Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of decreasing the rate of proliferation of medullary thyroid carcinoma cells which comprises contacting medullary thyroid carcinoma cells with one or more SSTR2 agonist. A somatostatin receptor antagonist having the formula Cpa-cyclo(D-Cys-4-Pal-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys)-Nal-NH2 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile device for site investigation in real time interaction includes: a digital map display module, a remote data access module, a digital map marking module and a data input module. The digital map display module displays a digital map on a monitor of the mobile device. The remote data access module downloads a vicinity data of a surveyed site from a remote server. The digital map marking module marks a coverage region or a sampling distribution record based on the vicinity data. Further, the data input module displays an editing interface on the monitor of the mobile device for editing the coverage region or the sampling distribution record on the digital map by a user. The remote data access module uploads the edited coverage region or sampling distribution record to the remote server.

Abstract: There is provided a computer software product for processing and outputting a diagram of factory location evaluation, which is executed by a server to implement the following steps: receiving at least a GPS location information and a site investigation information from a mobile device; relating the site investigation information to an area based on the GPS location information and a coverage region information, wherein the coverage region information records a coverage of specific region on a map; and processing the site investigation information and a regional distribution, then generating and outputting a factory location evaluation information to a terminal computer based on the results of the process.

Abstract: A method of measuring aberrations in a null-lens including assembly and alignment aberrations. The null-lens may be used for measuring aberrations in an aspheric optic with the null-lens. Light propagates from the aspheric optic location through the null-lens, while sweeping a detector through the null-lens focal plane. Image data being is collected at locations about said focal plane. Light is simulated propagating to the collection locations for each collected image. Null-lens aberrations may extracted, e.g., applying image-based wavefront-sensing to collected images and simulation results. The null-lens aberrations improve accuracy in measuring aspheric optic aberrations.

Abstract: A preparation method of filter element for swift and highly efficient adsorption of Cs includes the following steps: to a substrate material, adding a coupling agent with 1-3 wt % and ammonium phosphomolybdate with 1-10 wt %, based on the weight of the substrate material; heating to 160˜220° C.; stirring and mixing evenly so that the substrate material is combined with ammonium phosphomolybdate; spining through 5 ?m micropore, the spun filament forming adsorbent filter element with a thickness of 5˜50 mm in the rotational cylinder framework material; evenly coating ammonium phosphomolybdate on the outer surface of the adsorbent filter element; and stabilizing and implementing an aging process by heating to 80˜120° C. for 3-12 h. The filter element prepared by this method provides an excellent water permeability, oxidization resistance, long-term immersion in hot water of below 100° C., radiation decomposition resistance, stable adsorption, swift detection, high efficiency and precision.

Abstract: A system for radio frequency identification (RFID) includes an enclosure defining an interior region interior to the enclosure, and a feed for generating an electromagnetic field in the interior region in response to a signal received from an RFID reader via a radio frequency (RF) transmission line and, in response to the electromagnetic field, receiving a signal from an RFID sensor attached to an item in the interior region. The structure of the enclosure may be conductive and may include a metamaterial portion, an electromagnetically absorbing portion, or a wall extending in the interior region. Related apparatuses and methods for performing RFID are provided.

Abstract: A crawler device includes a wheel support, wheels respectively rotatably supported thereto, and a crawler belt run around the wheels. Each of the wheels includes a rigid wheel body and an elastic material exterior part fixed to an outer periphery of the wheel body. Raised portions are formed in an outer periphery of the exterior part to continuously extend in a width direction and be arranged in a circumferential direction spaced from each other. Drain grooves extending through the exterior part in the width direction are formed between the raised portions. Top surfaces of the raised portions of the exterior part surface contact an inner peripheral surface of the crawler belt with a frictional force working therebetween. Restriction members stopping opposite side edges of the crawler belt are provided in the wheel support to restrict the crawler belt from being displaced with respect to the wheels in the width direction.

Abstract: In order to render sewage sludge suitable for beneficial purposes, it must be disinfected and stabilized. EDC deactivation is rapidly becoming a desirable result of any sludge or biosolids treatment process. Disclosed herein is a process of treating sewage sludge so as to stabilize the sludge that involves the presence of an iron-containing compound during dewatering of the sludge. Process embodiments described also achieve biosolid samples that have reduced EDC activity, Other embodiments disclosed involve use of a combination of iron salts ferrate and ferric chloride that are added to wastewater sludge in the dewatering step before heat drying. The biosolids resulting from sludge treated with aniron-containing compound are able to resist putrefaction for more than two to three weeks.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the present invention enable post processing of airborne Doppler wind LIDAR data. In an embodiment, airborne Doppler wind LIDAR data software written in LabVIEW may be provided and may run two versions of different airborne wind profiling algorithms. A first algorithm may be the Airborne Wind Profiling Algorithm for Doppler Wind LIDAR (“APOLO”) using airborne wind LIDAR data from two orthogonal directions to estimate wind parameters, and a second algorithm may be a five direction based method using pseudo inverse functions to estimate wind parameters. The various embodiments may enable wind profiles to be compared using different algorithms, may enable wind profile data for long haul color displays to be generated, may display long haul color displays, and/or may enable archiving of data at user-selectable altitudes over a long observation period for data distribution and population.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used to determine the location and severity of harmful algal blooms or other water quality parameters. GPS location information is transmitted from a mobile device and recent Satellite image data and water quality parameters are provided to the mobile device. Data regarding other locations, historical water quality parameters and algorithm based predictive results are provided for the end user. This provides for near-real time information allowing users to make decisions regarding fishing, beach closures, municipal water intake, etc. so as to avoid toxic effects of a harmful algal bloom.

Abstract: A variable gravity field simulator can be utilized to provide three dimensional simulations for simulated gravity fields selectively ranging from Moon, Mars, and micro-gravity environments and/or other selectable gravity fields. The gravity field simulator utilizes a horizontally moveable carriage with a cable extending from a hoist. The cable can be attached to a load which experiences the effects of the simulated gravity environment. The load can be a human being or robot that makes movements that induce swinging of the cable whereby a horizontal control system reduces swinging energy. A vertical control system uses a non-linear feedback filter to remove noise from a load sensor that is in the same frequency range as signals from the load sensor.

Abstract: A propellant feed system for swirl-coaxial injection of a liquid propellant includes a reservoir having a bottom plate and at least one tube originating in the bottom plate and extending therefrom. The tube has rectangular slits defined in and distributed tangentially and evenly about a portion of the tube that is disposed in the bottom plate. Drain holes are provided in the bottom plate and tunnels are defined in the bottom plate. Each tunnel fluidly couples one of the drain holes to a corresponding one of the rectangular slits. Each tunnel includes (i) a bend of at least 90°, and (ii) a straight portion leading to its corresponding rectangular slit wherein the straight portion is at least five times as long as a hydraulic diameter of the corresponding rectangular slit.

Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.

Abstract: A process for treatment of municipal wastewater plant sludge to the criteria of Class A biosolids. The process uses hydrogen peroxide and thermo-oxidation to reduce volatile suspended solids to meet the criteria. On a batch basis, waste activated sludge is introduced into a reactor; the concentration of the waste activated sludge is adjusted to about 1.5% total suspended solids with secondary effluent, if necessary; the reactor is mixed; the reactor is pre-heated to an operating temperature in a range of about 65° C. to about 90° C.; subsequently, a 50% solution of laboratory grade hydrogen peroxide is introduced into the bottom of the reactor; and the contents are heated for at least 4 hours.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for removal of orbital debris are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a spacecraft control unit configured to guide and navigate the apparatus to a target. The apparatus also includes a dynamic object characterization unit configured to characterize movement, and a capture feature, of the target. The apparatus further includes a capture and release unit configured to capture a target and deorbit or release the target. The collection of these apparatuses is then employed as multiple, independent and individually operated vehicles launched from a single launch vehicle for the purpose of disposing of multiple debris objects.

Abstract: Method for providing a nanopipette array for biosensing applications. A thin substrate of anodizable metal (“AN-metal,” such as Al, Mg, Zn, Ti, Ta and/or Nb) is anodized at temperature T=20-200° C., chemical bath pH=4-6 and electrical potential 1-300 Volts, to produce an array of anodized nanopipette channels, having diameters 10-50 nm, with oxidized channel surfaces of thickness 5-20 nm. A portion of exposed non-oxidized AN-metal between adjacent nanopipette channels, of length 1-5 ?m, is etched away, exposing inner and outer surfaces of a nanopipette channel. A probe molecule, is deposited on one or both surfaces to provide biosensing capability for K(?1) target molecules. Target molecule presence, in an above-threshold concentration, in a fluid passed through or adjacent to a nanopipette channel, produces characteristic detection signals associated with the probe molecule site.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting magnetism includes a self-exciting fluxgate type magnetic oscillation sensor in each of three axes perpendicular to one another, the magnetic oscillation sensor includin a magnetism sensor including a core-coil including a core made of a magnetic material and a coil wound around the core, and an operational amplifier circuit causing an AC excitation current to run through the coil to generate an output in accordance with a strength of an external magnetic field applied to the core. An air core coil not wound around a core is arranged in the vicinity of and in parallel with the core-coil of each of the magnetic oscillation sensors arranged in each of the axes.

Abstract: A dynamic weather route system automatically analyzes routes for in-flight aircraft flying in convective weather regions and attempts to find more time and fuel efficient reroutes around current and predicted weather cells. The dynamic weather route system continuously analyzes all flights and provides reroute advisories that are dynamically updated in real time while the aircraft are in flight. The dynamic weather route system includes a graphical user interface that allows users to visualize, evaluate, modify if necessary, and implement proposed reroutes.

Abstract: A biologically-inspired system and method is provided for self-adapting behavior of swarm-based exploration missions, whereby individual components, for example, spacecraft, in the system can sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the entire system. The self-sacrifice can involve donating resources or assets, such as power provisions, to a different component of an autonomous system. A receiving component of the system can benefit from receiving the donated resource or power provision.

Abstract: A material for use as a mechanical component is formed of a superelastic intermetallic material having a low apparent modulus and a high hardness. The superelastic intermetallic material is conditioned to be dimensionally stable, devoid of any shape memory effect and have a stable superelastic response without irrecoverable deformation while exhibiting strains of at least 3%. The method of conditioning the superelastic intermetallic material is described. Another embodiment relates to lightweight materials known as ordered intermetallics that perform well in sliding wear applications using conventional liquid lubricants and are therefore suitable for resilient, high performance mechanical components such as gears and bearings.