Abstract: An antimicrobial polyurethane foam that is formed from: a multi-functional isocyanate component; an aqueous polyol component reactive with the multi-functional isocyanate component; an antimicrobial metallic compound; and a complexing agent. The complexing agent is used to form a stable blend of the antimicrobial metallic compound with the polyol component. Exemplary complexing agents include amine compounds, ammonium-containing compounds and ammonia as well as combinations these compounds. The antimicrobial metallic compound can be a silver, zinc or copper compound. Desirably, the antimicrobial metallic compound is silver saccharinate. A process of making the antimicrobial polyurethane foam and stable blends used in the manufacture of the antimicrobial polyurethane foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: An array of aligned and dispersed carbon nanotubes includes an elongate drawn body including a plurality of channels extending therethrough from a first end to a second end of the body, where the channels have a number density of at least about 100,000 channels/mm2 over a transverse cross-section of the body. A plurality of carbon nanotubes are disposed in each channel, and the carbon nanotubes are sufficiently dispersed and aligned along a length of the channels for the array to comprise an average resistivity per channel of about 9700 ?m or less.

Abstract: A self-cleaning material is generally described that may include a substrate having a first surface. A self-cleaning layer of aligned nanotube structures may be formed on the first surface of the substrate, where absorption of light by the nanotube structures may cause a change in state of the self-cleaning material based on an angle of incidence of the light and an orientation vector corresponding to the layer of aligned nanotube structures.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon fibers, in which the producing method comprises allowing a supported type catalyst and a carbon atom-containing compound to come in contact with each other in a heating zone, wherein the supported type catalyst is prepared by a method comprising impregnation of a powdery carrier with colloid containing catalyst to support particles of the catalyst on the powdery carrier having a specifically developed crystal plane such as a powdery carrier being 4 or more in the ratio (I1/I2) of the intensity I1 of the strongest peak to the intensity I2 of the second strongest peak observed in X-ray diffraction, or a powdery carrier having the ratio (I1/I2) of the intensity I1 of the strongest peak to the intensity I2 of the second strongest peak observed in X-ray diffraction of 1.5 times or more the ratio (I1s/I2s) of the intensity I1s of the strongest peak to the intensity I2s of the second strongest peak described in JCPDS.

Abstract: Carbon-based fluorescent nano-agent tracers for analysis of oil reservoirs are provided. The carbon-based fluorescent nano-agents being inexpensive means of analyzing, among other properties, the porosity of a formation. The nanoagents are suitable for injection into a petroleum reservoir and can be subsequently recovered for determinations of flow rates and retention times.

Abstract: Nanowire array structures based on periodic or aperiodic nanowires are provided in various configurations for sensing and interacting with light and substances to provide various functions such as sensors for detecting DNAs and others and solar cells for converting light into electricity.

Abstract: An analysis instrument comprises plural modules connected together over a data network, each module comprising an analysis apparatus operable to perform biochemical analysis of a sample. Each module comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the analysis apparatus. The control units are addressable to select an arbitrary number of modules to operate as a cluster for performing a common biochemical analysis. The control units communicate over the data network, repeatedly during the performance of the common biochemical analysis, to determine the operation of the analysis apparatus of each module required to meet the global performance targets, on the basis of measures of performance derived from the output data produced by the modules. The arrangement of the instrument as modules interacting in this manner provides a scalable analysis instrument.

Abstract: An automotive lamp includes an LED, a substrate that mounts the LED, a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the LED, and an projection lens having an incident surface, which receives the light reflected by the reflector, and an emission surface that emits the light toward a front area of the automotive lamp. A fine asperity structure is formed on the incident surface of the projection lens. The fine asperity structure includes recesses or raised portions formed with the pitch less than or equal to the visible light wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thiol- or an amine-associated ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic copper nanoparticles with an average diameter less than 30 nm, to the method for obtaining them and their applications in biomedicine and other fields.

Abstract: Functionalized membranes for use in applications, such as electrodeionization, can be prepared simply and efficiently by associating a first element of a specific binding pair to a membrane surface and binding a second species comprising the second element of the specific binding pair and at least one functional group to form a complex on the membrane surface. Such membranes may be reversibly modified by disassociating the complex, thereby, providing a fresh surface which may be re-modified according to the preceding methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conversion of a target nucleic acid molecule according to a predetermined nucleotide code into a converted nucleic acid molecule. The converted nucleic acid molecule has utility for determining the nucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid molecule, for example, using a nanopore.

Abstract: A mold for the nanoimprint lithography and a method for forming the mold are disclosed. The mold comprises a base socket, a plug chip and an adhesive. The plug chip provides a fine pattern to be transcribed in a top surface thereof. The base socket provides a pocket within which the plug chip is set such that the top surface thereof is pushed out from the top surface of the base socket.

Abstract: Provided is a photocatalytic composition comprising zinc (Zn) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, wherein the ratio of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to zinc is from about 5 to about 150. The photocatalytic composition absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, and the absorbance of light of wavelengths longer than about 450 nm is less than 50% the absorbance of light of wavelengths shorter than about 350 nm. Further provided is a method for treating or preventing microbial diseases and infestations in a plant and a method for increasing crop yield of a plant by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to the surface of a plant. Also provided is a method for treating microbial diseases on a surface by applying the photocatalytic compositions taught herein to a surface illuminated by artificial light.

Abstract: Provided are a polarizer, a manufacturing method thereof, and an image display device employing the same. The polarizer includes a polarization element, a first adhesive layer formed on one side of the polarization element, a second adhesive layer formed on the other side of the polarization element, a protective film attached to the first adhesive layer, and an adhesion layer formed under the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting and identifying toxins, including but not limited to organophosphorus nerve agents and/or organophosphorus pesticides, in a sample. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for identifying an organophosphorus nerve agent and/or an organophosphorus pesticide, comprising: exposing a group of enzymes comprising human carboxylesterase 1, at least one mutant of human carboxylesterase 1, and acetylcholinesterase to a sample, wherein the enzymes are separate from each other and each enzyme binds at least one organophosphorus nerve agent or at least one organophosphorus pesticide; contacting the exposed enzymes with a fluid comprising an oxime and a substrate; and detecting a signal produced upon reaction of the substrate and the exposed enzymes, whereby detection of the signal identifies the organophosphorus nerve agent and/or the organophosphorus pesticide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mould for lithography by nano-imprinting, together with its manufacturing methods. This mould has a face which includes n structured zone(s) with patterns of micrometric or nanometric size, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. This structured face belongs to a first layer which is supported by a second layer, where the first layer is made of a rigid material and the second layer is made of a flexible material. This mould may also include n intervening layers positioned between the first layer and the second layer, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and in which the Young's modulus of the second layer is lower than the Young's modulus of the nth intervening layer adjacent to the second layer, and if n is greater than 1, the Young's modulus of the (i)th intervening layer is greater than the Young's modulus of the (i+1)th intervening layer, with i=1 to (n?1).

Abstract: This invention is directed to the application of a previously unknown property of nanomaterials—its ability to enhance protein activity and stability at high temperatures, in organic solvents, and in polymer composites. Nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can significantly enhance enzyme function and stability in strongly denaturing environments. Experimental results and theoretical analysis reveal that the enhancement in stability is a result of the curvature of these nanoscale materials, which suppresses unfavorable protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making a graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure. In the method, at least one graphene film is located on a substrate. At least one carbon nanotube layer is combined with the at least one graphene film located on the substrate to form a substrate/graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure. The at least one graphene film is in contact with the at least one carbon nanotube layer in the substrate/graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure. The substrate is removed from the substrate/graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure, thereby forming a graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus including a support layer, a plurality of pixels, and a switch. The pixels are formed using an arrangement of respective liquid-phobic elements disposed on the support layer. The arrangement of the liquid-phobic elements is configured so as to be able to provide, when interacting with a liquid on the support layer, one or more associated plastron regions to provide a first pixel optical state. The switch is configured to be able to selectively modify one or more of said associated plastron regions to provide a second pixel optical state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers, emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from clozapine and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine in biological fluids.

Abstract: Filtration systems (40) utilize a pre-treatment method to cause scale formation to occur on particles (94) in the fluid stream (96) rather than on the filter surface and may also destroy microorganisms in the fluid stream. More specifically, but not limited to, a filtration device can be a filtration membrane, such as spiral wound filtration membrane (60), that utilizes an open feed spacer (80), such for example an embossed or printed pattern on the membrane, to create a thin feed spacer channel which replaces a conventional feed spacer mesh material. System (40) further utilizes a treatment device (54) to enable a pulsed power, magnetic, electro-magnetic, electro-static, or hydrodynamic fluid treatment scheme to condition particles in the fluid stream (96) such that scale forming elements precipitate (94) on to the particles in the fluid stream rather than on the filtration surfaces.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for recovering the liquids used in pretreatment of biomass for production of bio-fuels and other biomass based products. Liquid recovery and purifications minimizes waste production and enhances process profitability.

Abstract: Devices used in conjunction with detecting analytes and methods of their manufacture are disclosed. A pre-concentrator device includes a thermoelectric material and an aerogel which includes a nanostructured material disposed on, and in thermal communication with, the thermoelectric material. Such a pre-concentrator is part of a detection system including a sensor. The detection system is used in a method for detecting analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of reacting specific compounds, which are defined below with hydrogen in the presence of a structured catalyst based on sintered metal fibers (SMF) coated by a ZnO layer with Pd-nanoparticles, to reactions of these specific compounds with hydrogen in the presence of said catalyst and an organic base as well as to vitamins, carotinoids, perfume ingredients, and/or food or feed ingredients prepared by using this reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat sink sheet including an adhesive containing a carbon nano-complex and having good heat conductivity. The adhesive having good heat conductivity is coated on a graphite sheet to improve heat conductivity, and an existing adhesive process and adhesive coating process are combined into a single process to manufacture a heat sink sheet, thereby providing a heat sink sheet having improved heat conductivity so as to contribute to cost reduction and increased yield.

Abstract: A structural article including an outer surface that serves as an aerodynamic surface when the structural article is subjected for an air stream. A resin matrix laminate includes an upper ply and a bottom ply. A heating element is arranged in contact with the bottom ply and coupled to a power supply unit in purpose to deice/anti-ice the outer surface. Each ply includes a thermally conductive filament structure having a filament orientation such that the prolongation of the filaments has an extension essentially perpendicular to the extension of the laminate. The thermally conductive filament structure of the upper ply is embedded in the upper ply in such way that at least a portion of the thermally conductive filament structure is exposed in the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for determination of ionizing radiation. In some embodiments, the devices comprise nanocomposite materials containing nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes) dispersed in radiation sensitive polymers. In some cases, the device may include a conductive pathway that may be affected upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive, large area, low power, and highly sensitive radiation detection materials/devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and a bio-capacitor sensing device for the detection of toxic chemicals using bacteria. The sensing platform comprises gold interdigitated capacitor with a defined geometry, a layer of carboxy-CNTs immobilized with viable E. coli cells as sensing elements. Also included are methods of making the bio-capacitor device and methods for detecting toxic chemicals that induce cellular stress response. The present innovation discloses the development of a bio capacitor chips immobilized with carboxy-CNTs tethered E. coli bacteria. In addition, the present invention also includes determination of behavior and characteristics of chemically stimulated bacteria on biochip using electric field including frequency and/or amplitude as controlling parameters.

Abstract: Efficient and recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalysts and methods of synthesizing and using the same are provided.

Abstract: Kits for detecting a target material and methods of detecting a target material by using the kits are provided, the kits include a target material binding portion including a first molecule and a probe linked to the first molecule, and a target material detection portion including a plurality of nanoparticles each having a surface to which a compound having a zwitterion and a second molecule are linked. The first molecule is specifically bound to the second molecule in a pair.

Abstract: A sensitive and specific method of detecting chemical species, viruses and microorganisms is presented to improve performance of molecular-recognition-based assays utilizing particles decorated with molecular recognition agents such as antibodies and DNA probes, and observing analyte-dependent changes in the response of the particles to forces such as magnetic or gravitational forces or Brownian thermal fluctuations.

Abstract: A surface treatment method includes covering a surface of a casting mold with a carbon film containing at least one type of nanocarbon selected from the group consisting of carbon nanocoils, carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofilaments, and further applying fullerenes to that surface. With this surface treatment method being performed on a surface (a cavity surface, etc. of a casting mold) making contact with a molten casting material such as aluminum, etc., sticking of the molten casting material to the mold is inhibited, release resistance of the product is reduced, and release effectiveness is improved. The release effectiveness lasts longer than in the case of a conventional carbon film.

Abstract: A biogenic substance concentration measuring apparatus includes an optical measuring apparatus for measuring optical properties of a first substrate and a second substrate by using a cell for biogenic substance concentration measurement that includes: the first substrate on which a plurality of first metallic nanorods, each of which is modified with a substance that bonds specifically to a test substance, are immobilized such that the long axes thereof are aligned in the same direction; and the second substrate on which a plurality of second metallic nanorods, each of which is modified with a blocking substance, are immobilized such that the long axes thereof are aligned perpendicularly to the long axes of the first metallic nanorods on the first substrate, and calculates a biogenic substance concentration with high accuracy from the optical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or amount of a compound in a sample by interparticle distance-dependent sensing, comprising: (a) contacting the sample suspected of containing the compound with rare earth doped metal oxide nanoparticles; and (b) detecting the compound by determining the change in luminescent properties of the rare earth doped metal oxide nanoparticles upon contact with the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a catalyst. The catalyst includes a mesoporous support and a plurality of metal nanoparticles dispersed and positioned in the mesopores of the mesoporous support. The method comprises the steps of: (a1)) allowing an organometallic precursor to be in contact with a mesoporous support, in which the organometallic precursor includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of ruthenium-containing compound, rhodium-containing compound and palladium-containing compound; and (a2) reducing the organometallic precursor in the presence of a supercritical fluid with a reductant, so that the organometallic precursor is reduced to the metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one aspect, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow.

Abstract: Sensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene which demonstrate extreme sensitivity as reflected in their electrical conductivity to gaseous molecules, such as NO, NO2 and NH3, when exposed to in situ ultraviolet (UV) illumination during measurement of the analytes are disclosed. The sensors are capable of detection limits of NO down to almost 150 parts-per-quadrillion (“ppq”), detection limits of NO2 to 2 parts-per-trillion (“ppt”), and detection limits of NH3 of 33 ppt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and pavement structure for protecting highway subgrade in frozen soil areas. The pavement structure has two or more pavement layers having gradient thermal conductivity; the thermal conductivity is layered among the pavement layers and is lowered from top to bottom, so that the pavement forms a uni-directional thermal conducting tunnel from the subgrade to the air. Heat can be easily released from the subgrade into the air, and is prevented from being transferred from the air to the subgrade. In this way, the frozen soil layer beneath the subgrade is cooled, so that the frozen soil table is made stable, and the highway subgrade in frozen soil areas is protected.

Abstract: A method of preparing a catalyst using an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal in natural cellulose fibers as a co-catalyst and a dispersant. The catalyst is prepared using an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal as a co-catalyst and a dispersant, thus increasing the dispersibility of catalytic components and enhancing the interactions between the catalyst and the support to thereby retard agglomeration and increase the durability of the catalyst.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.

Abstract: To overcome the disadvantages introduced by using UV sensors to detect the intensity of UV light in water purification apparatuses, the present invention provides a novel detection apparatus to “visualize” the quality of water in the form of visible light, instead of digitizing the intensity of UV light. The detection apparatus comprises a first detection window, coated with a first material for converting a received first ultraviolet light into a first visible light, wherein the first ultraviolet light is emitted from an ultraviolet light source and traverses the liquid, and the apparatus further mixes the first visible light with a second visible light to generate a third visible light. The different color of the third visible light can represent the different quality of the water.

Abstract: A planar triangular patch for cleaning firearm bores. The patch has similarly sized notches placed centrally along the edges of the patch, permitting a level of pleating as the patch is inserted into a firearm bore and wraps around a jag. The patch is made of a material design to clean and preserve the interior of a firearm bore and applies uniform pressure against the bore as it presents the face of its longest radius to the bore interior, cleaning the entire bore simultaneously.

Abstract: A detonating fuse includes at least one CNT wire shaped structure. The at least one CNT wire shaped structure includes a plurality of CNTs and an oxidizing material. The oxidizing material is coated on an outer surface of each of the CNTs.

Abstract: A device, a method of fabricating the device and a sample analysis system that includes the device are provided. The device includes an optical waveguide having a plurality of nanofeatures integrated thereon to influence at least one of evanescence and coupling of an optical field of the optical waveguide. The sample analysis system includes a fluidic actuation system for introducing sample specimen fluid into a microfluidic channel of the device for evanescence based detection.

Abstract: A method for purifying and sterilizing water using nano catalytic microelectrolysis and an apparatus therefore including three units of a nano catalytic microelectrolysis device, a sand filtration and a precise filtration are provided. 1/20 to ? of raw water is delivered into the nano catalytic microelectrolysis. 19/20 to ? of raw water is directly delivered into a neutralization tank to be mixed with nano catalytic microelectrolysis water to kill microorganism, algae and plankton and force suspended solids, colloid, charged particles and etc. to form into relatively large particles which are removed by the precise filtration unit; heavy metal ions gather at a cathode of the microelectrolysis to form cathode sediment to be removed; organic compounds are oxidatively decomposed by strongly oxidative substances produced by the microelectrolysis; phosphate ions move towards a cathode polarization layer and act with divalent cations on a cathode surface to produce phosphate precipitate to be removed.

Abstract: A method of forming a device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and at least one attached capillary; the depository being of millimeter scale; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter; depositing into the depository the liquid containing particles which flows into at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; which is used to form a device. A microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate, the depository being formed by at least one wall adjacent to the substrate; at least one capillary channel coupled to at least one depository that is formed by walls adapted to be filled with a liquid (by capillary action) comprising nanoparticles.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.