Abstract: In an example, a system can include a web service interface (WSI) and a service directory for enabling communication between a web and non-web service. The WSI can be configured to communicate with the non-web service to receive reader data and/or writer data. The service directory can be configured to provide the WSI with non-web service subscriber data and/or non-web service publisher data for the non-web service in response to receiving the reader and/or writer data. The non-web service subscriber data identifies a web service as a subscriber of data provided by the non-web service and the non-web service publisher data identifies the web service as a publisher of data from which the non-web service is enabled to retrieve data. The WSI can be configured to provide the web service subscriber and/or publisher data to the non-web service to enable the non-web service to communicate with the web service.

Abstract: A diffuser tower assembly having a diffuser with a flared end and a fitting with an offset portion and nipple sized for the flared end. The assembly may be configured for providing low coverage purging. Diffuser tower assemblies may be in the form of a kit for retrofitting existing front opening wafer containers. The inlet fitting may include structure that enhances purge characteristics near the base of the porous media diffuser for enhanced sweeping of the floor of the substrate container. Embodiments of the disclosure generate an uneven flow distribution that provides a non-uniform flow distribution at the opening. In an embodiment, where the opening is in a substantially vertical orientation, the non-uniform flow distribution is tailored to deliver a greater flow rate to the bottom half of the opening than to the top of the opening.

Abstract: A carborane-comprising porphyrin of Formula (1) is provided for use in cancer therapy that extends the period of time between the doses required while the patient is undergoing radiation therapy. The compound can be given not more often than once every 2 or more weeks, avoiding repeated administration, while radiation therapy can continue regularly.

Abstract: A carborane-comprising porphyrin of Formula (1) is provided for use in cancer therapy that extends the period of time between the doses required while the patient is undergoing radiation therapy. The compound can be given not more often than once every 2 or more weeks, avoiding repeated administration, while radiation therapy can continue regularly.

Abstract: A system and process for the utilization of xylose during fermentation is described. The system uses a fermenter and a separate reactor to isomerize the xylose to xylulose. The separation of the two processes allows the optimization of each process since the isomerization operates ideally in a calcium free environment near pH 7.5 while the fermentation operates ideally below a pH of 6. Control of pH is assisted by the modulation of CO2 in the fermentation medium. Xylulose is fermented to ethanol by numerous standard yeasts although other products are also possible. The separate reactor may be run in a single pass, or, more preferably in a recirculating mode to allow full isomerization while the xylulose product is being consumed by the yeast. A preferred embodiment includes a Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation system where the liquid portion of the fermenting broth is isomerized and returned to the fermentation vessel.

Abstract: A reservoir for use in testing a liquid as part of a microfluidic testing system, includes a testing chamber configured to receive the liquid to be tested. A liquid inlet is fluidly coupled to the testing chamber to allow ingress of the liquid into the testing chamber. A gas outlet is fluidly coupled to the testing chamber to allow egress of gas out of the testing chamber. The gas outlet has an elevation that is higher than an elevation of the liquid inlet such that, as the testing chamber is rotated, the gas is expelled out of the testing chamber through the gas outlet, thereby reducing or preventing a presence of gas bubbles in the liquid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a microfluidic coupon and at least one fluid channel associated with the microfluidic coupon. The fluid channel is configured to control fluid flow from one portion of the coupon to another portion of the coupon. A quantity of reconfigurable valving material is disposed within the fluid channel, the valving material being thermally coupled to an optically activatable material operable to increase a temperature of the valving material when exposed to an optical beam to at least partially soften at least one component of the valving material to allow reconfiguration of the valving material to switch a flow state of the fluid channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic analysis system for optically analyzing a substance includes a light source having a plurality of selectable single-wavelength light sources, a substance presentation member optically coupled to the light source, and an optical detection system associated with the substance presentation member.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting a fluid sample includes a collector for collecting the fluid sample using capillary forces, and a reservoir of diluent incorporated into the instrument for diluting the fluid sample. A method of collecting a fluid sample includes collecting the fluid sample with an instrument using capillary forces; and diluting the fluid sample in the instrument with a reservoir of diluent incorporated into the instrument.

Abstract: A reservoir for use in testing a liquid as part of a microfluidic testing system, includes a testing chamber configured to receive the liquid to be tested. A liquid inlet is fluidly coupled to the testing chamber to allow ingress of the liquid into the testing chamber. A gas outlet is fluidly coupled to the testing chamber to allow egress of gas out of the testing chamber. The gas outlet has an elevation that is higher than an elevation of the liquid inlet such that, as the testing chamber is rotated, the gas is expelled out of the testing chamber through the gas outlet, thereby reducing or preventing a presence of gas bubbles in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for mixing liquids on a microfluidic level comprises the steps of rotating a coupon to impart flow via centripetal force to a first liquid through a microchannel in the coupon to inject the first liquid into a mixing chamber to mix the first liquid with a second liquid, withdrawing a quantity of the first and second liquids from the mixing chamber, and injecting at least a portion of the quantity of the first and second liquids into the mixing chamber to further mix the first and second liquids.

Abstract: A fuel cell has at least one electrode operatively disposed in the fuel cell, the electrode(s) having a catalytically active surface. A mechanism is provided for substantially maintaining catalysis over the active surface of the electrode(s).

Abstract: An electrode suitable for use in a fuel cell includes a passive support having pores wherein the passive support has an asymmetric pore morphology with respect to at least one dimension of the passive support; and an electrode material positioned in the pores of the passive support. An exemplary electrode includes an electrode material of a metal and/or metal oxide. An exemplary porous electrode includes a deposited electrolyte layer that blocks at least some pores of the porous electrode. An exemplary method includes reducing an electrode material positioned in pores of a passive support to create secondary porosity and/or to limit agglomeration. Other exemplary devices and/or methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel-cell assembly has a plurality of unit cells, each of the unit cells comprising an anode, an electrolyte, a cathode, and a current collector. The fuel-cell assembly has a plurality of electrical interconnection elements, at least one electrical interconnection element being connected respectively to each anode, to each cathode, and to each current collector of the unit cells. The unit cells are arranged in a stack and are mechanically supported by electrical interconnection elements such that each of the unit cells of the stack has at least one edge free to move relative to the electrical interconnection elements.

Abstract: A fuel cell is disclosed that includes a passive support having a fine pore region disposed between a first coarser pore region and a second coarser pore region. An exemplary fuel cell has an electrolyte material positioned in the fine pore region and a first electrode material positioned in the first coarser pore region and a second electrode material positioned in the second coarser pore region. Other exemplary devices and/or methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly in accordance with a present invention includes a substrate including a reactant-permeable region and a non-permeable support region and a fuel cell carried by the substrate.

Abstract: A seal for a fuel cell includes a matrix of glass and an embedded phase that includes a metal. The seal is configured to absorb stresses by becoming structurally yieldable at operating temperatures of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A thin metal oxide film includes a solution of one or more metal salts and one or more water soluble polymers. A mechanism is provided for converting the metal salt(s) and water soluble polymer(s) solution into the thin metal oxide film.

Abstract: A ceramic film is useful as ion-conducting ceramics, electrodes, hard ceramic coatings, transparent conducting oxides, transparent semiconducting oxides, ferroelectric oxides, and dielectric oxides. The ceramic film may be produced from a liquid precursor solution.