Abstract: Provided is a disc gap servo control device and method for a powder grinding system, which includes a disc powder grinding machine, a rotating speed regulating device of a rotating disc, the disc gap servo control device and a control cabinet. The method includes the following steps of: (1) inputting a control information; (2) an industrial computer obtaining a current disc gap and displaying the disc gap on a touch screen; (3) the disc gap servo control device adjusting the disc gap; (4) the current disc gap reaches a target disc gap; and (5) a frequency converter controlling a motor rotating speed, so that the actual rotating disc rotating speed can reach a target rotating speed of the rotating disc. The operation parameters of the rotating disc are observed by the industrial computer in real time, and finally a high-precision servo control of the disc gap can be realized.

Abstract: Augmented three-dimensional (3D) printing systems and methods for constructing and mineralizing a hydrogel structure with defined geometry are disclosed. One example embodiment is a system for three-dimensional printing and mineralizing a polymer. The system includes a three-dimensional printer unit with a syringe extruder, a fluid delivery system operatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer unit, and a control unit. The control unit is operatively coupled to the three-dimensional printer unit and fluid delivery system, and is configured to (i) cause the three-dimensional printer unit to print a portion of a three-dimensional polymer object, (ii) cause the fluid delivery system to flush the portion of the three-dimensional polymer object with a fluid to mineralize the portion of the three-dimensional polymer object, and (iii) cause the three-dimensional printer unit to print a subsequent portion of the three-dimensional polymer object.

Abstract: The use of magnetic fields in the production of porous articles is generally described. Certain embodiments comprise exposing a matrix to a magnetic field such that particles within the matrix form one or more elongated regions (e.g., one or more regions in which the particles chain). In some embodiments, after the magnetic field has been applied, the particles and/or a liquid within the matrix can be at least partially removed. Removal of the particles and/or the liquid can leave behind anisotropic pores within the remainder of the matrix material.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for sequencing and characterizing single nucleic acid molecules involve large arrays of nanopore zero-mode waveguides (NZMWs). The methods and devices are made possible by fabrication of nanoporous membranes of appropriate porosity for use in nucleotide sequencing. The fabrication methods eliminate the need for serial nanopore formation and make possible the mass production of highly efficient DNA and RNA single molecule sequencing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds that may be used to inhibit the action of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) or dual FAAH/MAGL. More particularly, compounds of formula II have utility in a variety of therapeutic uses such as treatment of pain, inflammation, neuropathy, or appetite disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for direct growth of low noise, atomically thin freestanding membranes of two-dimensional monocrystalline or polycrystalline materials, such as transition metal chalcogenides including molybdenum disulfide. The freestanding membranes are directly grown over an aperture by reacting two precursors in a chemical vapor deposition process carried out at atmospheric pressure. Membrane growth is preferentially over apertures in a thin sheet of solid state material. The resulting membranes are one or a few atomic layers thick and essentially free of defects. The membranes are useful for sequencing of biopolymers through nanopores.

Abstract: This invention relates to, in part, compositions and methods that are useful for, inter alia, the treatment of various diseases, including those linked to binding at a serotonin receptor in the GI tract.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multi-stage suspension magnetizing roasting-magnetic separation system and method for refractory iron ore, which belongs to the field of mineral processing technology. This system comprises multistage suspension preheater, multistage suspension oxidizer, multistage suspension redactor, on-line grade analyzer, ore-like splitter, magnetic separator, dust remover, roots blower and other components and connection modes. The refractory iron ore treated by the present method can be produced to homogeneous magnetite or maghemite accurately, and through magnetic separation, on-line grade analyzer detection and ore-like splitter, the concentrate powder which reach the set grade can be obtained, and the unqualified ore powder enters the next stage of oxidation-reduction-magnetic separation-split treatment.

Abstract: The present technology provides for methods for generation and isolation of granulosa cells and/or granulosa cell precursors from multi-potent cells, wherein the granulosa cells and/or granulosa cell precursors are useful in methods for growth and maturation of follicles or follicle-like structures. Additionally, the present technology also provides for methods of increasing steroidal hormones in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for detecting an arc fault in AC circuits. The method includes monitoring disturbances in an AC voltage signal by analyzing multi-dimensional energy points. A voltage signal is captured and the zero-crossing, minimum peak, and maximum peak are identified. Arcing signatures between the maximum and minimum peaks of the captured AC voltage signal are analyzed to detect an arc fault.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-compartmental nanoparticulate systems for imaging as well as the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of inflammation and/or disease. These multicompartmental nanoparticulate systems can be used to target specific cells or cellular structures. Furthermore, these systems are capable of simultaneous delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic compositions. Finally, these systems also allow for temporal control of drug delivery.

Abstract: Methods for creating nanostructured surface features on polymers and polymer composites involve application of low pressure during curing of solid polymer material from a solvent solution. The resulting nanoscale surface features significantly decrease bacterial growth on the surface. Polymer materials having the nanoscale structuring can be used in implantable medical devices to inhibit bacterial growth and infection.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multivariate climate change forecasting are provided that obtain, from one or more climate model datasets, simulated historical and future climate model data, and from one or more climate observational datasets, historical observed climate data. A statistical distribution, using a Bayesian model, is provided of extremes or climate indices for one or more variable climate features using the simulated climate model data and the observed climate data. One or more metrics are determined, including a prediction of a future climate variable for a determined future time period, a confidence bound of the prediction of the future climate variable for the determined future time period, and a prediction bound for the future climate variable for the determined future time period. The metrics can be transmitted to a variety of applications in a variety of formats.

Abstract: Proactively identifying and interdicting transport of commodities associated with illicit nuclear materials and nuclear weapons shielded by high Z-number materials, such as lead, can help ensure effective nuclear nonproliferation. In an embodiment, a method for imaging an object on a surface includes exciting a surface with ultrasonic excitation from an ultrasonic transmitter having an ultrasonic transducer in contact with the surface. The method further includes imaging, at a processor, a two-dimensional representation of the object acoustically coupled to the surface based on the ultrasonic reflections received at an ultrasonic receiver via a receiving transducer in contact with the surface. This method can complement existing x-ray screening systems to increase the odds of detecting radiological materials.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing a lesson to a user of the system. The lesson may be a behavioral lesson or a teaching lesson, such as where knowledge or skill is being imparted to the user. In one aspect, the inventions include a sensor apparatus, the sensor apparatus generating an output indicative of a user's actions. Memory is provided for storing an individual user profile including at least a plan and a display. A processor and associated storage comprising a computing platform to generate user feedback.

Abstract: A reconfigurable implantable system for ultrasonic power control and telemetry includes a charging device that includes an ultrasonic transducer to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals transmitted through a biological body, and a signal generator to drive the ultrasonic transducer to transmit an ultrasonic charging signal through the biological body. The system further includes an implantable device configured to communicate wirelessly with the charging device through the biological body via an ultrasonic communication link between the implantable device and the charging device. An implantable ultrasonic transducer receives the ultrasonic charging signal from the charging device and transmits ultrasonic signals through the biological body. A power unit coupled to the ultrasonic transducer harvests energy from the received ultrasonic charging signal when the implantable device is in an energy harvesting mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, devices, and methods for monitoring marine animals, such as whales, and other marine mammals, and fish groups within a marine environment. A marine animal monitoring system may include an acoustic receiver array having a high-resolution directional sensing capacity using large-aperture densely-sampled coherent ocean acoustic receiver arrays operative to enhance detection range and localization accuracy of marine mammal vocalizations and fish acoustic signals. The acoustic receiver array may generate acoustic signal information based on acoustic signals sensed at the array. The marine monitoring system may operate to generate marine animal information based on the acoustic signal information, such as marine animal location, species, call type, and/or the like.

Abstract: A monolithic integration of phase change material (PCM) switches with a MEMS resonator is provided to implement switching and reconfiguration functionalities. MEMS resonator includes a piezoelectric material to control terminal connections to the electrodes. The PCM is operable between an ON state and an OFF state by application of heat, which causes the phase change material to change from an amorphous state to a crystalline state or from a crystalline state to an amorphous state, the amorphous state and the crystalline state each associated with one of the ON state and the OFF state. A method of fabricating the MEMS resonator with phase change material is provided. A reconfigurable filter system using the MEMS resonators is also provided.

Abstract: A system for characterizing a dielectric object situated adjacent to an electrically conductive surface comprises a radiation source configured to radiate electromagnetic energy toward the dielectric object, and a receiver configured to receive scattered electromagnetic energy scattered by the dielectric object and the electrically conductive surface. The system may further comprise a control subsystem, coupled to the radiation source and the receiver, that determines an apparent focal point within the object, determines a phase shift associated with the scattered electromagnetic energy with respect to the electromagnetic energy radiated by the radiation source, and determine a thickness and an index of refraction of the object based, on the apparent focal point and the phase shift. The system may determine the apparent focal point by scanning a calculated focus point of the radiated energy through different depths of the object, and searching for a peak in an amplitude of the scattered energy.

Abstract: Highly anion resistant electrocatalysts suitable for catalyzing an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methods of synthesizing the same are provided. The catalysts contain a transition metal, a heteroatom, and carbon. Preferred catalysts include N as the heteroatom and Fe as the transition metal, with active sites having Fe—N4 stoichiometry (FexNyCz) as part of a metal organic framework (MOF) or sequestered within a MOF. Electrocatalysts further including Fe nanoparticles (FeNPs) are also provided. The catalysts described herein are applicable in the preparation of oxygen decoupled cathodes (ODC) for chlorine evolution processes such as in chlor-alkali cells or HCl electrolyzers. The catalysts are also useful in preparing ODC for use in fuel cells, including phosphoric acid fuel cells.