Abstract: Composite separators having a porous structure and including acid-stable, hydrophilic, inorganic particles enmeshed in a substantially fully fluorinated polyolefin matrix can be utilized in a number of applications. The inorganic particles can provide hydrophilic characteristics. The pores of the separator result in good selectivity and electrical conductivity. The fluorinated polymeric backbone can result in high chemical stability. Accordingly, one application of the composite separators is in redox flow batteries as low cost membranes. In such applications, the composite separator can also enable additional property-enhancing features compared to ion-exchange membranes. For example, simple capacity control can be achieved through hydraulic pressure by balancing the volumes of electrolyte on each side of the separator.

Abstract: Methods of determining the source of an unknown sample are disclosed. Mass spectra from possible sources are obtained using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. That data is processed to obtain a dataset. A random forest algorithm is used to classify the dataset and create a classifier that distinguishes between the possible sources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for generating a bid value for purchasing electricity in a market-based resource allocation system. In this embodiment, a desired performance value indicative of a user's desired performance level for an electrical device is received. Price information from an electricity futures market is received. A bid value for purchasing electricity from a local resource allocation market sufficient to operate the electrical device at the desired performance level is computed. In this embodiment, the computing is performed based at least in part on the desired performance value and based at least in part on the price information from the electricity futures market.

Abstract: A process is provided for dispersing suspended particles in the air comprising: providing a generator apparatus for producing one or more propagating fluid vortex rings transporting ionized particles; directing the generator apparatus in a direction toward suspended particles in the air to be dispersed; generating a fluid vortex ring transporting ionized particles using the generator apparatus such that the fluid vortex ring travels to the suspended particles resulting in at least a portion of the ionized particles engaging and applying a charge to at least a portion of the suspended particles. The charged suspended particles are then attracted to one another or to nearby surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. One of the disclosed embodiments is a method for generating a bid value for purchasing electricity in a market-based resource allocation system. In this embodiment, a desired performance value indicative of a user's desired performance level for an electrical device is received. Price information from an electricity futures market is received. A bid value for purchasing electricity from a local resource allocation market sufficient to operate the electrical device at the desired performance level is computed. In this embodiment, the computing is performed based at least in part on the desired performance value and based at least in part on the price information from the electricity futures market.

Abstract: Image generation systems and image generation methods are described. In one aspect, an image generation system includes an attachment system configured to secure the image generation system to a head of a user in a position to be observed by the user; an illumination system having an exit pupil located at infinity and configured to emit light; a light modulator configured to receive the light from the illumination system and to selectively reflect at least some of the received light which corresponds to an image; a control system coupled with the light modulator and configured to access data content regarding the image, to generate a plurality of control signals according to the accessed data content, and to output the control signals to the light modulator to control the selective reflection of at least some of the received light; and an output optical system configured to direct the selectively reflected light towards an observer's eye to be observed by the observer.

Abstract: Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Gas separation assemblies are provided.

Abstract: Sodium metal-halide energy storage devices utilizing a substituting salt in its secondary electrolyte can operate at temperatures lower than conventional ZEBRA batteries while maintaining desirable performance and lifetime characteristics. According to one example, a sodium metal-halide energy storage device operates at a temperature less than or equal to 200° C. and has a liquid secondary electrolyte having MxNa1-yAlCl4-yHy, wherein M is a metal cation of a substituting salt, H is an anion of the substituting salt, y is a mole fraction of substituted Na and Cl, and x is a ratio of y over r, where r is the oxidation state of M. The melting temperature of the substituting salt is less than that of NaCl.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example apparatus can include: a vessel defining an interior volume and configured to house an electrolyte solution; an input conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an output conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and an anode located within the interior volume. Other example apparatus can include: an elongated vessel having two regions; an input conduit extending outwardly from the one region; an output conduit extending outwardly from the other region; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the one region; and an anode located within the one region. Methods for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example methods can include: providing a CO2 rich electrolyte solution to a vessel containing an anode; and distributing hydrogen from the anode to acidify the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods of heating a conductive ribbon for sample collection and/or sample processing comprises coupling conducting pads to the conductive ribbon, applying a signal across the conducting pads to cause the conductive ribbon to heat up, taking a measurement of at least one electrical property associated with the conductive ribbon in response to the applied signal, computing a correction for the applied signal to achieve a desired temperature suitable for fixing a sample to the heated conductive ribbon, and adjusting the applied signal to regulate the heat of the conductive ribbon to the desired temperature for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented processes for identification of features and determination of feature associations in a group of documents can involve providing a plurality of keywords identified among the terms of at least some of the documents. A value measure can be calculated for each keyword. High-value keywords are defined as those keywords having value measures that exceed a threshold. For each high-value keyword, term-document associations (TDA) are accessed. The TDA characterize measures of association between each term and at least some documents in the group. A processor quantifies similarities between unique pairs of high-value keywords based on the TDA for each respective high-value keyword and generates a similarity matrix that indicates one or more sets that each comprise highly associated high-value keywords.

Abstract: Provided herein are fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, having a dolichyl-P-Man:Man(5)GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichyl mannosyltransferase (Alg3) gene genetic inactivation, increased expression of a loss of aflR expression A (Lae), or both. In some examples, such mutants have several phenotypes, including an increased production of citric acid relative to the parental strain. Methods of using the disclosed fungi to make citric acid are also provided, as are compositions and kits including the disclosed fungi.

Abstract: A biomarker, method, test kit, and diagnostic system for detecting the presence of lymphoma in a person are disclosed. The lymphoma may be Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The person may be a high-risk subject. In one embodiment, a plasma sample from a person is obtained. The level of at least one protein listed in Table S3 in the plasma sample is measured. The level of at least one protein in the plasma sample is compared with the level in a normal or healthy subject. The lymphoma is diagnosed based upon the level of the at least one protein in the plasma sample in comparison to the normal or healthy level.

Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated; instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.

Abstract: Tools for friction stir welding can be made with fewer process steps, lower cost techniques, and/or lower cost ingredients than other state-of-the-art processes by utilizing improved compositions and processes of fabrication. Furthermore, the tools resulting from the improved compositions and processes of fabrication can exhibit better distribution and homogeneity of chemical constituents, greater strength, and/or increased durability. In one example, a friction stir weld tool includes tungsten and rhenium and is characterized by carbide and oxide dispersoids, by carbide particulates, and by grains that comprise a solid solution of the tungsten and rhenium. The grains do not exceed 10 micrometers in diameter.

Abstract: A detonator system is provided for use with explosives that utilizes two subsystems. A first subsystem functions as a non-explosives based detonator, which does not contain any explosives. The second subsystem is an initiating subsystem, which includes an initiating pellet. To set off an explosive event, the non-energetics based detonator is coupled to the initiating subsystem and the non-energetics based detonator is commanded to provide a suitable signal to the initiating subsystem that is sufficient to function the initiating pellet. Further, the initiating subsystem can be integrated directly into an associated explosive such as a booster that has been configured to receive the initiator subsystem without changing the hazard class of the booster.

Abstract: An undivided electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a housing defining an undivided chamber, the housing having one electrolyte inlet and at least two electrolyte outlets; an anode in the chamber; a cathode in the chamber; and an electrolyte in the chamber, wherein the anode and the cathode are not gas diffusion electrodes. The invention also involves a method of operating an electrochemical cell, and methods for making ferrate(VI).

Abstract: Methods for determining the efficacy of a given drug for a specific patient with cancer in vitro prior to, or after, the initiation of treatment of the patient are disclosed. Blood from the cancer patient is separated into an assay test tube and a control test tube. The blood in the assay test tube is exposed to a cancer drug. The two test tubes are then visually examined and compared to determine the effect of the cancer drug on cancer cells, other rare cells in the blood, or on normal constituents of the blood of a cancer patient.

Abstract: Methods for determining the efficacy of a given drug for a specific patient with cancer in vitro prior to, or after, the initiation of treatment of the patient are disclosed. Blood from the cancer patient is separated into an assay test tube and a control test tube. The blood in the assay test tube is exposed to a cancer drug. The two test tubes are then visually examined and compared to determine the effect of the cancer drug on cancer cells, other rare cells in the blood, or on normal constituents of the blood of a cancer patient.