Abstract: Methods and compositions for decentralized systems for mitigating climate change are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise: one or more first servers operable to store a plurality of first tokens, wherein each one of the plurality of first tokens is associated with fiscal value; one or more second servers operable to store a plurality of second tokens, wherein each one of the plurality of second tokens corresponds to a unit of voting power; one or more project developer nodes operable to transmit project data corresponding to renewable energy or carbon sequestration; one or more auditor nodes operable to verify an identity, validate credentials, perform a project assessment, generate a smart contract, receive signals, and transmit signals; and one or more steward nodes, wherein each one of the one or more steward nodes is operable to stake tokens for voting power and to distribute voting power.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for treating a magnesium or a magnesium alloy substrate. The system includes a cleaning composition having a pH greater than 8.5 or a solvent, and a pretreatment composition comprising an organophosphate compound and/or an organophosphonate compound. The method includes contacting a substrate surface with the cleaning composition or the solvent, and contacting the surface with the pretreatment composition. Also disclosed are substrates treated with one of the systems or methods. Also disclosed are magnesium or magnesium alloy substrates wherein, between the air/substrate interface and 500 nm below the air/substrate interface (a) oxygen and magnesium are present in a combined amount of at least 70 atomic %; (b) carbon is present in an amount of no more than 30 atomic %; and/or (c) fluoride is present in an amount of no more than 8 atomic %, wherein atomic % is measured by XPS depth profiling.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for connecting optical fibers. In one aspect, a connector includes a transfer tube for equalizing the pressure between two chambers within the two connectors when the connectors are mated. The chambers may house biasing elements coupled to optical fiber holders to provide a pressure independent force against optical fiber terminals. The optical fiber holders may include side openings for receiving optical fibers.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for connecting optical fibers. In one aspect, a connector includes a transfer tube for equalizing the pressure between two chambers within the two connectors when the connectors are mated. The chambers may house biasing elements coupled to optical fiber holders to provide a pressure independent force against optical fiber terminals. The optical fiber holders may include side openings for receiving optical fibers.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning the interior of polymer processing equipment having a resin composition retained therein, wherein a contaminant material is adhered to at least a portion of the interior surface of the polymer processing equipment. The method comprises the steps of: charging the polymer processing equipment having a residual polymer composition retained in the interior thereof with a purging composition comprising 45-94 weight % of starch; 0.

Abstract: Underwater fiber optic connectors and methods of such connection are described wherein a first optical fiber and a first o-ring are positioned in a first connector portion. The first o-ring acts as a fulcrum between the first fiber and the first connector portion such that the first fiber is free to become nonparallel with a longitudinal axis of the first connector portion. The connectors and methods of connection can further comprise a second optical fiber and a second o-ring positioned within a second connector portion. Again, the second o-ring acts as a fulcrum between the second fiber and the second connector portion such that the second fiber is free to become nonparallel with a longitudinal axis of the second connector portion.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical distribution container is provided having a sleeve and a tray. The tray has four walls, also known as sidewall portions, each preferably of a trapezoidal configuration. At least a portion of the thickness of each of the opposed first and third sidewall portions is greater than the thickness of each of the opposed second and fourth sidewall portions. The sleeve has a top surface, a bottom surface and two end surfaces, each preferably of a rectangular configuration. A pharmaceutical retaining means is provided, with this component secured between opposing portions of the sidewall of the tray in respective recessed portions. Additionally, the pharmaceutical retaining means is formed having a rod with two end caps, one of which is preferably fixed while the other is preferably removable.

Abstract: A method for assisting in the dispensing of pharmaceuticals is provided including the steps of: (1) determining what pharmaceutical needs to be restocked; (2) selecting a pharmaceutical distribution container corresponding to the pharmaceutical needing to be restocked, with the container including a tray and a sleeve. The tray has a base, a sidewall, and pharmaceutical retaining means within the tray, with such pharmaceutical retaining means including a rod, with the rod having a first and a second end and packets containing one each of the pharmaceutical needing to be restocked; (3) removing the tray from the sleeve; (4) removing the rod from the tray; and (5) transferring a predetermined number of packets from the rod to a restocking cart so the packets can be restocked.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved viscoelastic fluid or gel for use in general surgery and also more specifically in spine and neurosurgery and also in surgery dealing with reproductive organs. The invention encompasses the method of delivering to a surgical wound an implant composition having up to about a 21/2% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and at least about a 0.5% by weight polyethylene oxide (PEO) in a physiologically acceptable mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved viscoelastic fluid or gel for use in surgery and other therapies which consists of polyethylene oxide in selected concentrations not to exceed approximately 15% (15,000 ppm), contained in a physiologic balanced salt solution. The PEO may also be used in conjunction with viscosity enhancers which also act as heat stabilizers such as methylcellulose and its derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone of polyvinyl alcohol or in conjunction with elasticizes such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols or polypropylene glycols or in conjunction with gelation modifiers. These mixtures may be modified to increase retention time in the body by crosslinking with the use of material like dimethyl urea.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved viscoelastic fluid or gel for use in surgery and other therapies which consists of polyethylene oxide in selected concentrations not to exceed approximately 15% (15,000 ppm), contained in a physiologic balanced salt solution. The PEO may also be used in conjunction with viscosity enhancers which also act as heat stabilizers such as methyl cellulose and its derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or polyvinyl, alcohol or in conjunction with elasticizers such as low molecular weight polyethylene glycols or polypropylene glycols or in conjunction with gelation modifiers. These mixtures may be modified to increase retention time in the body by crosslinking with the use of materials like dimethylol urea.

Abstract: This invention relates to a UV-blocked viscoelastic vitreous substitute for use in ophthalmic surgery comprising a hydroxy alkyl-substituted cellulose modified with a UV-absorbent molecule covalently bonded thereto having the type formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of H and OH; R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH or OR where R is any alkyl group; and, R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of H, SO.sub.3, OSO.sub.2 X where X is a leaving group.