Abstract: A method of converting lignin to phenolic compounds and dicarboxylates in high yield is described. The method involves the use of peroxy acids to react with lignin at a moderated treatment conditions. The peroxy acids can be used along or in combination of other catalysts that have the capability to lower the molecular weight of lignin. A phenolic compounds yield is achieved (>60%) and these phenolic compounds represents high value precursors for various applications include but not limited to antioxidants, health improvement agents, anticorrosive agents, liquid fuel components and performance enhancing agents, resin and adhesives. Dicarboxylic acids can be used for polymer applications or hydrodeoxygenation to hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: Embodiments of an sequential state element (SSE) capable of providing triple modular redundant (TMR) correction is disclosed. The SSE has a setup stage and a feedback stage. The setup stage is configured to generate an output bit signal having an output bit state while a clock signal is in the first clock state. The setup stage also generates a feedback input bit signal as feedback of the output bit state. However, the feedback stage is capable of providing TMR correction without this feedback signal. Instead, the feedback stage utilizes the second feedback input bit signal and a third feedback input bit signal from two other SSEs. Since TMR correction can be provided with just the second feedback input bit signal and the third feedback input bit signal, the power and area consumed by the SSE is reduced.

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric ceramic material has the general chemical formula xBiCoO3-y(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-z(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3, xBiCoO3-y(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-zNaN-bO3, xBiCoO3-y(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-zKNbO3, xBiCoO3-yBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3-z(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3, xBiCoO3-yBa-TiO3-z(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3, or xBiCoO3-yNaNbO3-zKNbO3; wherein x+y+z=1, and x, y, z?0.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling of fibers pre-impregnated with resin may include a container configured to receive a predetermined amount of solvent and a predetermined amount of fibers pre-impregnated with resin. The apparatus may also include an energy source configured to provide sound energy into the container in order to facilitate the removal of resin from the fibers, and a controller configured to control a frequency of the sound energy provided by the energy source into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell with a gap for transport flow of an electrolyte containing charge carrying ions from either a fuel or an oxidizer between anode and a cathode.

Abstract: A method of conducting an enzymatic reaction assay involving adenosine 5?-monophosphate (AMP) comprising the steps of reacting one or more compounds and producing AMP, deaminating the AMP to produce IMP, and oxidating the IMP by NAD+ to produce XMP and NADH.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing Raman spectral analysis of a sample is described, comprising a coherent light source, an first optical chain to direct the coherent light to impinge on the sample, a second optical chain to direct the scattered light onto a diffraction grating, and a third optical chain to direct the diffracted light onto detection array. The diffraction grating is a stairstep with a metalized surface, and a plurality of metalized stripes on a flat surface is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the long dimension of the stairsteps. The region between the flat surface and the stairstep is transparent. The zeroth-order fringe is selected by a slit and directed onto camera. The resultant interferogram is Fourier transformed to produce a representation of the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: A novel tank cryogenic-compatible composite pressure vessel that beneficially utilizes Vapor Cooled Shielding (VCS) is introduced to minimize thermal gradients along support structures and reduces heat loads on cryogenic systems. In particular, the configurations and mechanisms to be utilized herein include: providing for a desired number of passageways and a given thickness of the VCS, reducing the thermal conductivity of the VCS material, and increasing the cooling capacitance of the hydrogen vapors.

Abstract: Synthesis and pharmaceutical compositions of antibody-functionalized nanovesicles encapsulating ion channel knockout siRNA, and methods of treating autoimmune diseases associated with increased expression and/or hyperactivity of T cells by selectively targeting memory T cells with the nanoparticles, which deliver their siRNA cargo into the cytosol of the TM cell thus reducing ion channel expression and decreasing Ca2+ influx.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to modified metal materials for implantation and/or bone replacement, and to methods for modifying surface properties of metal substrates for enhancing cellular adhesion (tissue integration) and providing antimicrobial properties. Some embodiments comprise surface coatings for metal implants, such as titanium-based materials, using (1) electrochemical processing and/or oxidation methods, and/or (2) laser processing, in order to enhance bone cell-materials interactions and achieve improved antimicrobial properties. One embodiment comprises the modification of a metal surface by growth of in situ nanotubes via anodization, followed by electrodeposition of silver on the nanotubes. Other embodiments include the use of LENS™ processing to coat a metal surface with calcium-based bioceramic composition layers. These surface treatment methods can be applied as a post-processing operation to metallic implants such as hip, knee and spinal devices as well as screws, pins and plates.

Abstract: A network of sensors is associated with a power distribution network. Sensors are positioned at each connecting line in the vicinity of each node of the power distribution network. The sensors regularly report the following measured data to the central processing unit: a geographical position of each sensor, direction of the energy flow relative to the nearest node; and value of RMS current synchronously measured over the entire network and averaged over chosen averaging period. The central processing unit includes an arrangement for receiving the measured data and using this data for constructing and updating a graph and a state of the power distribution network.

Abstract: The present invention describes the plant-based production of a therapeutic anti-virus antibody.

Abstract: Tunable filter arrays include an array of liquid crystal (LC) tunable Fabry-Perot (FP) microcavities. The microcavities are defined by first and second reflectors and an LC layer situated between the reflectors. The tunable filter is secured to an image sensor array so that the LC tunable microcavities are coupled to respective photodetectors of the image sensor array. Patterned electrodes are situated about the LC layer to tune the microcavities.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of a lower extremity of a subject in need of such monitoring. The device is especially suited for monitoring the foot temperature of a subject with diabetes or another condition that could lead to lower blood circulation and temperature in the lower extremities of the subject. Methods of preventing complications from such diseases, disorders, syndromes, or conditions are provided. The past recorded temperatures of the subject may be stored for comparisons and trends analyses.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of colon cancers.

Abstract: Techniques for forming highly stretchable electronic interconnect devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an electronic interconnect device includes forming a layer of an adhesion material onto a surface of a substrate material capable of elastic and/or plastic deformation. The formed layer of the adhesion material has a plurality of adhesion material portions separated from one another on the surface of the substrate material. The method also includes depositing a layer of an interconnect material onto the formed layer of the adhesion material. The deposited interconnect material has regions that are not bonded or loosely bonded to corresponding regions of the substrate material, such that the interconnect material may be deformed more than the adhesion material attached to the substrate material. In certain embodiments, the interconnect material can also include a plurality of wrinkles on a surface facing away from the substrate material.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a content of a sample material is presented. The system includes a fiber sensitized to a first substance, and at least one electrode configured to expose the fiber to an electric field. The system includes an optical sensor configured to detect a displacement of the fiber when the fiber is exposed to the electric field, and a processor configured to use the displacement of the fiber to characterize a content of the sample material.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods for generating a unique identifier, the methods including providing a dendritic structure, reading the dendritic structure to provide a signal, and generating a unique identifier from the signal.

Abstract: A BÏ2212 article may be formed by mixing metallic precursor powders including bismuth, strontium, calcium and copper in an oxygen-free atmosphere, mechanically alloying the metallic precursor powders in an oxygen-free atmosphere, and heating the metallic precursor alloy according to a temperature profile. The profile may include a ramp-up stage during which the alloy is heated to a peak temperature in an oxygen-free atmosphere, a dwell stage during which the alloy is held at the peak temperature for a dwell time, and a ramp-down stage during which the alloy is cooled from the peak temperature. During at least a portion of the dwell stage, the oxygen-free atmosphere is switched to an oxygen-inclusive atmosphere, wherein the alloy is oxidized to form a superconducting oxide, which may be sintered during or after oxidation. The alloy may be formed into a shape, such as a wire, prior to oxidizing.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Buddleja plant named ‘Miss Violet’ substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its compact stature, dense and semi-upright growth habit, oblong-elliptic leaf shape, violet flower color, distorted male flower parts (anthers) resulting in male sterility, and female structures that show reduced function, resulting in reduced seed formation.