Abstract: A redundant computer system utilizing comparison diagnostics and voting techniques includes a plurality of redundant channels. Each pair of the processors receives/obtains process information from I/O modules via dual redundant sensors (DRS). The processors execute an application program, whereby output module is utilized for comparing output data of the two processors. Output module receives output data from neighboring modules, if there is a deviation or other disparity in the output data. Each pair of processors, a voter and an improper sequence detector component disables the output module, if a majority of signals vote that output module fails. In addition, the system uses 2-of-3 voting, the system remains operational in the presence of up two transient or hard failures.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to terpolymers of carbon monoxide (CO), olefins (alkenes), and epoxides, as well as related methods and catalysts for their making and use. These terpolymer chains are comprised of ketone repeat units, ester repeat units, and ether repeat units. The additional presence of the ester repeat units and ether repeat units have the effect of lowering terpolymer melt temperature relative to that of similar polyketone, thus separating melt temperature from decomposition temperature, making it suitable for melt processing. In a single reaction mixture, the same metal catalyst that polymerizes CO with olefins also incorporates epoxide monomers into the terpolymer in the form of ester or ester and ether linkages. As a part of the terpolymer chain, the ester groups can undergo hydrolysis, rendering these terpolymer compositions hydrolytically degradable.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can employ multi-modal imaging to provide an image with an enhanced resolution. In some instances, the multi-modal imaging can allow an operator to determine and control a tissue margin without the need for intra-operative tissue pathology. The system can include an imaging system that includes a gamma camera to detect a gamma image and an optical imaging modality to detect an optical image. The system can also include a display device to display an enhanced gamma image created based on a function of the optical image. The enhanced gamma image illustrates a characteristic of a disease in the field of view (e.g., a lymphatic pathway, a sentinel lymph node target, or a satellite disease state).

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane assembly includes a polymer electrolyte membrane layer positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode. The polymer electrolyte membrane layer can be made from a composition including a polymer matrix, a plasticizer, and an ionic material. The polymer electrolyte membrane assembly may be utilized to harvest electrical energy by allowing the polymer electrolyte membrane assembly to bend to thereby produce a second ion concentration gradient different from an initial ion concentration gradient.

Abstract: A filled polymer compositions and methods of preparing filled polymer that include a plant biomass filler a plant biomass with a low aromatic carbon content, and (a thermoset polymer. The plant biomass filler may have a low lignin content or no lignin at all. The filler may also be heat treated to a temperature that provides a plant biomass filler with less than 49% aromatic content.

Abstract: The present invention are directed to a novel automated cell bioprinter and related methods for making three-dimensional tissue constructs with spatial organization of cells that provides: (i) organized cell placement and spatial assembly of multiple cell types in a reproducible manner (ii) direct and non-contact assembly of multiple cell types and/or cell layers without exerting damaging forces on the cells or tissues, (iii) retention of cell viability and functionality during assembly steps and long periods of culture, (iv) minimal use of harmful and toxic chemicals such as profuse amounts of mineral oil and buffer reagent, and (v) efficient layer-to-layer assembly of cell layers within the three-dimensional construct while (vi) avoiding the use of complicated surface treatments that prevents scale-up, and (vii) avoiding mutation-inducing radiations such as UV used to photocrosslink hydrogels.

Abstract: Polymers including ?-hydroxymethylacrylate units and methods of preparing polymers from ?-hydroxymethylacrylates are provided. Advantageously, ?-hydroxymethylacrylates may be used in an emulsion polymerization and function as a polymerizable surfactant. The ability of the ?-hydroxymethylacrylates to be used as a polymerizable surfactant allows for emulsion polymerization systems to be prepared without other surfactants.

Abstract: A thermoresponsive polyester comprising units derived from an amide functional diol compound having a first amide group having a nitrogen atom and a carbonyl group; a second amide group tethered directly or indirectly through an organic group at the carbonyl group of the first amide group; and two organic groups terminated with a hydroxyl group attached to the nitrogen atom of the first amide group. The thermoresponsive polyesters exhibit a lower critical solution temperature at which they undergo a thermally induced reversible hydrophobicity change. This hydrophobicity change may involve the formation of coacervates of the thermoresponsive polyesters which can then coalesce into a precipitated polymer rich phase.

Abstract: Metallotriangle-based nanomolecules are formed by a one-step self-assembly of specifically chosen shaped poly-ligand monomers, the poly-ligand monomers coordinating with metal ions through coordinating ligands. The poly-ligand monomers are defined by vertex groups having arms extending therefrom and ending in coordinating ligands. Based on the desired metallotriangle-based nanomolecule structure to be assembled, specifically shaped poly-ligand monomers and metal ions are chosen and mixed in appropriate ratios so that coordinating ligands bind to metal ions and the poly-ligand monomers thus spontaneously self-assemble into the desired metallotriangle-based nanomolecule structure.

Abstract: Directionally oriented block copolymer films and zone annealing processes for producing directionally oriented block films are provided. The zone annealing processes include methods of inducing horizontally oriented block copolymers through a soft sheer process and methods of inducing vertically oriented block copolymers via sharp dynamic zone annealing. The zone annealing processes are capable of both small and large scale production of directionally oriented block films. The cold zone annealing processes are also capable of being combined with graphoepitaxy methods.

Abstract: A variable-frequency stimulator for electrosurgery includes an impedance analyzer to identify the electrical impedance of biological tissue being treated by an electrosurgical instrument, such as a laparoscope. Based on the identified tissue impedance, a controller adjusts the frequency of electrical current delivered to the electrosurgical instrument to reduce, minimize or normalize the impedance of the tissue, thereby preventing collateral damage to the tissue in and about the surgical site. Additionally, the laparoscope may be configured with multiple electrically conductive grasping arms that are used to deliver the electrical current to the surgical site. The conductive grasping arms provide multiple current paths for the electrical current to flow, thus concentrating the electrical current at the surgical site during an electrosurgical procedure.

Abstract: A method to assess external corrosion in buried pipelines includes analysis of moisture content of soil along the length of the pipe to choose the most appropriate indirect inspection methods. External corrosion is assessed based on the unification of probability techniques using clustered inspection data and deterministic formulation for soil conditions. A deterministic model pinpoints the location of the most likely areas for corrosion due to the electrochemical cell formation produced by the presence of water and the properties of the soil, such as ion concentrations, pH, soil resistivity, redox potential, corrosion potential and soil type. The filtering of the data by clustering provides reliable results to locate the most corrosive locations. The failure probability is calculated based on in-line inspection data, where different indications could appear and different dimensions are used to link the corrosivity with the failure for choosing repairing methods and taking actions against corrosion.

Abstract: A dry adhesive includes a first plurality of fiber segments mechanically interlocked with a second plurality of fiber segments. A dry adhesive can include a first plurality of fibers mechanically interlocked with a second plurality of fibers or a single plurality of fibers having a first end region mechanically interlocked with a second end region. The fiber segments and fibers can be aligned, electrospun nanofibers. One or more continuous and scalable methods of making aligned fibers are also provided. One or more apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: An optical imaging system utilizes a three-dimensional (3D) light scanner to capture topography information, color reflectance information, and fluorescence information of a target object being imaged, such as a surgical patient. The system also utilizes the topography information of the target object to perform an image mapping process to project the captured fluorescence or other intraoperative images back onto the target object with enhanced definition or sharpness. Additionally, the system utilizes the topography information of the target object to co-register two or more images, such as a color image of the target object with a fluorescence image for presentation on a display or for projection back onto the target object.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) sensor includes an anode and a cathode with a polymer electrolyte disposed therebetween. The anode and cathode are configured with asymmetric catalyst loadings, such that the catalyst loading on the cathode is lower than that of the anode. Accordingly, due to the reduction of the amount of catalyst utilized, the cost of fabricating the sensor is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method for charging batteries that have at least one metal electrode or at least one metal-based compound electrode includes applying a DC signal to the batteries and applying an AC signal to the batteries. The DC signal and AC signal may be combined as a composite signal, which is applied to the batteries, or may be applied to the batteries as separate, independent signals, during a charging cycle. As such, the DC signal serves to charge the batteries, while the AC signal operates to suppress, avoids or reverse the growth of dendrites in the batteries. As a result, the operating life of the batteries is extended, and the electrical storage capacity of the batteries is preserved.

Abstract: A method of preparing a plant oil based polymer comprising heating a plant oil in the presence of a bismaleimide crosslinker in the substantial absence of a solvent at a temperature at or above the melting temperature of the bismaleimide crosslinker, where the bismaleimide crosslinker is defined by the formula where R1 is a divalent organic group.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a novel composition for gene delivery are directed to a group of polysaccharide polymers, having one or more nucleic acid delivery side chains comprising cationic peptides. In some embodiments, these cationic peptides condense and physically bond to one or more nucleic acids to form a polysaccharide-nucleic acid complex that permits delivery to and transfection of the nucleic acid(s) into cells. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide polymers of the present invention may also have one or more zwitterionic side chains and/or reactive side chains.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing and analyzing the molecular structure of a sample material in an NMR device are described. A sample is held in a pre-determined stretched state in an apparatus that includes the sample arranged between two body components that are secured together with one or more retaining members that fit around the bodies or portions thereof. The apparatus is inserted into an NMR device to obtain NMR spectrums for analyzing the molecular structure of the samples, for instance, identifying strain-induced crystallinity and quantifying the same at pre-determined stretch ratios of a sample material.

Abstract: Rubber formulations include a rubber and a norbornylized seed oil. The norbornylized seed oil is a seed oil that is modified with norbornylene groups. The norbornylized seed oil can replace petroleum oils currently often used in rubber formulations. A process for creating a rubber formulation includes the steps of adding a norbornylized seed oil to a rubber, wherein the norbornylized seed oil is a seed oil modified with norbornylene groups.