Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of detecting and identifying antigens that are shed into human bodily fluids during infection. The disclosed method allows circulating antigens associated with a particular infection to be detected within minutes or hours from testing as compared to days required with the current methods. Methods of identifying diagnostic indicators/targets for a given condition or disease are disclosed which include immunizing a veterinary subject with biological fluids obtained from a human infected with particular antigens to identify diagnostic targets for immunoassay. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing and monitoring a B. pseudomallei-associated condition, such as melioidosis. Point-of-care immunoassays are also provided that can be used to diagnose or monitor the efficacy of a B. pseudomallei-associated condition treatment. These immunoassays can also be used for rapid diagnosis of infection produced by B. pseudomallei, such as meliodosis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a multiple degree of freedom actuator with inter-digitated electrodes including molding an electroactive polymer membrane so that a plurality of projections are formed around a cross section of an outer surface of the polymer membrane; depositing a metal electrode layer onto the outer surface of the molded membrane; and removing the plurality of projections on the outer surface on the molded membrane, thereby forming a multiple degree of freedom actuator with a plurality of inter-digitated electrodes. Also provided are actuators as well as devices (such as catheters) including such actuators formed by the disclosed methods of fabricating an actuator with multiple DOF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to proton exchange membranes such as for use in fuel cells. In one embodiment, a polyetherquinoxaline is obtained by reaction between a haloquinoxaline and at least one diol, which forms a repeating unit including an ether linkage. The polyetherquinoxaline is suitable for use in a proton exchange membrane, which can be used in a fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for tele-mentoring, such as for laparoscopic training. In one example, a system includes a mentor environment and a trainee environment wherein the mentor environment is coupled to the trainee environment so that an image of the mentor laparoscopic instruments is superimposed on the trainee laparoscopic instruments allowing a mentor to provide real-time audible and visual guidance to a trainee. The mentor environment can include a training laparoscopic box simulator with a camera and mentor instructional laparoscopic instruments; a mentor audio/visual processor coupled to the mentor training laparoscopic box simulator; a mentor microphone coupled to the computing device; and a mentor display coupled to at least the computing device. The trainee environment can include a trainee system with trainee laparoscopic instruments and a video device, such as a camera; a trainee microphone coupled to the trainee system; and a trainee display coupled to the mentor environment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and devices for monitoring one or more utilities consumed within a monitored area. At least certain disclosed methods include detecting an amount of a first utility consumed by a load associated with a device. An amount of a second utility consumed by a load associated with the device is detected. The identity of the device is determined based on the amount of the first and second utility consumed. In further disclosed methods, a utility monitoring method is disclosed that includes measuring an amount of a utility consumed by a first device at a first time and an amount of a utility consumed by a second device at a second time. The identity of the first device is determined based on the measured consumption of the first and second devices at the first and second time. In certain implementations, the electricity meter uses an effective variance analysis of the conductance waveform on an electrical circuit to identify specific appliances.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting a chemical species with an oscillating cantilevered probe. A cantilevered beam is driven into oscillation with a drive mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A free end of the oscillating cantilevered beam is tapped against a mechanical stop coupled to a base end of the cantilevered beam. An amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured with a sense mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A treated portion of the cantilevered beam is exposed to the chemical species, wherein the cantilevered beam bends when exposed to the chemical species. A second amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured, and the chemical species is determined based on the measured amplitudes.

Abstract: A method for hydrating a nitrile derivative to generate an amide derivative is provided. The method includes mixing the nitrile derivative with a ruthenium catalyst complex in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, and reacting the nitrile derivative with water in the aqueous solution and in the presence of the ruthenium catalyst complex to form a reacted mixture comprising the amide derivative. The ruthenium catalyst complex is represented by the following structural formula: RuX2(L)n, wherein X is an anionic ligand, L is a bifunctional phosphine ligand, and n is 3 or 4.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to hydrocarbons is provided. The biomass is subjected to aqueous phase partial oxidation (APPO) in the presence of a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst to selectively provide one or more carboxylic acids in good yields. The carboxylic acids are further upgraded to hydrocarbons in the presence of one or more catalysts, which are capable of catalyzing a ketonization reaction, an aldol condensation reaction, a hydrodeoxygenation reaction, or combinations thereof, and then separating out the hydrocarbons from the one or more catalysts.