The present technology relates generally to systems and methods for in vivo visualization of lymphatic vessels. Multiple first and second layers can be deposited to form a composite material that includes a plurality of adjacent first and second layers. In additional embodiments, a system includes a power converter coupled to a power bus and having one or more switching frequencies, and a power-line communication circuit coupled to the power bus and having one or more communication frequencies, where at least one of the switching frequencies is substantially greater than at least one of the communication frequencies. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention and mutations in the nucleic acid sequences which encode the polypeptides of the present invention.