Abstract: Apparatus and methods to facilitate fixation of a fracture are disclosed. These apparatus include a bone plate for the fixation of a fractured bone having a plurality of fastener openings so that the bone plate may be secured by a plurality of fasteners across a reduced fracture to fixate a reduced fracture. The bone plate is configured to flex in situ to conform to the surface of the bone while providing sufficient stiffness in the plane of the device to resist forces and moments in the plane. Methods of use of the present invention include fastening the bone plate to a first side of the fracture, flexing portions of the bone plate to bias against the bone surface on the second side of the fracture, fastening the portions of the bone plate so biased to the second side of the fracture, thereby fixating the fracture by fastening the bone plate to the second side of the fracture.

Abstract: A superadiabatic burner has a flame holder formed from a porous medium, a fuel inlet coupled to the flame holder, a fuel outlet coupled to the flame holder, a preheater comprising an inlet and an outlet coupled to the fuel inlet, and a radiating rod coupled to the porous medium. The porous medium comprises a first porous section and a second porous section. Methods of using the burner allow preheated air or other mixtures to be provided to the fuel inlet as part of a fuel air mixture for the burner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, kits and systems for signal amplification that can be used for many analytes. For example, a method of detecting an analyte in a sample includes contacting the sample containing the analyte with a detecting agent, wherein the detecting agent contains a specific binding agent that binds the analyte and zinc nanoparticles wherein the zinc nanoparticles and specific binding agent are coupled together; exposing the analyte bound to the specific binding agent which is coupled to the zinc nanoparticles to an acidic condition to release zinc ions from the zinc nanoparticles; contacting the released zinc ions with an indicator to generate a signal; and detecting the signal. The disclosed bioassay can be used in clinical and non-clinical settings. For example, the method can be used for clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment-effectiveness or for testing for the presence of a substance like biological or chemical agents.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biofuel from a feedstock that includes one or more coffee sources, such as green coffee beans, whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, or spent coffee grounds. Triglycerides and other materials, such as antioxidants, are extracted from the coffee source. In some example, the triglycerides are then transesterified to produce a fatty acid ester biofuel product. In further examples, the method includes obtaining spent coffee grounds from one or more sources, such as residences or businesses that generate spent coffee grounds. The present disclosure also provides biofuels produced using the disclosed method, including mixtures of such biofuels with other fuels, such as other biofuels or petroleum based fuels. Materials obtained from the disclosed method may be put to other uses, such as cosmetics, medicinal products, food products, or combustible materials.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of making a ceramic material that contains boron and a metal. A metal source, an oxidizer, a boron source, and a fuel source are combined. These reactants are then heated at, or to, a temperature sufficient to initiate a combustion reaction. The combustion reaction produces a ceramic material that includes boron and the metal. The present disclosure also provides materials formed by the disclosed method, as well as methods and systems using such materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micro-cone targets for producing high energy and low divergence particle beams. In one embodiment, the micro-cone target includes a substantially cone-shaped body including an outer surface, an inner surface, a generally flat and round, open-ended base, and a tip defining an apex. The cone-shaped body tapers along its length from the generally flat and round, open-ended base to the tip defining the apex. In addition, the outer surface and the inner surface connect the base to the tip, and the tip curves inwardly to define an outer surface that is concave, which is bounded by a rim formed at a juncture where the outer surface meets the tip.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oxidative decarbonylase enzymes, methods of making hydrocarbons with such enzymes, hydrocarbons produced therefrom and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolated polypeptide sequences that are cytochrome P450 enzymes with oxidative decarbonylase activity and methods of their use to generate hydrocarbon products, such as biofuels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biofuel from a feedstock that includes one or more coffee sources, such as green coffee beans, whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, or spent coffee grounds. Triglycerides and other materials, such as antioxidants, are extracted from the coffee source. In some example, the triglycerides are then transesterified to produce a fatty acid ester biofuel product. In further examples, the method includes obtaining spent coffee grounds from one or more sources, such as residences or businesses that generate spent coffee grounds. The present disclosure also provides biofuels produced using the disclosed method, including mixtures of such biofuels with other fuels, such as other biofuels or petroleum based fuels. Materials obtained from the disclosed method may be put to other uses, such as cosmetics, medicinal products, food products, or combustible materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for tele-mentoring, such as for laparoscopic training. In one example, a system includes a mentor environment and a trainee environment wherein the mentor environment is coupled to the trainee environment so that an image of the mentor laparoscopic instruments is superimposed on the trainee laparoscopic instruments allowing a mentor to provide real-time audible and visual guidance to a trainee. The mentor environment can include a training laparoscopic box simulator with a camera and mentor instructional laparoscopic instruments; a mentor audio/visual processor coupled to the mentor training laparoscopic box simulator; a mentor microphone coupled to the computing device; and a mentor display coupled to at least the computing device. The trainee environment can include a trainee system with trainee laparoscopic instruments and a video device, such as a camera; a trainee microphone coupled to the trainee system; and a trainee display coupled to the mentor environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting a chemical species with an oscillating cantilevered probe. A cantilevered beam is driven into oscillation with a drive mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A free end of the oscillating cantilevered beam is tapped against a mechanical stop coupled to a base end of the cantilevered beam. An amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured with a sense mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A treated portion of the cantilevered beam is exposed to the chemical species, wherein the cantilevered beam bends when exposed to the chemical species. A second amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured, and the chemical species is determined based on the measured amplitudes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oxidative decarbonylase enzymes, methods of making hydrocarbons with such enzymes, hydrocarbons produced therefrom and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolated polypeptide sequences that are cytochrome P450 enzymes with oxidative decarbonylase activity and methods of their use to generate hydrocarbon products, such as biofuels.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: A method for hydrating a nitrile derivative to generate an amide derivative is provided. The method includes mixing the nitrile derivative with a ruthenium catalyst complex in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, and reacting the nitrile derivative with water in the aqueous solution and in the presence of the ruthenium catalyst complex to form a reacted mixture comprising the amide derivative. The ruthenium catalyst complex is represented by the following structural formula: RuX2(L)n, wherein X is an anionic ligand, L is a bifunctional phosphine ligand, and n is 3 or 4.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for making anisotropic solids which may be in the form of films, layers, shaped elements, and other shaped articles. The methods provide anisotropic solids without the need for rolling, rubbing, or stretching to impart orientational alignment of the molecules of the solid. The methods employ organic or organometallic compounds which are soluble orienting molecules. The solvent or solvent system must be sufficiently volatile to be removed without disruption of the molecular orientation. The soluble orienting molecules include those containing one or more hydrophilic and/or ionic groups and the solvent or solvent system can be a polar organic solvent or solvent system or an aqueous solvent or solvent system. The invention also provides novel compounds having quaterrylene, perylene and naphthalene ring systems carrying one or more hydrophilic and/or ionic groups.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.