Abstract: An X-ray spectroscope collects an energy-dispersive spectrum from a sample under analysis, and generates a list of candidate elements that may be present in the sample. A wavelength dispersive spectral collector is then tuned to obtain X-ray intensity measurements at the energies/wavelengths of some or all of the candidate elements, thereby verifying whether or not these candidate elements are in fact present in the sample. Additionally, the alignment of the wavelength dispersive spectral collector versus the sample can be optimized by tuning the wavelength dispersive spectral collector to the energy/wavelength of a selected one of the candidate elements—preferably one whose presence in the sample has been verified, or one which has a high likelihood of being present in the sample—and then varying the alignment of the wavelength dispersive spectral collector versus the sample until the wavelength dispersive spectral collector returns the maximum intensity reading for the selected candidate element.

Abstract: A low-temperature catalytic process for converting biomass (preferably glycerol recovered from the fabrication of bio-diesel) to synthesis gas (i.e., H2/CO gas mixture) in an endothermic gasification reaction is described. The synthesis gas is used in exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, such as Fischer-Tropsch, methanol, or dimethylether syntheses. The heat from the exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction is integrated with the endothermic gasification reaction, thus providing an energy-efficient route for producing fuels and chemicals from renewable biomass resources.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise device descending from an elevated support (e.g., a bar or door frame) allows a user to insert a body part in a loop (e.g., a foot for pull-ups or a waist for push-ups) descending from an elastic resistance unit, which uses a variable number of stretchable elastic members between top and bottom connectors to reduce the effective weight the user has to pull/push up. Each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors has several elastic member sockets, each socket having a socket passage extending through the connector. Each elastic member has an elongated portion between two member plugs sized to resist passing through the elastic member socket passages. Elastic members can be removably and replaceably installed by inserting a portion of each member plug within an elastic member socket, one member plug in each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors.

Abstract: A laser atom probe situates a counter electrode between a specimen mount and a detector, and provides a laser having its beam aligned to illuminate the specimen through the aperture of the counter electrode. The detector, specimen mount, and/or the counter electrode may be charged to some boost voltage and then be pulsed to bring the specimen to ionization. The timing of the laser pulses may be used to determine ion departure and arrival times allowing determination of the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions, thus their identities. Automated alignment methods are described wherein the laser is automatically directed to areas of interest.

Abstract: Methods for clustering of multi-dimensional data allow unsupervised grouping of multi-dimensional data points into clusters having like characteristics. The methods may be usefully applied to extracellular action potentials (neuronal spikes) measured from the brain, whereby spike data may be grouped in accordance with dimensions such as spike period, spike shape, etc., to assist in identification and location of individual neurons and/or regions of the brain.

Abstract: Described is a method to make liquid chemicals, such as functional intermediates, solvents, and liquid fuels from biomass-derived cellulose. The method is cascading; the product stream from an upstream reaction can be used as the feedstock in the next downstream reaction. The method includes the steps of deconstructing cellulose to yield a product mixture comprising levulinic acid and formic acid, converting the levulinic acid to ?-valerolactone, and converting the ?-valerolactone to pentanoic acid. Alternatively, the ?-valerolactone can be converted to a mixture of n-butenes. The pentanoic acid so formed can be further reacted to yield a host of valuable products. For example, the pentanoic acid can be decarboxylated yield 1-butene or ketonized to yield 5-nonanone. The 5-nonanone can be hydrodeoxygenated to yield nonane, or 5-nonanone can be reduced to yield 5-nonanol.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds having the formula: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, amino, N—C1-C6-alkylamino, and N,N—C1-C6-dialkylamino; and ring “A” is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted or substituted C4-C8-cycloalkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted bicyclo[2,2,1]alkenyl, and unsubstituted or substituted bicyclo[2,2,2]alkenyl, unsubstituted phenyl, and phenyl substituted with a moiety selected from the group consisting of C3-C6-alkenyl, acryl, acryl-C1-C6 alkyl, acrylamido, and acrylamido-C1-C6 alkyl; polymers made from these compounds, and ELISAs that use the compounds and polymers as a chemiluminescent detection label.

Abstract: A system is provided wherein spectrometer measurements, and/or measurements from other analytical instruments, are transmitted to a processing station which determines the component substances of the sample(s) subjected to the measurements. The names of the component substances are then inserted into database search queries related to matters such as handling precautions, causes/sources of the substances, remedies and neutralizing agents for the substances, regulations related to the substances, etc. The results of the search queries are then provided to the personnel who made the measurements, preferably wirelessly and almost immediately after the measurements were made. The system therefore provides nearly immediate guidance as to what substances are present and how to handle them, which can be useful for inexperienced personnel in hazardous response, contraband detection, industrial process control, and other situations.

Abstract: A panel for a modular green roof system includes a bottom and four sides extending upwardly therefrom to provide an enclosure for growing medium, with a first side having a height above the bottom, the panel configured to accommodate an irrigation head. The bottom of the irrigation head is positioned below the height of the first side and connects with a water supply line running horizontally along the first side. A mold defining a first opening can be formed in the first side, the first opening configured to receive the irrigation head, the mold extending toward a side opposing the first side. A notch formed in a first side flange extending from the first side may alternatively help secure the irrigation head. The top of the irrigation head can be elevated above the height of the first side to irrigate the panel and nearby panels with pressurized water.

Abstract: A reflectron (1) for deflecting an ion from a specimen in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer comprises a front electrode (2) and a back electrode (3). At least one of the front and back electrodes (2, 3) is capable of generating a curved electric field. The front and back electrodes are configured to perform time focusing and resolve an image of a specimen.

Abstract: An exemplary cover for a conduit body integrates a lid with a gasket. The gasket is a closed loop with an upper rim portion and a lower rim portion forming an inner groove therebetween. The lid includes a hump surrounded by a border, and the border is positioned within the inner groove to secure the lid and the gasket together. The border of the lid has a slight convexity with respect to the bottom side of the lid, providing the lid with a slight curvature toward the conduit body. As a result, the lid bows downward between two fastening points at opposing ends of the lid. The gasket preferably includes a ridge protruding down from the lower rim portion. This ridge also faces the conduit body on which the cover is removably secured.

Abstract: An exemplary connector assembly includes a connector body, a compression nut, a compression ring, and a sealing ring. A conduit may be inserted through the compression nut and the connector body. The compression ring may include a circumferential gap between two complementarily interfittable circumferential ends to allow it to compress, and the sealing ring may vary in diameter along its axial length. As the connector body screws into the compression nut, the compression nut presses against the compression ring, which in turn pushes the sealing ring against the connector body. The connector body may include a connector chamfer. The sealing ring pressing against the connector body, preferably against the connector chamfer, forms a seal between the conduit and the connector body. The seal resists contaminants such as dust and moisture. Compression of the compression ring around the conduit helps secure the conduit to the compression nut and the connector body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microreactor having a substrate (10, 20, 80) with at least one catalytically active material arranged in and/or on a cavity structure (14, 24, 84). The substrate (10, 20, 80) has a first layer (11, 21, 80) and optionally at least one additional layer (12, 22) of a ceramic material, with the first layer (11, 21, 80) being formed from a first component of a crystalline ceramic material and/or a glass material as the matrix and a second component of an additional crystalline ceramic material. The surface areas of the crystals and/or crystal agglomerates of the second component in the first layer (11, 21, 80) are etched out in at least some areas to form the cavity structure (14, 24, 84).

Abstract: A ballast system for roof membranes includes connected modules filled with loose-fill ballast and adapted to hold a predetermined volume of water for at least a predetermined period of time on the roof to control runoff.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing health care coverage benefits for individuals and families is provided. Patient data is applied to health care coverage program criteria and a patient specific coverage report is generated. Notification alerts are generated and provide a users change event notifications. Proximity alerts are generated and provided within the coverage report, identifying potential loss and gain of coverage benefits and eligibility.

Abstract: Vasoconstrictors are administered topically to provide protection against the adverse effects, e.g., alopecia, mucositis or dermatitis, induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Appropriate dosages and formulations of topical vasoconstrictors are provided. Methods for the use of such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A head component for an anchor assembly for mounting a load bearing track to a hanger component attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), the track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, the mounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity, the holding cavity being sized larger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith, the head component comprising a support member and a flarable member, the flarable member being attached to and flarable from the support member, the head component being sized and configured such that the head component is able to pass through the (cavity) opening into the holding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e.

Abstract: A broadhead with removable and replaceable blades has a forward body end which receives the forward ends of the blades, and the rear ends of the blades are then engaged to the rear body end by a spring or other retaining member which can be moved to engage or disengage the rear blade ends. The broadhead can then receive an arrow shaft, with the arrow shaft fitting over and encasing the retaining member and preventing its accidental (or otherwise undesirable) release of the blades.

Abstract: An injection molding quality control system which seeks to ensure greater accuracy and consistency in parts, more specifically more accurate and consistent part weight, utilizes measured part weight to adjust mold separation to better achieve a desired part weight. The mold separation is controlled via both a cycle-to-cycle adjustment in switchover point (preferably based on injected mass within the cavity), and within-cycle adjustment of holding pressure. The system can result in superior accuracy and consistency in molded parts in both the long term (i.e., over many cycles) and in the short term (from cycle to cycle).