Abstract: A portable inspecting device includes PZT transducers and performs active sensing to measure the characteristics of bolted connections. The PZT transducers are mounted on opposing ends of spring-loaded rods and can be moved apart to accommodate a structure for testing. The springs cause the PZT transducers to push against opposing parts of the structure in a stable but temporary fashion. The device can be physically moved to inspect the status and health of multiple different bolted connections.

Abstract: Identified compounds demonstrate protein kinase inhibitory activity. More specifically, the compounds having the structures below (I) are demonstrated to inhibit receptor interacting kinase 2 (RIPK2) and/or Activin-like kinase 2 (ALK2). Compounds that are either dual RIPK2/ALK2 inhibitors or that preferentially inhibit RIPK2 or ALK2 could provide therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of using near infra-red radiation, such as from a near infra-red spectroscopy device, to monitor physical activity in a person. In one aspect, a method of measuring physiological parameters is provided. The method further includes determining a NIRS-derived measure of a tissue of a person using near infra-red spectroscopy over a time period, associating the NIRS-derived measure to the time period to determine a function-related change, and associating the function-related change to a biomechanical function.

Abstract: A hybrid three dimensional (3D) hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst that is formed from a porous Ni foam support, a NiSe2 scaffold positioned on the support; and layered transition metal dichalcogenide (LTMDC) or first-row transition metal dichalcogenide particles positioned on the NiSe2 scaffold. The catalyst provides a low onset potential, large cathode current density, small Tafel slopes, and large exchange current densities, similar in catalytic power to Pt HER catalysts.

Abstract: An oil-based mud wellbore imaging apparatus for measuring formation permittivity and resistivity includes a reflectometry-type microwave scanning system. The system contains at least one high-Q microstrip resonator with one or more slots on the top surface. The microstrip resonator is excited by one port, which is fed with electromagnetic signals by a coaxial cable. From the phase detection of signal at the port, the formation resistivity and permittivity can be determined and corresponding borehole images can be generated.

Abstract: A method of directly measuring SO2 and other trace gases by configuring an electrochemical cell (ECC) sonde; and an ECC sonde pump inlet filter to remove ozone and other trace gases. Further, calibration and operation procedures for the SO2 and other trace gas ECC sondes are disclosed.

Abstract: A process of fabricating the waterproof coating may include selecting a textile material substrate, utilizing a sol-gel comprising a silane or silane derivative and metal oxide precursor to coat the substrate, and optionally coating the substrate with a hydrophobic chemical agent and/or other chemical agents to create a surface with nanoscopic or microscopic features. The process may utilize an all solution process or controlled environment for fabricating a fluorine-free waterproof coating that prevent wetting or staining of a substrate, or may utilize a controlled environment. The composition coatings for treating textile materials improve soil-resistance and stain-resistance of the textile materials while the compositions contain no fluorine-based chemicals. In addition, the composite solution may impart additional properties such as physical strength to the textile whilst retaining the original appearance.

Abstract: The present method predicts and separates dispersive surface waves from seismic data using dispersion estimation and is completely data-driven and computer automated and no human intervention is needed. The method is capable of predicting and suppressing surface waves from recorded seismic data without damaging the reflections. Nonlinear signal comparison (NLSC) is used to obtain a high resolution and accurate dispersion. Based on the dispersion, surface waves are predicted from the field recorded seismic data. The predicted surface waves are then subtracted from the original data.

Abstract: Identified compounds demonstrate protein kinase inhibitory activity and inhibition of dependent cell signaling pathways, such as NOD2 cell signaling. More specifically, the compounds are demonstrated to inhibit receptor interacting kinase 2 (RIPK2) and/or Activin-like kinase 2 (ALK2). Compounds that are either dual RIPK2/ALK2 inhibitors or that preferentially inhibit RIPK2 or ALK2 could provide therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: Reduced order modeling is used in the present systems and methods for monitoring the health of a system and is particularly useful in monitoring the health and estimating the remaining useful life of blow out preventer (BOP) annular used in an oil or gas well. A reduced order model is a linear low order characterization of the system that describes the annular behavior with a small number of parameters that can be interpreted physically. The reduced order model is then identified and adapted in real-time in order to detect the change in the system behavior and characteristics. This adaptation helps in drawing conclusions on diagnostics and prognostics of the physical system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the fabrication and characterization of an optical fiber capable of firing light virtually from any point along its circumferential surface. The optical fiber is preferably prepared by laser micromachining. In preferred embodiments, laser radiation is focused onto a multimode optical fiber axis, forming a conical-shaped cavity (side window) in the fiber core. Because of the total internal reflection when the laser beam reaches the side window-outside medium interface, the beam is reflected to the side of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Provided herein are synthetic antibacterial peptides that have a sequence at least 80% identical to a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the diastereomer thereof with a sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 or pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided are methods for stimulating wound healing via the synthetic antibacterial peptides and for forming an antimicrobial coating on contact lenses. In addition a device is provided that has a surface with a coating of the synthetic antibacterial peptides.

Abstract: A method for growing bulk boron arsenide (BA) crystals, the method comprising utilizing a seeded chemical vapor transport (CVT) growth mechanism to produce single BAs crystals which are used for further CVT growth, wherein a sparsity of nucleation centers is controlled during the further CVT growth. Also disclosed are bulk BAs crystals produced via the method.

Abstract: A flexible and stretchable fabric based electrode-polymer electrolyte battery described herein comprises at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell comprises a first stretchable electrode having a first active material coupled with a first stretchable fabric current collector, a second stretchable electrode having a second active material coupled with a second stretchable fabric current collector, a stretchable separator configured between the first and second electrodes, and at least one stretchable encapsulant material, wherein the stretchable material encapsulates the electrochemical cell and is capable of reversible bending, twisting, folding and stretching.

Abstract: A ZrCoBi-based p-type half-Heusler material can have a formula: ZrCoBi1-x-ySnxSby, where x can vary between 0.01 and 0.25, and y can vary between 0 and 0.2. An average dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) for the material can be greater than or equal to about 0.80 as calculated by an integration method for temperatures between 300 and 973 K. A ZrCoBi-based n-type half-Heusler material can have a formula: ZrCo1-xNixBi1-ySby, where x can vary between 0.01 and 0.25, and y can vary between 0 and 0.3. The material has an average dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) is greater than or equal to about 0.65 as calculated by an integration method for temperatures between 300 and 973 K.

Abstract: Phosphine phosphonate and phenoxyphosphine ligands bearing polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains are used as described herein to produce heterobimetallic catalysts. The ligands can be metallated selectively with palladium or nickel and secondary metal ions to provide well-defined heterobimetallic compounds. These heterobimetallic complexes exhibit accelerated reaction rates and greater thermal stability in olefin polymerization compared to other catalysts.

Abstract: The electrical submersible pump (ESP) is currently the fastest growing artificial-lift pumping technology. Deployed across 15 to 20 percent of oil-wells worldwide, ESPs are an efficient and reliable option at high production volumes and greater depths. However, ESP performance is often observed to decline gradually and reach the point of service interruption due to factors like high gas volumes, high temperature, and corrosion. The financial impact of ESP failure is substantial, from both lost production and replacement costs. Therefore, ESP performance in extensively monitored, and numerous workflows exist to suggest actions in case of break-downs. However, such workflows are reactive in nature, i.e., action is taken after tripping or failure. Therefore, a data-driven analytical framework is proposed to advance towards a proactive approach to ESP health monitoring based on predictive analytics to detect impending problems, diagnose their cause, and prescribe preventive action.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are for monitoring the tightness of bolts. The systems and methods may be used with a mechanism to apply a percussive tap and with a recording or monitoring device for detecting and recording the acoustic signals that are generated by the percussive tap. The acoustic signals generated by percussive taps applied to bolts in various looseness states are analyzed and a machine learning model is developed that allows for determining bolt looseness based on the acoustic signals.

Abstract: The methods for synthesizing mordenite (MOR) zeolite crystals described herein utilize a combination of organics and produce MOR crystals with reduced size, higher Si/Al ratio, fewer stacking faults, less occluded organics in the final product, and a longer catalyst lifetime.

Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein relate to Zintl-type thermoelectric materials, including a p-type thermoelectric material according to the formula AMyXy, and includes at least one of calcium (Ca), europium (Eu), ytterbium (Yb), and strontium N (Sr), and has a ZT of the above about 0.60 above 675 K. The n-type thermoelectric component includes magnesium (Mg), tellurium (Te), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi) according to the formula Mg3.2Sb1.5Bi0.5-xTex that has an average ZT above 0.8 from 400 K to 800 K. The p-type and n-type materials discussed herein may be used alone, in combination with other materials, or in combination with each other in various configurations.