Abstract: A crop prediction system performs various machine learning operations to predict crop production and to identify a set of farming operations that, if performed, optimize crop production. The crop prediction system uses crop prediction models trained using various machine learning operations based on geographic and agronomic information. Responsive to receiving a request from a grower, the crop prediction system can access information representation of a portion of land corresponding to the request, such as the location of the land and corresponding weather conditions and soil composition. The crop prediction system applies one or more crop prediction models to the access information to predict a crop production and identify an optimized set of farming operations for the grower to perform.

Abstract: A method is presented for secure communication, the method including generating a signature using a private key, a nonce, and at least one of an identifier and a key component; and transmitting the signature, the nonce, a security parameter, and the at least one of the identifier and the key component, wherein the security parameter associates a user identity with a public key, the public key being associated with the private key.

Abstract: A method of improving air release in lubricant base stocks and lubricating oils is provided. The method includes providing a Group I base stock, a Group II base stock or a combination thereof and adding to the base stock an effective amount of C7 to C80 paraffin, wherein the lubricant base stock provides air release according to the ASTM D3427 test at least 20% lower than the same lubricant base stock not including the C7 to C80 paraffin. Also provided are lube base stocks and lubricating oils with improved air release and methods of making such base stocks and oils.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using field enhanced separations to produce multiple fractions from a petroleum input. A liquid thermal diffusion and/or electric field separation is used to produce the fractions. The fractions can then be used to form multiple outputs that share a first feature while being different with regard to a second feature. For example, a first fraction from the plurality of fractions can have a desired value for a first property such as viscosity index. Two or more additional fractions from the plurality of fractions can then be blended together to make a blended fraction or output. The blended fraction can have a value for the first property that is substantially similar to the value for the first fraction. However, for a second property, the first fraction and the blended fraction can have distinct values. As a result, multiple output fractions can be formed that share a first feature but differ in a second feature.

Abstract: Balloon probes, adapted for use in endoscopy and other medical procedures, are useful to obtain spectroscopic information reflected or emitted from a tissue of interest in the infrared spectral region. The information collected by the probe is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The invention also relates to methods utilizing these probes to analyze a surface of interest, in a minimally invasive manner, in connection with the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: Provided are lube base stocks produced from renewable biological sources with improved low temperature properties. In one form, the lube base stock includes from 10 to 35 wt. % paraffins, 40 to 70 wt. % 1-ring naphthenes, and 0 to 40 wt. % combined 2-ring naphthenes and aromatics, and has a ratio of 1-ring naphthenes to paraffins from 1.8 to 5.0, and a Viscosity Index of from 100 to 160. The lube base stock has a 14C level ranging from 2 to 101% of the modern day 14C level in the atmosphere, and yields a CCS ratio (Cold Crank Simulator (CCS) viscosity to the predicted CCS viscosity by Walther equation) of less than or equal to 0.85 at ?35° C. The base stocks are useful as in formulated lubricant compositions requiring improved low temperature properties.

Abstract: Provided are lubricant compositions from renewable biological sources with improved properties and methods of making and using such compositions. In one form, the lubricant composition includes from 20 to 99.8 wt. % of a lube base stock produced from a renewable biological source and an effective amount of one or more lubricant additives. The lube base stock includes 10 to 35 wt. % paraffins, 40 to 70 wt. % 1-ring naphthenes, and 0 to 40 wt. % combined 2-ring naphthenes and aromatics, and has a ratio of 1-ring naphthenes to paraffins from 1.8 to 5.0, and a Viscosity Index of from 100 to 160. The lube base stock has a 14C level ranging from 2 to 101% of the modern day 14C level in the atmosphere, and yields a CCS ratio of less than or equal to 0.85 at ?35° C. The lubricant compositions exhibit improved solvency and % thickening when blended with a viscosity modifier.

Abstract: Provided are lubricant compositions with improved oxidative stability and frictional and wear resistance properties for use in engine oil applications. The lubricant compositions include: i) a first base stock selected from a Group I base stock, a Group II base stock or a combination thereof at 50 to 80 wt %; ii) a block copolymer at 1 to 10 wt %; iii) a viscosity modifier at 3 to 15 wt % selected from polymers and copolymers of methacrylate, butadiene, olefins and alkylated styrenes; and iv) an additive package including a combination of antioxidants, dispersants, detergents, friction modifiers and antiwear agents at 2 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using field enhanced separations to produce multiple fractions from a petroleum input. A liquid thermal diffusion and/or electric field separation is used to produce the fractions. The fractions can then be used to form multiple outputs that share a first feature while being different with regard to a second feature. For example, a first fraction from the plurality of fractions can have a desired value for a first property such as viscosity index. Two or more additional fractions from the plurality of fractions can then be blended together to make a blended fraction or output. The blended fraction can have a value for the first property that is substantially similar to the value for the first fraction. However, for a second property, the first fraction and the blended fraction can have distinct values. As a result, multiple output fractions can be formed that share a first feature but differ in a second feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using field enhanced separations to produce multiple fractions from a petroleum input. A liquid thermal diffusion and/or electric field separation is used to produce the fractions. The fractions can then be used to form multiple outputs that share a first feature while being different with regard to a second feature. For example, a first fraction from the plurality of fractions can have a desired value for a first property such as viscosity index. Two or more additional fractions from the plurality of fractions can then be blended together to make a blended fraction or output. The blended fraction can have a value for the first property that is substantially similar to the value for the first fraction. However, for a second property, the first fraction and the blended fraction can have distinct values. As a result, multiple output fractions can be formed that share a first feature but differ in a second feature.

Abstract: The invention is a technique for predicting future haze formation in dewaxed, petroleum-derived, lubricant base stocks and, by extension, products made from such base stocks. In general, the technique measures the changes in light scattering caused by the formation and disappearance of wax crystals in a dilute test sample of neat base stock, over the course of a temperature profile. The data obtained is then compared to a previously formulated historical correlation of measurements taken using light scattering data to haze potential. The technique focuses on haze disappearance temperature as a reference point, as opposed to total wax formation. The technique also uses a solvent to accelerate the formation of wax crystals in the test sample. The technique provides a robust early warning system that allows refineries to rapidly and accurately determine the long term haze potential of a base stock production prior to release. The technique can be performed in real time, typically in less than an hour.

Abstract: A method of improving air release in lubricant base stocks and lubricating oils is provided. The method includes providing a Group I base stock, a Group II base stock or a combination thereof and adding to the base stock an effective amount of C7 to C80 paraffin, wherein the lubricant base stock provides air release according to the ASTM D3427 test at least 20% lower than the same lubricant base stock not including the C7 to C80 paraffin. Also provided are lube base stocks and lubricating oils with improved air release and methods of making such base stocks and oils.

Abstract: Balloon probes, adapted for use in endoscopy and other medical procedures, are useful to obtain spectroscopic information reflected or emitted from a tissue of interest in the infrared spectral region. The information collected by the probe is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The invention also relates to methods utilizing these probes to analyze a surface of interest, in a minimally invasive manner, in connection with the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface configured to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners attaching this strip to the aforementioned structure. According to the disclosed embodiments, with this structure including holes configured to accept the fastenings for the strip, at least some these fastenings comprise an attachment element that attaches the lightning to this structure. This attachment element is configured to be inserted in the hole with its upper part substantially flush with the external surface of the structure, this attachment element being in electrical contact with the electrically conducting strip. The electrically conducting strip is configured to be positioned on the opposite side of the structure to the external surface and electrically earthed.

Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface liable to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners fastening the aforementioned strip to the structure, the aforementioned strip being electrically connected to an electrical earth for removing current. According the disclosed embodiments, the aforementioned strip has a shape intended to collaborate with a housing created at the aforementioned external surface so that the external surface of the strip lies flush with the aforementioned external surface of the structure, and the aforementioned fasteners include an upper part flush with the external surface of the strip.

Abstract: Provided are lubricating compositions comprising in admixture at least 40 wt % of a base stock selected from the group consisting of Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV and Group V base stocks, or any combination thereof, and one or more polyetheramines. Also provided are methods of improving the friction and wear properties of a base stock selected from the group consisting of Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV and Group V base stocks, or any combination thereof, comprising blending the base stock with one or more polyetheramines, to form a lubricating composition.

Abstract: The invention is a technique for predicting future haze formation in dewaxed, petroleum-derived, lubricant base stocks and, by extension, products made from such base stocks. In general, the technique measures the changes in light scattering caused by the formation and disappearance of wax crystals in a dilute test sample of neat base stock, over the course of a temperature profile. The data obtained is then compared to a previously formulated historical correlation of measurements taken using light scattering data to haze potential. The technique focuses on haze disappearance temperature as a reference point, as opposed to total wax formation. The technique also uses a solvent to accelerate the formation of wax crystals in the test sample. The technique provides a robust early warning system that allows refineries to rapidly and accurately determine the long term haze potential of a base stock production prior to release. The technique can be performed in real time, typically in less than an hour.

Abstract: A fluid blend suitable for use as a lube basestock comprises two major components: (A) a copolymer made from ethylene with one or more alpha olefins, the copolymer (i) containing not more than 50 wt % ethylene; (ii) having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 10,000; and (iii) a molecular weight distribution <3; and (B) a polyalphaolefin fluid or a hydroprocessed oil having a VI greater than 80.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for determining that an individual is at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, which comprises: —determining whether the individual harbours at least one variant allele of a susceptibility gene selected from the apolipoprotein J gene (APOJ) and the complement component receptor 1 gene (CR 1); —deducing that if the individual harbours at least one variant allele of the APOJ and/or CR1 gene, then the individual is at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Haze formation in heavy Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stock is mitigated by the addition to said GTL base stock of one or more particular additives.