Abstract: Plant or animal oils are processed to produce a fuel that operates at very cold temperatures and is suitable as an aviation turbine fuel, a diesel fuel, a fuel blendstock, or any fuel having a low cloud point, pour point or freeze point. The process is based on the cracking of plant or animal oils or their associated esters, known as biodiesel, to generate lighter chemical compounds that have substantially lower cloud, pour, and/or freeze points than the original oil or biodiesel. Cracked oil is processed using separation steps together with analysis to collect fractions with desired low temperature properties by removing undesirable compounds that do not possess the desired temperature properties.

Abstract: A free space communications apparatus includes a first receiving element configured to receive a communication signal and an ambient noise signal and to generate a first current as a function of any and all received signals, a second receiving element electrically coupled with the first receiving element to receive the ambient noise signal and to generate a second current as a function of any and all received signals, and an output signal produced as a function of the communication signal received by the first receiving element. The first and second receiving elements are electrically connected in a circuit that cancels at least a portion of the first current as a function of the second current to produce the output signal.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a plurality of capacitors each forming a portion of a vehicle structure, and a parallel electrical link between a pair of the plurality of capacitors, such that the pair of capacitors act as an aggregate capacitor.

Abstract: An electrode stimulation delivery system is described having a unit and a network of wireless remote electrodes configured for implantation within a plurality of spaced apart locations in the tissue, e.g. myocardium, of a patient. The control unit is configured to be positioned at or subcutaneous to the patient's skin, and includes a processor, an antenna configured for delivering RF energy in proximity to the plurality of wireless remote electrodes, and programming executable on the processor for wirelessly communicating to the network of wireless remote electrodes via the delivered RF energy to individually control pacing of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes. Each of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes comprises a metamaterial-based biomimetic harvesting antenna comprising a Van Atta array zero-phase transmission lines to receive the RF energy to power activation of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of treating a mammal afflicted with an age-related disorder, comprising administering to the mammal a combination of liver X receptor (LXR) modulator and estrogen receptor (ER) modulator, in an amount effective to treat the mammal. Further disclosed are the LXR modulators and ER modulators used in the combination therapy.

Abstract: An elongate, preferably rigid housing having a frusto-conical shape and a method for using the same. The large diameter end of the housing is generally adapted to be contacted with the lid of a container to ensure optimal sealing, while that portion of the frusto-conical housing having a small diameter is adapted to, either directly or indirectly, receive forces. The large diameter end is preferably at least partially hollow, and further comprises an inner member adapted to be contacted with smaller lids. Optionally, the small diameter end may be further characterized by a projection extending about the longitudinal axis of the device. For example, the projection may be cylindrical or frusto-conical. The small diameter end may further be characterized by having a recessed portion adapted to receive a tool, such as a conventional paint can opener.

Abstract: An electrode stimulation delivery system is described having a unit and a network of wireless remote electrodes configured for implantation within a plurality of spaced apart locations in the tissue, e.g. myocardium, of a patient. The control unit is configured to be positioned at or subcutaneous to the patient's skin, and includes a processor, an antenna configured for delivering RF energy in proximity to the plurality of wireless remote electrodes, and programming executable on the processor for wirelessly communicating to the network of wireless remote electrodes via the delivered RF energy to individually control pacing of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes. Each of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes comprises a metamaterial-based biomimetic harvesting antenna comprising a Van Atta array zero-phase transmission lines to receive the RF energy to power activation of the plurality of wireless remote electrodes.

Abstract: Discussed generally herein are systems and techniques for the semantic handling of uniform resource locator (URL). In one or more embodiments a web server can be configured to receive a first URL, identify one or more search strings in the URL, identify the one or more search strings in a list of valid search strings, and redirect to a second, valid URL as function of the one or more search strings.

Abstract: A free space communications apparatus includes a first receiving element configured to receive a communication signal and an ambient noise signal and to generate a first current as a function of any and all received signals, a second receiving element electrically coupled with the first receiving element to receive the ambient noise signal and to generate a second current as a function of any and all received signals, and an output signal produced as a function of the communication signal received by the first receiving element. The first and second receiving elements are electrically connected in a circuit that cancels at least a portion of the first current as a function of the second current to produce the output signal.

Abstract: Optimized enzymatic conditions incorporate a single oxygen atom into digested peptides using a peptidase. The incorporation of a single oxygen atom is especially useful for proteolytic 18O labeling in comparative proteomics. The optimized proteolytic 18O labeling minimizes the generation of a mixture of isotopic isoforms of the peptides resulting from incorporation of either one or two 18O atoms. The outcome is accurate quantification of isotopically labeled peptides.

Abstract: A panel of biomarkers for the prediction of breast cancer using nipple discharge, as well as method and kits for using the same. Nipple discharge may be nipple aspirate fluid or spontaneous discharge. The panel has been selected to optimize predictive ability while minimizing the number of markers to be screened. As observed, the panel approaches one hundred percent accuracy for predicting breast cancer without the need for invasive biopsy.

Abstract: A method that allows an unmanned aircraft (UA) to act as a cooperative aircraft when airborne in an airspace includes obtaining positional data for the UA from a Ground Control Station (GCS), reformatting the positional data from the GCS to a format compatible with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transceiver, sending the reformatted positional data to the ADS-B transceiver, and configuring the ADS-B transceiver to broadcast a position of the UA into the airspace from the ground while the UA is airborne.

Abstract: A method for treating carbon dioxide includes preparing a polyamine composition and delivering a stream containing carbon dioxide to the polyamine composition. The carbon dioxide reacts with polyamine in the polyamine composition to form a carbamate salt. A method for producing polyurea from carbon dioxide includes delivering a stream containing carbon dioxide to a polyamine composition. The carbon dioxide reacts with polyamine in the polyamine composition to form a carbamate salt. The method also includes dehydrating the carbamate salt to produce polyurea.

Abstract: A method for comparative proteomics using a peptidase under enzymatic conditions that permits the optimal incorporation of two oxygen atoms into a digested peptide. The method employs a peptidase to incorporate two 18O atoms into a peptide set derived from a population of proteins at a conditioned state, which is compared to a second peptide set incorporated with a single 16O atom derived from a population of proteins at a second conditioned state. Upon combining the two peptide sets, the populations of proteins are analyzed for qualitative and quantitative differences based on the content of 18O atoms and 16O atoms in the digested peptides using mass spectrometry instrumentation. The method is advantageous to improve the efficiency and timeframe of peptidase catalyzed 18O labeling reactions which increased the accuracy and reliability of quantitative proteomic experiments.

Abstract: A portable seisgun device providing a consistent signal for detection with sensor arrays and geophones in the course of seismic studies, and a self-contained transport mechanism. The device comprises a main platform, a muffling skirt and a gun stock mounted on a dolly. The platform provides a safe place to operate the device. The skirt both reduces noise and contains debris. The firing barrel fires a shotgun shell into the ground, producing the seismic signal. Interchangeable barrels permit different types of ammunition to be used. The dolly acts as both infrastructure and transport for the device and additional equipment, including over rough terrain.

Abstract: A method for producing products containing cyclic organic compounds from biomass oil includes adding a biomass oil to a vessel; heating the biomass oil to crack the biomass oil; removing undesired or unreacted materials, heavy ends, and light ends from the cracked biomass oil; and extracting components from the cracked biomass oil to produce a mixture of products containing between 5% and 90% cyclic organic compounds by weight. A method for producing a high-octane aviation fuel with low lead content includes cracking a biomass oil, separating a middle distillate mixture from cracked biomass oil, decarboxylating the middle distillate mixture to produce a mixture of products containing at least about 50% cyclic alkane and alkene compounds by weight, and blending the mixture of products with a fuel having an octane number below 95 to produce an aviation fuel having an octane number of at least 100.

Abstract: A surveillance and guidance method and system for use with autonomously guided, man-on-the-loop or man-in-the-loop guided vehicles where the presence of obstacles must be considered in guiding the vehicle towards a target includes a navigation system configured to determine the position of the vehicle on which it is equipped. A communication system is configured for data exchange between the vehicle, neighboring vehicles and ground stations. A surveillance system is configured to detect and locate fixed or moving targets and obstacles. A computer is configured to track the position of targets and obstacles and to provide guidance commands or 4D flight paths to perform collision avoidance with respect to traffic regulations and procedures, and operational airspace restrictions. Additional computer tasks include station keeping or interception of targets. A command and control system is configured to interact with a user interface and control the vehicle's actuators.

Abstract: An airspace risk mitigation system includes a plurality of airspace input sources, an airspace data fusion and sensor coordination system, a communications link, and a risk mitigation support system. The airspace input sources includes a radar for generating radar data for an airspace, and an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver for generating additional data for the airspace. The airspace data fusion and sensor coordination system is configured to receive airspace data from the plurality of airspace input sources, correlating airspace data with new or known objects in the airspace, fusing airspace data into a common airspace data set, and generating target and system status information. The risk mitigation support system is configured to calculate a risk associated with aircraft operation in the airspace as a function of the target and system status information.

Abstract: In a method for producing high carbon content products from biomass, a biomass oil is added to a cracking reactor vessel. The biomass oil is heated to a temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 800° C. at a pressure ranging from about vacuum conditions to about 20,700 kPa for a time sufficient to crack the biomass oil. Tar is separated from the cracked biomass oil. The tar is heated to a temperature ranging from about 200° C. to about 1500° C. at a pressure ranging from about vacuum conditions to about 20,700 kPa for a time sufficient to reduce the tar to a high carbon content product containing at least about 50% carbon by weight.

Abstract: A robot gripper attachment for use with conventional robotic platforms, the gripper having opposed claw members, each claw member in turn having a plurality of elongate projections. An inward facing surface of each projection is chamfered, defining an interior gripping surface. This gripping surface may be further provided with a friction material for increased grip. One or more cameras and sensors may be utilized to aid operation by providing the operator with information about depth, distance, and positioning.