the shank to move linearly in the sagittal plane. This locks and unlocks the knee, as well as rotational motion to allow for swinging of the device when the user is movi...

Application of the Synchronization Modulation Technique of the Na/k Pumps in Treatment of Muscle Fatigue

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 02:36:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages Postpones or relieves muscle fatigue Could reduce recovery time in different diseases Reduces ATP consumption thus increases energy for muscle contraction Summary Muscle fatigue is an important public health problem for large population especially for the people with occupations of athlete, soldier, and heavy-duty worker. Fatigue has been associated with decreased physical functioning and declined ability to manage routine daily activities. Muscle fatigue is mainly due to insufficient supply of ATP molecules in muscle fibers, while Na/K pumps consume large a...

Safe Controller: Efficient and Transparent CFI for RTL Design

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 11:09:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Provides an efficient, transparent, and scalable approach to enforcing CFG of RTL controller. Can protect RTL design from contemporary and future control-flow attacks. Additional securely stored monitor works as an additional RTL module enforcing controller to follow CFG with overhead on communication. Summary USF researchers have developed an RTL design mechanism for securing embedded devices against malicious attacks. This could prevent attackers from exploiting privilege escalation and access to sensitive information such as passwords and keys and various ot...

Custom Reduction Splint for Edentulous and Partially Edentulous Patients

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:21:48 GMT

Competitive Advantages Applicable to mandibular and maxillary fractures Minimizes operative time and morbidity Patient specific Cost effective Summary USF inventors have developed a novel device for edentulous and partially edentulous patients, of both the adult and pediatric age groups. The device assists in reduction of the mandibular and maxillary fracture segments, maintains reduction, and protects the pre-injury mandibular height and occlusal pattern. The device minimizes operative time and equipment, offering a substantial cost savings to the facility and patient compared to int...

Cost-Effective Bulk Glass Reinforced Composite Columns

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:10:47 GMT

Competitive Advantages Lower cost alternative with greater buckling resistance as steel or timber columns. In numbers,11% less expensive than timber construction and 50% less than structural steel. Immune to natural degradations as in the case with the corrosion of steel or timber. A Securing cap on both ends of the composite holds the encased polymer. This provides a competitive edge for glass composites regarding their use in structures. Summary The rise in the construction cost can be related to the increase in the raw material costs like concrete, steel, timber, etc. On the ...

Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles Fibrous Membrane for Implantable Glucose Sensors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:30:16 GMT

Advantages Easy to fabricate, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and adaptable for detecting diverse biochemical reactions through suitable material choice and surface functionalization. Delivers low-noise, high-gain, linear, and stable performance at significantly lower power than previous state-of-the-art potentiostats. High sensor durability with 11% performance change sustained over 50 days. Highly sensitive, capable of measuring electrochemical currents from 2 µA to 200 µA, with a sensitivity of 30.75 µA/mM·cm² and a low detection limit of 0.56 µM...

Fluid Dispensing System for Reagent Delivery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:28:59 GMT

Competitive Advantages A fluid dispensing system will be less time consuming and cost effective. Decreases manual labor and need for trained specialists and administers precise results. A portable ELISA will help provide better monitoring of diseases. Summary Many biomedical tests (e.g. ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) require use of different reagents. The reagents have to be pipetted into individual wells by different individual apparatus. This system is a convenient way of handling fluids. It uses pre-packaged reagents in special mini-containers or cartridges that could...

A Novel Sulfono-γ-AApeptides as Potential Treatment for Neurological Disease and Promote Neuron Generation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:49:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages Could be an effective treatment for Alzheimer Might be able to fix neuronal damage and promote neuron growth Minimal toxicity thus would minimize the side effects Summary Effective therapies and/or cures for central nervous system (CNS) disorders like Alzheimer’s which impose a tremendous socioeconomic burden are currently lacking. The invention describes the development of a new peptidomimetics. Sulfono-γ-AA peptides take advantage of immense chemical diversity and has been tested for anti-amyloid aggregation activity and neuron...

Dual-mechanism PD1 (programmed death receptor 1) DNA Vaccine as a Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:48:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Significant reduction of cost and number of treatments Provides a more personalized treatment Comparatively fewer side effects Summary Checkpoint inhibitor therapy involves infusion of antibodies against one or more checkpoints. This therapy is expensive and has potential side effects. The invention disclosed here provides an alternative to checkpoint antibody therapy that relies on infusing proteins. This invention utilizes plasmid DNA encoding specific antigenic regions of the checkpoint. When delivered it would allow the patient to produce specific antibo...

Efficient Policies for Robotic Picking and Transferring Multiple Objects

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:33:56 GMT

Advantages Enables robots to grasp and transfer multiple objects simultaneously, improving efficiency over single-object handling. Utilizes tactile and torque sensors combined with deep learning models for accurate in-grasp object count estimation. Adapts to object variability and environmental changes, ensuring robust performance across different object types and sizes. Summary Traditionally, robotic systems have been designed to grasp and move objects one at a time, a method that is simple to implement but inherently inefficient when compared to human workers, who can intuitively gra...

Deep Cyber Vulnerability Mitigator

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:33:32 GMT

Competitive Advantages Organization-specific context-based threat detection and mitigation. Continuous refinement of defender’s policies according to the threats identified. Assignment of security personnel according to the threat level of vulnerability and skills of the individual. Summary Cyberthreats are increasing daily with continuously changing forms, like malware, phishing, crypto-jacking, and ransomware. Due to its ever-changing nature and evolution, it becomes difficult to detect and manage the attacks timely, given the stringent resources, tools, workforce, and knowledg...

Motion Taxonomy and Motion Code Embedding

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:31:47 GMT

Advantages: Improves Recognition Accuracy Enables Reusable and Modular Motion Patterns Enhances Adaptability Reduces Manual Programming Effort Improves Task Planning and Execution Summary: Robots face limitations in performing human-like manipulation tasks such as grasping, assembling, and handling objects due to the absence of a structured and adaptable motion framework. Existing methods rely on task-specific motion models, which fail to generalize across tasks or adapt to unfamiliar objects, restricting automation in dynamic sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and service...

Inhibition of Beta-Arrestin 1 and Beta-Arrestin2 Oligomerlzation in Taupathy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:56:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Small molecule inhibitors that target beta-arrestin oligomerization and accumulation of pathogenic tau Novel treatment for tauopathies Could be a therapeutic for numerous neurodegenerative disorders Summary Tau pathology (tauopathy) is a prevailing hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Our researchers have shown that beta-arrestin is increased in FTLD and plays a significant role in promoting tauopathy in brain. They discovered that β-arrestin oligomers, not monomer...

Sensorimotor Integrator Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:11:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Treats the underlying issue of dystonia and not just the symptoms Can also be used for musicians to increasedexterity The device is portable and uses real time EMG measurement Summary Focal dystonia is a neurological condition in which muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive, twisting movements and abnormal posturing in one part of the body. Currently, botulinum neurotoxin (BNT) is the most common treatment for the disorder; however, it only treats the symptoms.The proposed project is a wearable sensorimotor integrator (WSMI) device that aids pati...

AI Based Model to Predict Conversion Time of MCI Patient to AD Patient

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 07:56:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages Predicts the time of conversion from MCI to AD stage with 93.5% accuracy Computes 95% or 99% confidence limits of predicted conversion time Accurate Prediction Based on AI Summary Alzheimer’s Disease gradually degrades the memory of an individual over time. The process cannot be reversed and there is no known cure. In this technology, individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are studied. These patients are treated and observed to see if their MCI improves or deteriorates. Some patients with MCI remain in that state, while oth...

Pathlength Resolved Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 06:48:57 GMT

Competitive Advantage Superior signal-to-noise ratio Can sample deeper tissues in vivo Based on CW operation that doesn’t require calibration Easy to use and lower cost Summary Data that informs the state of tissue health and function are the fuel that drives several aspects of biomedical research. DCS suffers from critical limitations that inhibit robust clinical use. DCS like most optical techniques is affected by partial volume effects. Thus, the measured blood flow is more sensitive to superficial tissues such as scalp/skull rather than the brain. Secondly,...

Electric Field Assisted Non-Contact (EFAN) Printing and Assembly

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 09:08:21 GMT

Competitive Advantages Ultra-fast low cost R2R mass production Energy and material efficient Increases the sensitivity of the devices Decreases the processing time Applicable for scalable printing electronics with the benefits of no contact Summary As essential components in intelligent systems, printed soft electronics (PSEs) are playing crucial roles in public health, national security, and economics. Innovations in printing technologies are required to promote the broad application of high-performance PSEs at a low cost. However, current printing techniques are s...

A real data driven analytical model to predict happiness

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 04:13:41 GMT

Competitive Advantages Rank the risk factors with respect to the percent of contribution to the happiness scores Identified the significant interactions that influence the happiness score This model can be used strategically to increase the degree of happiness Summary USF inventors have developed this statistical model with the data available on World Happiness Report 2019 website and the information obtained by a poll. The backward elimination process is used to determine the most signiﬁcant contributions of both the individual attributable variables and interactions by el...

Real Data-Driven Nonlinear Analytical Model for Corn Production in the US

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:11:29 GMT

Competitive Advantages Identifies the most important factors to maximize the returns of production Factors ranked by their contributions to the returns Estimates reliable production returns Strategy for a successful maximization of the product returns Strategy to stimulate investor confidence Summary Our researchers have developed a data-driven multivariate nonlinear statistical model that identified seven significant individual contributable factors and six significant contributable interaction terms that accurately predict the returns from corn production in the U.S. from 1975...

Method of Making Lectures More Interactive with Real-Time and Saved Questions and Answers

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 12:03:38 GMT

Competitive Advantages Creates more interactivity in online asynchronous classes Allows for more personalized learning Keeps video answers so that future students may use them Summary Our inventor has developed a method for increased interaction in video learning over distance learning. This is accomplished by two functions in the lecture video. The first is that questions asked by other students show up and the professor’s response can be viewed if the student chooses to. If the student has a question that does not already have an answer, a button asks the professor ...

MAST Gas Loader Cell

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:17:19 GMT

Advantages Supports 1.9 mm, 1.3 mm, and 0.7 mm NMR rotors with one universal design Eliminates fragile and costly glass loader systems Minimizes gas waste with low-volume, airtight construction Portable and easy to duplicate or use in series for high-throughput Summary Solid-state NMR spectroscopy often requires loading rotors with isotopically labeled gases under vacuum. Traditional glass gas-loading systems are fragile, costly, and bulky typically handmade by skilled glassblowers who are increasingly unavailable at many institutions. These systems are not scalable, portable,...

Hyper-Graph Search for Real-Time Multi-Robot Task Allocation in a Smart Factory

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 09:11:18 GMT

Advantages Dual objective optimization Scalable performance Energy-efficient planning Real-time decisions Summary Modern smart factories driven by small-batch, customized production face a pressing need for flexible, energy-efficient robot coordination that can adapt instantly to changing demands. Existing Multi-Robot Task Allocation (MRTA) techniques like linear programming, heuristics, or auction models often collapse under dynamic workloads, either sacrificing decision speed or compromising task quality. These limitations obstruct scalable automation and increase energy overhe...

Cistron Mediated Intrinsic Interferon and Antiviral Response in Human Placenta

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:27:00 GMT

Competitive Advantages Predict susceptibility for infection or severity of infection in pregnant women Reduced viral infections during pregnancy Protection of both maternal and fetal health against infections Uses the placenta at the maternal-fetal interfaces for antiviral response Summary Viral infections during pregnancy have often caused devastating effects on preganancy outcome, fetal development, and maternal health. Since the defense against pathogens during pregnancy conflicts with the tolerance to the allogenic fetus, the placenta at the maternal-fetal interfaceshas developed...

AI-Enhanced Imaging for Measuring Infarcted Volumes in Stroke Patients

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:00:28 GMT

Advantages: Automatically analyzes 3D brain scans across multiple imaging modalities Detects and quantifies ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke volumes Identifies distal vessel occlusions using CT-angiography segmentation Provides a quantitative foundation for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up Summary Stroke diagnosis is time-critical, but analyzing complex 3D imaging data like CT and MRI can delay treatment decisions. Clinicians must rely on manual interpretation, which is time-consuming and often lacks quantitative precision especially when tracking subtle changes in stroke s...

Loading Optimization Device - Rifle (LOD-R)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:59:04 GMT

Competitive Advantages • Can specify how many rounds to be loaded • Lightweight, portable and ergonomic device • Can accommodate different rifle platforms and ammunition sizes • Works at the flip of a switch Summary Researchers at USF have developed a device that is a fully automated solution for magazine loading. The prototype allows for users to insert an unloaded magazine and flip a switch. Once turned on, a loaded magazine is provided as an output. This device can accommodate many different...

Characterization and Manipulation of Adipose Stem Cell Depots to a Metabolically Healthy State

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:54:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Successfully reprograms obese omental ASCs Increases the amount of metabolically healthy subcutaneous-like adipose Reduction in obesity comorbidities Metabolic disease treatment option Summary USF researchers have developed a method of reprogramming obese omental ASCs into a metabolically healthier subcutaneous-like lineage. The ASCs for this study were extracted from subcutaneous and omental depots from both a lean and obese donor. Differences were found in stem cell markers, exosome contents and senescence. Senescence is typically a negative cellular cha...

Apertured Waveguides for Electromagnetic Wave Transmission

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:33:57 GMT

Competitive Advantages Light-weight cost-lowering structure Fast and easy manufacturing using an inkjet 3-D printer High power handling Low insertion loss Summary USF inventors have developed a meshed rectangular structure that has high transmission-per-unit-weight performance. To prove the effect of meshed walls, our inventors have 3-D printed and tested a set of Ku band meshed filters and rectangular waveguides. The transmission-per -unit-weight performance of the manufactured elements were superior to the standard, non-meshed ...

Cell-Selective Gene Editing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:33:01 GMT

Competitive Advantages: Reduced toxicity High flexibility Ability to edit multiple genes and target multiple cell types Summary: Modified mRNA-based therapeutics hold great promise for numerous untreatable diseases. The potential advantages of modified mRNA biomolecules include reduced toxicity, decreased activation of the innate immune pathway, and improved translation in virtually all cell types, including non-dividing cells by circumventing nuclear localiza-tion. Additionally, modified mRNA provides enormous flexibility with respect to produ...

Bluetooth Adjustable Wheelchair Headrest

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:32:32 GMT

Our inventors have created a multi-directional adjustable wheelchair headrest that can be controlled through a mobile device via Bluetooth. The system includes a universal mountain system with a headrest that connects to a linear translational and rotational assembly. This system enables users to adjust their headrest unassisted to better-suit daily activities (i.e., driving, watching a movie, eating, etc.) and attain appropriate upper body posture on a daily basis. The universal mounting and power systems of the headrest provide the flexibility to connect it to any wheelchair and draw its pow...

Design of a Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Tissue Removal Device: “Morceshaver” (Tissue Morcellator)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:26:32 GMT

Competitive Advantages Cutting and transporting tissue in an all in one design Reducing surgical fatigue Reducing surgery time Summary USF inventors have successfully designed a safe, ergonomic, and time efficient laparoscopic tissue removal device for use during traditional and complex hysterectomy surgeries. An advantage is its all-in-one design which gives the ability to both cut and transport tissue, reducing the possibility of leaving unwanted tissue within the body cavity. This is accomplished with a retractable sheath that safely houses the cutting blades. The sheath can b...

Hemolysis Sensor

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:25:47 GMT

Competitive Advantages Detects hemolysis without plasma separation Provides immediate quantitative results High sensitivity Shortens diagnostic time Summary Our researchers have developed a novel optical spectroscopy probe with a distal tip and a microfluidic filtering chamber that allows entrance to liquids but not to particles. This device can analyze liquid samples for various purposes including for the detection of hemolysis in a whole blood sample without plasma separation. The concentration of a drug in a particular liquid sample can also be determined. This device allows for hi...

Sports Injury Surveillance Registry

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:16:44 GMT

Competitive Advantages Captures incidence, prevalence, risk factor and exposure information A single place for national, state and local injury surveillance registries for adolescents Summary USF researchers have developed a software that will analyze the data and determine the significant relationship between the variables and sport injury in high school athletics. Data was collected from 10 public high schools with the fact at least 1700 athletes in these schools expected to be injured annually. Use of this software/database will allow for obtaining standardized injury surveilla...

Free Needle with Jam Cleat

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:15:43 GMT

Free needles are manufactured in a variety of sizes and contours. The common feature across all free needles is that the opening (or ‘eye’) through which the suture passes in order to be engaged in the free needle is generally oval shaped with no mechanism to lock the suture in place, allowing the suture to escape with little force. Alternative designs of eyes have been developed to lock the suture more securely but it requires a significant amount to time to ‘load’ the suture. This invention is a modification of free needles to prevent suture escape during s...

Adaptive Tests of Temporal Resolutions (ATTR)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:11:53 GMT

Competitive Advantages Simple software which does not require specialized hardware Efficient measure of gap detection in patients ranging from 7 to 85 years Stable and sensitive Summary The Adaptive Test of Temporal Resolution (ATTR) is a software program that implements standard psychophysical laboratory procedures (adaptive testing with 2I/2AFC), without the need for specialized hardware beyond a standard desktop computer equipped with a sound card. ATTR is a clinical audiology test that has been used to measure gap detection among patients aged 7 to 85 years. Results of multiple stu...

Heme Overdrive Rewires Pan-Cancer Cell Metabolism

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:41:10 GMT

Competitive Advantages Targets cancer metabolic vulnerability to iron consumption Method is cancer specific Can be used against all cancers as a universal model Summary Iron is essential for cell growth and replication, but aggressive or metastasized cancers often rely on large iron levels, named an “iron-addiction” status. Contrary to healthy cells which synthesize early precursor, intermediate, and heme end products for survival, cancer cells only require certain genes for accumulation of heme intermediates and end products for survival. Thi...

System and Method for Machine-to-Machine Communication in Internet-of-Things Networks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:40:00 GMT

Competitive Advantages Significant throughput increase Low complexity and energy efficient Lower channel access delay Scalable to crowded networks Summary USF inventors have developed a Beamforming Slotted Aloha Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (BF-SA-NOMA) random access protocol that is easy to implement, scalable and tailored for the limited complexity requirements of IoT devices. The protocol uses multiple hypothesis testing to determine the number of active IoT devices in the medium and backs off to conserve power by limiting computations if the medium is too crowded. The prot...

Systems and Methods for Electronic Neurologic Vibratory Sense Evaluation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:39:45 GMT

Advantages Provides highly accurate vibratory sense measurements Eliminates reliance on verbal cues, reducing patient bias Uses a standardized vibration pattern for precise, repeatable testing Determines the exact threshold of sensation with amplitude-based measurement Removes inconsistencies caused by traditional tuning fork methods Summary Neurologists assess vibratory sense as part of routine neurological exams, typically using a 128 Hz tuning fork. The patient is asked to verbally indicate when they feel and stop feeling the vibration. However, this method is unreliable because i...

Power System Stabilizer for Voltage Source Converters

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:38:31 GMT

Competitive Advantages Significantly enhances stability in weak grids and increases power delivery limits Multi-input multimode operation supporting both Type-3 and Type-4 grids Prevents and increases system robustness against oscillations and generator trips Summary Our researchers have configured feedback control circuitry to modulate either the power order or the dc-link voltage reference in order to control coupling between voltage and power. This grid-side vector-based controller monitors d-axis converter current and PCC voltage to enhance operation for VSCs in both power control ...

A Novel Bacteriophage Lysin-Human Defensin Fusion Protein Against Clostridium difficile

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:36:37 GMT

Competitive Advantages Bypasses antibacterial resistance More effective than metronidazole and vancomycin Works over a range of pHs Inhibits cytotoxicity of Toxin B Summary Our inventors have developed a novel fusion protein that is the combination of a human defensin and the lysis protein of a bacteriophage called LHD. LHD bypasses antibiotic resistance by not being an antibiotic drug. LHD was shown to lyse C. difficile at lower minimum inhibitory concentration than top antibiotics like metronidazole and vancomycin. It has also been shown to be effective over a range of pHs, wo...

Bio Acoustic Signal Feature Extraction and Pattern Recognition Framework

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:36:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Accurate abnormality classification Accurate sinus rhythm recognition Novel feature extraction and machine framework Quantitatively validated results Summary USF researchers have developed a machine learning framework to identify the patterns of cardiac sounds. The acoustic sounds are obtained from the body site and are preprocessed to identify the denoised heart sound using a segmentation and wavelet decomposition framework. To characterize the healthy and unhealthy heart sounds, multiscale energy feature was developed and obtained for the segmented denoi...

Learning State-Dependent Sensor Measurement Model for Localization

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:33:38 GMT

Competitive Advantages Utilizes a stochastic approach Accurately estimates noise Accurately estimates measurement bias Does not require a precomputed noise covariance Summary USF inventors have devised a novel concept called stochastic perception or the ability for a robot to dynamically estimate the measurement model given the states of a robot and its environment. This method uses conditional probabilistic model to train itself and later predict the measurement model. This novel concept has a wide range of applications in the field of robotics, as it helps to estimate the measuremen...

Antibiofilm terpenoids derived from the Antarctic sponge Dendrilla membranosa

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:33:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages New natural products and derivatives that are effective at eradicating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms Not cytotoxic to mammalian cells Summary Biofilms are formed by all bacterial species. In the context of human disease, biofilms are the driving force behind many chronic infections, including UTIs, upper respiratory infections and periodontitis. Biofilms also form on implanted devices, such as catheters, artificial joints, pacemakers, and pins/plates. Interventions strategies targeting multi‑drug resistant ...

Tau as a Biomarker for Low Grade Glioma (LLG) and Neuroblastoma Patients

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:33:00 GMT

Competitive Advantages A prognostic biomarker for LGG and neuroblastoma May be used to develop new treatments May increase patient survivability Summary The association of the MAPT gene (microtubule-associated protein Tau), which encodes Tau protein, with various tauopathies and other neurological disorders has long been established. However, the role of Tau in brain cancers, and specifically, low-grade glioma, has not been explored. USF researchers have discovered a new biomarker for a more accurate prognosis for both LGG and pediatric neuroblastoma patients. RNASeq data from ...

Slotted Aloha-NOMA (SAN) for Massive M2M Communication in loT Networks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:31:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages Higher signal throughput Salable, flexible, energy efficient Low complexity Addresses sporadic traffic pattern of IoT devices Summary USF inventors have developed an improved signal transmission protocol capable of resolving the throughput degradation due to collisions in IoT networks and significantly increasing the system throughput in comparison with other random access protocols. The new protocol, dubbed Slotted Aloha-NOMA (SAN), achieves high throughput efficiency in an IoT network, meaning a larger number of devices can connect to the internet more efficie...

Dynamic Lidar Beam Shape and Focusing Capability for Enhanced Lidar Detection of Tenuous and Spatially Distributed Targets

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:30:30 GMT

Competitive Advantages Real-time dynamic beam shaping Improves autonomous driving Increases backscattered LiDAR signal Increases reliable detection range Summary Researchers at USF have developed a dynamic real-time multi LiDAR beam shaping and detection method by adopting dynamic focusing. This invention allows microcontrollers the ability to create multiple LiDAR beams simultaneously and tailor the combined transmitted beam in real time, so that the fraction of laser light intercepted and backscattered by the target is increased. The beam is shaped using various of mirror and ...

Using Artificial Noise to Maximize Capacity and Secrecy of MIMO Transmitters That Use Analog/Hybrid/Codebook Based Digital Precoders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:29:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased capacity and secrecy Modifies only transmitter; standard receiver is used Compatible with old standards Summary We have devised a creative approach where artificial noise, that reduces the mismatch between the transmitted signal and the signal that would be received at the desired receiver, is transmitted in the case of a predetermined combiner in an effort to maximize capacity and secrecy. The transmitted artificial noise minimizes the error at the desired receiver while it increases the error at eavesdroppers. The invention is inherently designed to e...

Advanced Cutin Thin Protective Films

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:27:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages Inexpensive production costs Protects against extreme temperatures Does not crack or corrode Flexible coating film Summary We have developed sustainable cutin films from cacti that can be synthesized for functional coating applications. These films are thin, strong, and protective. Further, they do not increase friction and exhibit properties similar to those found on the outer surface of cacti. These films are inexpensive to produce and are very flexible, making them ideal to coat the surface of countless devices including wind turbines. This technology c...

Bio-Enriched Soil Technologies (BEST)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:26:36 GMT

Competitive Advantages Attracts, stores, and transports water and nutrient molecules Allows plants to grow in radical climates More energy created from biofuels Improved food production Summary Farming depletes a lot of water as the water irrigation systems cover large soil areas. Our researchers have modeled and studied how to increase the ability of soil to hold water for an extended time and to prevent soil systems from drying by adding cactus mucilage, which keeps the zone where plant roots are found wetter in dry soil. BEST entails enriching soil with cactus mucilage option...

Sensor System for Sedentary Behavior and Weight Monitoring

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:25:59 GMT

Competitive Advantages Non-intrusive to user Continuous monitoring ability Maintenance-free Ideal for telemedicine application Summary Changes in weights, fluctuations in sedentary behaviors, and daytime somnolence of users can be an early indicator of adverse health events such as depression and worsening heart disease. Devices in the market monitoring these health conditions are mats made up of two conductive fabrics separated by an insulating layer placed under bed sheets or couch pillows. These designs cannot monitor weights and are unreliable. These mat-like devices are intr...

SCARF - A Secured Cloud File System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:25:33 GMT

Advantages Prevents accidental data leaks Enhances cloud storage security with dual-layer protection Defends against malicious search agents Integrates seamlessly with existing cloud systems Summary The increasing reliance on cloud computing has exposed organizations to the significant risk of data breaches and accidental leaks, often caused by human error or misconfigured cloud storage settings. Such incidents can lead to severe financial losses, brand reputation damage, and compromised user privacy. With the growing complexity of cloud environments and the surge in malicious exploit...

Sporozoite Cryopreservation Compositions and Methods

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:24:09 GMT

Competitive Advantages Retains significantly high viablility Effective for plasmodium research Application in whole-parasite vaccine Key role in liver stage research Summary We have developed a novel method to allow the harvested sporozoites to be cryopreserved and thawed effectively. This method will allow the sporozoites to retain a significantly high viability and infectivity at 70% or greater, which is a substantial improvement when compared to the current standard. Retaining such a high viability and sporozoite functionality overcomes the limitations presented previously in Plasm...

OFDM Reception Under High Adjacent Channel Interference While Preserving Frame Structure

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:37:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages Efficiently support various applications and wireless channel conditions Improve the capacity of OFDM reception Backward compatible with signals transmitted from legacy devices Summary USF has proposed a technology which exploits the characteristics of the Hanning window to improve the capacity of the OFDM reception. The Hanning window is used to reject the adjacent channel interference at the cost of intercarrier interference, and the introduced interference is canceled with proposed techniques while preserving frame structure. Gains can be made without modifyin...

System and Method for Non-invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:36:58 GMT

Advantages Battery-less maintenance-free low production and maintenance cost system Accurate real-time measurements Completely wireless operation in no-cost unlicensed bands Summary Our researchers have developed a novel glucose monitoring system with the antenna on the external surface of the body. The glucose concentration in the blood is determined by the sensor on the blood vessel with shift in the resonant frequency. These variations of resonant frequency are displayed in glucose levels. With the implementation of this system architecture, an accurate, real time assessment o...

A Spring-Loaded Device for Eliciting Deep Tendon Reflexes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:35:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages An easy to use, repeatable and consistent operation Compact, durable, and reusable Effective in obesity and muscle contractures Cost-effective Summary USF researchers have invented a device which specifically tests deep tendon reflexes. This device improves upon current methods and is effective when used on patients with limb contractures or obesity. To operate, the device is pressed against the desired tendon. Pressure against the patient’s skin releases a spring-loaded mass which delivers force to t...

Nanostructured and Micro-Structured Extremely High Surface Area (EHSA) Materials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:33:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages Easy to manufacture High absorption properties Reduces noise in spectral measurements Summary USF inventors have developed an Extremely High Surface Area (EHSA) material composed of an array of needle like structures covered in nanoparticles. The surface of the materials has superior ability to absorb radiation. These materials can potentially be used for military applications as a coating agent to reduce radar signatures. It also finds applications in vacuum tube electron devices, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectroscopy and electron spectros...

N-amino peptide beta-sheet mimics for the treatment of amyloid diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:31:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages May slow or stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease progression Disrupts beta-sheet aggregation Can treat several neurodegenerative disorders Summary USF researchers have developed an innovative method to disrupt amyloid aggregation for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and related disorders. This invention includes the synthesis and development of short N-aminated peptides. These backbone aminated peptides mimic beta-sheet protein secondary structure and effectively disrupt beta-sheet association and aggregation events important in ...

Radio Frequency Doppler Spread Emulators

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:28:28 GMT

Competitive Advantages Compact Simple design Easy to control Inexpensive Summary USF inventors developed a novel RF Domain Doppler Emulator. This new technology measures signal characteristics under frequency dispersive channel conditions for a variety of mobile and wireless applications. The emulator is compact and easy to control. The design focuses on applying the channel on its input in RF domain. Therefore, it does not require an expensive conversion of RF signal into and out of the digital domain. This novel technology has great potential to benefit the wireless and high speed c...

Combined Minimization of Intersymbol Interference and Adjacent Channel Interference

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:27:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Compatible with legacy structures Relaxes guard band requirements Reduces temporal redundancy and latency Improved reliability, capacity and data rate Summary USF researchers have developed an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based signal reception algorithm that enhances communication performance by adaptively mitigating the total interference at each resource element that results due to insufficiency of costly guard resources. The method helps enable high throughput reliable communication services while increasing the number of served users. S...

One Active Layer Based Multicolored Chromic Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:26:08 GMT

Advantages Various color changes Controlled color changes Fast response time with long lifespan of the device Summary It has been a challenge to obtain primary, purple, or magenta colors in electrochromic (EC) devices from dark colors that are stable. In general the EC device contains dye which is electrochemically active but a higher oxidation or higher reduction potential could easily break the dye. Therefore, darker colors were not able to been synthesized earlier which limited the application of EC devices. With an ever growing demand for stable and lasting EC devi...

Noninvasive System and Method for Mapping Epileptic Networks and Surgical Planning

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:24:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Automatically map patient’s unique brain network from non-concurrent data Calculate surgery success chance Plans surgery and describes to surgeon on 3D map of patient’s brain Summary USF inventors created a method that automatically processes and merges non-concurrent EEG data and rsfMRI data to create a 3D map of the patient’s functional brain network. The software is further for precisely identifying candidates that are likely to respond to surgery. The software then creates a targeted surgical plan for those patients and describes the plan to...

Ultra Low Noise Transimpedence Amplifier for Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:23:01 GMT

Competitive Advantages High sensitivity Low power consumption Improved accuracy and range for blood glucose measurements Decreased noise from measurements Summary USF inventors have created an ultra low noise and power transimpedance amplifier (TIA) to be used with a glucose meter. A multistage complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) TIA system has been designed. This novel technology has multiple advantages, including low power consumption, low input impedance, and low noise. Layout design of proposed Cascade Common Source TIA with biasing circuit Desired Par...

Method of Instantaneously Determine Concrete Strength while Coring or Drilling

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:14:18 GMT

Competitive Advantages Estimates the strength of concrete Reduces the size of the equipment Smaller diameter hole Reduces the consumption time Summary Researchers at USF have developed a technology that uses data collected from a core drill in order to determine the compressive strength of the concrete instantaneously. The strength is determined instantaneously and continuously over a given length and with a much smaller diameter hole. The method helps to reduce the size of equipment required and the influence of the coring on the structure, while still allowing the extraction o...

Hybrid Algal Photosynthesis and Ion-Exchange (HAPIX) Process for Wastewater Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:13:42 GMT

Competitive Advantages Efficient treatment of high NH4+ concentration wastewater Enhanced algae cultivation through hybrid ion-exchange and photosynthesis systems Optimization using a predictive mathematical model Temporal evolution prediction of NH4+ concentration Summary The technology involves a hybrid system that combines ion-exchange and algae photosynthesis for the cultivation of algae and the treatment of wastewater with high ammonium (NH4+) concentrations. This system is designed to efficiently manage and reduce NH4+ levels in wastewater, leveraging the natural photosynthetic ...

Synthesis of Cannabinoids and Novel Analogs

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:12:25 GMT

Competitive Advantages Inexpensive and scalable synthesis process Commercially available reagent used as starting product Provides a synthesis method for generation of novel analogs Quantification of minor cannabinoids Summary “Medical marijuana” is a hot topic but more biomedical research is needed demonstrating the health benefits the of the different cannabinoids (over 110) that have been identified in the cannabis plant. Harvesting the full medical benefits of the cannabinoids is prevented by two problems, limited supplies and incomplete knowledge of their protei...

Machine Learning Analytics in Real-Time

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:11:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Significantly Improved Processing Speed Improved Accuracy of Machine Learning Analytics Real-time Processing Automated Decision Making Summary USF researchers have created analytic systems with the ability to analyze data in real-time. These analytics take the random nature of changes into account via a control process to speed up the prediction process and provide more accurate decision making procedures. The analytic method combines process control, signal processing, and machine learning analytics together to form a decision making system. This novel me...

A Distributed Control Mechanism for Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems with Unknown Leaders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:10:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Distributed control of heterogeneous (in dynamics and dimension) linear time-invariant multiple systems with unknown external disturbances and unknown leader dynamics The proposed approach paves the way for distributed controlled design which is independent of the external disturbances and the leader dynamics Summary Our researchers have invented a novel control system that utilizes a distributed approach to allow a group of heterogenous dynamic systems (e.g., aerial and ground vehicle teams) working in coherence, which have non identical dynamics and dimension. T...

Charge-withheld converter reshuffling as a countermeasure against DPA attacks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:28:21 GMT

Competitive Advantages No additional power, area and performance overhead Immune to machine learning attacks Nonzero power trace entropy Decorrelates number of activated switch phases from load power consumption Summary Our researchers have developed a power, area, and performance eﬃcient countermeasure against differential power analysis (DPA) attacks. The method developed by USF engineers randomly reshuffles the individual stages within a multiphase switched-capacitor voltage converter. The randomized reshuffling of the converter stages inserts noise to the monitored power pro...

Security-Adaptive Voltage Conversion as a Lightweight Countermeasure Against LPA Attacks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:26:38 GMT

Competitive Advantages Joint and integrated mitigation of LPA and DPA provides area efficiency Provides both detection and mitigation of LPA attacks Consumes no additional power in the absence of an LPA attack Summary USF inventors have developed a security-adaptive (SA) voltage regulator to meet this need with a negligible overhead. The SA voltage converter design is based on the CoRe voltage converter which inherently protects the regulator against DPA SCAs, but is modified to monitor LPA attacks through the clock frequency. During normal and idle operation, the regulator operates as...

Using Sunlight to Produce Hydrogen Fuel: Novel p-n Based Photoelectrochemical Cell

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:25:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Significantly higher efficiency Stable solid state cells Eliminates photo-corrosion Provides higher range of potential Summary Our inventors have designed a photoanode that uses alpha-hematite (α-Fe2O3), which has a much lower band gap than TiO2. The use of alpha-hematite is very attractive as it provides an efficiency of 16% when converting solar energy to hydrogen. In addition to low band gap, other benefits to using alpha-hematite are low cost, high chemical stability, nontoxicity, and abundance of materials. To improve the performance, the photoanode i...

Mixed Metal Oxide Extrudate Catalyst

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:24:37 GMT

Competitive Advantages Good conversion activity Highly resistant to coke formation Better mass transfer Higher surface area/pore volume Summary USF researchers have developed improved NiMg/Ce0.6Zr0.4O2 pellet catalysts for biogas tri-reforming. The technology utilized biogas to produce syngas (H2 and CO) via reforming technologies followed by Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) to produce higher value products. Inventors have developed a method for economical and efficient production of syngas from biogas extruded catalyst pellets. These pellets exhibit catalytic performance with both sur...

Treatment of Brain Injuries Using Exosomes from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Insulin

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:22:04 GMT

Competitive Advantages Promotes neuronal survival and regeneration Easy isolation in large quantities Minimal immune response Potential therapeutic application to treat brain injuries Summary USF researchers have demonstrate that hASC secrete factors which enhance the regeneration and survival of neurons. Exosomes from the hASC showed increased levels of MALAT1, which enhance Protein Kinase C delta (PKCδII) expression. Increased PKCδII then increases survival and proliferation mechanisms in neurons via the Bcl2 protei...

Systems and Methods for Generating Symmetric Cryptographic Keys

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:21:02 GMT

Competitive Advantages Confidentiality Secure communication Time– and location-limited cryptographic keys Compatibility with NIST and PCI requirements Summary USF inventors created a system to establish confidential communication channels by generating time and location-limited symmetric-cryptographic keys. This system transmits confidential information only in cipher-texts, therefore ensuring the data is secure. It never stores secret keys except temporarily in volatile memory between the generation of a key and encryption...

GAS5 mediated metabolic regulation in neurodegenerative diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:19:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages • Potential diagnosis and treatment of sporadic, late onset Alzheimer’s disease (sAD) • Allows for early detection of AD • Novel compound to increase lncRNA levels for in vivo sAD treatment Summary Using transcriptomics, scientists at USF have shown that GAS5 is significantly reduced in patients older than 65 years of age. They have further demonstrated that APP/PS1 mice, that exhibit AD pathology, showed decreased GAS5 levels in brain. GAS5 affects multiple pathways promoting the o...

Treating Pathological Tau Aggregates by Inhibiting the HSP90 Activator AHA1

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:18:29 GMT

Competitive Advantages Targets underlying pathology of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies Cell studies show inhibition of Hsp 90 co-factor Aha1 reduces tau aggregation HSP90 and its co-factors provide novel drug target for future research Summary Pathogenic tau aggregation is one of the major hallmarks associated with Alzheimer’s disease and a number of other tauopathies. The microtubule‑associated protein tau forms neurotoxic aggregates that promote cognitive deficits in tauopathies. The 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) cha...

Small Molecule Regulators of PTEN Activity

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:41:09 GMT

Advantages Peptidomimetics directly enhances PTEN's lipid phosphatase activity and reduces oncogenic PI3K/AKT signaling α-AApeptides allosterically modulate PTEN at specific binding interfaces, enhancing phosphatase activity while minimizing unintended cellular effects By improving PTEN function, α-AApeptides can complement current treatments such as standard chemotherapy or targeted kinase inhibitors α-AApeptides could provide broad utility wherever PTEN function is compromised, opening avenues for treating various cancers beyond lung adenocarcinoma Summ...

A Single Active Layer Electrochromic Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:40:06 GMT

Competitive Advantages Simplified structure Cost efficient Single active layer Reversible color change Summary We have discovered a technique to create cost effective electrochromic devices with a single active layer without sacrificing any functionality. A single active layer is placed between two conducting glass plates to make the device. The composition and thickness of the active layer has the ability to be varied in order to produce reversible color change at various voltages. The electrochromic device has a wid...

Electrochemical 3D Printing and Soldering

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:39:32 GMT

Advantages 3D printing independent of type of substrate Improved hydrogen evolution assisted electroplating Both printing and soldering Low-cost and faster process Summary Our inventors have enhanced the 3D printing method for rapid and localized deposition of electrochemical metal on various substrates with low melting points. Currently, the hydrogen evolution assisted method is used to electroplate on materials with low melting points, and can be used for both printing and soldering metal tracks. The devised method improves upo...

Systems and Methods for Monitoring Heart Rate Variability

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:38:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages Non-invasive Real time Easily applied Summary Given the potentially grave consequences of hypercapnia, it is critical to detect its onset as early as possible, preferably before symptoms appear. Currently, the most accurate way in which hypercapnia is detected is by performing an arterial blood gas panel. While such a procedure is effective, it is invasive, time-intensive, and requires specialized equipment to perform chemical analysis of the individual’s blood. Our scientists have developed a simple, non-inva...

Thermoelectric flow cloaking via metamaterials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:26:03 GMT

Competitive Advantages Bi-functional cloak Independent of boundary conditions Ability to operate in thermal as well as electric regimes External heat and electric currents are not affected Summary USF researchers have developed a novel method to create a thermoelectric cloak capable of hiding objects from thermoelectric flow. This method is independent of any boundary conditions and can operate in different single domain regimes. The cloak also does not disturb the coupled external heat and electric currents. To achieve this, tra...

Distributed Spatial Control of Swarms via Multiplex Information Networks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:24:47 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased density and spatial control among multiple autonomous vehicles Control of multi-agent systems General linear dynamics Summary USF researchers have developed a novel generalized multiplex information network architecture which utilizes multiplex information networks for formation density control of multi-agent systems. This novel approach is a great way to improve the network operating multiple autonomous vehicles and provide for more precise density, spatial distribution, and control. The novel information network architecture allows ...

Electrospun Semiconductive Organic Nanofiber P-N Junctions

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:21:41 GMT

Competitive Advantages New structure for organic semiconductive electronics Single process step of electrospinning Fabrication of coaxial and nanostructures Synchronized parallel sensing Summary USF inventors have developed a single-step process to provide a new structure for organic semiconductive electronics, prepared by electrospinning a P-N junction of organic semiconductive and conductive polymers for electrical devices. This invention has the novelty of fabricating a core/shell nanofiber using organic semiconductive and conductive polymers, which are critical in the fabric...

On-Body, Inward-Facing Antennas

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:20:48 GMT

Competitive Advantages Low-cost low-profile flexible design High efficiency over wide operating band-width Highly directive antenna radiation patterns toward the body part in interest Summary USF inventors developed an antenna that is surrounded by multiple continuous Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) structures which satisfies the requirements described above while ensuring that the majority of the signal being acquired by the sensor is attained from the body and less from the outside environment. The radiation pattern measurements of this antenna unmasks significant shortcomings of other...

Superhydrophobic Materials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:19:39 GMT

Summary Our inventors have developed a method to impart superhyrdrophobicity or amphiphobicity on porous materials while maintaining gas permeability. This property is a pioneering invention to protect crystalline porous materials under various chemical environments. The treated porous materials resist all kinds of liquids, but allow the adsorption/permeation of gases. These materials may have many important applications in a variety of fields such as microelectronics, medicine and military. Wettability Tests and Vapor Sorption Performance Desired Partnerships Li...

Orthoplanar Spring Based 3-Axis Compliant Force/Torque Sensor

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:16:06 GMT

Competitive Advantages • Cost-effective manufacturing • High reliability • Highly compact • High force control stability Summary In order to introduce safety and to reduce the cost, our inventors have developed a 3-axis compliant force/torque sensor based on an orthoplanar spring which employs Hall effect sensing. The orthoplanar spring provides the beneficial passive compliance, while force and toques are sensed using Hall effect sensors. Orthoplanar springs are compact and simple while the Ha...

Novel Magneto-LC Resonance Technology for Real-Time Respiratory Motion Monitoring

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:14:45 GMT

Competitive Advatanges Real-time respiratory monitoring More accurate and faster than existing methods Monitors breathing patterns and period rhythm Real-time motion monitoring Summary Our researchers have invented a novel respiratory monitoring device, based on a microwire coil magneto-LC resonance sensor. This sensor detects the varying position of a small magnetic field source for real-time, non-contact respiratory monitoring of a patient. When compared to existing technologies on the market, this technology has been shown to be more accurate, faster and cost-effective. Imple...

Peptibodies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:12:49 GMT

Competitive Advantages AF target specific More effective than existing channel blocking methods Potent blocker of IKACh channel Safer pharmacotherapeutic profile Summary Inventors at USF have bioengineered a peptibody which has proven to be a potent blocker of the acetylcholine activated inward rectifier current (IKACh). IKACh plays an important role in chronic AF, making this potassium current a compelling therapeutic target. The bioengineered peptibody developed is a fusion protein between previously studied anti-IKACh peptides, TertiapinQ and human IgG1 Fc. Both Tertiapin Q a...

MM-Wave Wireless Channel Control using Spatially Adaptive Antenna Arrays

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:11:05 GMT

Competitive Advantages Enhanced wireless channel gain and system capacity 7.8 dB improvement in SIR Maximized signal power and reduced fading Low-cost, compact and efficient devices Summary USF scientists propose wireless channel control by means of spatial-ly adaptive antennas where the phase of each multipath compo-nent is affected by the position of the antenna array. The objective, therefore, is to find the best array position that will help attain maximum signal power and reduced fading. Spatial displacement of the antenna array improves system reliability and provides addi-tiona...

Antimicrobial Activity of Diamino Compounds Against Drug-Resistant A. Baumannii

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:09:27 GMT

Competitive Advantages Strong bactericidal activity with limited damage toward human cells Proven effective against drug-resistant MRSA Low incidence of resistance by A. baumannii vs. competitive compounds Summary Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified compounds that have proven to be effective against Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen known to be resistant to multiple existing antibiotics. They previously determined that N2,N4-disubstituted quinazoline-2,4-diamines proved effective in disrupting biofilms as wel...

Chromatographic Editing of Complex Mixtures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:05:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Modifies complex extracts from plants Prepare pharmaceutical compositions Applicable to other complex mixtures Summary Our researchers have developed a method of modifying complex extracts in which components or mixtures of components are selectively removed or added, thus providing a complex mixture that does not naturally occur. The method involves a selective deletion chromatography technique to prepare a composition which has a refined therapeutic effect. The complex extract can be an extract obtained from one or more plants, e.g., an extract obta...

Metal Oxide-based Biocompatible Hybrid Sorbent for the Extraction and Enrichment of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters and Related Compounds and Method of Making

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:03:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages Extreme pH stability Reversible sorption properties High analyte desorption efficiency Derivatization from traditional polymeric sorbents no longer required Excellent sensitivity enhancement factor Summary The metal oxide-based sol-gel hybrid sorbent method of production developed by our scientists overcomes the shortcomings inherent in conventional sorbents and provides a facile capillary microextraction procedure for effective extraction and enrichments of catecholamines and related molecules. Such sorbents incorporate structural and compositional features th...

A Method of Treating Colorectal Cancer Using Atypical Protein Kinase C Inhibitors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:01:49 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduces colorectal cancer cell growth and proliferation Does not harm healthy cells Applicable as anti-atypical PKC therapy Summary USF scientists have discovered that by inhibiting PKC-iota and PKC-zeta with certain drugs (ACPD, DNDA and ICA-1), a significant decrease in cancer cell proliferation is shown. Furthermore, an additional protein kinase inhibitor (zeta-Stat) demonstrated an increase in colorectal cancer cell death without compromising normal colon cell health. This novel method could improve treatments in colorectal cancer. Percentage Inhibi...

Inhibition of Formation of Amyloid β-Protein Fibrils Using Cactus Mucilage Extracts

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 13:01:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Alternative therapy for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease Treats underlying pathology instead of symptoms Few adverse side effects Summary Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder and is the primary cause of senile dementia worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically characterized by the formation of amyloid beta peptide plaques within the brain. Therefore, the disruption of the pathway to amyloid beta aggregation could serve as a promising approach to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The prickly pear ...

Multi-Purpose Self-Contained Robotic Gripper

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:47:59 GMT

Competitive Advantages Integrated camera, proximity and eight force sensors Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet and USB connectivity Software library for customization Summary Researchers at USF have developed a gripper that is customizable for multiple applications as it can handle various object shapes with controllable pressure at a fraction of the cost of currently available commercial units. This technology will empower individuals to utilize robotic grippers in a wider array of applications. It uses readily available cross-platform software interfaces which will enable users to control th...

aPKC Inhibitor for Treatment of Diabetes and Neurodegenerative Diseases and Disorders

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:46:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduces both hyperinsulinemia & AD pathology Blood-Brain Barrier permeable Bimolecular specific inhibitor Prevents neurodegeneration Summary Numerous conclusions obtained from clinical data indicate a link between insulin resistance and an increase in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) susceptibility. An overexpression of brain atypical Protein Kinase C (aPKC) by insulin leads to increased hallmarks of AD such as beta plaque and neurofibrillary tangles. Current treatments for hyperinsulinemia only modestly improve it while neglecting to address the indirect effe...

MicroRNA-based Therapy for Infantile Hemangioma (IH)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:45:48 GMT

Competitive Advantages Gene Editing Therapy to inhibit overexpressed C19MC promoter region commonly found in IH Reduces cell proliferation & decreases cell migration Ameliorates potential side effects A non-invasive surgical method Summary Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors in childhood. Until recently, the role of miRNAs in the onset and progression of IH had never been investigated. Our scientists have recently shown a significant upregulation of the chromosome 19 miRNA cl...

A Lamina-Emergent Frustum Using Bistable Collapsible Compliant Mechanism

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:45:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Exhibits perfect bistable behavior Provides a shape-changing structure that morphs from a planar lamina to a cone Can be manufactured on microscale Summary Our inventors have designed a cone structure using bistable col-lapsible compliant mechanism technology. The transformation from a planar lamina shape to a cone shape requires only small pulling or compressing force to switch between the two states. This new mechanism is utilized in a lamina-emergent cone, and is based on transforming a polygon spiral into spatial...

Quinolone-Based Compounds, Formulations, and Uses Thereof

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:29:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages High aqueous solubility Targets multiple stages of malaria Effective against multidrug resistant malaria strains Prevents malaria infections and treats current infections Summary USF researchers have developed quinolone-based compounds and methods of treatment that can be used to prevent and treat malaria. A quinolone is class of antibiotics used to treat a large variety of infections, and is known to exhibit antiplasmodial and antimalarial activity. Specifically, USF researchers have optimized a series of ...

Cardioprotective Activity of Nampt Activator in Diabetic Mice

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:27:53 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased cardio protection Provides improved glucose tolerance An anti-diabetic agent Safe for long term use Summary USF researchers have investigated a novel pharmaceutical compound, known as P7C3. This compound was found to be a nicotinamide phosporiibosyltransferese (Nampt) activator and exhibited anti-ischemic cardioprotective activity in mice. Nampt is a known modulator of the physiological complications that lead to diabetic arrhythmogenesis. Additional co-morbidities of diabetic patients include hig...

Threshold Voltage-Defined Switches for Programmable Gates

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:27:08 GMT

Competitive Advantages Switch leaves no layout trace Helps resist Reverse Engineering (RE) Resist intellectual property piracy Logic gates are visually identical but not functionally Summary Inventors at USF have developed a novel switch that can be used in conjunction with nominal threshold voltage transistors to camouflage the gate. Transistor threshold voltage-defined switches can camouflage a logic gate both logically and physically to resist against reverse engineering and IP piracy. A camouflaged gate can function as one of NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, or XNOR robustly using t...

CyP40 and Amyloid Aggregates

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:25:11 GMT

Summary Our researchers have discovered an empirical way of preventing amyloid aggregates. They investigated CyP40 disaggregase capacity by incubating tau or a‐synuclein ﬁbrils with puriﬁed recombinant CyP40 and found that CyP40 is capable of disrupting amyloid producing protein and preventing the accumulation of amyloid found in many neurodegenerative disorders. This invention has great therapeutic potential to signiﬁcantly arrest progression of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Competitive Advantages Disrupts amyloid ﬁbril aggregation that is a symptom of various ne...

GAS5-binding Small Molecule for Treatment of Diabetes and Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:24:32 GMT

Competitive Advantages Stabilize and increase Gas5 levels Controls glucose metabolism and uptake Multi-faceted and specific therapy Promotes Apoptosis Summary A technique has been developed to diagnose and predict type-2 diabetes mellitus via human GAS5; a long noncoding RNA(LncRNAs). LncRNAs are transcribed by all cell types however their expression levels are fixed to the cell type. This provides a high degree of specificity for its target and mode of action in the biological system. However, due to the presence of STOP codon, none of the transcripts are transcribed into protein and...

Novel Non-Invasive Method for Direct Delivery of Therapeutics to the Spinal Cord

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:23:24 GMT

Summary USF inventors have developed a novel 2 balloon catheter that allows selective, safe, effective, and non-invasive approach to treating specific spinal cord disorders. The catheter’s balloons can be placed with one near and one far from the segmental spinal arteries, inflating them to isolate the region. This, along with the injection port on the shaft between the balloons, allows for the precise and selective delivery of a therapeutic. This will allow the delivery of wide range of therapeutic agents such as pharmacologics, cells, gene therapies etc. Direct delivery of therapeutic...

Sacroiliac Joint Questionnaire

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:21:38 GMT

Summary This invention consisting of two forms (one for the clinician and the one for the patient) captures the most commonly used signs and symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain, including symptomology, pain history, medical history, and social history. This invention also provides sections for reporting and evaluating previous treatments, radiographic and laboratory tests, and physical examinations related to the sacroiliac joint. This information can then be used as a validated way of diagnosing, studying, and reporting sacroiliac joint pain with high degree of accuracy and consistency....

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Using an Implanted SiC Antenna

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:20:49 GMT

Advantages • Eliminates constant pricking for blood samples • No internalized power source • Highly biocompatible Summary Our researchers have developed a novel method and device that would allow for the monitoring of glucose via an implantable passive antenna giving a reliable and accurate reading. This device is made from biocompatible silicon carbide (SiC), which is permanently implanted subcutaneously and communicates with an external-to-the-body transmitting antenna to detect the changes in the blood glucose level. Th...

Standardized Oral Health Assessment and Scoring Using Digital Imaging

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:19:50 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reliable and reproducible results Minimizes expert verification User-friendly Standardized scoring methodology applicable to both humans and animals Summary In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, USF inventors have designed a digital imaging technology that captures an image of the tooth which is then divided into pixels by software. Each pixel on the image is converted into a two-tone colored schematic where the level of plaque buildup or tooth decay is reflected by the yellow-colored saturation...

Antimicrobials From an Epigenetics Based Fungal Metabolite Screening Program

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:15:19 GMT

USF researchers have identified five novel antimicrobial compounds applicable against several drug targets such as ESKAPE pathogens, Leishmania donovani, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), Clostridium diﬃcile, Naegleria fowleri, and cancer. These five compounds were isolated via a fungal metabolite screening program. Each compound exhibited specific bioactivity towards their target using strict activity cut-offs. For example, TB compounds were only included if they showed selective inhibition ≥ 85%, and Naegleria fowleri compounds were only included if they showed >33% inhibition. These no...

Translational Manipulation Polyaxial Screw Head and Adaptation Sphere Saddle

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:13:11 GMT

USF inventors have developed a more efficient osteosurgical screw. This novel monoaxial/polyaxial screw design contains a new “saddle” component with a modified rod rocker and screw head for intraoperative manipulation of the screw in the sagittal direction. This innovative design represents the first surgical screw that has 3 degrees of freedom in both rotation and translational motions, totaling 6 degrees of freedom. By incorporating a specialized series of interlocking parts, this improved screw design maintains the advantages of the increased maneuverability that comes wi...

Hydrocolloid Dressing for Nipple Positioning After Nipple- or Skin-Sparing Mastectomy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:01:21 GMT

Advantages: Symmetric post-operative nipple positioning Decreased neurotic complications Improved circulation after surgery Eliminates need for intraoperative fill and ADM Summary: Our researchers have developed a method of elevating and positioning the nipple/nipple-areolar complex of a patient after unilateral or bilateral NSM or SSM. The method utilizes a hydrocolloid dressing placed over the patient’s breasts which allows the afflicted breast skin and tissue to heal safely, thus permitting the patient's nipple to be...

Design and Kinematic Optimization of a Waterproof Shape-Shifting Surface

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:52:39 GMT

Summary USF inventors have combined the structural integrity of a Shape Shifting Surface (SSS) with the water-tight seal of a flexible plastic sheet to create a surface which would be strong, flexible, and waterproof. Solid mechanisms theory was used to analyze the behavior of the part using the virtual work method. Together, these theories formed the basis of the optimization component of the invention which aimed to reduce stress in the flexure by improving its kinematics (i.e. making its motion more nearly straight-line in X-direction). This method also incorporates the origami membrane th...

3D Tag with Improved Read Range for UHF RFID Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:50:55 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved reading range Reduced size compared to commercially available RFID tag antennas Low cost solution Summary Our researchers have developed a novel RFID tag antenna geometry for UHF Radio frequency identification systems using 3D printing. The antennas were compared to commercially available tags in size, weight, and read distance, showing a read range improvement of 136% (for a threshold power of 30 dBm) with respect to the best tag tested. A reduction in length of 78 % with respect to a planar 2D model was also ac...

Cutin-Like Materials with Advanced Functionalities and Methods of Manufacture

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:45:48 GMT

Competitive Advantages Superior 2-D layered functional coatings Light reflective and UV resistant Anti-microbial properties Withstands extreme temperatures Engineered at the nanoscale Summary Our inventors have engineered and characterized 2-D arrays of CLM for the next generation of 2-D functional coatings and 3-D structures. These CLM can be both engineered at the nanoscale and readily impregnated with metal and metal oxide materials. The coatings may be comprised of naturally derived or synthetic CLM containing fatty acid iron salts, metals, and dielectric materials. The naturally...

Scalable Microcavity-Enhanced Raman Scattering Platform for Multigas Chemical Analysis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:45:02 GMT

Competitive Advantages Ultra-high sensitivity and specificity Low-cost, durable and compact structure GHz range spectral resolution without requiring spatial beam propagation, frequency stabilization, or spectroscopic equipment Summary USF inventors have developed an accurate integrated chemical sensing platform to meet this long-standing, yet unfulfilled need. Resonant micro-cavity technology is used to significantly enhance chosen chemical fingerprint signals (coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)) from an ensemble of trace chemic...

Sortilin-Binding Small Molecule Increases Glucose Uptake

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:42:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Selectively binds to wild-type sortilin Increases cellular glucose uptake Compensates for reduced sortilin activity in obese patients Summary USF inventors have discovered novel therapeutic compounds that have shown to bind favorably to wild-type (WT) sortilin and increase glucose uptake, especially when used in conjunction with insulin. By stabilizing the proteins involved in the metabolic process, there is hope for a long-lasting, effective treatment for diabetic patients, especially ones suffering from obesity who are ...

Friendly Cyclic Pre?x (CP) Jamming for Physical Layer Security

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:40:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased security for wireless communication Legitimate user signal unaffected No error during decoding operation Does not require complex processing or spectral resources Summary USF Inventors have developed a novel way to prevent eavesdroppers from gaining access via wireless signals. Friendly CP jamming broadcasts a jamming signal to interfere with the signal that the eavesdropper receives. This then prevents the attacker from decoding the information correctly. The technology performs jamming during th...

Electrodeposition of Al-Ni Alloys and Al/Ni Multilayer Structures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:39:24 GMT

Competitive Advantages Provides an economical alternative to fabricate Al alloys and multilayer structures Highly scalable compared to other techniques Easily control of the composition and phase of deposition Summary USF inventors have demonstrated, for the first time, a feasible and cost-effective alternative method to fabricate Al alloys and multilayer structures by electrodeposition in non-aqueous room-temperature ionic liquids. Specifically, they have identified a method of dissolving NiCl2 in 1-Ethyl-3-methyl Imidazolium Chloride/Aluminum...

Roof Rack Carrier & Loading System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:36:58 GMT

Competitive Advantages One person can easily load and unload cargo Reduced risk of potential injury Motor assisted roof rack folding and unfolding Summary USF inventors have created a device that makes the loading and unloading of kayaks easy and which requires only one person. The device features support struts that, in their initial position, hang much lower than current rack designs. This reduces the risk of sustaining injury while loading onto the top of a vehicle. Once the supports are loaded and the items strapped in, the supports are rai...

Teacher Education FolioData Assessment System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:35:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Regularly evaluates applicants Evaluates appropriateness and effectiveness of admission criteria Provides evidence of candidates progress through cataloged information Summary Teacher Education Institutions are required to adopt an assessment system that collects and analyzes data on applicant qualifications, candidate and graduate performance, and unit operations to evaluate and improve the unit and its programs. To do so, some institutions use paper based portfolios and others use electronic commercial portfolios that are either homegrown or bought off the shel...

Information Beamforming for Visible Light Communication

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:33:22 GMT

Competitive Advantages No flickering of light Focused data transmission Omni-directional illumination of light Average intensity for symbols is constant Summary USF inventors have developed a technique in which beamforming is performed in the information domain without affecting the illumination. Varying the intensity of the light may allow for implementing RF signals with the visible light. The transmitted symbols are represented by the variation in the amount of light intensity. The average intensity for symbols with varying am...

Smart Conducting Polymer Composite Actuator in Moist Air

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:32:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased Flexibility Excellent actuation with moist air Summary This invention observes a similar phenomenon (expansion and con-traction of film with exchange of moist air) in the PPY films without the use of any polyol-borate compound and does not require any undoping technique. This method uses common polyelectrolytes, like poly (sodium para toluene sulfonate) (PTS), poly (styrene p-styrene sulfonate) (PSS), poly (dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDMA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), PE and graphene based materials to show superior ...

Gas5 lncRNA Biomarker Signature for Prediction and Management of Diabetes

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:31:47 GMT

Competitive Advantages Establishes GAS5 a circulating biomarker in blood, urine, or saliva Easy integration into routine care to assess risk of developing diabetes Non-invasive biomarker that predicts pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions Summary Our inventors have identified GAS5, an RNA-based biofluid marker for prediction and management of diabetes. GAS5 is a long non-coding RNA that has been found to have markedly reduced levels in serum from diabetic patients. Testing has demonstrated that GAS5 directly affects multiple insulin-responsive genes related to glucose metabolism and upt...

System and Method for Controlling the Surface Charge of a Region of Tissue

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:26:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Maintains a charge density only at the tissue treatment site Utilizes significantly less charge Protects the subject and additional personnel from electrostatic discharges Increased efficiency Summary USF researchers have developed a system which includes a physical perimeter conductor positioned near a tissue surface, and a conductance control circuit to collect applied surface charge. This control circuit helps to maintain a desired relationship between surface charge density and time. Effective containment of the charge establishes a controlled charge density...

Full Color Holographic Camera Technology

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:11:02 GMT

Competitive Advantages Special illumination is not required Simple to wield and use Easy to go back and manipulate the picture Change angles of the picture post-shot No loss in resolution Summary Researchers at USF have developed and system and method for incoherent light holography that is specially designed so that there is no need for moving parts or extra cameras, while still being able to capture a digital holographic image as well as having the image be in full color. This simplification makes it so that the ...

Bubble-Based Ion Source System for Mass Spectrometers

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:08:45 GMT

Competitive Advantages Handles complex samples Ions generated at low voltages No filters necessary Multiple applications Summary Inventors at USF have developed a bubble-based ion source and transport system that can generate and carry ions to a target. The bubbles are designed to burst at a liquid/gas interface in the presence of an electric field. The ions are then collected and analyzed. The system can manage complex samples, requires minimal sample preparation and does not utilize a filter. This technique may be used with mas...

MRI-Based Automated Measurement to Evaluate Pelvic Organ Prolapse

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:38:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Automatically provides measurements of pelvic region from MRI images More accurate than manual diagnosis Capable of differentiating between patients with & without POP Summary USF inventors have developed a novel system for the automated measurement and analysis of MRI images of the pelvic region. The new approach evaluates MRI images and presents clinical information related to the diagnosis of POP. The system can automatically identify important reference points in the pelvic region faster, more accurately, and with greater ...

New Method for Producing Flexible Conducting Polymer and Polymer Nanocomposite Films

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:33:55 GMT

Competitive Advantages Large scale applications Ease of Synthesis Excellent environmental stability Summary Our researchers have fabricated highly transparent conducting thin and thick PANI(polyaniline) using this methodology. In turn, they also fabricated a supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 300 F/gm using the G-PANI (Graphene polyaniline) film. Our method could be used to fabricate free standing, highly con-ducting polymers, like polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTh), pol-yethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT), or polymer composite...

Stem Cells and Growth Factors for Treatment of CNS Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:31:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages Decreased cell loss Reduction of inflammation Increased neuroregeneration Summary USF researchers have assessed if human umbilical cord blood cells (hUCBCs)transplantation combined with the growth factor G-CSF afforded enhanced neuroprotection in an animal model of moder-ate TBI in the long term. Synergistic effects of hUCB transplantation and G-CSF treatment were discovered as evidenced by effective reduction in cell loss, robust reduction in neuroinflammation, and massive neuron generation in the TBI brain compared to s...

Foot Force Measurement for Walking Robot

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:29:57 GMT

Competitive Advantages Effective over highly irregular terrain Has wide applications in planetary exploration and military Algorithm has the potential for expansion Summary Inventors at USF have developed systems and methods that control the locomotion of legged robots over uneven terrain. A Force Threshold-based Position (FTP) controller is used to achieve this level of robust locomotion. The FTP controller isolates the control of each leg to use only localized feedback, which can result in greater responsiveness to the terrain when compared t...

Targeted Graphene Quantum Dots for Cancer Detection and Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:28:50 GMT

Competitive Advantages Will enable early detection of cancer Combined therapy and diagnosis of various cancers and related disorders Specific targeted treatment to cancer cells Controlled release of drug Summary USF inventors have developed graphene quantum dot nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Attaching cancer-targeting drugs to the nanoparticles enables small tumor detection, real-time drug imaging, and the release of drugs when radiation is used. These advantages make the novel nanoparticles a promising strategy ...

Magnetic Memory Physically Unclonable Functions

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:28:27 GMT

Competitive Advantages High randomness among bits Good reproducibility in signatures Great uniqueness between signatures Significantly small footprint Summary Physically Unclonable Functions (PUF) are a mechanism employed to ensure that third party manufacturers, or counterfeiters, cannot pass off unauthorized products as authentic. Various kinds of memory based PUFs exist, including Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) PUF, Latch PUF and Nanoscale PUFs based on memristive crossbars. USF inventors have harnessed the intrinsic geo...

Hsc70 Inhibitor Effects and Mechanism

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:46:06 GMT

Competitive Advantages Novel compounds that bind to the HSP family of proteins Targets conserved proteins Treats various cancers and tauopathies Summary USF researchers have developed several compounds that may be used to reduce tau safely and treat cancer. These compounds bind to heat shock protein 70, specifically the variation Hsc70. HSP70 is a highly conserved in cancer cells as a survival mechanism. HSP70 is also associated with tau homeostasis, both in tau retention and tau turnover. USF Scientist have also developed methods of treatment ...

Robotic Motion and Object Interaction Strategies

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:40:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved grasp and grasp planning Improved motion recognition Objection relationship and interaction recognition Summary Our inventors have developed an approach where-by robots can learn human-like motion and task-specific grasping strategies from human demonstration and analysis of a grasp quality metric based on distribution of task disturbance, and apply the learning results into planning, with respect to grasp qualities. Furthermore, they have developed a methodology to congregate object recognition and manipulation motion in an intelligent robot that connec...

Immobilizing a Target Protein for Applications in Bio-Photovoltaic and Bio-Sensing Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:38:05 GMT

Competitive Advantages Greater electron transfer resulting in improved performance Summary Inventors at USF have devised systems for immobilizing target proteins, such as RCs, on the working electrode of an electrochemical device. The target protein can be immobilized using a linking protein that attaches the target protein to the electrode, either directly (physisorption or using functionalized proteins) or indirectly through another linker molecule (e.g., an oligomer molecule, conducting polymers, nanoparticles, or a DNA). This form of attachment facilitates charge transfe...

Android Application to Control a Robot, Robotic Arm, or RC Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:36:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages Provides easy and intuitive controls Adaptable to a wide range of applications Compatible with virtually any Android device Video feedback connection Summary Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a powerful and flexible Android application to control robots, robotic arms and remote control (RC) devices in a 3D space. The application can run on virtually any Android device, and can enable up to six (6) degrees of motion in space (ex: robot, arm, car, boat, plane, drone, helicopter, etc.). The app provides easy and in-tuitive control for up...

System and Method for Estimating the Magnetization States of a Nano-Magnet Array

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:34:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages Automated & less error prone analysis Fast analysis of fabrication quality Estimation of magnetization states Sensitivity up to 5nm defects Summary The software suite developed by our inventors consists of two main systems: an automated defect inspection system and a nanostructure state estimation system. The automated defect inspection system provides detailed defect characterization by performing pattern matching and measurements. The nanostructure state estimation system provides the state of an nanostructure, for example, the nano-magnet’s magnetic...

Full Color Holographic Camera Technology

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:33:16 GMT

Competive Advantages Special illumination is not required Simple to wield and use Easy to go back and manipulate the picture Change angles of the picture post-shot No loss in resolution Summary Researchers at USF have developed and system and method for incoherent light holography that is specially designed so that there is no need for moving parts or extra cameras, while still being able to capture a digital holographic image as well as having the image be in full color. This simplification makes it so that the lay person and the professional can take high quality pictures that can ...

Treating an Atypical Protein Kinase C Enzyme Abnormality

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:24:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Prevents development of the disease Diminishes the pre-existing presence of the disease Summary USF inventors have discovered 2-acetyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione (ACDP), which has the potential to prevent the development of, or reverse/diminish the pre-existing presence of these metabolic disorders. The technology is a novel, highly specific, potent, small molecular weight inhibitor of both atypical PKCs, PKC-zeta and PKC-lambda/iota. Effective treatment by a single agent for these abnormalities has the potential to solve what is perhaps the biggest health issue o...

Dynamically Recon?gurable Bandpass Filters

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:19:24 GMT

Competitive Advantages Compact size Higher quality factor Significantly larger frequency reconfiguration range Summary USF inventors have developed RF filters in which frequency tuning is accomplished by movable microfluidic loads consisting of metal in either liquid or solid form. The highly linear nature of the tuning mechanism makes these novel filters well suited for high-power RF applications. The filter can be fabricated to be suitable for small applications. Frequency-agile band-pass filters offer the flexibility to implement reconfigurable RF receivers and transmitters that dyn...

Metal Chelating Composites, Methods of Using Composites, and Methods of Making Composites

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 21:15:32 GMT

Competitive Advantages Selectivity towards target metals Enhanced cost and removal effectiveness Faster than state-of-the-art Recyclable agents reduce costs further Summary USF inventors have successfully developed a novel agent which has enhanced effectiveness in the removal of these heavy metals. The process is a new chelation strategy using dendrimer-based composite materials to separate biologically-relevant metal cations. The use of dendrimers for metal chelation allows selectivity towards target metals. In addition, a support material shell encapsulates the dendrimers to ease se...

Metal-Organic Materials (MOMS) for Polarizable Gas Adsorption and Methods of Using MOMS

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:23:49 GMT

Competitive Advantages Synthesized from low cost, commercially available starting materials Exhibit high CO2 capacity and selectivity Lower activation and regeneration temperatures Summary Our inventors have utilized pillar substitution in a long-known MOM platform to develop two new variants, TIFSIX-1-Cu and SNIFSIX-1-Cu, which represent the first 3D nets containing TiF62– and SnF62– moieties. These MOMs are synthesized and activated at room temperature from low cost commercially available starting materials and have exceptional CO2/CH4 relative uptake and CO2 uptake. Both...

Metal-Organic Materials for Adsorption of Polarizable Gases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:23:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages Enhances CO₂ interactions Reduces interactions with water vapor Simple, inexpensive chemicals Facile to activate and reactivate Summary USF inventors have utilized these strategies to develop a unique class of porous MOM platforms that exhibit highly selective adsorption for polarizable gases, like CO2, over other gases, including water vapor, methane, nitrogen and hydrogen. These platforms are based upon saturated metal centers with inorganic anion pillars that offer superior performance to existing porous materials due to the electrostatics of the frameworks, ...

Prosthesis and Orthosis Slip Detection Sensor

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:39:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved patient quality of life Fast and efficient fitting of new devices Enables development of a smart socket interface Summary Motivated by the desire to improve device fit and patient quality of life, researchers at USF have invented a prosthesis slip detection sensor to measure and record movement between the limb surface and prosthetic socket or orthotic device. The ability to measure this type of movement enables faster and more accurate fit of prosthetic and orthotic devices for both upper and lower limbs. This invention can be used as an evaluation tool...

Encapsulation of Thermal Energy Storage Media

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:28:06 GMT

Competitive Advantages Accommodates expansion of PCMs at elevated temperatures Withstands more thermal cycles than current TES systems Greater amount of energy storage Can be used for new or existing TES systems Summary Our researchers have developed a novel method of manufacturing PCMs that involves coating the PCM in a flexible material to allow for the expansion and shrinkage of the pellet during phase changes and then coating the pellet in metal to extend its lifespan. Initial testing with a potassium nitrate-sodium nitrate coating showed that the pellets lasted for over 2,000 the...

Hardware Supported Authentication and Signatures For Wireless, Distributed and Blockchain Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:28:43 GMT

Competitive Advantages Energy-aware authentication protocol suitable for IoT devices and embedded devices Provable Security standards to the level of upcoming post-quantum security breaches in cryptosystems Scalable security architecture support for massive IoT applications Summary IoT devices play a central role in the distributed systems for data collection, diagnosis, and analysis, especially in medical wearable devices and intelligent home-based applications. In the future, there would be an exponential increase in the number of such devices and hence the risk of their owner’...

Smart and Energy E?cient Microencapsulated Thermochromic Materials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Fri, 27 May 2022 09:03:47 GMT

Competitive Advantages Energy efficient Self cleaning Reflective and emissive properties Reduces organic pollutants Summary Our inventors have developed a mechanism to create an energy efficient material which also has the property of self cleaning. This material is created by combining a photocatalytic material with a thermochromic material via microencapsulation. These materials can be mixed with cement and used for constructing surfaces and cement based paints, among other applications. When this material is ...

Public Involvement Performance Measurement (PIPM) Tool

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:34:51 GMT

Competitive Advantages Designed for collection of transportation data Customizable for your specific need Faster and user-friendly Accurate results Summary Our researchers have developed the Public Involvement Performance Measurement Tool software that is helpful in automating the now manual system used for collecting, managing, and analyzing this information, which we are sure project managers and senior management will appreciate. Once information is input into the system it will be securely stored and available allowing reports to be generated from the stored data. Inf...

Knot Generating Device

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:26:00 GMT

Competitive Advantages Easy to use, even for those with fine motor skill control issues Light weight Non-corrosive Buoyant Summary USF inventors have successfully developed an easy to use knot tying device. The design is inexpensive, compact, light weight, non-corrosive, and hand-held. The device is easily manipulated and allows anyone to quickly form the clinch knot. The knot tying device is further designed to ease the knot tying, especially for those with limited dexterity such as children and elderly users. This invention is directly applicable to the fishing industry to pro...

Compositions and Methods for Treating Stroke

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:23:31 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduces neural damage Not dependent on type of stroke Conivaptan is already FDA-approved Greater therapeutic window than current stroke medications Summary USF researchers have developed a method of treating a stroke or suspected stroke by administering a pharmaceutical formulation comprised of conivaptan within 6 hours of stroke occurrence followed by an additional administration within a prescribed time period. Preliminary results have shown that this treatment method may reduce neuronal infarct size, neuronal edema and/or neuronal inflammation in a subject fo...

Synchronous Generator Modeling and Frequency Control Using Unscented Kalman Filter

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:27:01 GMT

Inventors at USF have used PMUs over Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for synchronous generator parameter estimation because of their high density sampling rate and their ability to capture system electromechanical dynamics. Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) has been implemented to estimate dynamic states and parameters of low order synchronous generator model with both primary and secondary frequency control system. This method uses voltage magnitude and active power measurements as inputs, voltage angle, reactive power and frequency as outputs. Through the proposed estima...

Multi-Agent Decision Making System for Economic Operation and Frequency Regulation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:26:55 GMT

USF inventors have developed multi-agent decision making systems and methods based on primal-dual decomposition-based distributed optimization that are designed for economic operation and frequency regulation. The effect of these decision making strategies on power system frequency responses and coupling dynamics between the power market and system were optimized through rigorous testing in dynamic simulation platforms modeling real-world implementation issues. Test results show that the invented architectures are guaranteed to converge to the optimal power flow and pricing solution in less th...

Plasmonic Stimulation of Electrically Excitable Biological Cells

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:26:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduced/no tissue damage Improved spatiotemporal resolution Higher transduction fidelity Eliminates unwanted heating/stimulation that occurs with infrared stimulation Summary A novel technology has been developed to stimulate electrically active biological cells using visible light and metallic nanoparticles possessing plasmonic properties. Electrodes in the implants are invasive and over time repeated stimulation can lead to tissue damage. Alternatively, infrared lasers can invoke in vivo responses, giving...

Treatment of Metabolic Diseases with 5-Aminolevulinate Synthase Inhibitors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:26:29 GMT

Competitive Advantages Effectively inhibits ALAS Treats heme biosynthesis disorders and other ALAS related diseases Easy synthesis and purification technique Summary USF scientists have discovered inhibitors against 5-aminolevulinate synthase. This was achieved via a kinetic target -guided synthesis that was extended to multi-fragment screening with increased throughput. This invention provides novel molecules that are effective in treatment of diseases and metabolic disorders associated with 5-aminolevulinate synthase. It has the potential to treat heme biosynthesis disorder like...

Dual Ligand Sol-gel Sorbent Combining Superthydrophobicity and TT-TT Interaction

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:24:31 GMT

Competitive Advatanges Enhanced extraction and preconcentration of nonpolar/hydrophobic analytes Provide superior enrichment of nonpolar analytes Optimized sorbent performance Summary Our inventors have achieved enhanced extraction and pre-concentration of nonpolar/hydrophobic analytes with sol-gel sorbent. This design will simultaneously possess two surface-bonded organic ligand that provide superior enrich-ment of nonpolar analytes by cooperatively exploiting su-perhydrophobicity of one ligand and π-π interaction of the other.&nbs...

Perovskite Oxides for Thermochemical Conversion of CO2 to CO

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:24:26 GMT

Competitive Advantages Sustainable CO2 conversion process Much lower temperatures for thermo-chemical splitting reactions Production of CO for other utilizations Summary Our researchers have invented a new CO2 splitting process which requires a much lower temperature and utilizes sustainable energy. In this process, hydrogen is flowed over heated perovskite oxides (ABO3) to create oxygen deficient materials. These oxygen deficient materials are then oxidized so that the CO2 gets converted to CO. Materials created i...

Functionalized Porous Organic Polymers for Efficient Uranium Extraction

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:24:18 GMT

Competitive Advantages High uranium absorption capacity Fast yet controllable kinetics Facile regeneration and recyclability Stable under a wide range of conditions High selectivity of uranium Summary USF researchers have designed a porous organic polymer for efficient uranium capture. This technology is stable under a wide range of conditions and is a capable mechanism for uranium removal, with high capacity and specificity. The material is easy to produce and it is also reusable. This porous organic polymer may expand the scope of current applications, providing many opportunities ...

Harvesting Mechanisms For Microalgae Cultivating Passive Membrane Photobioreactors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:23:29 GMT

Advantages • Protects algae from contaminants to provide consistent biomass • Cost reducing low-energy passive systems • Automated cultivation and harvesting • Increased capacity for same footprint Summary USF inventors have developed a novel method to cultivate, harvest, and dewater algae in wastewater. The method separates the culture from the growth media and includes a photobioreactor with a porous membrane filter that allows passive transport of constituents. A gas control valve allows for selec...

Superhydrophobic Covalent Organic Frameworks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:23:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages Impervious to water and concentrated aqueous acid or base Permeable to air (breathable) Improved stability and durability Integration with various substrates expands applicability of COFs Summary Our inventors have generated novel materials by engineering the pore surface to impart different superwettabilities onto COFs. The pores of COFs, unlike other nonporous coatings, are permeable to air, thus facilitating the release of generated heat by electronic devices as well as aiding in the comfort of functional garments. In contrast to existing fabricated superhydr...

Continuous Acid-free Measurements of Total Alkalinity

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:23:19 GMT

Competitive Advantages Measures total alkalinity continuously Is smaller than current devices Is portable Does not utilize hazardous acids Is less expensive than current devices Summary USF researchers have developed a system and method for the substantially continuous measurement of total alkalinity in liquid samples including seawater. This device uses a pH indicator and a gas mixture comprised of CO2. Both the baseline alkalinity and total alkalinity of a liquid sample can be determined with this technique. The ...

Chemical Compound to Remove Ammonia in Freshwater and Salwater Fish Storage Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:23:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages Higher ammonia removal efficiencies Remains active longer than current products Removes ammonia in both fresh– and salt-water systems Cost-effective Summary Our inventors have developed a chemical compound which removes ammonia from fish tanks or other closed water systems. This compound or laboratory chemical conditioner (LC) works in both fresh– and salt-water systems, consists of only four components, and is very cost effective. Results show that this ammonia removal method exhibits higher re...

Realistic Model of the Interior Architecture of the Heart

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:22:54 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduces surgical training time Accurate, realistic model of the heart Uses raw material that resembles or feels like a heart Summary Our inventors have devised a technology that features accurate, realistic models of the human heart. The process generally entails acquiring, constructing, and combining a set of images for the organ. The images are then used to generate a 3D model that is printed using raw material that resembles and feels like a heart. This anatomical 3D model reference has potential for reducing surgical ...

A Knee Orthosis with Variable Stiffness and Damping

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:22:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increase in velocity of walking More adjustable and precise Small and light weighted Summary In order to aid the individuals with asymmetric impairments in walking, USF inventors have developed a knee orthosis with variable damping and stiffness at the knee joint. This newly designed and fabricated orthosis has a mounting that has slots and an adjustable connector piece which allows for the rotary damper mechanism to easily be swapped with a different sized rotary damper. In order to accommodate for variable stiffness, th...

Hands-Free Control System and User Interface

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:22:25 GMT

Competitive Advantages Engineered for greater stability Offers easy maneuverability Allows chair users to participate in several upper body based activities Can be attached to many preexisting devices for numerous applications Summary USF inventors have developed both an omnidirectional mobility apparatus and an attachment device for the hands-free control of a preexisting technology. The omnidirectional mobility apparatus can be either remote controlled or maneuvered by movement of the seat. It is similar to a wheelchair in that it can transport an individual or object. However, this...

Resistive Consumer Rehabilitation Exoskeleton

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:22:21 GMT

Competitive Advantages Rehabilitation device for stroke victims Extremely affordable as compared to similar rehabilitation devices (<$800) Restores full range of motion through engage and disengage mechanism Lighter, more discrete, user friendly device Summary Our inventors have designed a robotic, resistive, low cost, and safe rehabilitation device to assist with triceps extension and positional control. By means of a joystick the patient can control the motion of the arm with incredible accuracy, with the device able to handle resistances up to 14 lbs. Additionally, the dev...

Targeted Feature-Specific Sensory Therapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:22:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Enhances auditory perception during daily activities Promotes comfort and reduces distraction Reduced background noise Summary Scientists at USF have developed an active sound therapy using specific therapeutic sounds which alter the way the central nervous system (CNS) encodes, processes or weights incoming sensory information. It supplements the sensory environment by providing an enriched sensory experience that induces plasticity within the CNS, and effectively overcomes the associated sensory neural processing defici...

Assisted Spring Seat Height Optimization Lift

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:22:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages Lightweight design Easy to use independently Lift without interfering with cycle controls Summary This invention introduces an assisted lift mechanism for handcycle users, facilitating independent transfers between a handcycle and a wheelchair. It employs a scissor lift mechanism with aluminum links, actuated by a locking gas spring that raises and locks the seat frame in position. The design includes threaded steel rods to ensure alignment and prevent twisting, aluminum sliders and clamps for secure attachment, and foldable handles to assist users in lifti...

Compliant and Articulating Prosthetic Ankle Foot

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:21:19 GMT

Competitive Advantages More accurately mimics human gait Provides wide range of ankle motion for amputees Easy to manufacture and affordable to produce Summary Our inventors have developed a novel solution to the common oversight associated with the prosthetics available on the market today. The CAPA is a prosthetic ankle foot that stores and releases energy at three different locations, allowing for a more natural gait as the prosthetic rolls from ankle to toe. Additionally, the CAPA foot allows for full ankle range of motion in the sagittal plane. Compared to the conventional non-art...

Method for treating debilitating hyperacusis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:21:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages Patient-specific methods for both pre- and during treatment Device can serve as a fully-featured hearing aid Allows for patients to set noise comfort level Emotional and psychological relief for phonophobia Summary Our inventors have developed a patient-specific method and system of expanding the dynamic range in patients with hyperacusis. Our invention utilizes a customizable, in-ear device that combines sound attenuation with loudness suppression as well as a noise generator. The device is used with novel software and counseling to provide a patient-specific t...

Wheelchair Navigation Assistance in Busy Environments

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:21:01 GMT

Competitive Advantages Actively avoid obstacles Does not require additional user input Low cost sensor Summary Our researchers at USF have invented a wheelchair navigation assistance device. This device can be installed to power wheelchairs as an add-on option to help the user navigate through busy environments. It consists of multiple ultrasonic sensors around the base of the wheelchair, a computer and a joystick to control the direction of wheelchair. Information generated by the sensor is used to detect obstacles and the user input from the joystick is modified so that t...

Tactile 3D Map Creator for the Visually Impaired

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:20:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Simple and easy to use Effective mapping tools Applicable for both 2D and 3D maps Ability to turn 2D into 3D Automated tactile properties required for visually impaired Summary USF inventors created an application which allows the user to easily generate 2D maps that are converted to tactile 3D maps. The software provides tools to add information such as emergency evacuation routes, movable doors, and legend to the map. These tools allow the maps to be made in a more effective manner for blind and low vision users to understand and navigate locations. The softw...

Reversible Crimp Device for ACL Reconstruction Surgery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:11:25 GMT

Competitive Advantages Lower cost of surgery Reversible fixation Reduce the complexity of the surgery Summary While these anchoring devices are viable, they have several drawbacks such as cost, difficulty in passing the device through the bone and deploying in the desired location, loosening of the device and eventually the graft over time, and finally, the devices are permanent in that they cannot be repositioned after they have been deployed. Due to these drawbacks and the thousands of ACL surgeries performed every year, it would be desirable...

Osteoconductive and Osteoinductive Bone Implant

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:09:28 GMT

Competitive Advantages Resorbable, malleable scaffold allows customization and intraoperative adjustments. The implant promotes osteoinduction and osteoconduction, resorbs completely, and eliminates future removal. Enhances the implant with bone grafts or morphogenic proteins providing a tailored, patient-specific approach. Summary Bone defects and reconstruction present significant challenges due to the need for materials that effectively integrate with existing bone tissue while providing structural support. Traditional approaches like autografts and allografts are limited by a...

Stabilization of Alcohol Intoxication-Induced Cardiovascular Instability

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:08:02 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved blood flow & pressure in gut Reduction in alcohol–induced leakage of plasma proteins Improved resuscitation results Potential treatment for trauma patients Summary USF researchers have determined that administration of the bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) can help stabilize arterial blood flow and blood pressure in alcohol-intoxicated trauma patients. Their findings also proposed that using agents that increase S1P or other S1P receptor agonists decrease alcohol-induced micro...

A Nanoparticle Delivery System for Treatment of Glomerular Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:07:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Site-specific precise treatment for glomerular diseases High local therapeutic efficiency Minimized systemic side effects Summary Glomerulonephritis is a group of inflammatory diseases that damage the filters of the kidney, glomeruli. Glomerulonephritis requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, but unfortunately most current agents produce severe side effects. Therefore, development of new site-targeted strategies to minimize side effects while maintaining high local therapeutic efficiency could open a new avenue for more effective disease management. Our ...

The Augmented Reality-Pedagogical Agent Mobile Learning System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:07:51 GMT

Summary The AR-PA mobile learning system uses 3D printed touchable cubes with varied content using mixed multimedia elements like texts, images, videos and animations. Cubes also can be designed with embossed images that are sensitive enough for students with visual impairments to touch and trigger different learning contents. The combined system of AR content with the PA (the AR-PA mobile learning system) is suggested as an innovative solution to present a new way of human computer interaction and further improvement of student learning and engagement. Competitive Advantages ...

ABC Learning Modules

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:07:38 GMT

Competitive Advantages Effective and easy to use Improved learning and understanding of basic concepts Improved retention Summary In order to provide students with exact training needed to achieve the required mathematical proficiency in their high school and college level physics courses, our inventor’s have designed online algebra modules which not only teach algebra, but are envisioned as modules that make the students learn to make connection between concepts of physics and the necessary mathematics – the language in which science is written. Development of t...

ADvising Visual Interface for Student and Educator Success (ADVISES)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:07:27 GMT

Competitive Advantages Need for appointment is eliminated Questions answered in real-time Saves time and helps to address complicated topics Summary ADVISES uses artificial intelligence and branching question logic to help students find answers to the most common advising questions in real-time. This application eliminates the need for students to schedule advising appointments. For administrators, this could be an effective tool to gain statistical information regarding the type of questions frequently raised and helps to isolate areas of concern for specific population of stude...

Electrodeposition of Metal Microstructures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:07:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Highly scalable processing methods Wide range of tunable dimensions High specific strength High damage tolerance Summary USF inventors have demonstrated the feasibility of template electrodeposition of crystalline and amorphous alloy nano-rods, micro -tubes and micro-pillars with tunable sizes and compositions. The method offers an opportunity to fabricate low areal density aluminum alloy microstructures using a one-step electrodeposition process using a room temperature ionic liquid electrolyte under...

Drug Delivery System for Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:06:29 GMT

Advantages: Reduces frequency of intraocular injections for AMD treatment. Sustained drug release through thermoreversible gel and nanoparticles. Localized drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. Non-invasive, biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and significantly reduces VEGF expression. Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent eye condition that primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, leading to significant vision loss. The condition is characterized by the deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. T...

Tetrazole & Coumarin Phosphonate Based Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:02:00 GMT

Competitive Advantages Combats bacterial antibiotic resistance to β-Lactamase Effectively inhibits against the different classes of β-Lactamase Enhances effectiveness of current β-lactam antibiotics treatments Summary Our inventors have discovered tetrazole and coumarin phosphonate based compounds can actively inhibit β-lactamase. Applying a patented pharmaceutical formulation to these compounds, our inventors been able to successfully increase the efficacy of a β-lactam antibiotic or reduce the amount/activity of &be...

Afobazole Nanoparticles Formulation for Enhanced Therapeutics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:01:16 GMT

Competitive Advantages Higher blood brain barrier permeability Controlled, sustained drug release Enhanced neuroprotection in cases of ischemic (stroke) damage Summary USF scientists have addressed this problem with a new formulation of the drug using nanoparticle (NP) technology. Specifically, this novel invention utilizes a NP carrier encapsulating afobazole to effectively improve blood brain barrier permeability, with a coating of glutathione (GSH) that facilitated interaction with the BBB. Drug release studies have shown that this formulati...

Plasma and Bran Pharmacokinetics of Previously Unexplored Lithium Salts

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:00:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Higher lithium levels Lower side effects Low cost and risk Summary Cocrystallization represents a low risk, low cost approach with the most potential for achieving the desired therapeutic outcome. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in this crystal engineering approach remains lithium, which is already FDA-approved with a long history of use in the medical field. Our researchers have syn-thesized and evaluated two unique and previously unexplored co-crystals: lithium salicylate and lithium lactate. USF researc...

Oral Spore Vaccines AGainst Clostridium Difficile Infection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:31:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages Targets main virulent factors Reduces distribution of toxigenic spores Improved efficacy No need for cold storage Summary USF researchers have designed an oral vaccine to protect users against C. difficile infection. This vaccine uses non-toxigenic C. difficile (NTCD) strains to carry non-pathogenic toxin fragments. These strains will not harm the user and do not cause vaccine associated disease. These live vaccines (NTCD_138, NTCD_169) can target both C. difficile toxins and C. difficile colonization. This will inhibit the main virulence factors of the pathogen...

Systems and Methods for Determining Nanoparticle Dimensions

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:29:22 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reliable Simple, yet highly accurate Has wide range of applications Summary Researchers at USF have developed a new analysis approach that utilizes data from in-situ measurements of diffusive rotation and translation of nanoparticles and extracts the overall nanorod length. This is achieved by focusing light on a sample of nanoparticles suspended in a solution and extracting required parameters from the light scattered by these nanoparticles. This method has direct application in the field of nanotechnology, especially for physical, optical and biological activit...

Systems and Methods for Converting Carbon Dioxide into Chemical Feedstock

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:29:04 GMT

Competitive Advantages Eliminates CO2 emissions from point sources Utilizes solar energy to reduce cost Can be integrated with other processes to make liquid fuels Summary This invention utilizes a catalyst, made from a novel material combination, and solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into a useful chemical feedstock in an energy efficient manner. This novel chemical route for the transformation of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and oxygen may be incorporated into various industrial processes. The application of this technology would be with carbon capture systems, energy produ...

Silicon-Based Atomic Clocks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:28:42 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved speed and accuracy Easy integration into chip-sized devices Less power consumption Summary USF inventors are using the transitions of donors and acceptors in silicon as the frequency standard for atomic clocks. All the transitions of the donors and acceptors in natural and isotopically enriched silicon, including and most importantly their hyperfine splitting, can be used to build an atomic clock. The donor and acceptors in isotopically pure silicon become extremely narrow, ‘atomic like’ and therefore can serve as frequency standards. They ca...

Novel Treatment for Stroke at Delayed Timepoints

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:20:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Enhances behavioral recovery after 30 days Reduces neural damage Extends therapeutic window several-fold Summary The systemic administration of N,N'-di-1 naphthylguanidine HCl (NAGH) and N,N'-di-p-nitrophenylguanidine HCl (NAD) when administered 24 hours after experimental stroke was found to reduce neural damage and more importantly enhance behavioral recovery thirty days later. This agent has the potential to extend the therapeutic window several-fold over the currently available treatment methods to many stroke patients. Additionally, this agent p...

Myricanol Derivatives and Uses Thereof for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 11:16:51 GMT

Competitive Advantages Causes significant reductions in tau accumulation May treat a variety of tauopathies A natural treatment option Compounds exhibit low toxicity and don’t alter GADPH levels Summary USF researchers have found that myricanol derivatives may be an effective treatment option for many neurodegenerative diseases and tauopathies including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This derivative has been shown to reduce aberrant overexpressed microtubule assoc...

4(1H)-Quinolones Having Antimalarial Activity with Reduced Chemical Resistance

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:05:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Potent anti-malarial activity Improved chemical resistance against multi-drug resistant (MDR) parasites Acts on both MDR parasites and drug susceptible anti-malarial strains equally well Summary This invention promises a great approach to treat those affected with malaria. The compound possesses a potent EC50 against mul-tidrug resistant malarial strains W2 (chloroquine and pyrimetham-ine resistant) and TM90-C2B (chloroquine, mefloquine, py-rimethamine, and atovaquone resistant). This compound also ex-hibits signs o...

Solar Tiles and Arrays

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:05:04 GMT

Competitive Advantages Adaptable to solar conditions Programmable and automated to optimize thermal characteristics Aesthetic and functional architectural design Tiles may be manufactured from various types of materials incorporated into the design Summary A heat exchange tile designed by USF inventors allows infrared energy to be either reflected, absorbed, or diffused as necessary for environmental conditions in order to reduce heating and cooling loads on a building. An array of bicolor motorized ceramic plates are designed to...

Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Compositions, Methods of Use, and Methods of Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:04:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Can restore the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics Overcomes antibiotic resistance May help to develop new antibiotic treatment regimens Treats multi-drug resistant organisms Summary Our researchers have developed compositions comprised of a beta-lactamase inhibitor and methods of use to treat various infections and diseases. These beta-lactamase inhibitors can be used to target multi-drug resistant organisms including MRSA. Further, these compounds may help to overcome microbial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics by restoring the efficacy of the beta-lactam...

Navigation System For Obstructed Signals

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:04:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Decreases battery consumption substantially Can be easily adjusted to any obstructed locations Intelligent mobile software identifies when user is at different location Summary USF inventors have invented a system and method of manipulating device positioning systems settings based on historical data that is collected on the mobile device over time as well as real-time data, which are used to identify locations which may have harsh GPS environments (i.e., obstruct-ed locations) and changing device positioning ...

Implantable Biocompatible SiC Sensors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:04:24 GMT

Competitive Advantages Long-term glucose monitoring Improved sensing potentiality Reduced chronic diabetic complications Will reduce hospitalization rates Summary Our inventors have developed an implantable subcutaneous blood glucose level biosensor comprised of a controller, sense antenna, radiating electrode and power source. The radiating electrode can be fabricated from doped 3C-SiC or 4H-SiC. This device is able to continuously monitor glucose levels long-term, thus remaining functional in the body for years. When impl...

γ-AApeptides with Potent and Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:04:10 GMT

Competitive Advantages Mimetic synthesis facilitates drug discovery High target affinity and specificity Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity Resistant to protease degradation Summary Our researchers have designed a novel class of antimicrobial peptide mimetics dubbed γ-AApeptides for the treatment of various medical conditions associated with pathogenic microorganisms. Various models were tested for resistance to protease degradation, along with potent antimicrobial activity against clinically-relevant, proven drug-resistant bacterial strains. The peptidomimetic developed did ...

Methods of Treating Epilepsy Using Neural Stem Cells Which Express Various Factors

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 09:01:10 GMT

Competitive Advantages A novel epileptic biomarker Potential allogeneic and autologous stem cell treatment Human cell derived epileptic models Increased epileptic understanding Summary USF researchers have developed a method of diagnosing, prognosing, and treating epilepsy or an epilepsy-related disorder via non-epileptic and epileptic neural cells and cell cultures. These human neural stem cells and epileptic neural cells are harvested from adult patients undergoing neurosurgical resection procedures. Novel miRNAs associated with epilepsy have been identified from these extracted cel...

The Superhero Training Network

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 08:59:14 GMT

Competitive Advantages Creates an exciting educational environment Hands-on problem solving activities Focused on Elementary and Middle school grade levels and applicable to any subject Extensive merchandising opportunities Summary Researchers at USF have proposed the Superhero Training Network (STN). STN is a series of instructive and entertaining videos and print materials through which the Scientific League of Superheroes (SLOSH) team discuss scientific concepts in a unique learning experience. These lessons are extended into hands-on academic challenges where students practi...

Mobile Contactless Device for Fast Corrosion Assessment of Reinforced Concrete

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 08:59:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages Small portable design High accuracy Instant measurements Drastic cost reduction Nondestructive testing Summary USF inventors have created a novel contactless portable device for fast and accurate corrosion assessment. It operates by measuring concrete surface potentials without contact using vibrating Kelvin probes to identify and map corrosion in real time. This new device is user-friendly, small and compact, making it easier to transport and position. It provides accurate results instantly...

BuFFeT - Bus Fuels Fleet Evaluation Tool

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 08:58:32 GMT

Competitive Advantages Versatile and easy to distribute Quickly performs life-cycle costs Analysis displayed as both spreadsheets and charts Flexible – can be used in variety of transit groups Summary The product of our research is a user-friendly, easily-modifiable Visual Basic computer application designed to work with the Microsoft Excel platform. The planning tool comprises a life-cycle cost calculator, a sensi-tivity analysis, and a summary of pollutant emissions generated by each vehicle type. The outcome of each anal...

Natriuretic Peptide Receptor as a Biomarker for Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 18 May 2022 08:58:18 GMT

Our inventors have come up with a diagnostic method for differentiating low grade cancers from high grade cancers by correlating the level of NPRA to favorable or unfavorable prognosis. With this method, clinical detection of a number of malignancies, amongst included are various cancers, can be diagnosed and treated earlier improving the chances for those affected to lead normal, healthy lives. Multiple cancer and tumor type prognostic screening Can use patients’ own cells as a control Early indication of a variety of malignant disea...

Mouse Models for Studying Hyperglycemia-induced Hyperfiltration via NOS1 and NKCC2 Proteins (NOS1Cre / NKCC2ftox / NOS1Cre-NKCC2ftox Mice)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 17 May 2022 06:25:37 GMT

A Technique for Inferring Quality in Point Cloud-based 3D Printed Objects using Topological Data Analysis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:14:51 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduces misprints Saves time by identifying anomalies before printing Cost effective Summary USF inventors have developed various techniques to infer the quality of point cloud-based 3D objects using topographical data analysis (TDA). A tool called Mapper is used to extract topological information about the layer-by-layer connectivity. Persistent homology is used for the detection of connected components and holes within a printer layer. Together these tools are used to analyze both the printed space and empty space created by the model. The invention enable...

NBTI-Aware Digital Low-dropout Regulator

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:14:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Mitigates side effects of NBTI Lower area overhead Negligible power is required Scalable Summary USF inventors have developed a NBTI aware digital low-dropout regulator. Uni-directional shift register is employed to evenly distribute the electrical stress and mitigate the NBTI effects under arbitrary load conditions with negligible power and area overhead. It is demonstrated through simulation of an IBM POWER8 microprocessor that the proposed NBTI-aware design can achieve up to 43.2% performance improvement as compared to a conventional DLDO. These regulat...

A Method for Forward Secure, Append-only and Distributed Audit Log Protection

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:10:31 GMT

Competitive Advantages Post quantum security Achieves non-repudiation Broad applicability Minimal computational overhead Summary USF inventors have developed a mechanism to create a new cryptographic secure audit logging scheme which is also post-quantum secure. This invention ensures that an active adversary cannot generate authentication tags on behalf of the original message signer. This technique finds applications in the field of Internet of Things (IoT), medical implantable devices and payment devices. Representation of a Network of Member Computers and Verifier Parties ...

Quantum Secure Cryptographic Methods for Digital Auditing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:10:14 GMT

Competitive Advantages Optimal efficiency Breach resilient auditing Post quantum security Secure multi party computation Summary USF inventors have devised a cryptographic mechanisms with extended properties that can achieve scalability and non repudiation in a highly efficient manner. The main idea is to achieve optimal efficiency and post quantum security of symmetric key techniques, while providing compromise resiliency, conditional non repudiation and fault tolerance distributed verification. The architecture has a broad range of application in digital forensic auditing, medical a...

Friomaramide, a Novel Hexapeptide, Inhibits Liver Stage Plasmodium Falciparum

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:10:00 GMT

Competitive Advantages A novel molecule that can inhibit P. falciparum in malaria Bypasses drug resistance Limited toxicity towards human cells Summary USF researchers have developed a novel modified hexapeptide called friomaramide. It inhibits the growth of P. falciparum to a similar degree as the antimalarial drug primaquine, with the added benefit of bypassing growing antimalarial resistance. It is also less toxic to human cells. Friomaramide may prove to be a huge benefit to the millions of people infected with malaria worldwide every year. Friomaramide Showing Comparable...

Piezoelectric-Based Asphalt Layer for Energy Harvesting Roadway

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:09:46 GMT

Competitive Advantages A renewable energy source Applicable on a large-scale Pavement performance is unaffected Long service lifespan Summary Our inventors have designed a system which is capable of collecting dissipated vehicle kinetic energy on a large scale through the transformation of asphalt layers into a piezoelectric energy harvester. The system consists of two conductive asphalt layers and one piezoelectric layer. The two conductive asphalt layers are made of mixtures with conductive additives such as steel wool, graphite, and carbon black. The piezoelectric layer integrates ...

Immune Receptor Mutant Peptide Complementarity Scoring for Therapy Design and Prognosis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:09:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages A prognostic genomic-based method Improved survival prediction accuracies Improved immunotherapy effectiveness predictions Measures tumor immune activity Summary USF researchers have developed a genomics-based method to provide prognoses based on tumor immune activity. Also provided are indications for components for effective immunotherapy approaches to cancer treatment. Specifically, this method is able to determine whether tumor sample lymphocytes have T-cell receptor (TCR) complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) chemical features that correspond with the...

Microspheres for High Performance Oxygen Evolution

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:08:57 GMT

Competitive Advantages Higher current density Highly stable Cost effective Summary Researchers at USF have proposed a novel hybrid catalyst with precise choice of individual components leading to excellent OER activity in alkaline medium. The hybrid Co@Ni12P5/PPy catalyst features excellent current density at low overpotential and long term stability. The proposed catalyst based on Co@Ni12P5/PPy microspheres exhibits four times higher current density than state of the art RuO2. Employing polypyrrole as the N source in metal nitrogen active centers provides a new class of unexplored hyb...

Energy-Aware Digital Signatures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:08:36 GMT

Competitive Advantages Least energy consumption Fast signature generation Enhanced battery life of IoT devices Memory efficient small private key and signatures Summary Inventors at USF have devised a unique approach which would help in authentication of IoT devices. The new digital signature scheme referred to as Energy-aware Signature for Embedded Medical devices (ESEM) achieves the least energy consumption, the fastest signature generation along with the smallest signature among its counterparts. The minimal memory and computa...

Task Trainer for Practicing a Reduction Procedure for Treating Radial Head Subluxation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:08:19 GMT

Competitive Advantages A tool to practice correcting Radial Head Subluxations Mimics arm bones moving in place Allows for repetitive practice Teaches this skill in a safe environment Summary USF researchers have developed a task-trainer which allows users to obtain repetitive practice treating radial head subluxations before performing the procedure on a live patient. The device permits students to “feel” the bones as they are moved into the correct position. Further, a faint pop is heard once the joint is repositione...

Hyaluronic acid coated nuccleotide/peptide NP for improved formulation, performance and molecular targeting

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:08:05 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved ability to transfect desired cells Improved molecular targeting Improved efficacy Numerous applications in research and medicine Summary Researchers at USF have discovered a method to transfect cells more effectively using the peptide melittin. Melittin is an amphipathic peptide, allowing it to enter and disrupt a cell membrane. When combined with siRNA at a specific volume, the siRNA is condensed into a nanoparticle. This is then combined with a hyaluronic acid (HA) to make a small, very transfective particle that resists endosomal destruc...

A System for Transforming and Optimizing Multiple Database Queries into a Single Efficient Global Query

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:07:42 GMT

Advantages Significantly improves query processing efficiency by batching multiple queries into a single global query. Reduces redundant computation and data access through shared processing of overlapping queries. Enables systematic algebraic optimization using extended equivalence rules tailored for multi-query contexts. Summary In the field of database management systems (DBMS), efficient query processing is critical for supporting analytical workloads, such as those found in online analytical processing (OLAP) environments. These workloads often involve large numbers of concurrent ...

Compressed photon counting methods for Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:07:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages Standalone device Higher data rate Low cost Summary Researchers at USF have created a novel technique for faster memory efficient data acquisition of diffuse correlation spectroscopy. A standalone low-cost computer, along with timers and counters, has been implemented in this setup. This method combines photon-counting operations from many channels into a single stream, thus making DCS blood flow monitors smaller, faster and cheaper. The invention facilitates the construction of large scale DCS arrays that can measure bl...

Helical Sulfono-γ-AApeptide Antagonize β-Catenin Signaling

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:07:22 GMT

Advantages Disrupts protein-protein interactions Mimics the α-helical domain More potent cellular activity Potential anti-cancer therapeutics Exhibits excellent folding stability with defined helices Demonstrates remarkable enzymatic stability for 24 hours Summary Researchers have developed sulfono-γ-AApeptides that are able to disrupt cancer-related protein-protein interactions (PPIs). PPIs are imperative to life. Protein molecules interact due to biochemical events and can stimulate a series of occurrences such as cellular membrane transport, signal transduction, cel...

Here I Am - Location Authentication Application

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:06:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages GPS spoofing detection Real-time authentication Works on all smartphone and tablet Easy integration into existing apps Summary USF inventors have developed a method that combines the location information obtained from a mobile device with a system of authentication that relies on individual biometrics, specifically voice (or even video) to verify an individual's exact location at a specific point in time. This invention has been instantiated as a mobile application combined with software that resides on...

Efficient Identity-Based and Certificate-Less Cryptosystems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:06:29 GMT

Competitive Advantages Seamless interaction between identity-based and certificate-less setting Low overhead cost Summary USF inventors have created novel certificate-free cryptosystems that achieve significant computation and communication efficiency over current techniques. It harnesses message encoding technique and the exponent product of powers property to provide implicit certification more efficiently. The certificate-less key exchange protocol is highly efficient, while the encryption and signature schemes do not introduce any additional overhea...

An SR Flip-Flop based Physical Unclonable Functions for Hardware Security

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:06:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Promising solution to identify and authenticate Integrated Circuits Robust responses in terms of uniqueness, randomness, and uniformity Reduced bit-aliasing compared to other metastability-based PUFs Summary The novel PUF design proposed is unlike previous studies which typically require additional hardware to count the oscillation frequency. This design employs SR-FF to construct low-cost PUF and reuses the SR-FF already present by varying channel length and temperature to account for intra– and inter-chip variatio...

DLockout: A Design Lockout Technique for Key Obfuscated RTL IP Designs

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:06:12 GMT

Advantages Prevents brute-force attacks by locking out after incorrect attempts. Maintains minimal area, power, and performance overhead in implementation. Integrates seamlessly with existing hardware IP obfuscation approaches. Summary Intellectual property theft, including piracy and reverse engineering, poses significant risks to the semiconductor industry. Traditional obfuscation techniques often fail to prevent brute-force attacks, leaving designs vulnerable to unauthorized access. These challenges demand effective and efficient solutions to secure hardware IP without introducing h...

Use of SiC Nanotechnology to Treat Deep-Tissue Cancer via X-Ray Excited NIR-PIT

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:48:41 GMT

Advantages Safe and Effective Allows for targeting of deep tissue cancer cells Uses the already eﬀective NIR-PIT Summary Our researchers have developed a method to bring IR light, and thus NIR-PIT, to deeper layers of tissues. NIR-PIT (Near IR Photo Immune Therapy) works via the attachment of an antibody to the cancer cell membrane. An attached APC is then activated, using IR light, which disrupts the cancer cell membrane, thus only killing cancer cells. Proven to be nearly 100% effective for surface head-neck tumors that are otherwise untreatable, this invention allows for deep-t...

Pressure Ulcer Monitoring System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:47:58 GMT

Competitive Advantages Non-contact assessment method avoids possible contamination and infection Size and depth of pressure ulcers can be measured without bias from conventional methods Compact design of device provides ease-of-use in clinical settings Summary Pressure ulcers are wounds of the skin and underlying tissue that typically occur on the hip, sacrum, or coccyx. Impaired blood flow and reduced cellular function causes a breakdown of skin integrity, forming pressure ulcers. Current ruler-based measurement techniques are usually inaccurate due to the ulcer’s irregula...

Shift of Metabolic ATP Production and Cellular Oxygen Consumption

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:46:29 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increased endothelial cell anaerobic glycolysis Edema prevention Enhanced endothelial barrier function A potential treatment for many diseases Summary Our researchers have developed a method which utilizes agents that activate σ1. The activation of σ1 encourages the metabolic production of ATP to be shifted from oxidative mechanisms to anaerobic glycolysis. Our data show for the first time that σ1 activation leads to enhanced glycolytic ATP production which is tightly linked to endothelial...

Field Tendon Imaging Unit (FTIU)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:45:02 GMT

Competitive Advantages No specialized operational training required Low equipment cost Real-time cross-section image Automatic data storage system Summary This technology, developed by USF Inventors, uses impedance and magnetic measurements to produce an image of the cross-section of an external post-tensioned tendon in a portable computer. Air voids and other deficiencies in the grout portion between the outer strand bundle envelope and the inner surface of the tendon polymer duct will be flagged. The FTIU contains a magne...

System/Methods for Compromise Resilient and Compact Authentication for Digital Forensics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:44:45 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduce total space of signature and public key storage High space efficiency for low state transition systems Useful for security monitoring applications Summary Our proposed technology addresses many of the concerns in state-of-the-art cryptographic techniques. The coding tools ensure breach-resilience while also reducing overhead space of signature and public key storage. The methods will ensure that the system maintains a high level of space efficiency which is critical when large amounts of data are collected. This te...

Improved Frequency - Domain Impedance Identification for Power Grid Electronics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:44:35 GMT

Competitive Advantages Obtains impedance using a few sets of time-series data Can replace existing harmonic injection method to obtain impedance Summary We have developed an alternative method to characterize inverters through impedance by using only a few sets of time-series data. This data is then analyzed through Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) to find the frequency-domain models. In other words, step responses are used to find the dq-frame impedance or admittance models via ERA. The results show that the frequency responses of the impedances ident...

Tool for Achieving Preload in a Bolted Joint or Threaded Component

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:44:18 GMT

Advantages: Reduces uncertainty in preload estimation Allows for achieving a target preload using simple torque measurements Accomodates variations in technique and fastener conditions Summary: Threaded fasteners continue to find widespread use in machines, structures and mechanisms. Their primary function is to provide a desired preload within a bolted joint. Yet the widely used torque method to achieve preload, based entirely on tightening torque results in excessive uncertainty of +/-35% for unlubricated fasteners and +/-25% for lubricated fasteners. This technology offers a method...

Shallow Underwater Buoy for Geodesy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:43:57 GMT

Competitive Advantages Better than 1 cm vertical and ~1-2 cm horizontal positioning accuracy Accurately differentiates anchor position and effects of water motion Robust against strong and variable oceanographic effects (e.g. major storms) Summary We have developed a seafloor geodesy system for this environment based on an anchored spar buoy topped by high precision GPS. Orientation of the buoy is measured using a digital compass (3D attitude) that provides heading, pitch and roll information. The combined orientation and GPS tracking data are ...

Mangrove Endophytic Fungal Natural Products Inhibit Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:43:30 GMT

Competitive Advantages Novel secondary metabolite from mangrove endophytic fungi Inhibits Myobacterium tuberculosis Low cytotoxicity in humans Summary Our inventors have isolated secondary metabolites from mangrove endophytic fungi that target M. tuberculosis and inhibits its growth. Many of these metabolites have between 70% to even 92% inhibition at higher concentrations. They also have a large mammalian IC50, as well as a low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). These newly discovered compounds were also tested for human cytoto...

High-Frequency Mist Generation for Bio and Non-Bio Molecular Ionization under Ambient Condition

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:42:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages High and temperature resistant survival yield Lowest limits of detection to date in direct mass spectrometry methods Low-cost, durable design with easily sourced elements Summary USF inventors have coupled an ultrasonic piezo that is originally designed as a room humidifier, termed ultrasonic nebulizer, with an APCI source to invent a novel ionization source. The ultrasonic nebulizer is a high-performance ionization source, while coupling with APCI significantly improves ion signals. The invention was experimentally...

Concentrated Solar Systems Comprising Multiple Solar Receivers at Different Elevations

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:42:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increases the efficiency of a concentrated solar system Reduces radiative losses Different solar receivers can use different temperatures and heat transfer fluids Summary USF has developed a concentrated solar system comprising a solar tower supporting multiple vertically spaced solar receivers and a heliostat field that concentrates solar radiation on the receivers. This invention solves the inefficiency issue of using a single receiver. The vertical spaced configuration facilitates the efficient utilization of ground space. Heliostats that are further away...

3D Printable High-k, low-loss ceramic-thermoplastic composites with tailored properties for high power RF device applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:41:15 GMT

Competitive Advantages 3D printed Increased permittivity values Decreases coefficient of thermal expansion Better device performance in humid environments Summary Our researchers have developed an approach to develop high-k and low-loss polymer-ceramic composites by further modifying the new processes with introducing surface modification of sintered ceramic powders before the mixing process. This new process decreases coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite materials, while it also increases operating temperature and p...

Porous Corrole Materials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:40:46 GMT

Competitive Advantages A more efficient corrole-functionalized porous material Excellent catalyst performance High chemical stability Framework robustness within a wide range of pH values Summary USF inventors have developed novel corrole-based MOFs which possess a very rare (3,9)-c gfy network and feature 1D hexagonal mesoporous open channels. These MOFs have been shown to demonstrate high chemical stability and framework robustness within a wide range of pH values. Further, they are able to capture several gasses includin...

A Zero-Restoring Force Reservoir for Fluidic Systems

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:40:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Inexpensive Highly reliable Scalable pump rate Reduced fabrication complexity Summary Our inventors have developed peristaltic micro pumps that are fabricated with direct write printing technologies. The micro-pumps are fabricated such that they are scalable to a broad range of pump rates. These novel fabrication methods achieve significant reductions in fabrication complexity, cost, and micro-pump size. The methods not only provide a controlled fluid flow path that minimizes the number of materials and sou...

Mithramycin A in Combination with Cancer Immunotherapy

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:39:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reformulated combination therapeutic allows for shorter clinical pathway Targets cancer stem cells and their ability to escape the immune system More effective at inhibiting tumor growth than either treatment alone Summary Our researchers have formulated a method to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) using Mithramycin A in combination with immunotherapy (αPD-L1, programmed cell death ligand 1 ). Mithramycin A has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of CSCs. PD-L1 plays a role in tumor immune evasion and aggressiveness. Combination treatment of&...

SYN Flood Attack Detection and Mitigation for Software-Defined Networks

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:39:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages • Dynamic and self-adjusting detection threshold • Better mitigation and response time • High accuracy and efficiency Summary USF inventors have developed a mechanism in which they first examine the impact of the SYN saturation against the data—to—control layer and then follow a novel approach based on the additive increase/multiplicative-decrease (AIMD) algorithm to dynamically calculate and update the threat detection threshold in real time to capture malicious SYN ﬂooding traffic...

LatencySmasher: A Software-Defined Networking-Based Framework for End-to-End Latency Optimization

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:39:10 GMT

Competitive Advantages Quality of Service-aware framework prioritizes delay sensitive applications Fast & adaptive optimal end-to-end path computation Reduces control overhead Computationally efficient Summary USF inventors have designed a mechanism that leverages both the global control and centralized view of the SDN to optimize the E2E latency, including latencies associated both with path search and selection, and controller-switch communication. The framework is implemented as an SDN controller application and then exper...

TussisWatch, A Smartphone System for Diagnosis of COPD or CHF

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:38:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages User-friendly and low-cost mobile application Enables early diagnosis of disease Sensitive, specific, and accurate results Summary Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) are progressive disorders and often the terminal stage of pulmonary and cardiac disease leading to death. The current US estimates of COPD and CHF cases are 16 million and 6.5 million, respectively. Physicians gauge onset and severity of COPD and CHF by listening to patient’s cough. TussisWatch, a smart-phone based system can record and detect ...

Intraocular Optic Capture Device (IOCD)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:37:49 GMT

Competitive Advantages Made of FDA approved material Minimal incision required Compatible with single-piece IOL’s including premium lenses Allows re-fixation of dislocated toric IOL’s Summary A device called Intraocular Optic Capture Device (IOCD) was developed by USF researchers for IOL re-fixation. The first of its kind, this invention is designed to restore the function of a lens capsule, a support structure which is lost in patients with dislocated IOL’s. The IOCD uses a technique called optic capture to safely position the IOL inside the eye. By simulating the f...

A Graph-Based Hardware Trojan Vulnerability Analysis Approach

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:37:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages Scalable to complex networks Identifies previously unidentifiable small and stealthy limited-activation HTs Immediate attack path and time localization Summary USF inventors have pushed the HT triggering signal analysis boundary using a graph-based incremental window technique. The technique simultaneously considers common properties of multiple paths. As HT localization is non-trivial, graph based analysis exhibits a higher true positive detection rate than a contemporary path-based approach. Thisis achieved throug...

Optimum Propagated Signal Selection Using AI for Wireless Communication

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:25:19 GMT

Competitive Advantages Optimizes wireless communication by efficient signal selection Deep learning techniques ensure strongest relay link This technique shows promising for wireless communications in general such as in vehicle to vehicle communication and wireless sensor networks Summary The technology developed by USF researchers applies a deep learning technique called Multi-Layer Perceptron. Since communication signals can be affected by the surrounding environments, the transmitted signal can be reflected, scattered and diffracted via objects that lead to receiving multiple signal...

System And Method for Online Anomaly Detection In Surveillance Video

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:25:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Faster processing times Higher accuracy than current technologies Simple implementation into current technology Summary We have developed an algorithm to detect anomalies in online surveillance video quickly and accurately. This technology incorporates two modules, the first of which is a novel feature extraction tool that generates realistic images and videos for future frame prediction. The second module includes a statistical algorithm that uses extracted features for anomaly detections. The techniques can ...

3D Printed Inner Ventricular Membrane for Cardiac Stroke Volume Simulation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:25:05 GMT

Competitive Advantages Realistic simulation of a human heart Pulsatile flow pump with simulated systole and diastole 3D printed inner membrane Hydrodynamic driver for inflow & outflow Summary We have developed a 3D printed inner ventricular membrane model of the heart that is capable of a realistic depiction of the ventricular contractions and cardiac stroke volume that take place within the human heart. This development will allow physicians, researchers, and educators to actively visualize the mechanisms in action within th...

The Process of Making Geomembranes and Their Enhanced Characteristics

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 11:24:01 GMT

Competitive Advantages Resistant to thermal-oxidative degradation Stability enables long-life fluid barriers Adjustable yield and break strength and elongation Summary USF researchers have developed geomembranes enriched with different percentages of phenolic antioxidants, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALSs), and small size carbon blacks. This invention lays out the process to determine the amount of each within the membrane and the other production parameters to produce a thermal-oxidative degradation resistant geomembrane with a desired ...

A Multifaceted Neural Interface for Implantation and Surface Synapse Transduction

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 10:08:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Low cost manufacturing Flexible neural interface that conforms to the shape of the brain tissue Advantageous for neural damage from disease or injury Summary Our researchers have developed a SiC device that provides a complete neural interface with bi-directional signaling. This device is of flexible nature, which makes it an excellent candidate for brain implantation. Due to the composition and structure of the device, it can be implanted into the soft tissue of the brain as well as sitting on the perimeter of the brain beneath the scalp. The low-cost proc...

Deep Learning Based Classification of Global Microglia Proliferation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 10:07:41 GMT

Competitive Advantages Minimal expert time requirement Solves problem at low magnification Provides quick and accurate estimates of cell density Summary Microglial cell proliferation in neural tissue occurs during infections, neurological disease, neurotoxicity, and other conditions. In common clinical studies, quantification of microglial proliferation requires an extensive degree of manual cell counting by a trained expert, but this approach is subjective, error prone, time- and labor-intensive. Automatic methods are needed such as Machine Learning. Some previous wor...

System And Methods For Applying Reinforcement Material To Existing Structures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 09:24:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Helps to maintain structural integrity Easy adaptable to any required length of repair Work rails can be coiled for convenient storage and application Summary USF inventors have used Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminate to achieve the desired result. In particular, strips of CFRP laminate have been applied to the underside of concrete structures to reinforce them. The key element in the new system is a coil-able, light-weight plastic, vacuum-anchored work rail that can be easily installed on both sides of the designated laminate installation site. &nbs...

Therapeutic Agent Applicators and Methods of Using the Same

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:21:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Customizes medical procedures with new adjunctive agents Administer additional agents to complement irradiation Summary Our researchers have devised an improved method and device for the delivery of additional therapeutic agents into cancerous tissue coordinated with the radiation treatment. This method is embodied in various forms of device order to tailor the procedure to meet the needs of the novel treatment strategies. The number of openings and the length of the region along the applicator can be varied depending on the tumor type and size being treated. Also...

Cactus Mucilage for Various Water Filtration Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:20:01 GMT

Competitive Advantages Biodegradable Inexpensive Sustainable Purifies better than current methods Summary Our researchers have developed multiple ways to utilize cactus mucilage in environmental clean-up endeavors such as for oil spills and water purification efforts. This portable system effectively removes arsenic and bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus from water. Further, when in contact with oil, an aggregate is formed and remains afloat, making the oil spill clean-up process easier. This natural extract ca...

Thermal Energy Storage Systems Using Phase Change Materials

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:19:49 GMT

Competitive Advantages • Efficient dispatchability of high temperature concentrated solar power (CSP) • Reduces fossil fuel usage and air pollution • Lowers the overall cost of producing power Summary Inventors at USF developed an improved technique for high-temperature thermal storage which can make efficient high temperature concentrated solar power (CSP) dispatchable and supply advanced nuclear power plants with peaking power capability. By reducing the cost of solar and nuclear power and expanding their use these...

Methods and Compositions for Reducing Serum Levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:19:36 GMT

Competitive Advantages Effective in treatment of allergies caused by high levels of IgE Uses selective cannabinoid receptor agonist to reduce the level of IgE Methods have been successfully carried out on mice Summary Our researchers have developed highly selective CB2 agonists and associated methods for treating allergy-related conditions by suppressing the serum levels of IgE . One such agonist (Gp1a) has been shown to significantly reduce serum levels of IgE in BALB/c mice. This technology is most useful in the treatment of allergies and is directly applicable to the field of ...

The Use of Ketone Esters for Prevention of CNS Oxygen Toxicity

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:17:22 GMT

Competitive Advantages Ketogenic diets have a profound neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effect Treats drug resistant epilepsy in children Used for a wide range of neurological pathologies Demonstrated effectiveness in a mouse model of glioma Summary Oxygen toxicity is a condition resulting from the harmful effects of breathing molecular oxygen (O2) at elevated partial pressures. The condition can cause severe damage to the central nervous system. Ketone esters have an anti-convulsant effect, and it has been shown that a single dose of ketone ester can dramatically increase the laten...

Innovative Virtual Interactive Teaching Tool for Clinical Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:14:50 GMT

Competitive Advantages Interactive Seamless Conducive to facilities with limited access to specialty resources Summary The concept of "Arthur" was developed from one of our faculty's unique teaching style of introducing trainees to the specialty of Rheumatology by highlighting the different pattern of joints that may be involved in various arthropathies in stick figures. The Rheumatology Division of Internal Medicine in conjunction with the Education department designed thirty unique cases illustrating rheumatic disorders and their differential diagnosis. This tool ...

Novel Small Molecule Compounds as Potent Active Antibacterial Agents

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:03:37 GMT

Competitive Advantages Potent antimicrobial activity against resistant bacteria Effective on both gram positive and negative bacteria Can penetrate bacterial biofilm Combat emerging threats of drug-resistant bacteria Summary Scientists at USF have developed novel small molecule antibacterial compounds based on the dimeric cyclic guanidine scaffold. These compounds kill bacteria by compromising their cell membranes. Their mechanism of action is analogous to that of HDPs (host-defense peptides) which have recently surfaced as an alternative approach to fight bacterial resistance. Furthe...

Antimicrobial Analogues of Gramicidin S

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:03:25 GMT

Competitive Advantages compounds and methods of treating bacterial and fungal infections Improved antimicrobial activity Reduced toxicity towards human cells Summary Gramicidin S (GS) is a naturally occurring β-sheet‑like cyclic decapeptide produced by Bacillus brevis that possesses antimicrobial activity against gram‑positive and gram‑negative bacteria as well as fungi. While GS is very potent it also causes hemolysis of human erythrocytes. Therefore, significant effort has been devoted to improving its selectivity for bacterial over mammalian cells. Our researchers developed N...

Capillary protection agents: Discovery of antagonists of capillary regression (loss)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:03:12 GMT

Competitive Advantages Developed a 3D micro‑assay system to test molecules that promote capillary formation or regression of human endothelial cells Identified factors that prevent the breakdown of capillaries Potential therapies that offer capillary protection Background While much progress has been made understanding blood vessel formation and maturation, little is known about the molecular basis for vessel regression. Capillary loss or rarefaction is observed in major human diseases including ischemia, infarction, hypertension, diabetes, malignant cancer, neurodegenerative disea...

Improved Immunogenicity for Attenuated Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:02:56 GMT

Competitive Advantages Enhanced immunogenicity Increased genotypic and phenotypic stability Able to replicate to high titers in suitable cell substrates for vaccine production Summary Current RSV vaccine candidates have focused on attenuated viruses that incorporate mutations specifying temperature sensitivity. While some of these vaccine candidates were found to be sufficiently attenuated in in-fants, they are only poorly immunogenic. In addition, these mutations are inherently unstable and revert, resulting in partial reversion of...

A Method to Reduce the Downregulation of Beta2-adrenergic Receptors in Asthma and COPD

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:02:41 GMT

Advantages Discovered a new mechanism responsible for ∼50% of the β agonist-promoted down-regulation of β2Ars. Let-7f miRNA reduces β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) downregulation in airway smooth muscle cells. Targets microRNA let-7f to mitigate β-agonist-induced tachyphylaxis and improve efficacy in asthma and COPD treatments. Offers a novel therapeutic option for achieving sustained bronchodilation. Summary Agonists to β2-adrenergic receptors (β2Ars), often termed “β-agonists,” are the primary therapy for acute reversal of ...

ALDA-1 Treatment for Acute Lung Injury

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:02:30 GMT

Competitive Advantages Applicable to a wide range of diseases with endothelial dysfunction Targets the cause not just the symptoms of allergies and pulmonary diseases Protects against cellular damage Reverses harmful effects of hyperoxic injury Summary Pulmonary diseases are characterized by endothelial dysfunction and changes in vascular permeability. Specifically, in acute lung injury, hyperoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction causes elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the deterioration of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in pulmonary vascular endothelial ...

Collection System for Pain Management Monitoring

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Leads to improved patient care Ability to have a snap-shot view of patient’s pain management and treatment Can analyze pain over adjustable time periods, by patient populations, single patient, or disease type Summary Many health care professionals including The Joint Commission (TJC) formerly, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organiza-tions (JCAHO) have identified pain management as one of the quality standard against which the quality of care of both individual providers and healthcare organizations should be measured. ...

Simultaneous Measurements of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, pH, and CO2 Fugacity in Seawater

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:47 GMT

Competitive Advantages High sensitivity and stability Multiple CO2 parameters measured Suitable for seawater and freshwater Efficient device and control software Summary Our inventors have designed a spectrophotometer-based system which unifies measurements of different CO2 parameters. The system can measure multiple parameters at relatively low costs. The device includes software and a Multi-parameter Spectrophotometric Elemental Analysis System (M-SEAS). The MSEAS has 3 main components consisting of a graphical user interface (GUI), an M-SEAS spectrophotometric unit, and ...

Simultaneous Measurements of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, pH, and CO2 Fugacity in Seawater

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:42 GMT

Simultaneous Measurements of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, pH, and CO2 Fugacity in Seawater

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:38 GMT

Innovative Dynamic Algorithm for Nonlinear Time-to-Event Statistical Data Analysis

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:26 GMT

Competitive Advantages Applicable to a multitude of fields Algorithm, tool and/or procedure does not depend on data set form Determines both the size and location of changes in hazard rate with certain degree of confidence Summary The inventors of this technology have developed an algorithm that incorporates these sudden changes, or interventions, in the data analysis. The presented model is a hybrid that is composed of both continuous-time and discrete-time state (intervention) dynamic processes. The developed algorithm is applicable to the analysis of time-to-event dynamic processes ...

USF Insights: A Student Success Management Platform

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:21 GMT

Summary Student Affairs and Student Success organizations at USF collaborated with Information Technology to create a student success management platform. This platform brings together all the student support personnel into a coordinated network of providers who will provide the right support, to the right students, at the right time. This network of providers, the “Care Team,” utilizes predictive analytics to identify struggling students, and coordinates timely interventions to promote persistence and completion. A student not likely to pass a given course will receive immediate ...

Unconstrained Ear Recognition using Combination of Deep Learning and Handcrafted Features

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:17 GMT

Competitive Advantages Enables better identification Uses a plurality of landmarks for increased specificity Faster compared to similar methods Less computationally intensive Summary Our inventors have developed a biometric identification system to identify an ear image. This includes convolutional neural network (CNN) and handcrafted features that accurately identifies landmarks and discriminatory features. The ensures that even when the ears are flipped the system can still identify them. This system also combines a relatively ...

Learning and Generalizing Movement Policies for Robotic Manipulation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Adaptable learning Flexibility in realistic situations Makes real time decisions Summary USF inventors have created a trajectory generation approach that learns a broad and stochastic policy from demonstrations. This approach first learns from the human demonstrations of the policies and is able to generate a trajectory with arbitrary length, and treats the change of the constraints naturally. Based on the magnitude of action and the desired future state, the dynamic system decides to keep, reject or execute samples. The approach weighs the action particles drawn...

Predicting Ease of Perinephric Fat Dissection for Laparoscopic Renal Procedures

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:01:05 GMT

Competitive Advantages Non-invasive Allows the physician to better predict complications prior to surgery Optimize surgical scheduling Improve patient counseling Summary USF inventors have created a method to prospectively assess the ease of surgical dissection of perinephric fat for renal procedures through use of a novel scoring system of computed tomography (CT) images. Accurate pre-operative assessment of PnFSD has far reaching implications as it provides surgeons and patients with data pertaining to the anticipated ease of the upcoming surgical procedure. This assessment ca...

Lattice-based Proof-of-Work Algorithms for Post-Quantum Blockchains

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 10 May 2022 07:12:25 GMT

Advantages Ensures robust security against quantum attacks Turns mining effort into useful post-quantum cryptanalysis Enables quick, low-cost block verification Allows flexible tuning of mining difficulty and throughput Summary As quantum computation improves, traditional hash-based proof-of-work (PoW) functions become more susceptible, undercutting the security of blockchain networks on everything from financial transactions to tracking along a supply chain. Meanwhile, standard PoW wastes huge amounts of power on redundant hash computation, amplifying environmental issues with no col...

Integrated Cascading Cycle Solar Thermal Power Plant

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 12:49:09 GMT

Competitive Advantages • Increases the efficiency of concentrating solar power • Multiple thermodynamic systems • Multiple solar thermal plants Summary Inventors at USF have developed a thermodynamic system which employs multiple types of thermodynamic cycles and solar thermal fields. The invention introduces new ways to combine existing solar collectors and thermodynamic cycles to increase efficiency. By using multiple thermodynamic systems, it can operate different types of thermodynamic cycles at different temperature r...

The Tribalism Index for Quantifying Violence

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:08:05 GMT

Summary USF inventors have developed The Tribalism Index to predict instability in any prescribed region based on five components. A summation or cumulative addition of data obtained from these indices de-fine the Tribalism Index and a final value that could range between 0 and 1, with 1 indicating the highest degree of tribalism, and therefore higher likelihood of instability in the region in question. This index has advantage in its ability to provide quick, ready-to-use actionable information to government agencies and business groups. Through objective study of unique cultural spe...

Improved Methods and Systems for Wastewater and Sludge Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:07:51 GMT

Competitive Advantages Converts BioGas to BioMethane Inexpensive equipment for retrofit Lowers operating costs Smaller footprint Utilizes Anammox in BNR plants Summary USF researchers have developed several technologies including a selective wasting system (SWS) that uncouples the solid retention time of targeted autotrophic microbial populations from bulk sludge. For a biological nutrient removal system, the use of SWS increases the abundance of the nitrifying bacteria present, resulting in a higher nitrification rate. This process also requires less space and funding to construct t...

Evidence-based Decision Support System for Pain Management

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:06:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages Easy to use intuitive web interface Can be integrated within electronic medical record Comprehensive pain assessment from patients Recommends dosage duration and route of administration Can be used to manage individual patients or save data for quality reporting Summary The USF CDSS-EBM Pain Module is designed to improve pain management of patients with acute and chronic pain. It particularly pays attention to safe and effective conversion ratios and techniques for the use of opioids as the failure to use these methods represents the most common error in prescr...

Two Stage Microfluidic Device for Acoustic Particle Manipulation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:06:32 GMT

Summary Our researchers have developed a novel surface acoustic wave (SAW) based two-stage microfluidic platform for continuous particle focusing and separation. The driving force is acoustic radiation generated by surface acoustic waves in a microfluidic device over a piezoelectric substrate. The prominent features of this two-stage sorter are that particle focusing and separation are accomplished simultaneously and the sorter doesn't require the use of the sheath flow for positioning or aligning of particles, thereby decreasing the complexity. In this design, no physical contact i...

Dental Mouth Prop

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:06:14 GMT

Competitive Advantages Kid-friendly with attractive colors and shape Anti-slippage and anti-choking features Has dimensions that can fit a wide range of mouth sizes Auto-clavable and reusable Summary Researchers at USF have designed a mouth prop specifically for children as a functional toy that can be used to ease their fears during routine visits to the dentist. Each feature on the product is strategically added to provide safety and create appeal. The eyes and texturized surface prevents slippage, the tongue prevents choking and the teeth serve as an aesthetic tool that give...

Clinical Decision Support System- Integrating Best Research Evidence with Patient & Physician Preferences at the Point of Care

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:05:36 GMT

Competitive Advantages First system to take into account logical, deliberative as well as emotional response and preferences in decision-making Applicable to any medical condition Integrates best research evidence to aid in the decision making process Includes module for the management of chronic pain Summary The technology can be applied to any medical condition and is currently being tested on patients with terminal disease to help improve referral to hospice. It integrates the best research evidence based on treatments, benefi...

Skin Cancer Triage Toolkit

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:05:30 GMT

Competitive Advantages More accurate diagnosis Improve patient education Improve dermoscopy skills Develop referral network Summary USF scientists have proposed a skin cancer triage toolkit to assist PCPs in improving their ability to triage their patients for skin cancer. This toolkit may include a skin cancer detection and referral training manual, patient intake risk assessment form, dermoscopy training and resources, referral networking guide, patient education materials, biopsy overview and resources, introduction to teleder...

Column with Mixed Germania-Silica-Based Hybrid Sorbent

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:50:10 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improved pH stability Higher and purer extracts yields Readily available materials Summary USF researchers demonstrated the pH stability of purely Germania-based organic-inorganic hybrid extraction media. In a further improvement, our inventors explored the properties of Germania, an isostructural analog to silica, in developing a mixed Germania-silica-based hybrid sorbent whose stationary phase closely resembles silica-based models. The resulting hybrid demonstrated a significantly improved pH stability. Furthermor...

Cactus Mucilage for Various Water Filtration Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:49:15 GMT

Compounds Having Anti-Parasitic or Anti-Infective Activity

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:49:01 GMT

Competitive Advantages Effective on liver and blood stages of malaria Effective against drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium parasites Summary Chloroquine replacement drugs are urgently needed to treat and prevent malaria. The endoperoxides, like artemisinin are being used in other parts of the world for malaria therapy. However, the use of this remedy is limited by reports of ototoxicity and neurotoxic effects of the endoperoxides. Additionally, toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of birth defects and it is estimated that the health care costs due to toxoplasmo...

Materials and Methods to Reduce Protein Tau and Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:48:50 GMT

Competitive Advantages Exhibited significant tau accumulation reduction in cell models A natural treatment option May treat many different tauopathies A safe and edible therapeutic Summary USF researchers have found that myricanol and myricanone compounds such as bayberry extract may be an effective treatment option for many neurodegenerative diseases associated with the abnormal accumulation of protein tau. These extracts have been shown to reduce aberrant microtubule associated protein tau levels in cells. Myricanol and myrican...

Cubic Silicon Carbide Implantable Neural Prosthetic

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:47:07 GMT

Competitive Advantages Biocompatible, chemically inert, strong Excellent elastic semiconductor Prevents encapsulation from glial response Summary Our researchers have invented an implantable neuronal prosthetic for placement in a brain of a patient for receiving and sending electrical signals. The implantable neuronal prosthetic interacts directly with single or small groups of targeted neurons within the CNS or PNS. The prosthetic is constructed out of single crystal cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) which is biocompatible, chemically inert, phys...

Improved Methods and Systems for Wastewater and Sludge Treatment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:46:45 GMT

Hands-Free Control System and User Interface

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:46:08 GMT

See-Through Abdomen Display for Minimally Invasive Surgery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:08:48 GMT

Competitive Advantages Decreased surgical time Better visualization of the surgical field Does not rely on preoperative data Summary USF scientists have developed a novel image overlay apparatus that displays real-time 3D images of internal organs and tissues onto the external skin. These images are derived from internally located imaging devices. They are projected onto the skin and aligned with the actual physical location, orientation, and size of the internal organs and tissues. This creates the perception that the skin is transparent. The ...

Chimeric GFP with Embedded Peptide for Drug Delivery

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:02:37 GMT

Advantages Protects embedded molecules from degradation and toxicity by shielding them within the GFP β-barrel Enables simultaneous delivery of therapeutic/diagnostic agents and real-time imaging due to retained fluorescence Provides a versatile platform for embedding a wide range of non-native molecules (e.g., peptides, drugs, imaging agents) Facilitates targeted delivery of embedded agents to specific cells or organelles Enhances the stability and solubility of the chimeric protein through specific amino acid substitutions Summary The biotechnology landscape continuously seeks...

Data Anomaly Detection and Localization with Reduced Delay and False Alarm Rate

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:02:25 GMT

Competitive Advantages Monitors and analyzes large data sets Accurate detection of irregularities Minimized average detection delay Summary We have developed a technique called Online Discrepancy Test (ODIT) for real-time detection of anomalies in high-dimensional systems. This algorithm is generic and applicable to various contexts as it does not assume specific data types, probability distributions, and anomaly types. It only requires a nominal training set, and achieves asymptotic optimality in terms of minimizing average detection delay ...

Fundamental Understanding of Interfacial and Surface Incommensurabilities for Angstrom-Precise Advanced Manufacturing

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:02:16 GMT

Advantages: Enables scalable, atomic-level additive and subtractive manufacturing Uses naturally occurring misalignments (incommensurabilities) to guide ultra-precise patterning Supports inverse design using machine learning for targeted feature control Opens pathways to advanced applications in quantum devices and molecular separation Summary: Advanced manufacturing at the atomic scale faces steep challenges existing top-down and bottom-up techniques cannot reliably produce Ångstrom-level precision over large areas. The resolution limits of lithography and the uncontrol...

Tri-Modal Nanopore Sequencer /Sensor for DNA/RNA and Other Biomolecules

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:01:58 GMT

Competitive Advantages Accurate and efficient diagnostic of COVID-19 Works for both COVID-19 and future emerging diseases Targets the virus itself, not antibodies Summary Researchers at USF are developing nanopore-based sequencing of DNA/RNA using a tri-modal approach that is built around atomically thin, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. This technology has distinct advantages over fluorescence-based techniques, most notably its size and portability. At less than a nanometer thick (less than 1/100 the size of SARS-CoV-2 virus), these atomic-scale 2D crystals are ideal for...

System and Method for Energy Efficient and Useful Blockchain Proof of Work

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:01:38 GMT

Advantages: Reduces energy waste in blockchain mining by reusing computation for useful cryptographic purposes Preserves all security properties of traditional Proof of Work (PoW) systems Supports a wide range of cryptographic applications signatures, key exchanges, encryption, and post-quantum protocols Compatible with existing PoW-based blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum Summary Traditional Proof of Work (PoW) algorithms like those used in Bitcoin and Ethereum require massive computational effort, most of which is wasted in solving arbitrary puzzles. This leads to significant ene...

Automatic Prediction of Runway Configuration and AAR for Multi-Airport System

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:01:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages Uses Deep Learning Framework Can predict runway configuration and AARs in real time for a metroplex Marketable to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), multi-airport systems (MASs), and airports Summary USF Inventors have developed Deep Learning Framework that uses high-precision gridded weather forecast data by two novel contributions. One: it uses assembled gridded weather forecast for the terminal airspace instead of an isolated station-based terminal weather forecast that has been used in existing literature. Second: it proposes a multi-layer convoluti...

A Novel Compound for High Frequency Application

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:01:11 GMT

Competitive Advantages Highly reliable High permeability Low magnetic loss High operating frequency and stability Summary New electronics and biomedical devices are being proposed which utilize radio frequency (RF)/microwaves, such as biomedical imaging, sensors, etc. These new applications will need better RF/microwave materials with high permeability and low magnetic loss in these higher frequency ranges. Our researchers have developed novel soft magnetic ferrite materials which are highly resistive, have a high permeability, low magnetic loss and chemical stability up to 100s of MH...

Drug Delivery Device for Ovarian Cancer

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 12:32:29 GMT

Competitive Advantages Protects healthy cells from exposure to toxic drugs Targeted drug delivery effectively supplies safe dosage to site of disease Improves post-treatment prognosis and may prevent cancer recurrence Summary Our researchers have developed a device with the ability to deliver precise and effective dosage quantities to a targeted site through direct vaginal delivery. This allows for accurate dosage delivery to identified cancerous cells in the ovaries as well as anywhere in the peritoneal cavity. The device consists of three com...

Charcoal Grill Having Re-Chargeable Charcoal Feed for Continuous Operation

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:00:03 GMT

Competitive Advantages Refill a charcoal grill with coals and/or wood chips Cooking process need not be halted Can be adapted for integration with any grill make or model Summary Researchers at USF have created an accessory for the charcoal grill. The invention includes a base for holding charcoal, a lid mounted to the base, and a ram that shoves charcoal from the box into the grill. The invention enables a charcoal-fired grill to continue uninterrupted operation even when a charge of charcoal in the grill has been fully or partially consumed w...

Bulk Dimensional Nanocomposites for Thermoelectrics Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:38:23 GMT

Competitive Advantages Process optimization achieves high yield Uses a cost effective and stable material Enhances thermoelectric efficiency by increasing Seebeck co-efficient S Nanocomposite synthesis eliminates conglomeration of the nanograins Summary Our inventors have developed bulk nanocomposites via nanoscale fabrication. Dense lead telluride (PbTe) nanocomposites are synthesized from PbTe nanocrystals by employing a low-temperature solution-phase reaction. We have optimized this technique to produce large quantities of nan...

A Practical Method of CO2 Sequestration

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:37:52 GMT

Competitive Advantages Immobilization of calcium oxide to maintain CO2 absorption capacity Regeneration of original compound for re-use in sequestration process and other applications The repetition of sequestration cyclic operations using the original absorbent Summary In this invention, in order to minimize these shortcomings, a simple and effective technique of immobilizing the calcium oxide absor-bent as a film on substrates such as fibrous ceramics was devel-oped. The prepared samples indicated a marked improvement in the cyclic life and durability of the absorbent in repeated CO2...

Use of B1 Integrin Peptide HYD1 for Blocking CAM-DR and EMDR

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:31:02 GMT

Competitive Advantages Increases efficacy of chemotherapy Potentiates cell death in multiple myeloma cell lines Enhances drug response Summary Our researchers demonstrated that components of the tumor microenvironment influence the response of hematopoietic cell lines to chemotherapeutics and could contribute to de novo resistance. It is propose that a viable strategy for enhancing the efficacy of currently used cytotoxics is to identify targets which contribute to de novo drug resistance thereby increasing the efficacy and success of initial therapy intervention and decreasing relapse...

Folding Frame Motorized Prone Carts

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:28:14 GMT

Competitive Advantages Reduces neck strain Improves circulation, respiration and digestion Prevention of contractures Improves pressure relief Complete emptying of bladder Increased independence Summary Our researchers have designed a prone cart to enagble a user to lie down in a more natural body position and elevated as opposed to be laying totally horizontally as on existing prone carts. A few interesting features of this invention are, overall length will reduce by 30 cm when the patient is in th...

Folding Armrest Tray

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:14:13 GMT

Competitive Advantages Compact size Simple to use Portable and adaptable Able to swivel Summary Researchers at USF have developed a portable lightweight tray that is simple to use and is integrated into the ergonomic armrest design of commercially available chairs. The unique ball and socket hinge provides a simple yet versatile movement to the tray in a vertical plane while being deployed and in a horizontal plane when fully deployed, which allows the tray to be swiveled around the armrest. This is critical to allow the user to move forward if necessary without the tray. There is als...

Cactus Mucilage for Various Water Filtration Applications

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:29:31 GMT

Zero-Order Energy Smart Antenna and Repeater

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:29:20 GMT

Competitive Advantages Improve the radio link quality Self-optimizing Operates with very low power Better communication range Summary USF researchers developed a novel invention: a device that will improve the radio link quality for low power wireless devices. The two smart ZOE antennas which will be configured for optimum signal reception at power up, then sampled and reconfigured at user defined time intervals. The repeater is used at a distance in order to boost the signal power and make it possible the increase range of...

Novel Methods for Making Pharmaceutical Drug Forms

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:20:12 GMT

Our researchers have discovered novel polymorphs, salts, hydrates, and solvate forms of these drugs and the process for their preparation. They have also provided a medicament of salt derivatives of these drugs as well as methods to modulate their solubility and dose response. This present invention provides the creation of drug derivatives improving drug properties such as bioavailability as well as methods for controlled release of said drugs, among many other advantages in drug delivery and treatment, has potential for treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease, breast can...

Improvements on the Wavelength Scanning Digital Interference Holography

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:19:11 GMT

Summary Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a method to improve the wavelength scanning digital interference holography. This technique allows non-invasive imaging of tissues such as in retina, skin and gastrointestinal epithelial tissues, with speed and enhanced capabilities. Diagnostic imaging systems, which enable clinicians to visualize the anatomic structure and evaluate the functional performance of the body’s internal organs and tissues, are indispensable in the practice of modern medicine. Competitive Advantages Improves ...

A Dual Polarized Feed Structure Applicable to a Single Antenna or an Array

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:14:25 GMT

Summary Our inventors have developed a method and device for the collection of electromagnetic energy using a dual polarized antenna for the collection of solar energy, overcoming the identified deficiencies of prior systems. The device intercepts randomly polarized electromagnetic waves which is excited through an aperture by using two well-isolated orthogonal feeds. Simulation and test results at 7 GHz yield convincing evidence that this technique can be used to allow the simultaneous interception of a randomly polarized electromagnetic wave by a single antenna. Furthermore, the conce...

A Method of Transdermal Drug Delivery Using Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:11:20 GMT

USF researchers have developed novel hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticles for transdermal drug delivery. These nanoparticles can encapsulate peptides, DNA, and small molecules. They also allow for the controlled release of the active molecules that they are transporting. The nanoparticles are at most 180 nm in diameter, making them an attractive candidate for cell specific drug delivery. These nanoparticles are made from natural polymers, are biocompatible and biodegradable, and are well suited for gene or chemotherapy treatment. A controlled drug del...

Total Fluid Conductivity Sensor System and Method

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:09:12 GMT

Researchers at USF have developed a technology that provides an apparatus and method for measuring the conductivity of a fluid employing the differential radio frequency phase detection between two embedded toroidal coils. The sensor provides high resistance to corrosion in the fluid with the use of the radio frequency. The present invention also provides an embedded sensor that can be easily packaged, fitted to a buoy and deployed underwater and is not prone to corrosion and fouling. An integrated thermistor mounted on the coil allows for temperature monitoring and can be used for compe...

Fabrication of 3-d ion optics assemblies by metallization of non-conductive substrates

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:09:06 GMT

This invention includes, in one embodiment, a method to simplify the fabrication and assembly of cylindrical ion traps (CITs) using new materials and processes. Accordingly, a CIT was made from Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC), used in semi-conductor industry as a packaging material and physical MEMS and RF (MEMS) devices. The invention seemed to improve the precision of the conducting layers while on the other hand reducing the complexity involved during the fabrication of devices regardless of whether the substrate layer is conductive or otherwise. The invention also has the ab...

System and Method for Transportation Demand Management

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:08:50 GMT

Competitive Advantages Pocket PC with the capability to store data locally Remote data transfer Collects data and provide the user feedback Summary USF inventors have developed TRAC-IT. This novel invention is a more efficient and cost-effective replacement for paper-based surveys. TRAC-IT provides the enhanced ability to analyze traffic flow, trip planning, and the use of public transportation. Paper-based survey disadvantages such as data omissions, extensive manual data entry and limited coverage are eliminated by utilizing TRAC-IT. It also has a Global Positioning System (GPS...

System and Method for Online End Point Detection for Use in Chemical Mechanical Planarization

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:08:26 GMT

Inventors at USF have developed a system and method for identifying a significant event in a CMP process. This novel method uses a sequential probability ratio test on the wavelet decomposed coefficient of friction (CoF) data from the CMP process. The method is made suitable for online application by developing a moving block data processing strategy, which matches the rate of data acquisition. Low cost of metrology Accurate interpretation of in-situ sensor data Robust detection methodology Side View of CMP Process

A Tunable Micro Electromechanical Inductor

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:07:20 GMT

Our invention provides a distributed tunable inductor using DC contact MEMS switches. A high inductance value is realized using a small length of high impedance line, while low inductance is realized by reconfiguring the same circuit to yield a low impedance line using DC-contact switches. The resulting inductor is compact in size and provides very fine resolution in its tuning states. This novel inductor can be applied in a variety of different circuit applications like true-time-delay phase shifters, impedance matching networks for amplifiers, and tuning networks for couplers and filte...

Greek Matching Software

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:06:17 GMT

Inventors at USF have developed a novel software package called the Greek-Base 2003 that efficiently matches incoming new recruits to the organizations based on the rankings entered by both sides. This software package is more efficient compared to the existing software package in terms of security, complexity, and compatibility. The software package uses a Stable Marriage algorithm to match candidates to various organizations. The software contains three modules: a Main Database Application (MDA) used by the Recruitment Administrator, a Terminal Login Software accessible to the public, a...

Thermally Compensated Fluoroptic Temperature Sensor

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:05:41 GMT

Competitive Advantages Self-heating point-contact type probe Electrically inert tip Precise temperature control prevents damage to delicate samples Accurate calibration for higher sensitivity Immunity to noise and other measurement interferences Summary The fluorescence surface temperature sensor developed at USF is a simple, versatile and novel design with an electrically inert tip. The self-heating capability of the probe compensates for poor thermal contact with the sample and conducting heat loss. As a closed-loop system it can follow a temperature profile, a valuable capability ...

Zeolite-like Metal Organic Frameworks (ZMOFS)

cabrigo@usf.edu — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:03:40 GMT

Competitive Advantages Inexpensive, readily available molecular components Potential for energy efficient hydrogen storage techniques Novel materials for water softening and purification treatments Shape selective catalyst Summary USF inventors have designed and manufactured Zeolite-like metal organic frameworks. These ZMOFs have very important industrial applications, including as shape or size selective catalysts and as desiccants. ZMOFs have also shown potential for gas storage. In particular, its ability to store molecular hydrogen is of present scientific interest as it may...

Method of Full-Color Optical Coherence Tomography

cabrigo@usf.edu — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:31:30 GMT

Our researchers developed a method for surface and sub-surface imaging of tissues. This imaging method is applicable to the diagnosis of diseases, especially in the critical areas of optical coherence tomography (OCT), such as ophthalmic and dermatological imaging. This invention helps provide what is needed in the art: a full color 3D microscopic imaging systems and methods utilizing wide-field optical coherence tomography resulting in a machine capable of lateral and longitudinal resolution, subsurface penetration of diffuse media and full natural color representation. &nbs...

Method for the Assembly of Nanowire Interconnects

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:08:37 GMT

Our researchers have invented a method for the synthesis of nanowires in a silicon nanoporous template by electrode position, and a novel technique for the integration of nanowires to transduction surfaces. The present technology provides a method for the synthesis of nanowires in a silicon nanoporous template by electrode position, and a novel technique for the integration of nanowires to transduction surfaces. Thereby providing a generic, high density, reconfigurable and low cost alternative to conventional packaging schemes. Ability to easily control the s...

Method and Apparatus for Reducing Leakage in Integrated Circuits

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:08:31 GMT

Researchers at USF have created a method that yields better leakage reduction in the CMOS circuit as the threshold voltage is decreased, which aids in further reduction of supply voltage and minimization of transistor sizes. Unlike other leakage control techniques, LECTOR does not need any control circuitry to monitor the states of the circuit. Hence, avoiding the sacrifice of obtained leakage power reduction in the form of dynamic power consumed by the additional circuitry to control the overall circuit states. The CMOS circuit has application in designs involving deep submicron and Nan...

High Aspect Ratio Tip Atomic Force Microscopy Cantilevers and Method of Manufacture

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:08:23 GMT

Our researchers have developed a method for the selective growth of single carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the tip apex of a conventional cantilever. Selective CNT growth is established by coating the backside of a cantilever, having a through-hole at a tip apex, with a catalyst material followed by a cover layer. The exposed catalyst at the bottom of the hole at the apex of the cantilever induces growth of a single CNT at this location. Carbon nanotube (CNT) probes have become an attractive alternative to AFM cantilevers. The CNT probe not only offers extraordinary nanometer scale resol...

Rectifying Antenna and Method of Manufacture

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:06:14 GMT

Researchers at USF have developed an invention that has an integrated approach in nano scale to fabricate an antenna diode to form a building block element in an array of rectenna elements. The invention allows the collection of solar radiation from the wave property of light and the conversion of this electromagnetic wave energy into direct current electrical energy by the use of an integral ultra high frequency rectifier. The invention enables the rectenna elements for harvesting electromagnetic energy such as that emanating from the sun with high efficiency and reliability. Additionally the...

Computer Aided Diagnosis of Mammographic Microcalci?cation Clusters

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:04:27 GMT

USF researchers have developed a computer-based system that improves diagnostic accuracy by more than fourfold when compared to current methods. The program utilizes image processing and pattern recognition techniques to classify micro-calcifications as benign or malignant. These techniques include automatic detection, segmentation of breast calcifications, analysis of the shape and distribution of the calcifications, and analysis of additional personal risk factors. The methodology is applicable to both film and digital mammography and yields high classification accuracy. Increased d...

Reading or Writing Table Attachable to Wheelchair

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:03:31 GMT

USF inventors designed a table that addresses these shortcomings. It attaches to the arms of any wheelchair and can tilt to provide a transparent or solid surface with two separate book supports that are individually adjustable, allowing the user to read and take notes more easily. The transparent table allows the user to see through the table, facilitating, for example, note-taking in class. The table is designed to be mounted or taken off in seconds, and can be used with standard wheelchairs. Easily mounted and released Multiple usable angles of adjustment Transparent surfa...

Protein Proﬁling for Premalignant Tissue

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:00:54 GMT

USF researchers have developed a novel and accurate method to identify both malignant and premalignant cancerous cells for early lung cancer detection. This method includes the coupling of surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) mass spectroscopy with LCM technology for sensitive results. This precise technique can determine even minor changes in cancer protein expression, thus allowing for early detection in individuals who do not present symptoms. This approach aims to increase cancer survival rates by improving patient prognosis. The invention may also be utilized as a method f...

Hybrid Electro-Plasmonic Modulation of Neural Activity with Visible-Light-Sensitive Gold Nanotransducer Interface

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:38:42 GMT

Competitive Advantages Better spatial resolution than standard electrical stimulation Capable of reducing electrical stimulation current input by 40% Specific point stimulation, reducing spread to surrounding tissue 3-fold higher success rate of nerve cell response compared to pure optical stimulation 5-fold better post-stimulation recovery/survival rate of stimulated neurons, compared to pure optical stimulation Tunable properties Summary Our inventors have developed a next-generation, hybrid electro-plasmonic stimulation platform for spatially and temporally precise neural excitat...

Redirecting Neurogenesis Using Drug-Loaded Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Educated in Pro-Inflammatory Environment

cabrigo@usf.edu — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:38:30 GMT

Advantages Targeted modulation of neuroinflammation using Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC)-derived “induced” exosomes Intranasal exosome delivery facilitates improved Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) penetration Addresses underlying neuroinflammatory processes driving neurodegenerative diseases, moving beyond symptomatic treatment approaches Summary Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are driven by chronic neuroinflammation and accumulation of toxic proteins which trigger sustained microglial activation, facilitating neuronal loss. The current therapeu...

An Electrochemical Concentration (Dialytic) Fuel Cell Using a Chitosan Based Membrane Electrode Assembly

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:25:51 GMT

Competitive Advantages Bio-Polymer based membrane Nontoxic and renewable Readily abundant and natural Summary Our researchers have developed chitosan membranes that possess a high water flux permeability that when subjected to a difference in salinity gradient concentrations could be useful for many applications including as a micro porous support layer in a Thin Film Composite membrane assembly used in Reverse Osmosis water purification and water desalination operations. In addition, the salt gradient driven ion migration across the chitosan membrane results in a voltage potential of ...

Transfection Vector for Pathogenic Amoebae and Use Thereof

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:23:39 GMT

Competitive Advantages A reverse genetic approach to unveiling virulence factors Process works with multiple selectable markers Multiple transfection rounds with wider range of genes Summary Our researchers have developed a transfection vector as a novel genetic tool for a reverse genetic approach to unveil virulence factors and potential drug targets within these microbes. Identification of three independent selectable markers, hygromycin, puromycin and bleomycin for N. fowleri would allow for multiple transfection rounds with different genes. This is helpful since N. fowleri has...

Detection of Ovarian Cancer by Elevated Urinary Levels of Rhamm

cabrigo@usf.edu — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:14:03 GMT

Competitive Advantages Detects early stage ovarian cancer More accurate than current methods Cost effective Portable and easy to use Summary Our researchers have discovered a novel method of detecting ovarian cancer by measuring urinary levels of the Receptor for HyaluronanMediated Motility (RHAMM). Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. The lack of early symptoms and the absence of a reliable screening test results in over 70% of women being diagnosed after the disease has spread beyond the ovary. This leads to poor prognoses with approximately 14,...