Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for improving performance of ultrasonic transducers, particularly those used in borehole environments, are provided. The disclosed ultrasonic transducers all feature a backing element that is a ceramic backing material. The ceramic backing material may include a solid piece of ceramic material that is disposed on a back end of a piezoelectric element used in the ultrasonic transducer. The disclosed ceramic backing material may be used to mechanically match the backing element to the piezoelectric source element, while minimizing the amplitude of reflections of the ultrasonic pulse generated by the piezoelectric element and reflected at the far end of the backing element. This ceramic backing material may provide consistent performance regardless of the surrounding pressure and temperature, making it particularly useful in borehole applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for managing a cash machine having at least one deployed cash cassette having a picking assembly includes (a) determining that the deployed cash cassette should be replaced and (b) generating a cassette-replacement message in order to have a new cash cassette shipped to the cash machine to enable the deployed cash cassette to be replaced with the new cash cassette. In one implementation, the deployed cash cassette includes a cash store that stores currency bills, a picking assembly that retrieves currency bills from the cash store for dispensing from the cash machine and a cassette controller that controls operations of the cash cassette, wherein the cassette controller determines that the cash cassette should be replaced.

Abstract: A new composition and method for cleaning hair grooming implements is provided. The composition comprises about 1.1% Sodium Hypochlorite, about 2.5% Sodium Hydroxide, about 0.5% Lithium Perchlorate and about 95.9% water. A concentrated version of the solution may be formed and later diluted for use.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for use in a well can include multiple segments, the segments comprising at least one buoyancy control device, at least one communication device, and at least one well parameter sensor. A method of communicating in a subterranean well can include installing at least one monitoring apparatus in the well, the monitoring apparatus including a communication device, a well parameter sensor and a buoyancy control device, and the communication device communicating with another communication device. A well monitoring system can include at least one monitoring apparatus disposed in a wellbore, the monitoring apparatus comprising multiple segments, the segments including at least one buoyancy control device, at least one well parameter sensor, and at least one communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a protective graphene barrier to waveguides and using the protected waveguides in wellbore applications. A well monitoring system may comprise a waveguide comprising a graphene barrier, wherein the graphene barrier comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of graphene, graphene oxide, and any combination thereof; a signal generator capable of generating a signal that travels through the waveguide; and a signal detector capable of detecting a signal that travels through the waveguide.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a more efficient lentiviral vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human ?-globin protein or a human ?-globin protein, which is oriented from 5? to 3? relative to the lentiviral genome. The invention also provides a composition and method utilizing the lentiviral vector.

Abstract: A processing system provides works associated with a unified number system (UNS) identifier, and the UNS identifier itself, for broadcast. The system receives a request for content associated with a broadcast work, where the request includes the UNS identifier included in the broadcast. In response to the request, the system obtains the requested content using the UNS identifier included in the request, and delivers the requested content to an end user associated with the end-user device. The type of requested content can be identified based on previously obtained user preferences, so that even if two user-devices send requests including the same UNS identifier, the content provided to each end user or end-user device can be different.

Abstract: The disclosed merchant server initiates a verification process in response to receiving an account identifier for an account in response to a payment selection by an account holder. In response to confirming enrollment of the account in a verification service, the merchant server receives an access point (e.g., a uniform resource locator (URL), API, etc.) and presents an offer interface corresponding to the access point. The offer interface includes a value added offer based on a profile of the account. The merchant server receives a credential and an acceptance indicator in response to the account holder accepting the value added offer. The merchant server may send an authorization request to a transaction authorization system.

Abstract: Expression vectors ideal for use in vaccinating individuals against disease based on vaccinia virus and other chordopoxviruses having high expression of recombinant genes and low expression of vector genes in target animals, and low expression of recombinant genes and high expression of vector genes in cells used for propagation.

Abstract: The system and method for installing external corrosion guards of the present disclosure comprises a method of protecting tubing in tubular heat exchangers from external corrosion that includes the installation of protective collars or guards around the tube outer diameter at the tubsheet plate, anti-vibration baffle, and/or pass partition plate levels. The external corrosion guards can be installed using a ridge method, where a ridge sits on a plate level, using a mechanical expansion method, and using a mechanical rolling method.

Abstract: A event recorder system carried on-board a locomotive may include a controller configured to receive data from one or more of a train management system, a cab signaling system, an energy management system, an exhaust aftertreatment monitoring system, a braking system, a communications management system, and an operator fatigue or distraction monitoring system. The data may include one or more of video data, audio data, sensor output data, GPS map data, scanned image data of an operator in a cab of the locomotive, and operational data associated with operation of the locomotive during a trip.

Abstract: Logistics data includes a plurality of shipments, each including deliveries tied to a purchase order line item (POLI). Each of the deliveries has a delivery quantity and a post goods issue (PGI) date. The logistics data further includes a plurality of logistics services for the plurality of shipments including deliveries tied to the POLI. A multi-mode shipment has a plurality of sequential logistics services. The logistics data includes a plurality of deliveries tied to the POLI, wherein a goods received (GR) quantity and a GR date is determined for each of the deliveries. The processor provides a display of the PGI date and the GR date for the multi-mode shipment. The processor calculates the goods received (GR) date for a purchase order line item (POLI) based on multiple shipments tied to the POLI and multiple GRs tied to the POLI entered at a field location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a personalized value added offer during an advanced verification process are provided. An access control server may receive an enrollment verification request comprising data relating to an account holder. The server may determine an enrollment status of the account holder and determine a value added offer based on the account holder. The server may display an advanced verification interface for user input. The advanced verification interface may include the value added offer and/or a security credential prompt. The server may personalize the advanced verification interface and/or the value added offer based on monitoring the system and compiling historical transaction data.

Abstract: The systems may include transmitting wallet provider script to a payment service provider server, presenting an electronic wallet payment tool on a merchant checkout page, receiving a first selection of the electronic wallet payment tool, retrieving an electronic wallet comprised in a transaction account associated with the consumer, transmitting transaction account information associated with a desired transaction account in the electronic wallet to the payment service provider server, receiving a virtual token from the payment service provider server, and/or transmitting the virtual token to payment service provider script integrated in a browser used by the consumer.

Abstract: A method including receiving a request from a second financial institution to determine whether any accounts held by a first entity support real-time payment transactions. The method also can include determining one or more first accounts held by the first entity using the directory. The method additionally can include validating that one or more third accounts held by the first entity support real-time payment transactions. The method further can include, after the first entity has enrolled in real-time invoicing and payments, sending an interactive invoice to the first entity, the interactive invoice comprising an option to pay the financial obligation immediately using at least one of the one or more third accounts. The method additionally can include receiving an authorization from the first entity to pay the invoice immediately using at least one of the one or more third accounts.

Abstract: A shipping label is operable to be applied to a package and includes a single label ply. The single label ply presents longitudinally spaced ends, opposite top and bottom faces extending between the ends, and a generally transverse fold line of weakness spaced between the ends. The label ply is foldable about the fold line to define upper and lower label sections, with the upper label section overlying the lower label section when the label ply is folded, and the top face of the upper label section being operable to receive package address indicia thereon. The upper label section includes a separation line of weakness defining a border portion and a separable central portion. The upper label section includes adhesive applied to the bottom face along at least part of the border portion. The lower label section includes a dividing line of weakness defining a connecting portion and an end portion, with the connecting portion extending between the fold line and dividing line.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two mats surrounding and spaced-away from the borehole opening. At least one spanner is configured to extend between the cellar wall and mats. At least one elongated spanner support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the cellar wall. At least one elongated lip support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the mats.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved urea-nitrogen stabilizer composition and methods, systems and apparatti for making thereof. The nitrogen stabilizer composition is incorporated into molten urea to result in a composition that contains less biuret, NMP, nitrogen stabilizer and/or impurities and provides an effective solid fertilizer. These compositions are useful in in odor control.

Abstract: A packer for use in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel. First and second pistons are slidably disposed about the packer mandrel defining first and second chambers therewith. A first activation assembly initially prevents movement of the first piston. A second activation assembly initially prevents movement of the second piston. A seal assembly is disposed about the packer mandrel between the first and second pistons such that actuation of the first activation assembly allows a force generated by a pressure difference between the wellbore and the first chamber to shift the first piston in a first direction toward the seal assembly to radially expand the seal assembly and actuation of the second activation assembly allows a force generated by a pressure difference between the wellbore and the second chamber to shift the second piston in a second direction toward the seal assembly to radially expand the seal assembly.

Abstract: Compositions and methods including and related to the Ebola Bundibugyo virus (EboBun) are provided. Compositions are provided that are operable as immunogens to elicit and immune response or protection from EboBun challenge in a subject such as a primate. Inventive methods are directed to detection and treatment of EboBun infection.