Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an array of elements forms an artificially-structured material. The artificially-structured material can also include an array of tuning mechanisms included as part of the array of elements that are configured to change material properties of the artificially-structured material on a per-element basis. The tuning mechanisms can change the material properties of the artificially-structured material by changing operational properties of the elements in the array of elements on a per-element basis based on one or a combination of stimuli detected by sensors included in the array of tuning mechanisms, programmable circuit modules included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, data stored at individual data stores included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, and communications transmitted through interconnects included as part of the array of elements.

Abstract: A master dynamic configuration directory can store connection strings and data adapters for data entities based on a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. The information can be stored in multiple data stores, each of which can have a different data type. A data request from a requesting entity comprises a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. A system application can receive a data request and can access the local instance of the dynamic configuration directory to determine the corresponding connection string and data adapter based on the routing identifier and business entity identifier in the data request. The system sub-application creates a data access instance based on the connection string and data adapter. The system application loads the data access instance to access the data entity at the appropriate location and to perform a data function according to the data request.

Abstract: Dynamic data access and storage. A master dynamic configuration directory can store connection strings and data adapters for data entities based on a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. The information can be stored in multiple data stores, each of which can have a different data type. A data request from a requesting entity comprises a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. A system application can receive a data request and can access the local instance of the dynamic configuration directory to determine the corresponding connection string and data adapter based on the routing identifier and business entity identifier in the data request. The system sub-application creates a data access instance based on the connection string and data adapter. The system application loads the data access instance to access the data entity at the appropriate location and to perform a data function according to the data request.

Abstract: Dynamic data access and storage. A master dynamic configuration directory can store connection strings and data adapters for data entities based on a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. The information can be stored in multiple data stores, each of which can have a different data type. A data request from a requesting entity comprises a routing identifier and a business entity identifier. A system application can receive a data request and can access the local instance of the dynamic configuration directory to determine the corresponding connection string and data adapter based on the routing identifier and business entity identifier in the data request. The system sub-application creates a data access instance based on the connection string and data adapter. The system application loads the data access instance to access the data entity at the appropriate location and to perform a data function according to the data request.

Abstract: A device for the supportive positioning of objects at different elevations along a vertical post includes a shelf member disposed upon a support arm pivotably secured to a mounting base. Post-engaging brackets are associated with the mounting base, and interact with an adjustable stop protrusion on the support arm to grip an intervening fencepost when the support arm is swung to its lowermost position.

Abstract: A process for constructing the plasmids pDR416 and pDR420 which contain arsenic resistance genes and which are able to replicate in both T. ferroxidans and E. coli comprises preparing a recombinant of pBR325 or the like and a T. ferrooxidans plasmid, forming a deletion plasmid and inserting arsenic resistance genes e.g. from R46 by EcoR1 excision and ligation.

Abstract: The plasmids pDR401 and pDR412 are disclosed which contain a selectable chloramphenicol resistance gene and which are able to replicate in both T. ferrooxidans and E. coli. A process for constructing the plasmids is also described.

Abstract: A manually operable apparatus is provided for crushing metal cans and unscrewing lids of jars. The apparatus is comprised of a base, a guide rising upwardly from the base, an overhead assembly which slidably engages the guide, and a handle adapted to cause vertical movement of the overhead assembly. A can or jar to be acted upon is positioned upright upon the base. Forceful downward movement of the overhead assembly accomplishes the desired effect.

Abstract: Lubricant additives having antioxidant and antiwear properties are made by reacting an oolefin such as dicyclopentadiene with sulfur and a mercaptan.

Abstract: Lubricating oils having improved antioxidant and antiwear properties are obtained by adding a minor amount of a reaction product made by reacting an olefinic hydrocarbon containing about 6-18 carbon atoms and about 1-3 olefinic double bonds concurrently with sulfur and hydrogen sulfide to obtain a reaction intermediate and reacting this intermediate with additional olefin hydrocarbon which may be the same or different. Preferred olefinic hydrocarbons are dicyclopentadiene and alloocimene.

Abstract: A comestible coating composition and method of application utilizes a high intensity sweetener such as the dipeptide APM applied to a cereal or like food surface by spraying discrete microcapsules of coating solution thereon and partially drying same incident to application, whereby the moieties of coating solution adhere to the comestible surface and successive particles accumulate to provide a foamy coating which dries to a uniform sweetness and frosted appearance.