Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are for monitoring the tightness of bolts. The systems and methods may be used with a mechanism to apply a percussive tap and with a recording or monitoring device for detecting and recording the acoustic signals that are generated by the percussive tap. The acoustic signals generated by percussive taps applied to bolts in various looseness states are analyzed and a machine learning model is developed that allows for determining bolt looseness based on the acoustic signals.

Abstract: A soleus contraction measurement system includes a sensor configured to measure rotational movement when positioned on a user's foot with an X-axis oriented laterally across the user's foot, a Y-axis oriented parallel to the user's foot, a Z-axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis, and a positive X-axis rotational movement corresponding to an increasing ankle angle, and a memory storing computer-executable instructions for controlling a processor to: measure an X-axis rotational movement, identify a positive X-axis rotational movement as a plantarflexion and a negative X-axis rotational movement as an ankle dorsiflexion, deem the plantarflexion a performed soleus contraction when the plantarflexion is immediately followed by the ankle dorsiflexion for two consecutive cycles of plantarflexion and ankle dorsiflexion, and cause performance information regarding the performed soleus contractions to be communicated.

Abstract: A method and composition for doped HTS tapes having directional flux pinning and critical current.

Abstract: The present method predicts and separates dispersive surface waves from seismic data using dispersion estimation and is completely data-driven and computer automated and no human intervention is needed. The method is capable of predicting and suppressing surface waves from recorded seismic data without damaging the reflections. Nonlinear signal comparison (NLSC) is used to obtain a high resolution and accurate dispersion. Based on the dispersion, surface waves are predicted from the field recorded seismic data. The predicted surface waves are then subtracted from the original data.

Abstract: Durable antibacterial coatings are prepared by inter-diffusing zwitterionic polyurethane in acrylic polyurethane. Bacterial attachment is substantially eliminated from the surface of the coatings due to the hydrophilicity of the zwitterionic polyurethane. Long-term antibacterial properties were observed for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria even when the coatings were constantly challenged by mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: A biosensor may provide a magnetoresistive (MR) film comprising a nonmagnetic layer may be sandwiched between the two ferromagnetic layers. The MR film may be positioned on a substrate, where the edges of the MR film are in contact with leads. The leads may be in contact with pads. The sensors may provide quasi-digital readout that enable greatly enhanced sensitivity. In some embodiments, biosensors may be arranged as array of sensors. The array of sensors may be arranged as a symmetric or asymmetric N1×N2 array, where N1 and N2 are integers, N1 represents the number of sensors linked together in series, and N2 represents the number of sensor sets in parallel, where each sensor set may comprise one or more sensors. Further, the array of sensors may be coupled to a voltmeter, which may be a single voltmeter in that allows the sensors to all be probed simultaneously.

Abstract: Durable antibacterial coatings are prepared by inter-diffusing zwitterionic polyurethane in acrylic polyurethane. Bacterial attachment is substantially eliminated from the surface of the coatings due to the hydrophilicity of the zwitterionic polyurethane. Long-term antibacterial properties were observed for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria even when the coatings were constantly challenged by mechanical abrasion.

Abstract: The methods for synthesizing mordenite (MOR) zeolite crystals described herein utilize a combination of organics and produce MOR crystals with reduced size, higher Si/Al ratio, fewer stacking faults, less occluded organics in the final product, and a longer catalyst lifetime.

Abstract: Described herein are pharmaceutical compositions containing peptoids of general formula (I), (II), or (III) capable of reducing proliferation of cancer stem cells in a subject and methods of treatment or prophylactic administration of these pharmaceutical compositions to treat cancer. Also provided herein are method of detecting and treating cancerous cell masses by use of peptoids of general formula (I), (II), or (III).

Abstract: Viscoelastic icephobic surfaces of the present disclosure include organogel particle beads dispersed in an elastomer matrix. The surfaces are highly repellant to ice formation, easy and cost efficient to apply, and have long term durability for harsh outdoor applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to systems for use in screening at least one binding agent for binding to at least one cell membrane protein. The systems include one or more cells that include the cell membrane protein. The cell membrane protein is genetically engineered to express a first peptide capable of generating a luminescent signal upon interaction with a second peptide. The systems may also include the second peptide. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of utilizing the systems to screen at least one binding agent for binding to at least one cell membrane protein.

Abstract: Aryl-substituted acetamide and pyrrolidin-2-one (?-butyrolactam) derivatives have useful activity in the inhibition, prevention, or treatment of seizures. The derivatives may be useful in the treatment of epilepsy, including medically refractory epilepsy, and nerve agent poisoning.

Abstract: Nano-sized zeolites may be prepared using germanium oxide (GeO2) as a component of the overall synthesis composition. This is accomplished by the addition of GeO2 as an inexpensive reagent for the synthesis gel. Most of the Ge is retained in the synthesis mixture and the small amount incorporated in the zeolite solid (Si/Ge>100) does not have an appreciable impact on zeolite acidity or other physicochemical properties. The methods disclosed herein circumvent challenges to prepare nano-sized zeolites having dimensions less than 100 nm.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing depth-resolved real-time visual feedback to a physician during cosmetic dermal filler injections with micrometer spatial resolution utilizing a noninvasive optical coherence tomography/elastography, 2D-3D virtual and real time system. This system can be automated to direct proper volumes and viscosity of the necessary injection substances. The methods and systems allow for assessment of the elasticity of the tissue before and after the injection to evaluate the efficacy of the injection, with predetermined virtual results before and matched post injection images. The elasticity assessment method preferably utilizes a focused air-pulse to induce a micrometer scale displacement in the skin and the optical coherence tomography system to image this displacement. By utilizing a model-based reconstruction method, the viscoelasticity of the tissue at a specific measurement position can be obtained and virtual and post injection real time projections can be imaged.

Abstract: Phosphine phosphonate and phenoxyphosphine ligands bearing polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains are used as described herein to produce heterobimetallic catalysts. The ligands can be metallated selectively with palladium or nickel and secondary metal ions to provide well-defined heterobimetallic compounds. These heterobimetallic complexes exhibit accelerated reaction rates and greater thermal stability in olefin polymerization compared to other catalysts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the ultrasonic disruption of biofilm and algae growth on underwater structures utilize an ultrasonic actuator that produces a natural frequency in the ultrasonic range. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic actuator includes one or more piezoelectric transducers.

Abstract: A method including capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from air (e.g., atmosphere) in an absorber in which the air contacts a base (e.g., a hydroxide, such as potassium hydroxide KOH and/or sodium hydroxide (NaOH)) to produce a carbonate (e.g., potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and/or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)); precipitating one or more (e.g., carbonate) salt from an aqueous solution comprising salt (a brine) to provide an aqueous solution comprising a chloride (e.g., potassium chloride (KCl) and/or sodium chloride (NaCl)); using electrochemical regeneration to convert the chloride to electrochemically regenerated product comprising the base (e.g., KOH and/or NaOH); and recycling at least a portion of the electrochemically regenerated product comprising the base to the capturing of the CO2 from the air. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for quench detection in high temperature superconductors, such as REBCO (rare-earth barium copper oxide), before thermal runaway. A REBCO superconducting tape is excited as a transmission line forming standing waves. A quench may then be detected in response to detecting a disturbance of the standing waves. In this manner, quench in high temperature superconductors, such as REBCO, is rapidly detected before thermal runaway.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods of orienting one-dimensional and two-dimensional materials via the application of stationary and rotating magnetic fields. The oriented one-dimensional and two-dimensional materials may exhibit macroscopic properties, and may be employed in various measurement devices as well as thermal and electrical shielding applications or battery devices. A single 1D or 2D material may be suspended in another material such as dionized water, polymer(s), or other materials during the orientation, and the suspension may remain as a liquid or may be solidified or partially solidified to secure the oriented material(s) into place. The 1D and 2D materials that respond to the magnetic orientation may further cause other elements of the suspension to be oriented in a similar manner.

Abstract: Ultra near-field index modulated plasmonic nano-aperture label-free imaging methods and techniques are useful for imaging and detection of biological microparticles and nanoparticles such as circulating tumor exosomes (CTEs), bacteria and vimses. The methods and techniques utilize a high-density array of gold, silver, or gold/silver alloy nanodisks, in some cases on an undercut or invisible substrate. Given the relatively large nanodisk dimensions, the nanodisk array may feature a significantly blue-shifted LSPR extinction peak due to both far-field plasmonic coupling and substrate undercut. The ultra near-field imaging methods have the ability to image nanoparticles as small as 25 nm.