Abstract: A vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnace and method of using. A VIM is configured for use with metal-containing carbon powders. In operation, the metal-containing carbon powders are formed into a pellet so as to minimize or eliminate ejection of material during introduction of the pellet into the VIM processor. The VIM processor may be substituted or used in combination with a vacuum arc melt processing apparatus, an electron beam melt furnace, an ion plating furnace, a plasma flame source, a smelter, a traditional metal-metal melt furnace, or any equivalent. Pelletizing can be accomplished through use of a press or through application of any pelletizing technique and/or use of any apparatus that is able to generate pellets that have sufficient mass to avoid ejection from a VIM processor.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel cell cladding that includes a zirconium-carbon covetic material. The zirconium-carbon covetic material has a carbon component associated with the surface of zirconium particles. The amount of carbon present in the zirconium-carbon covetic material is in a range of greater than 0.1 wt % to about 25 wt % of the zirconium-carbon covetic material. The carbon component may include carbon nanotubes, carbon nanomaterials, graphene, or graphene nanoplatelets. The carbon component may be uniformly distributed within the zirconium matrix. The zirconium-carbon covetic material may be formed from a zirconium alloy. The zirconium-carbon covetic material may be configured for use in various types of nuclear reactors. The synthesis of the cladding involves a process of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The resulting nuclear fuel cell cladding offers improved performance and reliability for nuclear reactor applications.

Abstract: Inventive techniques for forming unique compositions of matter are disclosed, as well as associated physical characteristics and properties of the materials. In particular, particles comprising a metal lattice are characterized by having carbon (preferably graphene) disposed within the crystalline lattice structure thereof. The carbon is at least partially disposed in interstitial sites of the metal lattice, and may be present in amounts ranging from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt % of the total particle mass, with about 15 wt % to about 60 wt % being disposed in the interstitial sites, e.g., between basal planes, of the metal lattice. The carbon, moreover, is substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the resultant material, conveying unique and advantageous properties such as strength-to-weight ratio, density, mechanical toughness, sheer strength, flex strength, hardness, anti-corrosiveness, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, etc. as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention describes the mechanism and physiological target for resveratrol, and in particular the novel mechanism by which trans- and c/.s-resveratrol isomers show opposite effects in enhancing and inhibiting the nuclease activity of EndoG in vitro and multiple important cellular processes in vivo.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a novel platform for the development of novel shapeshifting drug-like compounds that overcome physical mass limitations as they possess the ability to interconvert internally and spontaneously, i.e., shapeshift, between multiple chemical structures with varying pharmacophore properties. In one preferred embodiment, the invention include systems, methods, and compositions for the synthesis of novel bullvalene amino acid (Bvas) compounds that may further be incorporated into Shape Shifting Cyclic Peptides (SSCP) with varying pharmacophore properties and their use as novel therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensors-as-a-service ecosystem. In use, the system includes functions for receiving first sensor data at a sensors as a service platform, where the first sensor data corresponds to a first level of capabilities for a first sensor. The system also receives a selection of a sensor upgrade for the first sensor and provisions enhanced sensor capabilities for the sensor upgrade based on the selection. Furthermore, the system sends a sensor update with the enhanced sensor capabilities from the sensors as a service platform to the first sensor. Finally, the system receives second sensor data from the first sensor at the sensors as a service platform, where the second sensor data corresponds to a second level of capabilities for the first sensor.

Abstract: Methods and system to learn precise sensing fingerprints based on machine learning integration are disclosed herein. In use, the system receives at least one first parameter associated with at least one sensor and associates the first parameter with a pre-identified first digital signature in a signature database. A machine learning system is trained based on the first parameter and the pre-identified digital signature. The system then receives at least one second parameter from the at least one sensor and determines that the second parameter is independent of a digital signature in the signature database. Using the machine learning system, a second digital signature for the second parameter is identified and saved in the signature database.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for producing covetic materials that addresses limitations in conventional covetic material production methods. The apparatus utilizes pulsed RF energy to dissociate carbon-containing fluid into carbon species in a first region of a reactor, while a second region receives metal-containing fluid to form metal species. The downstream arrangement of the first and second regions enables controlled mixing of carbon and metal species, followed by cooling at an output port to form covetic materials. The pulsed RF energy configuration and dual-region reactor design provide enhanced control over the dissociation process and material formation compared to existing production methods.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to create porous surface coatings. In use, a surface material includes synthesized carbon-containing composite materials based on metallic particles and carbon particles, where the synthesized carbon-containing composite materials comprise a porosity characteristic, and satisfy at least one of: a heat transfer characteristic, a resistance to corrosion characteristic, or a non-ablative erosion characteristic. Additionally, the surface material includes a bonding layer disposed on a substrate to which the synthesized carbon-containing composite materials are bonded, and a surface layer comprising at least some of the synthesized carbon-containing composite materials, where a thermal characteristic of the surface layer is based on electron emissive cooling.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating insulin resistance, reducing blood glucose level, increasing insulin tolerance, and treating diabetes. The methods include administering the composition to a subject. The subject may express insulin receptor with site-1 binding-deficient mutations or insulin-desensitized insulin receptor. The composition includes a synthetic peptide of 18-35 amino acid residues in length. The composition may include insulin or an analog thereof. The synthetic peptide has a linker region and a component 2 region. The synthetic peptide may also have a component 1 region. A method of activating PI3K-AKT pathway without activating MAPK pathway in a cell includes administering the synthetic peptide to the cell. Uses for the synthetic peptide include the treatment of insulin resistance, the reduction of blood glucose level, increasing insulin tolerance, treating diabetes, and the manufacture of a medicament for these purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensors-as-a-service ecosystem. In use, the system includes functions for receiving first sensor data at a sensors as a service platform, where the first sensor data corresponds to a first level of capabilities for a first sensor. The system also receives a selection of a sensor upgrade for the first sensor and provisions enhanced sensor capabilities for the sensor upgrade based on the selection. Furthermore, the system sends a sensor update with the enhanced sensor capabilities from the sensors as a service platform to the first sensor. Finally, the system receives second sensor data from the first sensor at the sensors as a service platform, where the second sensor data corresponds to a second level of capabilities for the first sensor.

Abstract: Inventive techniques for forming unique compositions of matter are disclosed, as well as various advantageous physical characteristics, and associated properties of the resultant materials. In particular, particles comprising polymer matrices are characterized by having carbon disposed within the polymer matrix structure thereof. The carbon is primarily, or entirely, present at interstitial sites of the polymer matrix, and may be present in amounts ranging from about 15 wt % to about 90 wt %. The carbon, moreover, forms covalent bonds with both atoms of the polymer matrix and other carbon atoms present in, but not part of, the matrix. This facilitates substantially homogeneous dispersal of the carbon throughout the resultant material, conveying unique and advantageous properties such as strength-to-weight ratio, density, mechanical toughness, sheer strength, flex strength, hardness, anti-corrosiveness, electrical and/or thermal conductivity, etc. as described herein.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a novel platform for the development of novel shapeshifting drug-like compounds that overcome physical mass limitations as they possess the ability to interconvert internally and spontaneously, i.e., shapeshift, between multiple chemical structures with varying pharmacophore properties. In one preferred embodiment, the invention include systems, methods, and compositions for the synthesis of novel bullvalene amino acid (Bvas) compounds that may further be incorporated into Shape Shifting Cyclic Peptides (SSCP) with varying pharmacophore properties and their use as novel therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: A disclosed construction structure unit may include at least one split-ring resonator, which may be embedded within a material. The split ring resonator may be formed from a three-dimensional (3D) monolithic carbonaceous growth and may detect an electromagnetic ping emitted from a user device. The split ring resonator may generate an electromagnetic return signal in response to the electromagnetic ping. The electromagnetic return signal may indicate a state of the material in a position proximate to a respective split ring resonator. In some aspects, the split-ring resonator may resonate at a first frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the 3D monolithic carbonaceous growth may be based on physical characteristics of the material.

Abstract: A disclosed apparatus includes sensors incorporated into adhesive material. In use, an apparatus may comprise an adhesive material and at least macro-scale or meso-scale or micro-scale resonator disposed on or in the adhesive material. Additionally, the at least one macro-scale or meso-scale or micro-scale resonator is formed from a carbon-containing material, and the adhesive material is a non-elastomeric material or a semi-rigid material. In some aspects, each macro-scale or meso-scale or micro-scale resonator may resonate at a first frequency in response to an electromagnetic ping when the adhesive material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the adhesive material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the adhesive material may be based on physical characteristics of the adhesive material.

Abstract: A disclosed leaky coaxial resonant sensor system and methods. In use, the system includes at least one split-ring resonator (SRR) embedded within a material of the component. The at least one SRR is formed from a composite material. Additionally, the at least one SRR is configured to resonate at a first frequency in response to an interrogation signal from a leaky coaxial cable antenna. In some aspects, each SRR may resonate at a first frequency in response to an electromagnetic ping when the composite material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the composite material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the composite material may be based on physical characteristics of the composite material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a protective enclosure for electronic systems. The enclosure comprises a polymer-containing matrix and a metamaterial incorporated into the matrix. The metamaterial is tuned to a specific permittivity or permeability to absorb or reflect a particular frequency. The protective enclosure may be used to create a safe inner environment for electronic components while facilitating uninterrupted wireless communications to/from the outer environment. Additionally, the protective enclosure may be used to protect against electromagnetic interference. In particular, shielding metamaterials are configured individually or in combination to specifically shield (via reflection, absorption, etc.) against relatively wide bands of electromagnetic frequencies, while transparent metamaterials are configured specifically to pass electromagnetic signals within narrow bands of frequencies. This new approach resolves and vastly improves current shield solutions, such as Faraday cages.

Abstract: A disclosed water droplet sensing system and methods using split-ring resonators, which may be embedded within a material. In use, a component includes at least one split-ring resonator (SRR) which may be embedded within a material of the component. The at least one SRR may be formed from a composite material. Additionally, the at least one SRR may be configured to form a signal that is correlated with a concentration of water proximate to the at least one SRR. In some aspects, each SRR may resonate at a first frequency in response to an electromagnetic ping when the material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the material may be based on physical characteristics of the material (including fluid accumulation on the material).

Abstract: A disclosed apparatus includes sensors incorporated into adhesive material. In use, an apparatus may comprise an adhesive material and at least one split-ring resonator (SRR) disposed on or in the adhesive material. Additionally, the at least one SRR is formed from a carbon-containing material, and the adhesive material is a non-elastomeric material or a semi-rigid material. In some aspects, each SRR may resonate at a first frequency in response to an electromagnetic ping when the adhesive material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the adhesive material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the adhesive material may be based on physical characteristics of the adhesive material.

Abstract: A disclosed airborne vehicle includes split-ring resonators (split ring resonators), which may be embedded within a material. Each split ring resonator may be formed from a three-dimensional (3D) monolithic carbonaceous growth and may detect an electromagnetic ping emitted from a user device. Each split ring resonator may generate an electromagnetic return signal in response to the electromagnetic ping. The electromagnetic return signal may indicate a state of the material in a position proximate to a respective split ring resonator. In some aspects, each may resonate at a first frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a first state, and may resonate at a second frequency in response to the electromagnetic ping when the material is in a second state. A resonant frequency of the 3D monolithic carbonaceous growth may be based on physical characteristics of the material.