Abstract: A method for producing an additively manufactured, graded composite transition joint (AM-GCTJ) includes preparing a grating or lattice pattern from a first alloy A; the grating or lattice pattern includes pores in the grating or lattice patterns. The grating pattern is built from a first end to a second end being denser on the first end than on second end, and gradually reduces density by increasing the pore size and/or reducing density of the grating or lattice pattern; adding a second alloy B powder to the second end of grating or lattice pattern. The second alloy B powder is filled towards the first end. A composite is formed of first alloy A and second alloy B powder in the AM-GCTJ. The composite is subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to densify the composite. The second alloy B is graduated from the first end to the second end O of AM-GCTJ.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a microfluidic device configured to facilitate conceptualization of scientific principles and uses thereof.

Abstract: Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a derivative of sulfuretin are provided that are inhibitors of the endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin-1 alpha. A method of treating a patient having cancer comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that is a derivative of sulfuretin that are inhibitors of the endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin-1 alpha to a patient is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods of oxidizing carbide anions, or negative ions, from salt like carbides at low temperatures below about 600° C. In another aspect, the disclosure provides for reactions with intermediate transition metal carbides. In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides for a system of reactions where salt-like carbide anions and intermediate carbide anions are oxidized to produce pure carbon of various allotropes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising protein encapsulated nanoparticles, and methods of making said compositions. In an aspect, a composition may comprise a drug delivery vector and a therapeutic substance, wherein the composition elutes at least 1.0 pg of the therapeutic substance per 100,000 particles of the drug delivery vector over a period of time under conditions of a drug delivery vector release buffer, wherein the therapeutic substance, drug delivery vector and drug delivery vector release buffer comprise a solution, wherein the solution is centrifuged and a portion stored at about 1 to 10° C., and wherein the elution of the therapeutic substance is determined by ELISA assay. This disclosure further describes a method of controlling an immunophenotype in a patient suffering from a disease which impacts the immune system.

Abstract: A composition comprising a brain targeted exosome derived from mesenchymal stem cells for systemically delivering an agent to target cells or tissues in the central nervous system of a patient, wherein the exosome expresses blood brain barrier (BBB) crossing central nervous system (CNS) specific AAV synthetic capsid (CAP) peptide. A method is provided for genetically engineering exosomes comprising joining a selected functional AAV capsid domain specific peptide (CAP), and fusing said CAP to lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein (Lanp2b) to form a CAP-Lam2b fusion protein, and expressing CAP-lamp2b fusion protein on the surface of a mesenchymal stem cell derived exosome.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to processes for production of ammonia and hydrogen under low reaction severity using as reactants nitrogen and at least one C1-C4 hydrocarbon, e.g., methane. The disclosed processes are carried out using a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, and combinations thereof; wherein the metal is present in an amount from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the total weight of the heterogeneous catalyst; and a metal oxide support. The processes can be carried out at about ambient pressure and at a heterogeneous catalyst temperature of from about 50° C. to about 250° C. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater comprising subjecting a sulfate containing wastewater to Fe(III) iron dosing in an anaerobic bioreactor containing one or more of an iron reducing bacteria and one or more of a sulfate reducing bacteria, and one or more of a fermentative bacteria, and adjusting a dosage of the Fe(III) iron in the anaerobic bioreactor to achieve a Fe/Sulfate molar ratio that is equal to or greater than 0.50, and removing an effluent from the anaerobic bioreactor that is a treated wastewater. A wastewater treatment system is provided having a wastewater reservoir, a ferric iron solution reservoir, an anaerobic bioreactor, and an effluent reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for improved surgical devices and methods of using the same in connection with bariatric and gastroesophageal surgery. The present disclosure includes a lighted bougie device that can include an elongate member and a light source. The light source can be configured to emit near-infrared light. The light source can also be positioned about the bougie such that light emitted from the light source illuminates along a portion of the bougie.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal-based automatic roller tracking and mapping system for roller path tracking and mapping in pavement compaction. Accuracy in estimation during roller position tracking and mapping for pavement compaction through the use of thermal imaging is achieved. The tracking and mapping system utilizes an infrared camera for automatic roller path tracking and mapping in pavement construction. The tracking and mapping data associated with the movement of the roller vehicle during compaction of the surface can be generated and visually represented in a user interface accessible to the operator of the roller vehicle. Based on the tracking and mapping data that is generated in real-time and presented to the operator in the user interface, the operator can make adjustments to the roller vehicle and path, as necessary.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a thermocouple device fabricated from a composite mixture of lanthanum chromite and refractory oxide materials optimized for high temperature applications. The thermocouple can be manufactured as a monolithic entity or seamlessly incorporated into a manufactured article while the article is being fabricated. In another aspect, a plurality of discrete layers of the composite mixture can be applied to form the thermocouple, or the composite mixture can be continuously graded to achieve desired performance properties. In an alternative aspect, the disclosed thermocouple can be a low-cost replacement for solid-state thermocouples reliant on precious metal compositions. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing a composite ceramic oxide thermocouple using a direct ink-writing or tape-casting process. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: This invention identifies sets of microRNAs (miRNAs) that classified breast cancer or lung cancer tumors from normal lung tissues with a high accuracy in patients. The findings also allowed identification of methods for improving lung or breast cancer diagnosis, optimizing treatment selection, and discovering new drug options for better patient outcomes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a microwave-assisted comminution method for achieving more efficient beneficiation and later hydrometallurgical recovery of rare earth elements and other metals from coal fly ash particles. The method requires only a short processing time, is energy efficient, allows for better process control, and is environmentally advantageous compared to current methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to CO2-free and/or low-CO2 methods of co-producing hydrogen and solid forms of carbon via natural gas decomposition using microwave radiation. The methods are efficient, self-sustaining, and environmentally benign. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to recyclable and recoverable catalysts useful for enhancing the disclosed methods, wherein the catalysts are supported by solid forms of carbon. Methods for recycling the catalysts are also disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating depression disease in a treatment resistant patient comprising administering to a mucosal membrane of a patient an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising an effective amount of ketamine or dextromethorphan, wherein the mucosal administration of the ketamine or dextromethorphan containing composition allows for the mucosal absorption of the composition eliminating the digestive tract of the patient for effecting a rapid acting antidepressant treatment of the treatment resistant patient. This method includes administering the composition to a patient's mucosal membrane of a respiratory tract, a genitourinary tract, an oral tract, or rectal tract of the patient. A pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising ketamine or dextromethorphan and a vehicle is disclosed. A biomarker for identifying a depressive disease is set forth.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to methane detection in harsh environments. In one example, a method includes drawing a sample of air from at least one first location; delivering the sample to a volume within a sensor block at a second location, where the sensor block includes a gas concentration sensor in communication with the volume; and where a vacuum is applied to the volume within the sensor block to facilitate delivery of the sample to the second location. In another example, a system includes a sampling unit that houses a sensor block, where a sample tube is coupled to an inlet of the sensor block, which includes a gas concentration sensor; an ejector that facilitates delivery of a sample of air from the first location via the sample tube; and a control unit that can receive a gas concentration sensor output from the sampling unit for processing.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure, in one aspect, relates to carbon fibers with improved properties, methods of making the same, and compositions and articles comprising the same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device, such as a virtual reality (VR) and/or a prosthetic limb are provided. A biomimetic controller of the system comprises a signal processor and a musculoskeletal model. The signal processor processes M biological signals received from a residual limb to transform the M biological signals into N activation signals, where M and N are integers and M is less than N. The musculoskeletal model transforms the N activation signals into intended motion signals. A prosthesis controller transforms the intended motion signals into three or more control signals that are outputted from an output port of the prosthesis controller. A controlled device receives the control signals and performs one or more tasks in accordance with the control signals.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for converting waste plastics into value-added products, the method including the steps of (a) contacting the waste plastics with a catalyst to form a reaction mixture and (b) applying microwave irradiation to the reaction mixture. In another aspect, disclosed herein are value-added products including, but not limited to, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons produced by the process disclosed herein. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for distortion rectification and fingerprint crossmatching. In one example, a method includes selecting an electronic, perspective distorted fingerprint sample; and generating an unwarped fingerprint sample by rectifying perspective distortions from the perspective distorted fingerprint sample by application of an unwarping transformation. Parameters of the unwarping transformation can be determined by a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) trained on a database comprising contactless fingerprint samples suffering from perspective distortions.