Abstract: A mixed-matrix composite integrated fiber-optic (FO) sensor system was developed that reliably operates as a detector for gas-phase and dissolved CO2. A mixed-matrix composite sensor coating on the FO sensor comprising plasmonic nanocrystals and zeolite embedded in a polymer matrix. The mixed-matrix composite FO sensor showed excellent reversibility/stability in a high humidity environment and sensitivity to gas-phase CO2 over a large concentration range. The sensor exhibited the ability to sense CO2 in the presence of other geologically relevant gases. A prototype FO sensor configuration which possesses a robust sensing capability for monitoring dissolved CO2 in natural water was demonstrated. Reproducibility was confirmed over many cycles, both in a laboratory setting and in the field.

Abstract: A mixed-matrix composite integrated fiber-optic (FO) sensor system was developed that reliably operates as a detector for gas-phase and dissolved CO2. A mixed-matrix composite sensor coating on the FO sensor comprising plasmonic nanocrystals and zeolite embedded in a polymer matrix. The mixed-matrix composite FO sensor showed excellent reversibility/stability in a high humidity environment and sensitivity to gas-phase CO2 over a large concentration range. The sensor exhibited the ability to sense CO2 in the presence of other geologically relevant gases. A prototype FO sensor configuration which possesses a robust sensing capability for monitoring dissolved CO2 in natural water was demonstrated. Reproducibility was confirmed over many cycles, both in a laboratory setting and in the field.

Abstract: S-doped SnO2 nanoparticles are synthesized by a solid-state process where thermal vaporization of sulfur powder under inert atmosphere to partially sulfurize the SnO2 nanoparticles. In the catalyst, the sulfur concentration is between 0.1 to 2 at%. A catalyst ink can be prepared from the catalyst containing: a liquid carrier; conductive particles; optionally an ionomer, and the catalyst. A gas diffusion electrode comprising the S-SnO2 catalyst dispersed onto a carbon paper electrode is also described.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: Novel chemical sensors that improve detection and quantification of CO2 are critical to ensuring safe and cost-effective monitoring of carbon storage sites. Fiber optic (FO) based chemical sensor systems are promising field-deployable systems for real-time monitoring of CO2 in geological formations for long-range distributed sensing. In this work, a mixed-matrix composite integrated FO sensor system was developed that reliably operates as a detector for gas-phase and dissolved CO2. A mixed-matrix composite sensor coating on the FO sensor comprising plasmonic nanocrystals and zeolite embedded in a polymer matrix. The mixed-matrix composite FO sensor showed excellent reversibility/stability in a high humidity environment and sensitivity to gas-phase CO2 over a large concentration range. The sensor exhibited the ability to sense CO2 in the presence of other geologically relevant gases, which is of importance for applications in geological formations.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing curricular materials to determine the sufficiency of a curriculum in meeting a set of standards. Curricular materials are imported into a database which can include converting the curricular materials into electronic form and converting any non-text material to text, tagging all text with identifying information and saving it to a database. Standards are imported and used to develop a plurality of search queries. Creating the search queries can comprise dividing the standards into criteria, creating a rubric based on the criteria, creating a syllabus comprised of syllabus elements based on the rubric, and then creating the search query based on the syllabus. The search queries are performed on the database. A grade on the effectiveness of the curricular materials in meeting the standards can be assigned. The results can be delivered to a user via a user interface.

Abstract: A device for use with an OR table for supporting a patient's head in a sniff position has a support assembly including a base and patient head support for mounting to an end of an OR table; a pneumatic or mechanical jack, or an expandable bellows, supporting the patient head support for raising or lowering the patient's head relative to the base; a rotatable axis allowing for flexion and extension of the neck; and a mounting assembly for mounting the support assembly to the end of the operating table.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for carbamoylating an alcohol with sodium cyanate in the presence of methanesulfonic acid. The reaction can be conducted under anhydrous conditions. This method is suitable for carbamoylating a molecule including both an alcohol moiety and a basic moiety and/or a molecule including both an alcohol moiety and a sulfenyl moiety, such as the sulfenyl alcohol precursor of the antiviral agent Capravirine.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for carbamoylating an alcohol with sodium cyanate in the presence of methanesulfonic acid. The reaction can be conducted under anhydrous conditions. This method is suitable for carbamoylating a molecule including both an alcohol moiety and a basic moiety and/or a molecule including both an alcohol moiety and a sulfenyl moiety, such as the sulfenyl alcohol precursor of the antiviral agent Capravirine.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a diester of phosphoric acid 2,5-dioxo-4,4-diphenyl-imidazolidin-1-ylmethyl ester is described where an alkali metal phosphate is treated with a 3-(chloromethyl)- or 3-(bromomethyl)-5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione to afford the desired product, as well as valuable intermediates used in the process.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of a diester of phosphoric acid 2,5-dioxo-4, 4-diphenyl-imidazolidin-1-ylmethyl ester is described where an alkali metal phosphate is treated with a 3-(chloromethyl)- or 3-(bromomethyl)-5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione to afford the desired product, as well as valuable intermediates used in the process.

Abstract: A multi-tasking clinical laboratory work-flow system for test sample and reagent transfer to semi-automate various laboratory assays. The system includes a controller having a menu of protocols which provide format instructions to a robotic sample transfer device. The sample transfer device includes a work-flow surface (deck) having defined coordinates for mounting one or more test racks and one or more reaction mediums, and means for interacting a test sample with one or more reagent(s) or gel in a reaction medium.

Abstract: A multi-tasking clinical laboratory work-flow system for test sample and reagent transfer to semi-automate various laboratory assays. The system includes a controller having a menu of protocols which provide format instructions to a robotic sample transfer device. The sample transfer device includes a work-flow surface (deck) having defined coordinates for mounting one or more test racks and one or more reaction mediums, and means for interacting a test sample with one or more reagent(s) or gel in a reaction medium.

Abstract: A fuel vapor filter (10) for use with a fuel nozzle (22) for filtering fuel-entrained vapor (60) displaced from a fuel tank and a fuel tank fill tube (18) during refueling. The filter (10) comprises a housing (12) containing a filter (14). An external boot (16) encloses the fill tube (18) during refueling. A splash shield (46) prevents splashing of liquid fuel on the filter housing (12). The filter (10) of the present invention protects people and the environment by preventing the escape of fuel-entrained vapor from the fuel tank during refueling.

Abstract: A radioassay procedure and reagent kit therefor for detecting auto blocking antibody, such as auto blocking antibody which interferes with the complexation of intrinsic factor with vitamin B.sub.12. A receptor, i.e., intrinsic factor, is immobilized on a support and the amount of ligand, i.e., vitamin B.sub.12, capable of binding therewith in the presence of a biological fluid sample is determined.