Abstract: A corrosivity associated with each of multiple locations near, on, or within a structure exposed to an environment that can corrode the structure is determined. Each of multiple sensor nodes is mounted at a corresponding one of the locations and measures environmental sensor information using one or more environmental sensors and corrosion sensor information using one or more corrosion sensors. The environmental sensor information is processed to obtain for the sensing node a first atmospheric corrosivity category value in accordance with a corrosivity classification system, and the corrosion sensor information is processed to obtain a second atmospheric corrosivity category value for the sensing node in accordance with the corrosivity classification system. One or more of the first and second atmospheric corrosivity category values is provided for use in determining a corrosion classification value for each of the locations.

Abstract: A reactive hot melt (RHM) composition is provided as a mixture of a urethane prepolymer which is a reaction product of at least one crystallizable polyol, a perfluropolyether polyol, and at least one isocyanate, a filler material, and a teachable plasticizer consisting of an aliphatic ester of a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the production of metallofullerenes using an arc discharge reactor setup are described. The metallofullerenes are produced by evaporation in an AC arc discharge of multiple, angle positioned, solid graphite electrodes and of a powder of the metal, to be incorporated in carbon cage, injected in the arc discharge independently.

Abstract: An optical interrogation system, e.g., an OFDR-based system, measures local changes of index of refraction of a medium contained within a light guiding tube and includes an optical interferometric interrogator, optical detection circuitry, and a data processor. The data processor initiates a sweep of the light source and guide light from an interrogating light source into a medium contained by a tube which restricts movement of particles provided into the tube, where the medium is subjected to a driving force that overcomes resistance to movement of particles through the medium in the tube. The optical interferometric interrogator provides an optical interference pattern associated with a group of particles having moved in the tube as a result of the driving force. Based on the optical interference pattern, the data processor identifies a current location of the group of particles in the tube.

Abstract: Endohedral metallofullerene compounds, which in water has a relaxivity of about 30 mM?1 S?1 to about 300 mM?1 S?1 and forms a dispersion in water with entities having an average hydrodynamic radius of less than about 20 nm.

Abstract: Coating compositions which include a blend of a fluorochemical and a particulate additive comprising a bimodal size distribution of inorganic nanoparticles are provided. The bimodal distribution of inorganic nanoparticles may include a quantity of smaller nanoparticles having an average size distribution of between about 1 to about 15 nm, and a quantity of larger nanoparticles having an average size distribution of between about 40 to about 500 nm. The smaller and larger nanoparticles may be present in a ratio of the smaller sized particles to the larger sized particles of at least 1.2, with the total amount of nanoparticles being present in an amount of between about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % based on total composition weight.

Abstract: A composition comprising: a liposome having a bilayer structure, a gadofullerene having a high relaxivity, and an amphiphilic receptor ligand. In the composition, the gadofullerene is embedded in the bilayer structure of the liposome. In addition, a method for detecting atherosclerotic plaque in an animal using the composition is described.

Abstract: A multi-function optical tool may be used for example for built-in fault detection and transceiver source characterization in local optical communication networks. A single device provides swept-heterodyne optical spectrum analysis (SHOSA) and optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR) in an efficient, low-cost package by utilizing a common interrogation laser source, common optical components, and common, low-bandwidth acquisition hardware. The technology provides significant cost, space, and labor savings for network maintainers and technicians.

Abstract: A twisted, multicore fiber communicates light input to each core to an output. The twisting mitigates relative time delays of the input light traveling through each of the cores in the multicore fiber to the output caused by bending of that multicore fiber. An example application is in an optical network that includes an optical input terminal and an optical sensor connected by a twisted multicore connecting fiber. One example of twisted multicore optical fiber is helically-wrapped, multicore fiber.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating inflammatory disorders. The methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetically modified fullerene.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating polarization of light includes a rotatable beam splitter including an input for receiving light with a first polarization and an output for outputting light with a second polarization different from the first polarization. Rotation of the rotatable beam splitter changes the first polarization of the input light to the second polarization of the output light. An optical network and method are also set forth.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating inflammatory disorders. The methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetically modified fullerene.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus based on optical frequency domain measurement (OFDM) collects scatter data at multiple locations within or on the DUT as a function of time. A light source launches light into a device under test (DUT) which scatters light at one or more locations along the DUT. A light detector detects a portion of light scattered at each of multiple locations along the DUT. Data is determined using OFDM data processing that corresponds to an amount of light collected at each of the multiple locations along the DUT as a function of time. The data is stored for each of the multiple locations along the DUT. User information is provided that indicates an amount of light scattered at each of the multiple locations along the DUT based on the stored time domain data. The OFDM processing permits fine time resolution (e.g., 0.1 picoseconds) that allows small optical delay distances (e.g., 30 microns) to be resolved and allows for accurate detection of small amounts of scatter (e.g.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement system includes a spun optical fiber including multiple optical waveguides configured in the fiber. Interferometric detection circuitry detects measurement interferometric pattern data associated with each of the multiple optical waveguides when the optical fiber is placed into a bend. Data processing circuitry determines compensation parameters that compensate for variations between an optimal configuration of the multiple optical waveguides in the fiber and an actual configuration of multiple optical waveguides in the fiber. The compensation parameters are stored in memory for compensating subsequently-obtained measurement interferometric pattern data for the fiber.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies, units and methods are provided to determine crack development of components of interest associated with a monitored structure. According to preferred embodiments, a sample sensor bolt is provided having a shank with a threaded end, the sensor bolt being formed of a material serving as a surrogate of the material forming a component of interest associated with the monitored structure. A frame surrounds the shank of the sensor bolt and has fluid ports therein to allow fluid to contact an exposed portion of the sensor bolt shank in registry therewith. A load cell is operatively connected to the sensor bolt. A preload nut is threaded onto the threaded end of the sensor bolt shank and contacts an end of the frame so as to place the sensor bolt under an initial tensile stress.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting presence of a target particulate of predetermined size (e.g., engine wear debris) in a fluid (e.g., an engine lubricant) by providing at least one pair of serially fluid-connected upstream test and downstream reference filtration elements in the fluid. At least the upstream test filtration element has a filtration size rating that is sufficient to remove a predetermined amount of the target particulate from the fluid. The differential pressure of the fluid may then be measured (e.g., by suitable pressure transducers) across each of the test and reference filtration elements. By comparing the differential pressure across the test filtration element to the differential pressure across reference filtration element, the presence of the target particulate in the fluid can thereby be detected by an increase in differential pressure across the test filtration element in comparison to the differential pressure across the reference filtration element.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement system measures a parameter using at least one optical waveguide. A memory stores reference interferometric pattern data associated with a segment of the optical waveguide. Interferometric detection circuitry detects and stores measurement interferometric pattern data associated with the segment of the optical waveguide during a measurement operation. A spectral range of the reference interferometric pattern of the optical waveguide is greater than a spectral range of the measurement interferometric pattern of the optical waveguide. A processor shifts one or both of the measurement interferometric pattern data and the reference interferometric pattern data relative to the other to obtain a match and to use the match to measure the parameter. An example parameter is strain.

Abstract: Described herein are synthetically modified fullerene molecules, wherein the fullerene is preferably ellipsoid in shape with an equatorial band and two opposing poles, comprising an adduct at one or both poles, at least one adduct being a hydrophobic chemical moiety capable of anchoring the fullerene on or in a lipid membrane.

Abstract: Additive particles may be employed in sufficient amounts to impart superhydrophobicity to a coating system in which the additive particles are incorporated. The additive particles include carrier microparticles and a dense plurality of nanoparticles adhered to the surfaces of the carrier microparticles (e.g., preferably by electrostatic deposition or covalent bonding). The additive particles are advantageously incorporated into a coating material (e.g., a polymeric material) in amounts sufficient to render a substrate surface superhydrophobic when coated with the coating material. The substrate may be rigid (e.g., glass, ceramic or metal) or flexible (e.g., a polymeric film or sheet or a fabric). In some preferred embodiments, both the microparticle and nanoparticles are formed of silica and are surface treated with a hydrophobic treatment so as to impart superhydrophobic properties thereto.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement system includes a spun optical fiber including multiple optical waveguides configured in the fiber. Interferometric detection circuitry detects measurement interferometric pattern data associated with each of the multiple optical waveguides when the optical fiber is placed into a bend. Data processing circuitry determines compensation parameters that compensate for variations between an optimal configuration of the multiple optical waveguides in the fiber and an actual configuration of multiple optical waveguides in the fiber. The compensation parameters are stored in memory for compensating subsequently-obtained measurement interferometric pattern data for the fiber.